3 reasons to document your years

If someone were giving out time machines, would you take one? 

I know I would. It would be amazing to own something that could take me back to our first date, our engagement, our wedding, our first anniversary…. and when we have our first home and kiddos of our own, I have a feeling I’d want that time machine even more! 

Even though real time machines don’t exist, we believe we’ve found the next best thing: annual family portraits. If you’re on the fence about an annual photo session, I promise this blog will help you to realize all the important reasons to document your life each and every year so that you can book your session with confidence! 

(And speaking of family pictures, be sure to read to the bottom for an exclusive opportunity as one of our blog readers!)

1)  They last forever (and increase in value over time) 

So to our time machine point…. annual portraits are literally something that will last forever. Do you have any black and white pictures of your grandparents and great grandparents around? It’s truly amazing to be able to own something that was once theirs, and to keep passing the heirloom through the family for generations.

But before they even make it to heirloom status: Photographs have always had a magical quality to them that freezes the subjects in time, and can bring up so many happy memories as you look back. I know I feel that way when I look back on our engagement pictures! We’ve definitely learned that portraits actually increase in value over time. Seeing those pictures a few months after they were taken was special, sure, but years later I feel even more grateful to have them! (And to look back on our baby faces… omg!) 

2) You make fun memories together

After the year we’ve had… I think we all deserve a GOOD TIME right about now! Can I get an amen?!

Portrait sessions are FUN- especially with kiddos! For some I know it can seem like a lot to schedule the session, get outfits together, drive there, etc. but at the end of it, kids always walk away having had a blast (at least with us!). We try to help the session feel like a game to kids, and make it a goal to give them lots of laughs a little breaks when they need them. Plus, we always keep fruit snacks on hand for a job well done :) (NOT a bribe… an incentive! lol!) Between the tickle fights, the running, the playing, and the clown behind the guy with the camera (me!) kids usually walk away none the wiser that we’ve taken a million pictures of them.

Next year they’ll be asking “Mom- when are we getting our pictures taken again?!” 

3)  These moments are truly once in a lifetime

Goodness, time is fleeting. No, really… Research shows your brain's internal clock runs more slowly as you age--which means the pace of life actually seems to speed up.

So before you blink and your baby becomes a toddler right before your eyes, capture them as they are. While they still want your snuggles, while they still thinking climbing trees is a blast, or while they still do that cute crooked smile… capture it. I can bet later you’d be willing to give just about anything to remember those sweet little nuances, and with professional images to cherish- you can! 

Bonus: You will DEFINITELY break out the pictures to show future girlfriends, and that in and of itself is priceless ;) 

I could go forever about the reasons to document your family annually, but I’m keepin’ it short and sweet today. They last forever, they’re fun, and this moment you’re in now will only happen once. If you were doubting if family photos were right for you, I can bet now you aren’t! I promise you- it’s so worth it. 

Our annual fall mini sessions go live on Monday, 8/31/20 at 11:00am! BUT do you want exclusive access to be one of the first to snag your spot? Newsletter subscribers will receive first access to the signup link at 9:00am on 8/31. These sessions sell out quickly each and every year, so don’t miss this unique chance to get the best date and time for you! 

Our top 3 tips for stress free family wedding day photos

If your family is anything like mine, they can be a wild bunch. Trying to organize a group of my nearest and dearest is a little bit like herding kittens… you too? If your answer is yes, the idea of organizing not one but TWO families together for wedding day family portraits that are beautiful enough to last a lifetime WITHOUT any yelling or eye rolling might seem like an impossibility! BUT I’m here to tell you- I’ve got you, girl! Below I’m spilling my three BEST tips on streamlining family photos so that you can get frame worthy portraits in an efficient and stress free way. Before you know it, you’ll be at cocktail hour with a mojito in hand and preparing to dance the night away!

