Happy Valentine's Day!

{a special word from your photographer}

I am so fortunate to be in the business of capturing LOVE on film. From the silly moments and glances that a couple in love shares to the love that a woman and man share for their children. It is my life mission to not only love but to capture personal love stories.

Eight years back when I was first discovering my love and passion for photography while in Seattle, I attended what I thought was a silly corporate seminar. The message that was unveiled at the end of the two day seminar was that in life one should "LOVE, LEARN & LEAVE a LEGACY!"

Photography has been a LOVE for me because it has provided a haven for me to explore and take witness to moments that I may have overlooked. When searching for the perfect images through my lens, I feel really alive. My heart slows down as my eyes explore and take in all the visuals. When I have my camera in hand, I feel as though I am truly living in the moment. My LOVE of photography has guided me and my amazing clients constantly push me to see differently, explore the ordinary, and see the extraordinary!

I am so grateful to my many life teachers. From those who guide me everyday to those who have helped me to unleash my creative potential through their teachings. I enjoy photography so much because every day I am LEARNING. One can never know it all in this industry. Technology is constantly changing and pushing me to new heights with my art. In honor of those how have taught me, it is my goal this year to give back and teach those who are seeking to LEARN. Seminars will be launched in the second part of 2010.

Photography is my way to leave a LEGACY for many generations to share. An image can last forever. Generations upon generations will cherish their family history. There is nothing sweeter than when a client comes back several years later and tells me what it meant to them when their son or daughter was old enough to enjoy their wedding images.

I hope that you too can find a unique way to share with the world your amazing talents. It is my Valentine's Day wish that you too choose to LOVE, LEARN, & LEAVE a LEGACY.

Happy Valentine's Day - XOXO

Picture this!

You just recently became engaged and have no idea where to start, so of course you call Solutions Bridal to make an appointment to look for your dream dress. You come in, greeted by a friendly staff, try on the perfect dress and BOOM- you meet an amazing photographer, but not just one... TWO. Jensen Larson of course!! And just like that you've found your dress and booked your photographer and killed two birds with one stone! Viola!

It can be this easy trust me! Come stop by the Winter Park salon, this Saturday, January 2^nd to meet the outstanding photographers Jennifer Sens and Eric Larson of Jensen Larson Photography.

Their background in analog photography and photojournalism and numerous awards they have received make them the ideal choice for any bride. So come stop by and meet this amazing duo!

Solutions Bridal Hearts Jim Hjelm & Jemma Coleman!!

This past Saturday, Solutions Bridal in Gainesville held a trunk show for the brand new Fall 2009 Jim Hjelm Bridesmaid Collection. The dresses were gorgeous, and we had so many fun brides and bridesmaids in the store during the day! We also had Jemma Coleman and her husband David, local Gainesville wedding photographers, in the store to capture the moments of the day!! Check out these compilations of images she made for us... we love them! Aren't Jemma's pictures gorgeous? They definitely captured our Trunk Show beautifully!

Real Wedding: Sara & Mark

I was so excited to pictures from one of our favorite Gainesville brides this week over on the Rob Witzel Photography blog! Sara and Mark's wedding at the Sweetwater Branch Inn was absolutely gorgeous. They look like they had so much fun! Sara looked amazing in her beautiful dress from Watters bridal that she customized by adding extra fabric to create cap sleeves. Her bridesmaids dresses were from Watters bridesmaid line. They perfectly complemented the beautiful boquets that were done by Prange's Florist. The wedding was coordinated by Adore Weddings and Events. We are so happy to have been a part of this amazing couple's big day, and wish them happiness in their new life together!

Alvina Valenta at TWILIGHT

Due to a slight obsession, {Unique Designs} wanted to create a Twilight wedding invitation, an idea which blossomed into a full concept design and shoot. The intent was not to replicate Bella & Edward’s wedding, which was actually an Anne of Green Gables dress and was filled with white flowers, but to make another wedding style based on the mood and concept of Twilight. To acknowledge Edward’s personality, we chose a dramatic look with bold flowers, strong reds, and splashes of black feathers. To incorporate Bella, we wanted to take a vintage twist which can be seen in the creams, vintage brooches, and antique lace.

