Happily Ever After

Although I have only been a wedding photographer for a couple of years, people who have known me for a long time know that my relationship with the wedding business goes way back. I fell in love with the bridal industry at the tender age of nineteen, when I landed a summer job as a sales consultant at a local bridal shop. From my very first day there, I knew that I had found something that made me feel more "me" than I had ever felt before. I thrived on helping brides find their perfect wedding gown, thrilled at designing window displays, and got giddy over taking part in choosing stock orders. I went on to work in four other bridal shops, one of them being a store that I co-owned with my aunt. At times it could be a very trying, emotional career, but I can truly say that every day I felt incredibly lucky to be even a small part of the most special day of people's lives.

It's been over a dozen years since I started on that path in the wedding world, and I am happy to say that my path has now evolved into being the photographer, the capturer of memories, for many couples on their wedding day. I still feel as much of a thrill when I hear from a new bride via email as I used to feel when a bride walked into the door of whatever shop I was working in at the time. I get excited when I meet with a client and we start discussing the special details of the wedding being planned. I get butterflies in my stomach the night before I shoot a wedding, and I have an adrenaline rush while the bride gets into her gown and I'm snapping away. Words cannot begin to express how thankful I am to have found a career that I love so very much.

So it is with great excitement that I announce that I am creating a new, bridal-focused photography business called Ever After. I will still be doing portraits and lifestyle sessions under the Sweet Events name, but all weddings/engagements/boudoir and beauty sessions will be under the new Ever After business. I debated over this decision for a long time, but I really want to create a brand and a focus that reflects my deep love for all things bridal. When I started Sweet Events, all I knew was that I wanted to be a photographer, and I was eager to get started. I've learned a lot along the way, and one of the most important things I have learned is that my work really shines when I let myself just be "me". And who is that "me"? Well, I'm a fairy-tale loving girl at heart, who just loves to be involved in weddings. If I lived in a more metropolitan area, I'd probably add wedding planner permanently to my resume as well. I'm detail-oriented, creative, and I thrive on the energy of other people. All this adds up to creating this new business, Ever After, so that I can fulfill my dream of having a successful photography studio in a rural area, and so I can put "me" out there for the world to see. 

My new website is still under construction, and I'll have a big unveiling when that is finished (be prepared for a stunning new logo custom designed by the amazing Jenny Woodward of NYC!). But for now, I hope you'll be happy with a few images from my recent Fairy Tale Photo shoot, designed and executed by me, assisted by the incredible Kerri Oakes of Simply Planned. I had so much support along the way from local vendors, and I can't thank them enough for participating in this dream photo session. My gorgeous model was my friend Rachael Anne, and I think she embodied everything you could expect from a fairy tale princess bride. Her hair was done by Tierney Routhier of the new Granite City Styles in Barre, and her gown and accessories came from K's Bridal and Formal Wear (the gown is "Belle" by Alfred Angelo for Disney Fairy Tale Weddings). That stunning peony bouquet was designed and made by Christina of The Pretty Petal - I was so in love with that bouquet! The adorable (and delicious!) cake was made by Maureen's Sweet Treats of Barre, and the table and gold Chiavari chairs came from Rain or Shine Events in Randolph. Our fairy tale location was The Lodge at Millstone Hill in East Barre - a hidden gem of a wedding location for sure! All of the styled elements came from me (such as the "ever after" banners on the chairs, the cake stand and cake toppers, and the vintage books) and from Kerri (such as the antique goblets and cake server). 

This special photo shoot was a dream come true for me, and I really hope to do many more in the future. The most exciting part of all, though?! Vermont Bride has chosen to feature some of my images from the session in their upcoming July Look Book! I am over the moon, and I could not have done it without the help from all the fabulous vendors and friends listed above. So without further ado, here is a little sneak preview of some of the images...

Keep checking back, I will certainly be letting everyone know when the new website is live, and when the full session is feature in Vermont Bride! And if you want to be one of the first to book an Ever After wedding, email me at everafterweddingsvt@gmail.com!

Jordy and Alton - Married!

Young and in love. These two are just as sweet as a couple can possibly get, and I feel so lucky to have captured their wedding day. It was a whirlwind weekend for them, as they had their wedding on Friday, then Alton graduated from Norwich University on Saturday, commissioned as an officer in the Navy on Sunday, and then Monday Alton and Jordy had to part ways to their separate bases. They squeezed a whole lotta love into that weekend though, and it comes through in the photos.

Even though I only met Jordy and Alton the week of the wedding, as the wedding day unfolded I felt like I had a firm grasp of who they are as a couple. They incorporated some very special elements into their day that speak volumes about their spirit and love for each other. And these little details are what truly make for a spectacular and memorable wedding day.