1)  Keep your post ceremony groupings to immediate family

Ever seen a grandma who has to go to the bathroom and is itching for a white wine spritzer have a total meltdown? Well, let’s just say I hope you never have to. ;) One sure fire away to avoid disasters like this is to keep the number of “post-ceremony picture” family members to a minimum.  Something many of our clients don’t realize is how hectic the family photos can get when the number of people waiting around for their turn starts to creep up! Post ceremony you and your new spouse will be there, of course, plus your officiant, plus your bridal party. Usually that puts the number of people in the room somewhere between 11 and 20 before the family even comes into play! Add in just immediate family (parents, siblings and their spouses, and grandparents), and now the number has jumped to a group of 20-40! Whew! 

The minutes post-ceremony are incredibly exciting, and everyone is waiting their turn to give you two a big hug, catch up with one another, and talk about their favorite moments from the ceremony. Those things can and SHOULD happen! We encourage it! But can you imagine how wild it gets as the number of people in the room slowly starts to grow larger? When you add in aunts, uncles, cousins, and close family friends, the room can turn from exciting to pretty chaotic! Bonus:  The fewer formal family groupings post ceremony, the more quickly you can get over to your reception area and mingle with a cocktail in hand. 

If you have some larger or more extensive combinations, we think that’s great! We’ll highly suggest setting some time aside during your reception to capture as many different groupings as you may want, without any rush. 

2) Keep everyone informed of the plan

As my mama always said, failure to plan is planning to fail! Ok, that’s a little dramatic when we’re talking about family pictures… but I think the sentiment still holds true ;) If we ever see family photos shift from relaxed to stressful- it’s usually because people aren’t aware of the plan! This is a simple fix that will create a much more laid back atmosphere during family pictures. 

After your family photo list has been created and confirmed (we help each of our clients with this a few weeks prior to the wedding!), be sure to talk to each person on the list and remind them of when and where you’ll be taking pictures. If you are taking your family photos before your ceremony, I highly suggest telling them to be in the location ten minutes before we plan to begin! If you’re doing them after the ceremony, give your loved ones a gentle reminder that sticking around, rather than wandering off to the bathroom or to grab a “quick cocktail” will ensure a much smoother and faster photo time so you can all get to mingling with your guests at cocktail hour! 

Pro-tip: Make an announcement at your rehearsal dinner that only immediate family photos will be taking place post-ceremony, and extended family during the reception. This way, aunts and cousins don’t automatically stay after your I do’s and create a crowd in the room that isn’t on the list. 

3)  Double check the list with both sets of parents 

Nothing is more awkward than successfully breezing through your entire family shot list, only to find that your mom has told people to stay behind who weren’t on the list.As the person who usually wrangles family together for the pictures- if I don’t have the names on my list, I’m not able to call out combinations and get those extra people organized! This tip is short and sweet: Be sure both sets of parents are aware of your shot list and enlist them to help spread the word to all the family members as to when they’ll be grabbing a picture with you: pre-ceremony, post-ceremony or during reception! 

Bonus: It’ll make mom and dad happy to know you’re keeping the pictures they want in mind too :) 

There you have it! My three BEST tips on streamlining family photos so that you can get frame worthy portraits in an efficient and stress free way. By keeping post-ceremony groupings to a minimum, creating a plan, and looping in your families to the plan- you’ll be celebrating your newlywed status at cocktail hour before you know it! 

So: Start prepping your family NOW for the wedding day and create a plan of action! And to our clients, just remember: we’re ALWAYS here to lend a helping hand. Can’t wait! 

Ashley

PS- If you need more wedding planning tips, why not check out 5 tips to make mis-matched bridesmaids dresses work?

5 ways to make mismatched bridesmaids dresses work

Because of my background working in bridal salons, people ask me often “How can I make mismatched bridesmaids dresses work”? 

The truth is- there are MANY different options to the mismatched route! I’ll detail some choices and examples for you below so you can make sure you have mismatched maids done right on your wedding day!

1)  You choose the designer and color(s), and your bridesmaids choose a neckline

This option is usually done through a retail store for bridesmaids dresses, such as Bella Bridesmaids or a bridal shop that carries maids as well. With this choice, you (the bride) would choose the dress color, fabric, and overall style. Then, based on body shape and comfort level, your bridesmaids can each choose a different neckline!

