A Christmas wish - Believe in magic!

How about a Roald Dahl wish for Christmas? Let's all watch the world with glittering eyes in 2012...

Thanks to all of my readers - I hope you'll be back in January to keep me company. I'll be sharing lots more bespoke designs, real wedding reports & tips and advice!

To my Christmas brides, I'll be chinking you over my hols and wishing a happy 'first married Christmas' to all of my 2011 clients :-)

My first post in 2012 will be an amazing wedding report from Fiona and Dan who met a surprising visitor at their Shelbourne Hotel wedding!

Happy hols everyone - I'm off to practice using my twinkly eyes...

Image credits
Top two images via Pinterest

a thousand words... a thousand images

If you've been following the "a thousand words series", you will have enjoyed reading about photographers talking about one of their favourite images. Most have said how difficult it is to choose just one! For the month of December, I'm doing something a little bit different but still totally relevant to the theme.

Thank you Twitter for introducing me to the the work of Velare Imaginarium - Every time I watch one of their beautiful wedding films, I'm just carried away to special place. And I realised yesterday that the dreamy slow motion reminds me of one of my favourite experiences ever - a hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia. Slowing things down, makes us see the emotions so much more clearly; a caress or a sweeping expression on a guest's face. There's much more to these films than the pace though; Steve and Tim are able to capture the essence of a day of immense love, movement and words in under five minutes. So for the month of December, please welcome Velarium to the 'A thousand Words' series.


sam // steve from Velare Imaginarium on Vimeo.

This beautiful film tells its own story but I'm so grateful to Tim for telling us a little bit about the creative and technical skills that go into creating a film like this. (This company combines the skills of two talented creatives - Steve Stanton is an International photographer and Tim Twinem is the principle cinematogrpaher.

"This beautiful, mountain wedding at Della Terra, in Estes Park, Colorado had SO many contributing elements making this such a unique and special day. First and foremost, the deep love that Sam and Steve have for each other melted into every detail of their day. Between the two of them and their tight-knit family and friends, every time my camera was rolling, a moment of great importance and great love was taking place. Another contributing element was the beautiful nature surround Della Terra, from the scenery to the wildlife, filled this Fall day with a surreal, fairy tale feel that infected every guest and magnified the love and ceremony taking place.

One of the thing I definitely struggle with the most when it comes to approaching a couple's highlight video, is music selection. For me, the inspiration starts with the music. A bad music choice will leave me banging my head against the wall through an entire edit, and inevitably leads me to scrap what I have so far, and start my process from the top again: finding the right music. Looking through my footage of Sam and Steve's day, I just felt the emotions contained in Josh Ritter's song "The Curse", matched the romance and love captured in the footage. I know, "The Curse" sounds like a funny song choice for a wedding video, but I couldn't walk away from how perfect the emotional match was.

Lastly, in my list of 'contributing elements', was Sam and Steve's willingness to quickly jump away from their guests at the reception, and let me shoot some shots of them with one light in the dark woods. As a cinematographer, I understand that video can sometimes take a back seat to photos throughout the course of a wedding day. I find so much value in getting a couple to do something specifically geared towards video, even if it's only for 10 minutes. Being able to put a couple in a beautiful place, with specific elements for video (movement, lighting, audio), dramatically adds to the story I can communicate with the footage I've captured, and, in my opinion, adds a lot of value to a wedding video!"

Thanks guys - you have a lifetime fan here! I hope my readers leave you lots of great comments.

Read my other post about another Velare Imaginarium film or see a portfolio of work on their website.

This feature is part of a series called 'a thousand words'.

Tips on How to Getting Great Updos

If you have determined that you need to get updos done for whatever event that you are attending, find some great options and get some great hairdos. There are many different options that you can choose from and you want to make sure that you are taking the time to find what fits you the best and fits the outfit that you have picked out. With all the great choices out there, it will be easy to find great updos that fit you and your look, and you’ll love the way a quality updo will look on you and add to your outfit.