Before the ceremony even began, I got a glimpse into Jordy and Alton's mutual generosity as well as their fun-loving natures. Alton sent a gift over to Jordy via his sister Dawn, as he was getting ready in one part of the church and Jordy was getting ready in another room in the back. Her face lit up as she opened the box, and she gave me the story behind the bracelet and charm that was inside.

Apparently when Alton asked Jordy's parents for her hand, Jordy's mom jokingly asked him if he was presenting a dowry. So, Alton purchased a goat from Heifer International to be donated in their names to a family in need. Hence the goat charm on Jordy's wedding-day bracelet. How incredibly adorable and sweet is that?!

Besides the fact that it is a gorgeous church, it was also special that Jordy and Alton said their vows at Hedding Church since that is where they both volunteered every Friday night during college in the soup kitchen. The reverend knows them both well, and the ceremony was incredibly special and touching. Before their vows, they repeated some lines from a verse called "These Are the Hands". Those are the moments when I am so glad I have a big old camera to hide behind, as I undoubtedly get teary during every wedding ceremony I attend.

It's hard for me to narrow down my absolute favorite part of a wedding day, but I do have to say that the vows are right up there on the top of my list. You can always see the love and beautiful promise of the years ahead of a couple during the vows. It is a blessing to be able to capture it, and I treasure these images among my most favorite of every wedding that I photograph.

Another part of the wedding day that I really love is when I get a little bit of time with the couple by themselves to do some formal/fun portraits. We had been keeping an eye on the the weather, as the forecast called for rain during the afternoon. Luckily the rain didn't fall, and cloudy skies were perfect lighting for the portraits. We got a few shots in the park across the street from the church, then headed to the lodge for the reception. We quickly got some portraits on the golf course before the couple had to head inside for introductions, and Jordy had brought along a giant checkerboard she was hoping to use for some photos. They didn't have time for a real game, but it was nice for them to be able to sit and relax together for a few minutes before they had to be back in the spotlight at their reception.

As the photographer, it is often the case that you take a quick twenty-minute break during dinner to eat a few bites quickly in a back room or corner. At that point, I am usually famished and lagging, and that little break makes a big difference in upping my energy for the reception. I was incredibly lucky at Jordy and Alton's reception to be invited and welcomed at the bride's family table during dinner, and I can't even begin to explain how much fun I had sitting and talking with her grandmother! The whole family was so warm and talkative and my assistant Kerri and I had a great time sitting with them. (By the way, having Kerri help me at this wedding was AMAZING!)

Another incredibly special touch at their wedding was Jordy's surprise groom's cake for Alton. Apparently before they even started dating, the two of them would play the game Plants vs. Zombies together. Jordy had their baker make a themed cake with characters and details from the game. Amazing!!!

Jordy also surprised Alton by having a friend bring a whole bunch of sparklers to the reception for a neat little photo-op. The DJ called for everyone to follow the couple outside and we got some shots with everyone lined up with their sparklers and the newlyweds in the middle. Pure magic. I highly recommend doing this at your reception, it makes for some really special photos.

Oh, and one last detail to note: check out the bride's boots. She opted against heels and went with her super-fab, perfectly broken-in cowboy boots instead.

Congratulations to Jordy and Alton - I know the two of you are far apart from each other right now, and I really hope that these photos help bring back some of the special moments of your beautiful wedding day.

Karin and Matt - Engagement

Ahhhh, wedding season. It's finally here, after months of cold and bleak weather when hardly anyone wants to get married. Now that the green grass has arrived and we have lots more sunshine, it is the perfect opportunity for photo sessions, and I had the pleasure of meeting up with engaged couple Karin and Matt at their new home for an outdoor shoot.

This couple is adorable, seriously. You can tell just by watching them that they are so in love and cannot wait for their wedding. I can't wait either! From the sound of it, the reception is going to be a rollicking party, and I get to be the lucky one who captures it all. Not that I want to rush this summer by at all, but I do truly look forward to taking more beautiful images of this couple on their wedding day in October.

Now, without further ado, here are some of my favorites from their engagement session:

Congratulations again, Karin and Matt, enjoy the next few months of planning!

Giant Balloons

For a very long time now, I have been wanting to do a session with some oversized balloons. I tried to find some last year for my daughter's birthday party, but the party store where I went didn't carry them. So when I made a trip down to Massachusetts last weekend to see my best friend Kara and take photos of her daughter Hazel, I was excited that she wanted balloon pics. Little did we know what a debacle getting the balloons would be!