2) Everyone chooses their own dress in the same fabric and length

This option works really well for basic colors like black or navy. That said, this Mustique Island bride decided to let her maids choose “any long chiffon dress in any shade of blue” and I have to say it actually worked out really well! 

3)  Everyone chooses their own dress within a wide theme

I would say this is happening more and more and tends to end up looking pretty amazing if your maids have great taste. With this choice, it’s fun to give your bridesmaids a mood board or even a few paint sample cards to get an idea of color and style you prefer. After that- it’s up to them! This results in a mix of textures, colors, and styles, and can have a pretty cool effect!

4)  Everyone chooses their own dress in one color

With this choice, you can give your bridesmaids a color, but they’ll get to choose any fabric and style. This tends to work well with neutral colors: Champagne, navy, black, or grey.

5)   You assign your bridesmaids different dresses to create an ombre or more controlled look

This is the option for the bride who likes to have a bit more control over the bridesmaids situation! With this choice, you can go for the mis-matched look, yet fully dictate what each girl wears so you create an exact vision. A girlfriend of mine did this a few years ago and I actually loved it! She kept in mind colors and styles that would flatter each of us, and the dresses looked amazing together.

No matter which option you choose, we’re forever a fan of the mismatched bridesmaid trend! Follow us on instagram to get even more bridesmaid inspiration at @justindemutiis!

Happy Planning!

Ashley

PS- Want more wedding day planning tips? Take a look at our top ten wedding day bouquet blogs right here!

3 at home date night ideas

Are you and your partner feeling a little cooped up during this quarantine? I know for Justin and I, the days are starting to get a little monotonous… and that’s the last thing we want to feel in our relationship! We decided to commit to an in-home date night every week to help bring a little fun back into life, even in the midst of this pandemic.

Read about our three favorites below!

1)   Album and takeout night

This date night was a life-saver for us. Honestly, I’ve been feeling pretty sad the last few weeks. I’m grieving for our brides and grooms postponing events, I’m feeling for so many that are sick or have a loved one who is, and for all the business owners out there who are struggling. There’s so much running through my mind each day, and I really needed a happy distraction!

Re-living our wedding day was just the ticket. It was nice to forget about all the problems for an evening and be able to look back on the happiest day! Flipping through our album together is always so sweet- I get misty every time we do it because I know I’m holding something we’re going to have for decades…. some day we’ll flip through it with our kids! Ah- I could cry right now.  If you aren’t married yet, I highly suggest flipping through past photos you’ve taken together or your engagement session album instead :)

We also watched our wedding video from Voila Cinematic, and ordered Chinese food we paired with some white wine. The perfect romantic night to reminisce on happier times.

2)   Cooking class night

Who needs live cooking classes when you can find them online?! ;) This was actually a super fun night for us. We cracked open a bottle of wine and put on our aprons and tried an online recipe from @chef.joe.sasto. (Any other top chef fans out there?!) He’s got a bunch saved on his story highlights! We had the best time. It was so fun to try a new recipe together and take our minds off any stress. And of course, it was delish, so that was a huge plus!

3)    Blanket fort and movie night

When things are worrisome, there’s no better time to bring out your inner kid,  blanket fort style. We whipped out all of our extra sheets and went to town on the living room! Then we rented a movie, popped some popcorn and relaxed on the living room floor. It was so needed and the perfect in home date night!

There you have it! Three in home date nights. I hope you and your partner will be able to try at least one of these to get your date on even indoors! Do you have other in home dates you like? Send me a DM over on instagram- I love to hear other date night ideas.

Happy planning!

Ashley

PS- If you’re wanting to get inspired by some of our favorite date nights to do AFTER to quarantine is over, click here!

5 reasons to consider a first look

Ah, the question every one of our wedding clients seems to ask: “Should I do a first look?” And as much as I wish I could give you a magical answer, it’s just not possible!  

 The decision to do a first look or wait for the “aisle moment” has to be a personal call- and I’d never be able to tell someone which is the best fit for them. What I CAN do, however, is speak to my own experience- and I pray our thoughts will help you in deciding for yourself!