 An elegant wedding updo for the bride Ideas for Wedding Hair & Updos

The best thing that you can do is look at options for your updos. For some people, they will be wearing updos for their wedding; others are for prom, or even for a night out. Whatever the reason may be, you want to be sure that you are picking out the best choice for you. Draw from inspirations, look at ideas, and use those to find the best outfit for you, it will make it really easy and ensure that you get something that you truly like and enjoy and that looks great.

 

great updos

The other thing that you want to do is to really try them out, you don’t want to trust that your hair is going to cooperate with the updos that you are looking at, so try them out. Go visit your hairstylist, they will help you create them and they actually will be able to tell you if that particular look is going to work for you or if you need to go with something else. Take their advice to help you determine what look you are going to go with and the final updos that you end up choosing from.

The best updo for prom

Updos are great for many different events; they are great hairstyles to look at. Make sure that you are looking to find the best choices for you and that you have perfect updos that will fit you. There are all kinds of great choices out there for your updos, find the perfect one for you.  If you are looking for the latest 2012 hairstyles, you can find a lot on our site: http://hairstylesimages.com 

Hair Trends: Long Hairstyles 2012

People with round faces should consider long hairstyle trends for 2012. One exciting trend for 2012 includes layers and side bangs, as side bangs will add detailing to a round face. In addition, it will also highlight the facial features like eyes, lips, chin, nose, jaw line and cheekbones, and give you an elegant and sophisticated look. For this hairstyle, the first layer must end near the chin, and those with round faces should not have blunt bangs.
While the bob is a popular 2011 hairstyle, it will also be a trend in 2012 for people with round faces. Soft and graduated long layers that flow to the shoulder gives the appearance of a longer face. In addition, this look will also help take away the appearance of a strong, masculine jaw and add a delicate appearance to the overall look.

The wispy and tapered hairstyles will also be trending in 2012. While the tapered look is useful in elongating the face, it also gives a sophisticated look. Unfortunately this look is fairly high maintenance. After washing your hair with a salon brand shampoo, you will need to apply serum over it and then bow dry it. Once it has been blow dried, it will need to be straightened with a flat iron or hair straightener. Finally, a medium hold hair spray will need to be applied over the entire head of hair, allowing the hair to last throughout the day. Those who are looking for a simple “wash and wear” style are encouraged to try a style that requires less maintenance.
The popular and trending long hairstyles in 2012 will be the bob haircut and variations, layers with side bangs and layers with blunt bangs (except for those with round faces). Fortunately, the trendy long hairstyles in 2012 can be applied in all social situations such as parties, formal evenings, work and causal days at home.
 From loose curls and romantic up-dos to tight ponytails and sleek buns, these long hair trends for 2012 can be used in any situation, ensuring you will gain the attention of everyone in the room. Make sure to consult with a hairstyle professional before making a final decision to ensure you have the perfect style for your facial features and skin tone.

Taylor Swift long wavy hairstyle

Shakira Long Braided Hairstyle 2012

Kaylee Defer long curly hairstyle

Gwyneth Paltrow Long Straight hairstyle 2012

Alessandra Ambrosio center part hairstyles

Rangoli bride Aisling marries Ian

This year I designed accessories for two amazing sisters;Aisling and Kellie, who were both married within a couple of monthsof each other. (Keep an eye out for Kellie's feature coming soon).Girls, all I can say is that you were both a pleasure to design forand work with and I'm so glad you both had brilliant days!

I designed a crochet headpiece and bracelet for Aisling tocomplement her Claire Pettibone 'Willow' gown. I used peach and ivory pearls to pick up on the unusual embroidery detail on the dress. Here's Aisling to tell us about how she planned her magical day.

"I know what I have written is WAY too muchinformation, however I really couldnt begin anywhere elseother than the beginning of our story......

"It was back in 2003 that Ian and I both met (at Witness nowknown as Oxegen), Ian is a Dub and I myself am from Co Down. Wespent 5 months inseparable, (when possible) before he had to takeoff on a pre-arranged trip around the world. It wasn't long thoughuntil my sister, friends and I decided to do exactly that. Ian andI met again in Melbourne that following summer where we livedtogether for 6 months. Ian's dad passed away very unexpectedly andbefore we knew it we were back in Ireland living apart. But not forlong...."