Kara called me when I was driving - not even one of the balloons would fit in her mother's car. We (wrongly) assumed that 36" balloons meant a thirty-six inch circumference when in fact it was a thirty-six inch diameter. These monsters were huge. In fact, one of them exploded in poor Kara's face when she attempted to pick them up. Luckily, the people at the party store were kind enough to give her another, and this time Kara watched like a hawk to make sure they didn't blow it up the whole way. By some miracle, she got this smaller balloon into her mother's car, and waited for me to get there with my minivan to fit in the others.

After folding down the bench seat in my van, and also discovering that one of the side doors opens wider than the other, we managed to wrangle the balloons in and get them back to her mom's house. It was well worth the hassle, though. The balloons looked fabulous and Hazel was fascinated by them!

If you are interested in booking your own giant balloon portrait session, contact me at sweeteventsvt@gmail.com!

Capturing Memories

One of my long-term goals is to have my own studio, but I do very much enjoy going to a client's home to do sessions in the meantime. The moment I walk in the door of someone's home, I get a good impression of who they are "in real life". We tend to create a space that reflects our personalities in our homes, from the colors we choose to decorate in, to the style of our furniture, to the art and photographs that hang on our walls. People tend to be more comfortable in their own surroundings as well, making it much easier to get them to relax and get natural shots.

I was lucky enough to visit some clients who recently had their second baby and wanted some photos of the baby girl and some sibling shots with her big brother. After moving some "baby stuff" around in the living room, I got a few images of baby Torah next to a window and then brought in big brother Aiden (with a little coaxing involving M&Ms, a very important tool in the photographer's arsenal). We then moved upstairs so Aiden could show me his big boy bedroom, as well as get some photos of Torah in her sweet nursery that her mama worked so hard to put together.

Of course, part of the beauty of doing an at-home session is that you get real life moments. People, especially children, don't always look perfectly put-together and posed and smiley. That's something I truly love about my job - I make it a point to capture real memories as well as those greeting-card-ready portraits.

We got Aiden to sit on the bed with his baby sister, and I was hoping for one of those "awwwwww" moments you sometimes get when an older sibling gives the new baby a kiss on the cheek. But, being real life, little Torah decided to cry instead, prompting quite the concerned look from big brother. And even though it wasn't the shot I had planned in my head, I still love how true and real it is.

I always go back to these images, both in photos I take for clients and shots I do at home, and they are more often than not my favorites. I love that, years from now, someone can look at these photos and know exactly what life was like in that moment for that family. As adorable as a baby is all pink and smiling and dressed up in a perfectly coordinating outfit - and believe me, I am all for those photos as well - it is these candid images that pull at my heart and keep me loving what I do. 

Most especially, I love catching shots like this next one of baby Torah's tiny little feet. Babies really do grow so quickly, and it is the little details you want to treasure. Plus, there's just something about baby toes. I just love them!

If you love these types of images as much as I do, don't forget to book a Lifestyle session with me during the month of April for a special deal!

Why Go With a Pro?

Every couple has a wedding budget. Some budgets are big, some are quite small, and a very select few are unlimited. When my husband and I got married, our budget was VERY small. We had the epitome of a DIY wedding, long before DIY weddings were the "it" thing, and sadly, before Pinterest was around to help. My maid of honor did my hair, my bridesmaids and I spent the night before the wedding putting together all of the flowers, my aunt made our ringbearer pillow, and our grandmothers made homemade cookies as our favors. A "real" wedding photographer was beyond our budget, or at least that is what I thought. Looking back, I am sure that I could have cut even more corners to fit professional wedding photography into our day, and I would have been a lot happier in the end. Maybe we could have eliminated our open bar signature drinks. Instead of flowers on the tables, we could have gone with candles. I could have even reached out to a photographer to see if I could work out a payment plan.

Lots of "shoulda, coulda, wouldas". No matter now, but as I think back to my own wedding planning I realize there was a lot I didn't know, and if my knowledge can save another bride the heartache of not being in love with her wedding images, I had better share that knowledge. Here are a couple of things I believed about wedding photography before I really understood what goes into it:

1. A "nice camera" is all you need. A professional-grade camera can make a heck of a lot of difference, sure. But a professional camera in the hands of someone who doesn't understand how to use it is like giving someone with no carpentry skills a router and a saw and expecting them to build fine furniture. Once I learned how to control my camera manually, how to adjust my exposure to get the results I wanted, it was like magic in my hands. I have full control over how my images turn out because I understand how my tools work. That is an important ingredient in finding a photographer who will capture your day in a way that you will treasure.

