Traditional not so Traditional Bride: A Styled Shoot with Brae Howard

Hello Wedding Watchers:

This is my very first blog! Welcome! So excited about a new way to engage!  Just wrapped up my third styled shoot with the talented eventsbymerida and amazing photographer Brae Howard.So what we did was come up with 4 different concepts for each of our 2 sets, use our design and creativity and executed each set.  For my sets I wanted them to be related.  And of course I chose the color PINK! It’s not only my favorite color, but I thought “why not use a classic wedding color for a traditional wedding set”? Right??  Our thoughts behind the models was to choose a diverse cast of men and women to represent all different people.  I love all types of weddings, but decided to go with a traditional bride with untraditional elements.  Before I even put out a casting call, I had one model in mind, but assumed she’d be busy.  She was actually one of the first people to answer the casting call!  We couldn’t have been more thrilled!  Goes to show you that you shouldn’t assume!

Salma: Traditional Bride

What does “non-traditional elements” mean?  I wanted a bride that didn’t fill the stereotype of what a traditional bride should be.  So when we chose Salma, she wasn’t only a woman of color which fit our theme, but she had blue hair, half her head is shaved, a chin piercing, and tattoo.  She wore no veil. Also, the place where the pics were shot, was more of an industrial/rustic vibe.  (Side note: one of my brides, who would be considered a “traditional” bride, said: “oh I wish she would have covered her tattoo”. NO WAY!)  So in essence, a traditional bride can be versatile in how she wants to create her wedding.  There is no mold or set of rules that you have to follow.  If you consider yourself to be a traditional bride and want to get married in a barn, then your go for it! Her bridesmaids were made up of a diverse group of beautiful women. (Fun fact: Salma’s ball gown was only… (drum roll) $75!! Yup, you can be a traditional bride ON A BUDGET!

(l-r) Lauren, Stefanie, Fatma, Kay, and Camilla

There are so many things that you can do when it comes to bridesmaids dresses.  You could do all the same color and styles, or all the same styles different colors etc. the list goes on.  I liked the idea of doing different dresses that are different colors but all the same materials (Material of choice: Chiffon).Yes, another non traditional element. I love the idea to mix up the styles and doing colors that coordinate. The best part, each bridesmaid dress was less than $20! You heard me! Being a bridesmaid on a budget is important too!!

The Bridal Party
 Kay, Ahmad, Denzel, Josh, Salma, Lauren, Fatma, Stephanie and Camilla

We all had so much fun on this set! Getting to meet really great talented people, work with phenomenal vendors, getting to eat cupcakes and most importantly laughing a lot, were just some of the many highlights that made that day so great! Thanks for tuning in! Until next time Wedding Watchers!  Here are some more highlights:

Bouquet by Soli Events

Invitations by Cupcake Graphics

Dresses by: Victoria Wright Designs

Dessert Bar, YUM

Cake by: Cake Life Bake Shop