 Aisling's sister Kellie is seen on theleft in the picture above

In September 2008, Ian surprised Aisling with a trip to Florence,where he proposed to her! Almost two years later, the couple headedto the Amalfi Coast in search of the perfect wedding venue.

"We did find one but it just happened to be at the top of amountain....'Ravello'. This place was really beautiful, however along, long way to take our guests.  After much deliberating wedecided to give our homeland a chance."

Lots of research and weekend travelling, (would you believe over 1000km?), finallyled Aisling and Ian to Tankardstown House which immediately won themover.

"As soon as we walked through the front doors of this charmingplace we were sold! It possessed all the old world charm but with abright and new feel to it. There was an open fire roaring in thehall way and as we made our way through the house we did not knowwhere to look first; there was so much character. This houseset the foundation for the theme and style of the day that I hadplanned in my head for God knows how long! I pictured the day to beenchanting, romantic, poetic and with all that Tankardstown Househad to offer again including the grounds this was most definitelythe place."

"The next big thing was the dress...  I spent hours (maybeeven days ("~) surfing the net using blogs such as Style mePretty, LaneDittoe, Wedding Chicks for inspiration. I googled words suchas vintage, illuminating, delicate and then I stumbled uponClairePettibone. Her dresses were magical. Every dress was made for afairytale. When I tried on 'Willow' in Myrtle Ivory,Dublin, I was blown away! I didnt want to take it off and so I knewit had to be the one. The style of the day that I had imaginedwas finally starting to take shape...a mix of vintage flair with amagical feel of a 'A midsummer nights dream'.

The venue was booked, the dress was ordered, we soon found asweet little chapel, the bridemaids dresses were being sketched.The groom and groomsmens suits were decided upon. Everything wasfalling in to place. Make-up I would do myself, the only thing thatwas left in terms of the bridal party was my jewellery.  As achild I always pictured myself wearing a headpiece on my big day,something that would sit delicately on my forehead.  So it wasback to the drawing board... Google to some, (my new best friend).It wasn't long though before I came across the very creative andtalented Aisling Nelson, Rangoli."

"After visiting Aisling in her delightful studio Isoon knew she would create something really special. Aislingdid her own bit of research for me in terms of deciding upon thecolours and beads that would suit 'Willow'. The headpiece was soperfect I had to ask for Aisling to make me a bracelet also.The attention to detail that went in to both pieces wasexceptional. I will treasure both pieces forever and I love thatalthough our big day has been and gone I can still wear mybracelet, look back and remember what a truly magical and wonderfulday we had. Thank-you for your amazing input."

"When planning a wedding though,...it doesnt just stop atthe wedding party and venue. As I previously stated I soon becameaddicted to wedding blogs. There was the invites that I handmademyself (that took me way too long,..more than I care to remember),I bought my paper from Daintree in Camden Street Dublin and thesame paper I used for my buntons to decorate my sweet treat table.I used it for the table plan and also the guest book."

Wedding invitations made using Daintree paper

"We used sweets that reminded us of when we were lilones...cola cubes, fish 'n'chips, saucers, shrimps, banana's,raspberry ruffles (my dad's favourite). Ian loves my home bakedraspberry and coconut frou frou cupcakes and I happened to find aplace in town that most definitely uses the same ingredients, so Iknew I had to have some there also. I always loved polaroidpictures so I left one by the guset book for people to leave alittle pic with some well wishes. Ian has always loved cigarsmoreso on special occassions and so he got a humidor and overtime time collected a number of quality cigars for those that wouldenjoy them on the big day.

I arranged an overhead projector to be set up in the drawingroom of the house and after the dinner we all moved in to watch aslide show of photo's including all the guests with Ian and myselfat some stage in our lives creating happy memories.This was justanother little feature. Helena (a very special lady that I caredfor, for 4 years) said an amazing poem 'Young Lord Lochinvar' bySir Waltar Scott. This poem is very beautiful andromantic."

"The fabulous photographer who really captured the essence ofthe day was the one and only Peter Gordan of ExploreLight. Peter who is also a closefriend spent some time with us prior to the day in deciding uponwhat exactly we wanted from our photo's and he really did all thatand more!"

