A Wedding Must-Have, Flower Arch Inspiration | Wedding Planning Tips

One of our floral design elements that always takes people's breath away is our signature floral arch. While definitely on the higher end of the budget spectrum, we believe it is a wedding must-have. Your wedding ceremony is one of the most highly photographed areas of the entire day therefore putting more of your budget towards a stunning backdrop vs. a smaller detail such as handmade escort cards seems to make the most sense (but we're a little biased!).

It doesn't take as long to assemble these gorgeous arches as one would think! Our floral designers start with the tucking the hydrangea and other larger floral items into the water-soaked oasis blocks inside the wire form. They then begin to fill in with the smaller accent flowers that are a part of the overall floral design. For example in the second floral arch featured below, they started with the white hydrangea and greenery. Then they continued on with the featured flowers of garden roses, peonies, and orchids. Working around, from top to bottom and side to side, until the entire form is filled out evenly.

Below we have compiled a few of our absolute favorite flower arches our design team has assembled in the past. We have also included a few floral arches we have done over doorways as well! As you can see, we tend to go big or go home, but any kind of beautiful floral element is welcomed in our eyes!

Image by Lauren Carnes Photography

Image by Lauren Carnes Photography

Image by Ashley Seawell Photography

Image by Ashley Seawell Photography

Image by Lauren Carnes Photography

Image by Lauren Carnes Photography

Image by Ashley Seawell Photography

Image by Ashley Seawell Photography

Ask the Photographer: "Why Should We Do an Engagement Session?"

Our second installment in our photography tips series is especially for all you brand-spanking newly engaged couples! These days a majority of our couples take the time to schedule an engagement photo shoot with their newly booked wedding photographers, but for those of you who are on the fence here's what the experts say!

"Engagement sessions are not only such fun, but also allow you the chance to get in front of the camera before your big day! Let’s be real: when was the last time you had a photo done by something other than an iPhone? For some couples, that is: never! The engagement session gives us both the opportunity to get to know each other one-on-one and in person. I have the chance to hear your story and capture you two as a couple to let your personalities shine through, and you have the chance to get all dolled up for beautiful portraits that will last a lifetime and grace the walls next to your wedding day photos. Plus, who doesn’t love the excuse for a date night after the engagement session to celebrate?!" -Lauren Carnes Photography

"Engagement sessions are great for so many reasons!  I love that it gives me a chance to learn more about a couple.  Also, it’s fun preparation for the wedding day and gives couples a chance to be in front of the camera before the big day.  Most importantly, I think it’s nice to celebrate the actual engagement and walk away with photos in non-wedding attire!" -Ashley Seawell Photography

"Oh gosh there are so many reasons to do an engagement session! It really is like a “test run” before the wedding day. It’s the best opportunity for all three of us to get to know one another, for me to see what makes you all comfortable/how you interact with one another, and for you to get a feel for how I work and what to expect the rest of our time working together. I really believe that our time spent together at the engagement session lays the best foundation for the rest of your engagement - you know I’m truly on your team and want you guys to have fun with me and one another, and as a bonus you get some really beautiful, relaxed, informal photos of you and your fiancé doing everyday life together! And it’s the perfect time to include your furbabies, which I always love!" -Britt Croft Photography

"Engagement sessions are a GREAT way to relax, and not only get to know us, but for the Groom (and often the Bride) to get comfortable behind the camera.  Even though wedding photos are often the epitome of perfection on a formal level, our engagement sessions are always such a relaxed capture of the couple." -Mark Williams Studio

"Couples often use an engagement session as an opportunity to get a "Save-the-date" photo, but there are many other advantages as well! For one, I love the time it gives me to bond with my bride and groom - figure out their quirks, what makes them laugh, and hear their love story. I always feel like my couples have an easier time in front of the camera on their wedding day if they've had an engagement session first." -Whitney Wysong Photography

If you enjoyed this blog post, also make sure to read the first installment in this series!

Image by Lauren Carnes Photography

5 Tips for Finding Your Perfect Wedding Dress

One of the most exciting moments of the wedding planning process is without a doubt when the bride-to-be finds her perfect gown for the big day. And while very exciting, it is a whole new world for most! So when the time comes for you to say yes to your dress, we have compiled a list of five tips for finding the perfect wedding dress! Have you or any of your girlfriends come across any helpful tips when shopping for dresses? Comment below!

1. Set a budget. First and foremost, make sure you know your budget for your gown. It would not be fun to fall in love with a dress, only to realize later it was completely out of your budget!
2. Make your appointments early. It can take up to 9 months for your dress to be big day ready. Eliminate any risk (and save money!) and make your fitting appointments well in advance of the wedding day. 
3. Come prepared! Not only with some ideas of what designers and looks you like, but also with the undergarments and shoes that you intend on wearing under your dress to give you an idea of the full look!
4. Shop at the right time. It can pay off to go during an off-time during the week. Taking a half-day off with your closest gal pals and getting the place to yourselves is definitely the way to go!
5. Trust your instincts! If you aren't feeling a dress, don't force yourself to love it! You want to make sure you feel like yourself on this important day!

Image by: Ashley Seawell Photography