A noteworthy engagement shoot

Check out this fantastic engagement photoshoot posted by Brooklyn Bride. I'm loving the photographer's vision with the heart-cut out newspapers and baby pics covering their face. Super cute! As much as an engagement shoot should be romantic, it should mainly be fun and unique. They totally captured it in this shoot. 

 What do you think of this shoot?




 http://bklynbrideonline.com/19597/engagement-love-shoots/engagement-shoot-danielle-gabe/

Abstract Art = Abstract Wedding Dress:

It's a recipe for a great creation when you take a plain palette, in this case a typical wedding dress, and change it up with a bit of artwork. Why not make a dress a work of art? I always believed that a wedding should be more about the couple and their insights and creativity than the standards that society establishes for formal occasions. This "trash the dress" can take on a positive form in my viewpoint as a more inspirational prospect for any old plain and boring wedding dress. The colors of the paint splashed across show freedom and hey, why not "love?" Imagine as a couple taking this piece and together turning it into a united work of art that shows the union of their two inner souls and expression of love in an even more visual way?



I'm sure there is going to be quite a lot of opposition to this, but I just love the effect it has. It's dramatic yet playful. Romantic with an edge and that's what Nouveau is all about!

Photoshoot provided by Nadine Photography. 
Blog source: Rock N Roll Bride: 



http://www.rocknrollbride.com/2011/05/emilys-bathed-in-colour-trash-the-dress/

Victorian Vintage Circus Wedding

I just have to say I love how fun and adventurous many brides in Britain are being lately! This couple just knocked my socks off with their wild idea of a wedding and really put it together flawlessly. It has just the right amount of glitz with enough edginess to make it fun and really special. Weddings shouldn't be so cookie cutter! Kudos to this bride and groom for stepping outside the box and going all out in a fantastic way. Take a look at the brides dress which is a combination of a vintage corset with a separate skirt that she purchased on etsy.com. The bridesmaids also coordinated their dresses well with the bride which made an even bigger impact on the theme. Let's not forget to mention the wild entertainment-flame throwers at your wedding? Of course!! Go all out! Have fun! This is the way a wedding really should be!

Vintage Steampunk Wedding

I found this awesome Steampunk inspired wedding shot by Tinywater Photography. If you haven't heard of Steampunk, you're not alone, I wasn't completely familiar with it either until now. It's a really fun period of literary history introduced in the 80's and 90's as a sub-genre of science fiction literature. Steampunk involves an era or world where steam power is still widely used—usually the 19th century and oftenvVictorian era Britain—that incorporates prominent elements of either science fiction or fantasy. Many fans are now bringing back the fashion and style of the period in their everyday lives and especially in their unique weddings. Here are some images of a wedding shot in San Francisco:

I love the vintage style tux that the groom is wearing with the Steampunk accessories provided by Gentleman's Emporium of San Jose.

These mustaches are so fun and playful. They add interaction and character for your guests.

The custom printed Wanted poster is awesome. It's a great detail not to be missed that really ties in the elements of the theme from that genre.

This felt bouquet was made by the bride. Very simple and yet very beautiful.

This one of my favorite images from the wedding. The bride and groom provided masquerade masks for their guests to wear at the reception. Interaction is key here! Never leave your guests bored!

 Tinywater Photography did an amazing job photographing this event. The style and poses of the couple is perfect! It's very unique and definitely gives an edgy feeling that represents not only the uniqueness of the wedding but the individuality of the couple, which is very important to retain at a wedding.

1920's Magic

I saw this wedding in a Grace Ormonde magazine a while ago and just loved it! It definitely ties in with the elegantly themed events that Nouveau prides itself upon. The bride is just stunning in her vintage gown and veil - the details are remarkable! And what better location than Pasadena to find a 1920's period revival home (Spanish Style) to hold the ceremony and reception. Everyone attending even took part in the event and dressed in vintage bridesmaids dresses. Everything looks just spot on! The wedding is sophisticated, fun and most of all unique.

Ambiance

When it comes to creating an atmosphere, I can't stress how much music plays a vital role in the part. You can have everything from the finest floral arrangement and decor and the best cuisine, but where's the mood of the event without music? I always suggest a modern lounge feeling to a reception or cocktail hour. It adds a modern touch to any theme and is the perfect ambiance for the occasion. It's important not to drown out your guests conversations with loud music, so you will want to keep it calm, yet with a bit of a chic touch. I love the idea of tying in a song selection that fits within the down tempo genre with an old world event theme - it adds magic, the unexpected.