 

 Flowers by Sweet PeaDesigns

"The flowers were decided upon after two hours with the floristat her kitchen table. Catherine Handley of 'Sweet Pea Designs'spent this time with me trying to grasp an idea of what I hadpictured. I wanted the flowers to be delicate and to havea somewhat rustic feel. Catherine did all so tastefully. The chapelwas amazing with candles everywhere. 

I also wanted heatherfeaturing somewhere. This was something that reminded me of mychildhood. I grew up at the foot of the Mourne Mountains andheather grew everywhere. Catherine went one step ahead and actuallysourced the specific heather found in the mountains of CoDown. You can see it a little in the bouquets and the boysbuttonholes. The flowergirls were like little fairies with theirfloral crowns. Catherine also used her glasswear that her fathercollects for her (ie old ketchup bottles, Chanel perfume bottles)to decorate the main dining room including thefireplace."

"There really was a lot of attention to detail and as I write this it dawns on me how much time and effort really goes in to creating something so special. Would I do it again..absolutely..in a heartbeat!!!"

What a pretty wedding and gorgeous couple - don't you agree?Aisling and Ian, thanks for sharing some of your amazing photos andfor taking the time to tell us about all the planning that wentinto personalising your day. I really appreciate your kind words too.

Rangoli bride features are my favourite part of the blog - check out some more wedding reports or have a look at my Rangoli Brides album or Facebook page for lots more inspiration.

Supplier details
Photographer: Peter Gordan of ExploreLight
Venue: Tankardstown House
Dress: Myrtle Ivory Dublin
Flowers: Catherine Handley of Sweet Pea Designs
Paper for stationery: Daintree
Headpiece and jewellery: Rangoli

Arsenic and cheesecake...

Just imagine...'Cake Week' - An open invitation to visit Noel and Aga from White Tea photography, sit in their lovely, (calming white and grey) studio, chatting about this and that and being served up fluffy white, (more on this theme in a moment), vanilla cheesecake with warm salted caramel sauce. All washed down with ginger green tea. How could you turn down an invitation like that?

Even better still, all invitees were asked to vote on which cake Aga would make for the week. (I did vote for the plum but was sooo happy with the winner!)

I also finally got to meet Arsenic - Aga's adorable and huge Siberian cat. Obviously the best white accessory in the studio and capable of taking over the entire couch. Myself and Marie from Finer Details were allowed to share it... just about!

Mmm, the warm salted caramel sauce was sprinkled with rock salt

What a lovely afternoon - Thanks Aga and Noel. Congrats also on being voted 'Photographers of the Year' by your photography peer group. So well deserved.

Check out Aga and Noel's website and facebook page.

Long Hairstyles 2012

All hairstyles, regardless of how trendy or popular they may be, must be in accordance with one’s face cut. Often women imitate their favorite Hollywood stars’ hairstyles; however they end up disappointed when the desired hairstyle does not turn out as intended. When researching the trends for long hairstyles in 2012, it is important to keep in mind the face cut and facial features before making the final decision.





For those who are unsure what hairstyles are best suited for what types of people, it is always suggested to consult the hair experts before applying any hairstyle, especially trendy, long hairstyles 2012. Because they are experts, they know which type of hairstyle highlights which features in your face and body, and add even more beauty to your personality.

People with round faces should consider long hairstyle trends for 2012. One exciting trend for 2012 includes layers and side bangs, as side bangs will add detailing to a round face. In addition, it will also highlight the facial features like eyes, lips, chin, nose, jaw line and cheekbones, and give you an elegant and sophisticated look. For this hairstyle, the first layer must end near the chin, and those with round faces should not have blunt bangs.

While the bob is a popular 2011 hairstyle, it will also be a trend in 2012 for people with round faces. Soft and graduated long layers that flow to the shoulder gives the appearance of a longer face. In addition, this look will also help take away the appearance of a strong, masculine jaw and add a delicate appearance to the overall look.

