This fall wedding inspiration shoot is possibly one of my favourite sets of images of 2017.
Whenever I look at a collection of images months after I shoot them, I think – ‘daaang, what’s wrong with me? Why haven’t I shared these yet?”
But do you know what I think immediately after I shoot something most of the time when it’s not an ideal situation? I think, ‘I could have done so much better.’ and then the comparison game begins. This shoot was rescheduled three times due to weather, and when we finally did it, the clouds came so fast that I had to shoot at settings I don’t love (cranking that ISO, my fellow photographers know what I mean). I shot the details the next day, and it was all just a giant pile of ‘not exactly what I wanted.’ SO…I held back. I didn’t share. We did this shoot a year ago, and here I am looking and wondering WHAT I was thinking? Now don’t get me wrong, I am not here praising myself rather just trying to put this out there for any artists who doubt themselves. You should only compare yourself to the artist you were yesterday. If I was in this situation only a year before we shot it, I might have cancelled it altogether. Panicked because the light was low, or and honestly probably not had all the wonderful friends in my life that helped me put this together! I asked Alanna to model for me not knowing if she had a partner, I just knew she would be a great fit. (& I was right, the sample gown fit her like. a. glove.) I am proud of myself for pushing through and having these beautiful images and you know what, I like the grain, in fact I LOVE how these turned out. Sure it’s not the light filled, bright images that I love to create, but it’s real. And that’s what I talk about daily, being real in my art. We live in Ontario, light will not be perfect on the daily (hello this isn’t the OC). I learned to truly embrace the day, because it was closer to a real wedding day than any other pre-planned inspiration shoot. I think this also pushes me to be better.
I set up this shoot to do a branding video for PBE, which is something I wanted to do since my first year in business. It took me so long to just start. I didn’t have the confidence that my art could be my career – so if you’re reading this and you are stuck in the same rut, just know that everyone has been there. No matter what you see on instagram, with every success there is so much failure. There are so many attempts, and it takes courage to pick yourself up and put yourself out there again, but you will be glad you did.
This post wasn’t supposed to turn into this, but it was was on my mind and in heart when I pulled up this Fall 2017 folder, so I just let it spill. I hope it helps someone, and serves as a reminder for me in the future.
Now let’s get to the fun stuff.
The bouquet was basically exactly what my mind wanted, but my mouth didn’t know how to say. Katherine of Pollen Nation Floral Studio is a master of her craft, can we talk about the immaculate floral selection and the stunning pale green tones? She also came through with the silk ribbon to literally tie the whole look together and I was in total bouquet heaven. I actually keep scrolling through the post to admire the details, because how can I not?
I wanted the gown to be sophisticated, classy and still a little fun. Alanna met me at La Maison Bridal Boutique for a fitting and it was the second dress we pulled, but it was definitely the one – I mean, it was made for her. The lace work detail and long sleeves, paired with the crepe skirt with a divinely flowy train….just have a look for yourself. I am still not over the way the fabric flows and I think it’s perfection.
The finishing touches were the earrings, we kept it simple with drop earrings from Sugar Cane & Co – the perfect touch of sparkle!
The video was filmed by Batoul of Ali & Batoul photography.
Is there anything holding you back from going for it? Jumping in? Whatever it may be, what is it that scares you?
Gown: Pronovias from La Maison Bridal Boutique
Bouquet: Pollen Nation Floral Studio
Jewelry: Sugar Cane & Co
Models: Real couple Alanna + Gustavo