Now how did Solutions Bridal play into this fabulous photoshoot? We handpicked the gorgeous Alvina Valenta antique lace gown that "Bella" wore during the shoot! This gown is actually a top favorite among the bridal consultants at the store, so we were thrilled to have it featured in such an amazing concept photo shoot!

A HUGE canvas of one of these images will soon be hanging in our Gainesville store! You'll have to stop by later this month to see which one was chosen. ;)

**TWILIGHT GIVEAWAY!**
All of the vendors are coming together on this one! Post comments on this post, Twitter, Facebook, other vendor blogs, the Wedding Chicks blog, basically anywhere you can find the Twilight photos, and you will be entered to win one of four pairs of tickets to see New Moon!!!

Now for the best part...

Who were these amazing Gainesville wedding vendors?!?

Concept & Event Stationery - Unique Designs www.daretobunique.com
Photography - Pure: Photography by Lindsey Tropf www.purebylindsey.com
Concept Designer: Flowers & Tablescape - Event Divas www.theeventdivas.net
Cake - Posh Pastry www.poshpastry.com
Hair - Stephanie & Lonie Carpenter from Mode Salon www.amodesalon.com
Makeup - Sarah Hunter from Mode Salon www.amodesalon.com
Accessories - Kari Roy http://www.kariroy.net/

Female Model - Chanel Bird chanelb17@aol.com
Male Model - Bobby Swan
Wedding Dress - Solutions Bridal www.solutionsbridal.com {That's us!}
Tux - Tuxedo Junction www.tuxedojunction.com
Linen Rentals - Celebration’s Catering www.celebrations-catering.com

Real Wedding: Ashley & Justin

We are proud to announce one of our brides, Ashley Abide tied the knot last month on October 16th! We're so excited to show you a preview of the photos from her wedding, provided by the Damon Tucci blog. Damon shot the photos of our stunning bride at the Ritz-Carlton Grande Lakes. Ashley wore our Serena dress by Rivini which fit her perfectly. It was a beautiful event and we were more than thrilled to see the final outcome of her dress.

Badgley Mischka Trunk Show!

Starting tomorrow a very exciting in-store event is taking place. The Badgley Mischka Trunk Show! The dresses will be a mix of best sellers as well as their new line, plus you can take advantage of the 10% off discount throughout the weekend. Dresses range from 3500-15000 giving every Bride plenty of amazing styles to choose from. Shawne, one of Badgley Mischka's fashion experts, will also be joining the fun until Sunday. Charity De Meer, a local Orlando photographer will be taking photos on Saturday and Simone from Makeover Station will be offering free makeup trail! We will be kicking off this amazing trunk show with Mimosas to celebrate the weekend! We invite all Brides & Bridesmaids to join us for this special event.

Real Wedding: That makes you want an Invite!

Recently, our lovely bride Kiimberly dropped off her Kenneth Pool wedding gown to get it cleaned for an additional photo shoot. We took a peek at the gown to see the wedding day damage. We can always tell how much fun a bride has by the look of her wedding gown. Let's just say, she got her moneys worth of fun! After seeing this bridal gown, we had to keep an eye on her photographers blog. The pictures are up. Take a look at the Vue Photography for a full display of Kimberly's big day. The pictures say just as much as the dress does. We are so fortunate to have this amazing couple as one of our clients. She fell in love with her fiance in elementary school. Their story is quiet unique and special. Thanks Kimberly for sharing it with us!

Glam Going Rebel

Rebel Glam photographer, Charity De Meer, scooped up our Torrean gown for a fashionista filled shoot. Since Sunday, the Solutions Bridal buying team has been at NYC Bridal Market. The shoot is filled with the same energy we have found here. Brides (including Southern belles) are starting to push the envelope. I just can't explain how excited we are about it! We have been running from one designer showroom to the next in search of the best of the best in bridal. The Spring collections are all about luxurious organzas, hand-crafted rosettes, natural waists, tulle skirts, and delicately placed beading. It was difficult to come across a full beaded gown. The designers are taking a more softer feminine approach, but adding drama by styling the gown with vintage inspired jewelry. After seeing Charity's photographs, I just got all excited again about the current bridal trends. Spring 2010 can only be described as nothing less than dreamy.