The wispy and tapered hairstyles will also be trending in 2012. While the tapered look is useful in elongating the face, it also gives a sophisticated look. Unfortunately this look is fairly high maintenance. After washing your hair with a salon brand shampoo, you will need to apply serum over it and then bow dry it. Once it has been blow dried, it will need to be straightened with a flat iron or hair straightener. Finally, a medium hold hair spray will need to be applied over the entire head of hair, allowing the hair to last throughout the day. Those who are looking for a simple “wash and wear” style are encouraged to try a style that requires less maintenance.

The popular and trending long hairstyles in 2012 will be the bob haircut and variations, layers with side bangs and layers with blunt bangs (except for those with round faces). Fortunately, the trendy long hairstyles in 2012 can be applied in all social situations such as parties, formal evenings, work and causal days at home.

From loose curls and romantic up-dos to tight ponytails and sleek buns, these long hair trends for 2012 can be used in any situation, ensuring you will gain the attention of everyone in the room. Make sure to consult with a hairstyle professional before making a final decision to ensure you have the perfect style for your facial features and skin tone.

Layered Long Hairstyles

Layered long hairstyles are nothing new. They have been showing up all over the world for many years. Many famous women have used this hairstyle to look fabulous for years. It is a look that looks playful and regal at the same time and one that allows the wearer to make the most out of the hair that they have. It calls attention to the face and gives decent volume to the do so it works extremely well for those women of the world that might have very fine baby soft hair. It is certainly not limited to that hair type but it truly looks very good on thinner hair. For that reason you often will see women with thinning hair lean towards this type of hairdo to maintain a great look.

Layering is a technique where the stylist takes the hair and does different things with length based on the various layers of the hair. One of the down sides of this type of style is that you have a fairly large amount of upkeep to it in order to make sure that it always looks full and is at its best.

he layered look is often considered a more formal look and will usually lend its self more to a professional type setting such as an office or a formal party than it will to a ball game and hot dogs so you should consider that before making the plunge into a layered look.

Once you make the decision to go into a layered hair style, remember that you will be living with it for quite a while. You will have it at least until your shortest layer has grown back. Depending on how short that layer is it could be anywhere from a few months to as long as a year before your hair is back at its original length. Find more 2012 hairstyles.

Unusual table centrepieces

For me, inspiration is not just about looking at jewellery and hair accessory trends.  I am immersed in the prettiness of weddings and get to see amazing details and ideas that reflect the personalities of couples getting married.

 {image via DustJacketAttic}

Lately I'm noticing much more natural flower displays And I am always collecting pics that inspire me. One of my favourite resources is Pinterest. If you haven't signed up, go do it immediately! Be prepared to be addicted though :-) This site allows you to create a virtual scrapbook of ideas and follow other creative pinners.

 {image via HeyLook - see the diy tutorial}

This centre-piece looks like it was plucked from the forest! Just shows that you don't necessarily need lots of flowers - greenery is so striking when you just add a small blast of colour. It might surprise you to know that this floral sculpture could be the starting point for a beaded hair vine! I'm a nature girl at heart.

 {image via TheLoviestDay}

Posies are so pretty too. How simple is this one with the surprise of a couple of red roses? I'm really into asymmetric designs at the moment and think this bouquet is quirky and so delicate at the same time.

You can follow Rangoli on Pinterest. I have lots of albums there including one on Yummy Hairstyles. Let me know if you sign up!

Map of a woman's heart - 1800's

{Click for larger version}

I found this beautiful drawing of a map of a woman's heart from the 1800's. It tells us a lot about how women were perceived at this time. You'll need to enlarge it to see the detail. I love the huge 'Love of Dress' section which seems to be intersected by the 'Sea of Wealth'. How apt!

The article was found on the wonderful Brain Pickings blog.

I'd like to see a 21C version of this map. What would you add to the modern version?

a thousand words

We've all heard the phrase 'An image speaks a thousand words'. Great photographs tell a story by capturing a moment in time. In this series, I am asking some of my favourite wedding photographers to describe one of their cherished photographs. My inspiration is the book Photography Speaks: 150 Photographers On Their Art. This book features a number of iconic photographers who share some personal reflections about one of their photographs. Although I don't yet own a copy of the book, the idea captured my imagination and is the inspiration for a new series of guest blog posts with photographers.