2. Anyone can take great pictures. I know I used to think that just because someone (even myself) had a DSLR camera, they could just look up ideas for photos online and get similar results. This goes hand-in-hand with number 1 up there - someone really needs to understand how an image was made, from posing to lighting to what lens is used to how to adjust their settings on their camera, to achieve amazing results. This especially applies to the really artistic, oft-pinned images on many wedding boards. An image of a bride in her gown in front of a window may seem like a simple photo to re-create, but I assure you that it's not. If there are really special shots that you want captured on your wedding day, make sure your photographer has the knowledge (and equipment!) to achieve them.

3. Wedding photographers charge too much. Oh, how I wish I could apologize to all the photographers out there that I thought this about. Prices vary widely among photographers, depending on location, skill level, and how big their studios are. But I'll tell you this: the great photographers who charge a lot (like my faves, Elizabeth Etienne and Jose Villa) have well earned the right to charge a lot. Professional photography equipment alone is very expensive, requires costly repairs and maintenance at times, as well as equipment insurance. Add in business insurance, a website, taxes, editing software, and not to mention the many hours spent editing, marketing, and shooting, and many photographers barely earn minimum wage.

4. All I want is all the photos on a disc. There are many "shoot and burn" photographers out there - people who spend eight hours at a wedding, don't edit the images, and burn all of them to a disc. They don't charge a lot, and may seem like a great idea to someone on a budget. Quantity over quality is definitely not a bonus when it comes to photography. After all, wouldn't you rather have a handful of swoon-worthy images hung on your wall at home than a box full of so-so photos that you hardly ever look at? Also, you might think that you'll use that disc to make prints of your wedding images, but many people rarely do that. Professional photographers work with at least one, if not more, professional printing labs as a way to assure quality paper, ink, and color matching.

5. Photography really isn't that important. Maybe this is true for you. Or maybe it's an easy way to justify putting extra money from your budget into other parts of the wedding. I get it. Like I said - I've been there. But the truth is, when the day is over, the photos are the most tangible way to remember every aspect of your wedding. From how you looked in your gorgeous gown, to the color palette you agonized over, to the look on your groom's face as you walked down the aisle, professional photographs are what capture all of that for you to treasure forever.

Please understand, I'm not trying to knock amateur photographers at all! We all start somewhere, and it was because I had wonderful friends with full confidence in my abilities that I broke into this business. I just want to present some facts that I've learned along the way that might help you make your decision to hire a pro for your own wedding images.

Finally, don't ever be afraid to ask a photographer (or another vendor for that matter) if they are willing to work within your budget. Often you will learn about a special discount or a payment plan that will bring their price within reach. I know I am always willing to work with someone who truly admires my work and has a tight budget. For more information about booking your Sweet Events wedding, click here.

Best of luck in your wedding planning!
-Elysha

Ribbon Cutting for K's Bridal

I was so sad last year to learn that Barre would no longer have a bridal shop. A bridal shop is where I started my long journey and career in the wedding industry, and locally-owned small boutiques are where I always encourage brides to buy their gowns. So when I learned through Kerri of Simply Planned that a new bridal shop was going in downtown, I immediately reached out to the owners to offer help and any photography services they might need.

Kate and her mom Kathy decided to open K's Bridal and Formal Wear after Needleman's closed last year, which is where Kate used to work. They are in the same space that Needleman's used to be, although it is quite obvious as soon as you walk in that they have made some major improvements and renovations to the space. It is much more open now, and the newly-painted walls are fresh and bright. The lighting is great, perfect for brides to try on the dazzling array of gowns that K's Bridal offers. Kate and Kathy are really focusing on offering designers that are otherwise not available in Vermont, such as Alfred Angelo's Disney line as well as their Modern Vintage line, Sophia Tolli by Mon Cheri, and David Tutera's bridal gown line.

Bridal gowns are just one piece of what they are offering at K's Bridal. Tuxedo rentals, bridesmaid dresses, flower girl dresses, bridal accessories, prom gowns, and even a small gift section round out the selection nicely. They are stocking gowns in many different sizes and colors, and there are plenty of dressing rooms to accommodate whatever you might need to try on.

Kate told me that they plan on offering trunk shows in the future, which is a fun experience and a way to see the entire current collection of a designer's gowns. They have lots of gowns in stock already, but many more are on their way to the shop. I am sure that any bride in Central Vermont (and the rest of the state!) will be able to find just what she is looking for at K's Bridal!

I wish Kate and Kathy all the best in their endeavor and look forward to working with them on lots of future projects. Check out their store's website here, and show them some love on their Facebook page as well. Best of luck, ladies!