 When Justin and I were engaged, I was team “aisle moment”, and he was team “first look”. Spoiler (if you couldn’t tell by the title): We did a first look. So, when you read these tips, you can do so with an open mind knowing I myself was converted into a first look fan! Below I’m giving you my five top reasons you should consider a first look:

1)   You get to enjoy more time with your fiancé

I’m bringing ya this one first because honestly, it’s far and above the most important reason I converted to a first look! 

During our engagement, I was counting the seconds until our wedding! I could hardly wait to talk to Justin about my dress, to see him all spiffed up, and to give him a huge hug and kiss on our WEDDING DAY! I realized without a first look, I wasn’t going to be seeing Justin until 5:00pm…. Basically I was spending 9 hours of our wedding day without him. When I thought about it like this, a first look was a no brainer! The day was about US, so I wanted an US for every moment possible! 

Our first look allowed us to spend several hours together with each other, our families (because we did family photos before the ceremony), and our friends (just hanging out before the I do’s!). These hours were some of the most precious of the entire day, and looking back, I wouldn’t trade them for anything.

2)   It calms the nerves

The thought of walking down the aisle all dressed up with 85 people looking made both Justin and I a little nervous. But no matter what life throws at us, being with Justin can instantly make me calm…. Something about having my person by my side makes everything ok! Do you feel like this with your own fiancé too?  If so, it could be beneficial to consider a first look.

Doing our first look helped me feel so much more at ease walking down that aisle. In addition, it really took the pressure off Justin! There’s this whole “ Is he going to cry?” moment that hangs in the air at every wedding, and Justin could just process the ceremony without overthinking anything because he’d already been with me all afternoon!  

3)    More time with friends and family at cocktail hour

Our friends and family traveled near and far to be with us in the mountains of Georgia, and the last thing I wanted was to miss an hour of partying with them! If Justin and I hadn’t done a first look, our cocktail hour would have been spent taking pictures with family and each other. While I loved our portrait time, I’m so glad we were able to do it prior to our ceremony so we could spend more quality time with our nearest and dearest!

4)   You’ll feel your emotions more deeply

Have you ever heard a bride say “you better cry or I’m turning around!” jokingly to her groom? Honestly, I probably said it during our engagement too. But truth be told- this was so much pressure for Justin. He’s not a very emotional guy- so why would it be ideal for him to actually let his walls down in front of 85 people?

During our first look, it was just Justin and me, our photographer, and our videographer (both of whom stood back quite a bit). It was private, personal, and one of the most unforgettable moments of my life. I wasn’t distracted by ceremony music, or looking out at a crowd, or anything else. It was just the two of us!

(And yes, he cried. No, I don’t think he would have if we waited for the aisle moment!)  

5)   You’ll have more time and light for wedding portraits 

One big goal on our wedding day was relaxation. We never wanted to feel forced, or rushed, or stressed! Doing portraits before the ceremony was amazing because our photographer got to take his time and capture some epic portraits. He didn’t have to worry about the sun setting, or squeezing every picture into an hour, etc. He got to do what he did best in a location that was amazing because we had the time!

While I can’t give you the magic answer for if you should have a first look, I hope my own experience can help you process your own thoughts on the choice! No matter which option you choose, the moment you see your future spouse is sure to be a magical one.

Happy Planning!

Ashley

PS- If you’re loving the wedding inspiration you found here, you might like these ideas for a wedding day exit!

Ending the blog with an image from our very own first look. Remembering this moment makes me cry!

Top 10 Wedding Day Hairstyles

The wedding planning question every bride faces: How should I do my hair?!

There endless options available when it comes to wedding hair- from your wedding hair accessories, to your color... and every person you ask seems to have a different opinion. It’s why we’re coming at you today with ten of our all time favorite wedding day hairstyles – and WHY they’re our favorites! Scroll on to get some wedding day hairstyle inspiration.

1. For the bride who wants CLASSIC

When it comes to wedding hairstyles, you can NEVER go wrong with a classic bun. I love that Katie chose this hairstyle for her medium length dirty blonde hair, because having a lot of timeless elements in her wedding was important to her. I don’t think there’s any style more classic than this! She also loved that her wedding gown had an open back, and knew if she left her hair down that detail might be less pronounced. 