This month, we're chatting with Lisa from Lisa O'Dwyer Photography. Lisa is originally from Pennsylvania, has travelled and lived all around the world and now lives in Ireland with her husband and children. Here is one of her favourite bridal images that she took at a recent wedding.

"The reason I like this photo is because I think it captures the couple's personalities and the relationship they have together perfectly. They are a fun people and I like how the groom is teasing the bride by tickling her and then going to play at chomping down on her cheek. I like how they interact with each other and play together. I can't recreate this pose and lighting for another couple. I feel that this photo is unique to the couple that has been captured.

The sun was low in the sky and so we got the lovely backlit "California" style lighting. I LOVE to get this kind of lighting in portraits. It's simply magical and worth waiting for.

The way I approach creating the couple's portraits is to find some great light and background, then to let them interact naturally with each other while I snap away. If they start to get stiff or awkward at getting their photo taken, I joke around and generally embarrass myself to get a laugh. I find that being a Yank is to my advantage because people like to laugh at my accent and the weird stuff I come up with. I direct them a bit because I find people generally need this for me to get artistic portraits. I've found that when I have had my own picture taken, I've needed the direction too. I want the photographer to have an artistic vision of what they want and to help me get into that vision by giving me some direction.

For the photographs I create, I want them to look artistically composed, but natural, with a couple who feels beautiful and looks like they're having fun and enjoying this moment in their lives. Time passes by so quickly and it's so important to document our lives with artistic photography that is natural and emotive. I think it's the exact opposite of studio-based photography which is contrived, artificially lighted, and stylised."

This is a beautiful image Lisa. Thanks for telling us more about how you interact with your subjects too - Now I want to see a video of you in action!

Make sure to check out Lisa's website and blog to see her varied portfolio and read about the other featured photographers in the series.

Following the Silk Road

I am just back from an amazing holiday in Central Asia - three weeks soaking up the ancient culture of Uzbekistan. Uzbekistan was part of the old Silk Road which extended from China to Turkey. Everything from silks, gold, iron, glass, fur, spices, tea, porcelain, lacquerware and mirrors were transported by camels across a variety of mountainous and desert terrains during the Middle Ages.

Uzbekistan is mostly desert with cities and settlements built along river courses and oases. Cities such as Samarkand, Khiva and Bokhara have 1,000 year old mud-brick buildings that are decorated with beautiful blue ceramic tiles. I took the photo above at sunset, overlooking the city of Khiva. I was sitting against a mud-brick wall that was radiating out the heat from the day's sun! This gorgeous desert town is full of palaces, medrassas, minarets and endless windy streets to explore.

The photos below were taken in one of blue-tiled palaces. The walls are covered in a patchwork of indigo and turquoise patterns. These elaborate courtyards are open to the sky and built on a huge scale. Pattern heaven for me!

Everywhere we went, we saw weddings. Entire wedding parties would walk around the towns, stopping to have photos taken. I was that really persistent and annoying tourist who chased around after them asking if I could take their photo! The wedding below was my favourite for the setting as well as the bridal fashions... all of brides I saw wore very elaborate white dresses, encrusted with rhinestones, along with lots of jewellery. The fingerless gloves were linked to the middle finger with a loop, (I'm sure they have a name).

Unfortunately I don't speak Uzbek or Tajik and only have about three short Russian phrases, (one of them being 'Do you speak English?), but a smile goes a long way.

I love this photo with it's crazy mix of cultural influences - Mum in her traditional garb, the bride in her Western style wedding dress and the bridesmaids in funky short red dresses. It looks a bit like a stage set with the 1,000 year old brick minuret in the background. (It's worth clicking to see the larger version).

Here is a pretty Muslim bridesmaid from another wedding. She's covered from head to toe and still manages to look totally glamorous!

And one of my favourite images - a girl from Samarkand, dressed in black and white with that amazing ruffled headpiece.

Desert cities have an amazing feel at sunset when all the pinky brown tones merge with the changing colour of the sky. This was one of those moments in time.

And finally, my new prized pocession; a blue, (artic fox but more likely beaver) fur hat. Bring on those crisp winter days! I hope you enjoyed reading about my holiday. It feels like time to start planning the next adventure.

Medium Wavy Cut 02