Real Brides Go Editorial

Image by Rivini Bridal

With many thanks to Abby Liga Photography and our Solutions Bridal Stylist, Alicia, our Rivini gown "Thirteen" was transformed. The concept of the shoot was to showcase how a bride should celebrate her marriage by having unique, fashion-forward images taken of her days before her wedding. As Abby mentioned on her blog, everyone is looking for something different. These shoots represent who the bride is. Sometimes the bride gets suckered into wearing sister's early 90's veil down the aisle or the blusher over the face for her father. These are all great wedding traditions that are hard to do without, but may not necessarily represents the bride's personal style. The Couture Dress Sessions by Abby Liga gives the bride a chance to experience what its like to be on an editorial shoot adorn with accessories she loves. As consultants we have seen the same dress look completely different on two different brides. The dress really does become the brides after all the accessories, hair, and make-up styles are selected.

A day at the Courtyard

This past Thursday afternoon at the Courtyard at Lake Lucerne an amazing photo shoot took place. Abby Liga an extremely talented photographer based out of Orlando shot the photos. Her unique & fresh taste brought the location to life. Abby has a true talent for capturing the right moments & emotions in her photos. Designer dresses from Solutions Bridal were provided for the shoot and looked stunning in the hints of outside lighting provided from the Courtyard. The beautiful veils, necklaces, earrings & broaches were provided by Paris. Also joining the fun was Simone from Makeover station, she used her unique skills to give our model the big gorgeous hair & beautiful bright eyes that sealed the deal for the perfect picture. -Brittany E.

Last Saturday Chad Pilster from Pilster Photography joined all of us here at Solutions Bridal for a night to remember! While helping Brides try on their wedding dresses and get ready for their special day, Chad Pilster shot some of the most amazing photographs that truly capture the magic of our event. The overwhelming sense of happiness and excitement filled the room as the girls tried on numerous gowns. Mr. Pilster captured their excitement with each individual shot. All of us at Solutions Bridal send out a big thank you to Pilster Photography for such an amazing experience. For any Florida Brides looking for a wonderful photographer to capture the true emotions of your wedding day, Pilster Photography is defiantly the way to go! -Brittany E.

An experience to remember

Last Saturday Abby Liga from Liga Photography and Amy Morelli from 2U Collection joined us here at Solutions Bridal for a wonderful day with mimosas, while brides tried on numerous designer dresses. Abby Liga shot complimentary dress documentation to all the girls that tried on a dress that day! The entire experience was wonderful and both talented girls graced us with their presence, making the event all the more special. Abby Liga's amazing photography from that night can be seen in the collage posted along with this blog! Amy Morelli's stationary collections are creative, unique and should be used for any upcoming events you might be having!

Munch Much: Rehearsal Dinner Hot Spot

Last week, the Winter Park staff had great pleasure of attending lunch with two special vendors at Park Plaza Gardens on Park Avenue. The event coordinator, J Michael, of Park Plaza Gardens feasted our eyes with a scrumptious custom menu for 4 of our consultants, Michele with Michele Butler Events, and Stephine with NuVision Photography. From an arrangement of fresh breads all the way to the final bite of my hot summer pleasing sorbet, we were in awe of everything J Michael and his crew prepared for us. As we mingled in great company with Michelle and Stephine I couldn't stop thinking about what a great venue this is for rehearsal dinner or an intimate wedding reception. It has such a natural elegance with subtle brick walls and indoor plants adorning the walkways. Make sure to check out this venue and meet with the creative J Michael himself.

If it isn't personal enough...

Nu visions wine bar/studio is the perfect gathering place for couples who are looking for a trustworthy, professional friendship with their photographer. Curt Littlecott and Stephanie Rounds create photos that are suited to your individual style as a couple. Part of the experience is joining them at their studio and taking a seat at the wine bar to discuss your plans for your special event. As many of us know having a photographer that can be trusted with your most precious memories can be a difficult task; however, rest assured Nu Visions will perfect the job. -Best, Brittany Ellis