2. For the bride who wants to SHOW THE GOWN

Sheena has one of my all time FAVORITE wedding hairstyles for a gal who wants to show off her wedding gown. The beauty of pulling your hair off to the side is that you still show the back of your dress, but you get all the perks of keeping your hair long and curly. This hairstyle works for a dress weather it’s strapless, long sleeved, or strappy. Even if your hair blocks one side of the gown, you see all the intricate details on the other! I also love the way she pinned her long bangs to the side to keep the top of her hair sleek and classic.

3. For the bride who wants to be MODEST

Beautiful Renee knew just what she wanted for her wedding day hairstyle! She worried a little that her wedding gown was a bit too open in the neckline, so having her medium length curls cascade around her shoulders added a little more coverage to her dress. She also knew her wedding hairpiece, a greenery crown, would be better complimented with more visible hair- so it was a win win! 

4. For the bride who wants to showcase SHORT HAIR

With her chic signature bob, Jess knew she didn’t have a ton of options when it came to her wedding day hairstyle. I love that she added a twist and spring of florals by her ear to give the illusion of more fullness while still maintaining her sleek look! I think this was the perfect way to glam up her classic style. 

5. For the bride who wants to HIGHLIGHT THE VEIL

Alison’s wedding hair was the ideal look for her! By choosing to put some fullness at the crown of her head, she was able to really accentuate her hair vine and simple veil. Added bonus- by only putting some loose curls in the front of her style, you also got to admire the strappy back of her wedding gown! 

6. For the bride who wants TEXTURED, NOT MESSY

Chelsea absolutely nailed her wedding day hair. She had a very elegant wedding, so her gown and hair were no different. She wanted a classic bun without feeling slicked back, and that’s exactly what she got! By curling her bangs and the top layers of her hair, she was able to pin them back to create texture that led into her timeless low updo.

7. For the bride who wants a BEACHY UPDO

Shannon knew she wanted a way to show off the lace on her wedding gown while also maintaining a relaxed look that would fit with the beach-and she got it spot on. By layering braids in her hair instead of opting for a simple bun, it truly felt like a beach wedding. I also love that she left a few free flowing curls framing her face- her hair still moved with the breeze and made for the dreamiest sunset photos! 

 8. For the bride who wants to show off her FLOWERCROWN

Tricia knew her wedding day look was ALL about the flower crown, so she planned half up half down hair to accentuate the beautiful roses framing her face. The look of her wedding was very english garden meets boho, and I can’t imagine a more perfect hairstyle for the occasion.

9. For the bride who wants a CHIC UPDO

Tiffany works in fashion, and her entire wedding was very chic! Her hair was no different- she wanted the focus to be on her ruffled Hayley Paige gown made from striped organza- her sleek high bun allowed the full focus to be on her style without the distraction of ton of curls or poof. 

10. For the bride who wants CHIC AND DOWN

Last but not least- gorgeous Natalie. With her all white wedding and sleek crepe Oscar De La Renta gown, Natalie knew she had to keep her hair sleek and simple. Because she didn’t opt for a veil, she added a bit more teased fullness to the back of her hair and kept her bangs smooth and tucked back. This hairstyle was absolutely true to her personality and style! 

There you have it- ten of our all time favorite wedding day hairstyles! I hope you found this helpful and you’re inspired now to select your own wedding day hairstyle! Pro tip- ALWAYS do a hair trial before your wedding day to make sure you really love it on yourself, and not just in a photo. Looking for more top ten wedding inspiration? Why not check our ten favorite wedding day bouquets by clicking here! 

The Ten Best Wedding Day Bouquets

The wedding day bouquet is such an important accessory that every bride must choose, and it can feel daunting! The options are endless, and there are also some questions to keep in mind- Is it winter, spring, summer, or fall? Do you want manicured, or wild? Simple, or extravagant?

We wanted to put together a list of our top ten bouquets of all time to hopefully provide you with some inspiration and get your wheels turning on what to choose- so keep on scrolling! 

