So I used to be pretty wholly against this idea. I’m a traditionalist and for a very long time my notion that the groom should see the bride for the first time as she makes her way down the aisle was pretty set in stone. The groom in no way shape or form should see his bride before that sacred moment. But times they are a changin’… and so are my views on this. Mostly, I blame all of the amazing photographers who have documented this in the last year or so. There’s something magical in that very first look. A moment between only two people without all of the eyes of a roomful of guests. A moment that’s yours and yours alone. That moment where the bride just reaches out and touches her groom’s shoulder and he turns around…

It’s magic.
See for yourself…

Laura and Mark’s first look…

Photo Courtesy of Randi Voss

Photo Courtesy of Randi Voss

Photo Courtesy of Randi Voss

Alison and Paul…

Photo Courtesy of Randi Voss

Photo courtesy of Randi Voss

Jessi & Benjamin…

Photo Courtesy of Randi Voss

Photo Courtesy of Randi Voss

What do you think?

Have I mentioned that I LOVE wedding photography, and really good wedding photography blows my mind. In some previous life I think this was my destiny, so I make it my business to meet and greet as many wonderful photographers as I can. These days wedding photographers have so much more to offer than your standard church photos, and the latest trend is seriously hot.

Boudoir photos are the hottest trend in wedding photography. Think sexpot, pin-up, Moulin Rouge… whatever you envision, wedding photographers are bringing it to life.

Personally, I think this is an amazing addition to your world ladies! I think every girl should bring that sexy back for herself, and her hubby. Whether it’s a single shot as a pre-wedding gift for your soon-to-be husband or an artistic book of sexy photos for  your first anniversary, this is a gift he definitely won’t forget.

Randi Voss, one of my favorite and totally talented wedding photographers started offering up Boudoir Sessions to bride’s and works with each individual client to create exactly what she’s looking for in the session.

“Beforehand, I take the time to send the model some clothing suggestions or talk with her on the phone about what she wants and expects from the session.” Randi said. She also recommends hair & makeup for the session to make sure the “I feel pretty” effect really comes through in the photos. Who doesn’t want to get all dolled up for a little sexpot session? I mean. Let’s be honest. Even if you aren’t the kind of girl who flirts with an above the knee hemline from time to time, these photos are for you and your hubby’s eyes only, not for your downstairs powder room, so there’s nothing to blush at.

When you’re looking for a photographer to “step out of the box with,” make sure that you feel comfortable with them. If you don’t, it’s definitely going to show.

“I ask her what she wants me to focus on (and what she wants me to hide.)  The sessions are always a little rocky for the first 10 minutes.  You never know how comfortable someone is going to be in this situation.  After the first few shots, I’ll show my model an image on my camera’s LCD screen so she can make any adjustments she wants.  Then, smooth sailing.” said Randi.

The other great thing about Randi. She opts out of Photoshop on these shots. She believes that true beauty doesn’t come with point and click photoshop, so why should these images. I love this actually. While I think some people would be all for “hiding” whatever your least favorite parts about you are, the truth is, your guy is marrying you for all of you, not the photo shopped version of you. So relax, strip down to your skivvies and ENJOY it and it will make for some super hot, and super fun photos.

Here are a few sample shots from Randi. Special thanks to these BEAUTIFUL brides-to-be for sharing their sessions with us! For more information on what to expect from a Boudoir session check out The Knot’s take on this sexy new trend.

Here are some beautiful photos that the Future Mrs. H from Think Happy Thoughts sent over of her and her soon-to-be hubby. The photos are from the seriously talented Brandon and Susan Cook of Addilay Photography. AMAZING. Enjoy! And check out the future Mrs. H’s blog here. Of course when the soon-to-be Mrs. H ties the knot we’ll get you an update and plenty of beautiful photos to go with it! Enjoy!

Ohhhh… there’s something magical about a Brooklyn Bride. This wedding comes to us from the fabulous, fabulous photographer Cindy Johnson. (She photographed Rocco & Larah’s wedding in paradise) Her work is perfection. She captures details and moments that couples must be so happy to frame forever… This wedding is proof that when the weather doesn’t agree, something wonderful can come out of it! 

From the bride… “Brooklyn is a very special place for us. I met my husband there at a bar in 2005. We also got engaged on the Brooklyn Promenade overlooking the Manhattan Skyline, and shared our first apartment there together. My mother’s family also hails from Brooklyn.  In fact, my maternal grandparents had their first date at the Brooklyn Academy of Music. So naturally we chose to get married at the River Café which is a beautiful restaurant in DUMBO located right under the Brooklyn Bridge. We got married on the deck outside the Terrace room with the Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan as the backdrop.” 

Proof. That rain on your wedding day can look be beautiful and magical.

From the bride… “Our wedding was very small so we tried to personalize it as much as possible. We wrote our own vows, personal messages to each other, and most of the ceremony.  My mother and I designed the Brooklyn themed table cards and our favors were chocolate cookies shaped like the Brooklyn Bridge.  A close family friend of ours who owns a flower and garden store in Connecticut did our flowers, and a close friend of mine, accompanied by a guitarist sang our first dance song and during the ceremony. ” 

From the bride… “We had decent weather for the outdoor ceremony but then there were torrential downpours for the rest of the day.  At first I was sad because our outdoor photo shoot around DUMBO was canceled. However, the rain turned out to be the best thing that could have happened to us because we had the idea to take pictures in the subway instead.  It was very wet and kind of a mess but we had a blast. People taking the subway were so shocked to see us there.  They thought we were shooting for a magazine or something. We were laughing the entire time and have received so many compliments on the pictures.”  

From the bride on her photographer… “Our photographer, Cindy Johnson was so terrific for agreeing to brave the rain-drenched subway with us. She was so energetic and fun to have around and the pictures came out beautifully. ” 

I stumbled upon Nate and Jaclyn’s amazing images by accident. Then… I couldn’t get enough.

I’ve said this before, but I”ll say it again. Photography for your wedding…definitely worth investing in. And take a browse on this site and around the lovely little Internet to see what your photos SHOULD look like. You don’t just want the boring, standard posed photos. I mean they’re necessary but so don’t capture the whole day the way it needs to be captured.
Your pictures are forever, and they should be unique, inviting, inspiring and completely and totally you.

Nate and Jaclyn of the Image is Found Photography are based in Oceanside, California. I adore their work, AND that wonderful photo at the top of Wedding Belles Online is theirs! Check out their blog with some pretty awesome and exciting pics, and a full gallery of their wedding work here.

Continuing with our photographer features, Tommy Brown is a hilarious and eclectic photographer in upstate New York who takes AMAZING photos. His collection is quirky and imaginative while still being real and totally memorable. Below are some of my favorites of his!

For those of you who don’t know, Christopher Record is one of my favorite southern photographers! His work is really, truly special and his photographs are incredible. His site has moved and his work is now available on wordpress, with the rest of us!  Below… some of my favorites from this Carolina photographer.