This is an inspiring selection:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N7fWiDjRdOA

Future Food

It's NYE! I always love New Years Eve because it makes me think about what is to come in the near future year. I think most of you are like me and love change and innovation. Innovation is in everything that we enjoy from furniture/design, fashion, technology, and even food. Food does not stay constant unless you choose to make it that way, so why keep a traditional cuisine in a modern wedding? I came across some knowledge of this amazing chef in Chicago who has a restaurant called Alinea. This chef inspired me to pass on the inspiration to brides-to-be that are considering catering choices, or specifically, the style of the menu course. I'm all about progressive trends which is why I started this company in the first place-to offer something new and in the mindset of forward thinking. Chef Grant Achatz, who tutored under famed Thomas Keller in Yountsville, CA, brilliantly decided to change the experience of eating all together. By separating the flavors of each invididual ingredient and using the latest culinary technology, he combines avant garde presentation with modernist cooking techniques bringing an interactive experience for his guests to enjoy. This style of cuisine is fashion forward, innovative and interactive - all of the most important elements that I prefer to bring to the table with my clients.

When it comes to selecting the elements of your wedding, I always suggest presenting something new and exciting for your guests to enjoy. This will always leave a long lasting impression on your guests minds. This style of catering may be influenced by celebrity chefs such as Thomas Keller and newly reknowned Grant Achatz, but don't let that stop you from suggesting his style/techniques to your own chosen caterer. A caterer should be able to work with your desires and present the quality and style of presentation suited for your event.

Here are some tips to consider when selecting a caterer:

• First and foremost, make sure the caterer has a license.
• Find out if the caterer specializes in a particular style of service, such as modernist or traditional, or ethnic/regional.
• Try and work with a caterer that is not only reputable but affordable. There are many caterers out there and many are highly qualified as the high-end caterer yet more affordable and willing to work within your budget.
• See what is included in their price: plates, silverware, glassware, table linens, etc. This will help decrease the cost of having to rent these items from an outside vendor. Altough, make sure to get a detailed pricing of their price of these items compared to an outside vendor-sometimes it can save you money in the long run.
• Make sure you know exactly how many staff members will be available for your event. Also be sure to verify what type of attire they wear and that it coordinates with your theme correctly.
• If your wedding or event is being held outdoors, the caterer must have a portable kitchen. Also make certain that they have a back-up plan if anything within the portable kitchen breaks or needs repair in the middle of your event-you don't want to be stuck without food!
• Be sure to gather detailed information as to whom will be supervising the catering staff at your event in case anything goes wrong. Many caterers work multiple functions in one day, and they have the staff to spread around each event to do so successfully. It's very important to know who is handling your event specifically in case of any mishaps or need of immediate assistance.
• Another major element to consider is whether the caterer has insurance. We all want an event to turn out flawlessly, but there is always that rare possibility that could occur and you don't want to be liable for damages. Make absolutely sure that they have valid proof of insurance-if not, do not work with them otherwise you could be liable for any damages.
• Discuss the arrival times with the caterer as well as the event itinerary to ensure that everything is cohesive. You want to make sure that the food is prepped in time for the event as well as making certain that they are still at the event until the end, unless otherwise agreed upon.
• It happens, guests arrive unexpectedly even though they didn't RSVP. You better make sure you can accommodate them just in case. Most caterers add a few extra plates for this reason. Make sure that it is included in your contract. The rule of thumb is to add about 5 extra plates for unexpected guests. 
• Some guests are allergic to certain ingredients or have specific dietary restrictions. You must accommodate your guests needs. Make sure the caterer is well aware of any guests with specific needs such as food allergies or dietary restrictions - you don't want any medical emergencies on your big day.
• Last, but not least important, make sure the caterer is a qualified caterer by ensuring that they use fresh ingredients. It's sad to report, but there are many caterers out there pulling the wool over their clients eyes by buying pre-store bought food/frozen ingredients and heating them up and serving them for the price of a qualified caterer. Don't be fooled by these unprofessional types of vendors.

What has been your experience with selecting and working with caterers?