 1) Cecelia’s round bouquet had to make the list, because it feels so elegant and timeless! This peony and greenery bouquet could truly fit any season, and the all white flowers are chic and simple. This winter wedding arrangement was the perfect accessory for her long sleeved lace wedding gown.

Florals: The Potting Shed

2) If you are looking for a colorful and springy look- search no further than Kristin’s crescent shaped bridal bouquet! The varying shades of peach, pink, and yellow peonies with roses accented by touches of greenery was eye-catching and smelled divine.

Florals and planning- Ashton Events

3) Jessica’s spring bouquet had to make this list because it’s one of our favorite hand tied yet classic arrangements. She kept it traditional with white roses and ranunculus nestled among springs of bright greenery to achieve this soft and feminine feel.

Planning: Tracie Domino  Florals: MMD events

4) Emma’s posy style tropical bouquet will forever be a favorite! This colorful and vibrant mix of coral, orchids, and pink and purple roses achieved the perfect accessory for her summertime beach wedding. This multicolored beauty was truly spectacular!

Florals: Boca by Design

5) Anna Lee chose a timeless and traditional tear drop style bouquet with tones of white, ivory and blush peonies and roses. This bouquet was simple, well made, and so lovely. You could truly carry this bouquet in any season!

Planning and Florals: Rachelle Youd

6) Caroline’s natural bouquet was a perfectly wild mix of roses, greenery, and deep purple accents that gave a stylish pop among her classic wedding details. It achieved that perfect hand-picked look without feeling too rustic!

Planning: Tracie Domino Florals: MMD

7) Skye’s crescent shaped bright bouquet was an eye-catching mix of bright pinks and reds accented with tropical greenery. These roses would be the perfect blend to carry for a spring or summer wedding!

Planning: Theresa Nicole Events Florals: Botanica

8) Maggie’s cascading white orchid bouquet was simply breathtaking. These hand-arranged blooms were the perfect compliment to her simple strapless wedding gown, and nodded to the tropical vibe of her outdoor wedding. This bouquet was truly a statement piece!

Florals: Botanica

9) Katie chose a round yet whimsical arrangement for her spring wedding! This seasonal mix of coral, pink, and white ranunculus and roses with touches of vine-y greenery felt like it was elegantly arranged straight from a garden.

Planning: Tres Chic Southern Weddings Florals: Greenery Productions

10) Tristan’s Hand Tied fall wedding day bouquet was bold and creative. Tons of lush greenery mixed with deep burgundy, white, and pink roses looked magnificent with her classic wedding gown. This unforgettable bouquet will always be a favorite!

Planning: NK Productions Florals: Victoria blooms

We hope you’ve felt inspired by these beautiful blooms and are ready to take on your own wedding day bouquet!If you’d like to see more florals from Maggie’s (Number 8!) outdoor wedding, check out her full wedding day feature here.

Lilly Pulitzer Themed Bachelorette (or bridal shower) weekend!

We’re here to give you proof that Lilly Pulitzer does not go out of style!

Due to the popularity of any and every Pinterest pin we seem to post from this shoot (if you don’t follow us, check out our Pinterest profile here) , we’ve decided to re-blog a favorite past photo shoot of ours!

Whitney, the owner of Tres Chic Weddings, approached us with this Lilly Pulitzer inspired bachelorette weekend that would take place at The Don Cesar beach resort (it would also be such a unique, colorful, and tropical bridal shower theme!) and we needed no convincing. See some of our favorite shots from this shoot below! 

See the original feature on brides.com here.

Hope you enjoyed re-living the details on this throwback shoot as much as we did! For more beachy inspiration, why not check out Eric and Nicole's wedding on the private island of Mustique?! Click here to see more! 

Venue: Don Cesar | Planning: Whitney with Tres Chic | Florals: FH Weddings | Linens: Wildflower Linens | Stationary: Sprinkles Design | Dishes: Dishie Rentals | Paper Flowers: Katie Franklin | Hair and Makeup: Destiny and Light | Cookies: Cookie Cousins