Michael & Michelle’s “Up” Inspired Engagement Shoot

Kat

October 27, 2010

Michael & Michelle are huge fans of the Disney movie 'Up' and so wanted to style their engagement session around it. They actually say that they saw a lot of themselves in the main characters of the film, who met when they were children, fell in love and then got married. They handmade all the props themselves including 'My Adventure Book' which they filled with scenes from the film as well as significant photographs from their time together as a couple.

Tamar & Jon’s “Hot Mess” Wedding

Kat

October 26, 2010

"Jon & I met in New York City, live in LA, and had our wedding in Toronto - where he grew up and I went to grad school," Tamah, the bride, began. "Our overall vision for the wedding was that it would be urban, comfortable, fun, and very "us". We love music and vintage stuff, so we definitely had some of that style infused but there are so many other weddings out there that are more "vintage" than ours. We're Rock 'n Roll and unique because instead of trying to unnaturally contort ourselves and our wedding into a neat little category, we accepted the fact that we're "all over the place" and went with it. That meant having some traditional elements - a chuppah, wedding party, sit-down dinner, and bouquet toss - with other details that had special meaning to us regardless on whether or not it conformed to a wedding norm." "If there was one thing I was adamant about, it was taking the subway to the wedding (I'm a transportation planner) and making it easy for our guests to our wedding using transit. So we picked a space right in the city that was only a couple of blocks from a busy subway station; even if it would be the only time in our lives that we "should" take a limo. Both Jon & I wore "flair" on our backpacks throughout high school and college so we designed some of our own for the wedding with the Toronto & NY skylines. There were video monitors throughout the venue, which are usually used for wedding slideshows. Feeling awkward about our faces being broadcast throughout the night, we instead screened Andy Warhol's "Screen Tests", which are beautiful and intriguing."

Cam & Candace’s Homespun Engagement Session

Kat

October 26, 2010

I'm posting less engagement shoots at the moment - not because I don't heart them, but because I literally have wedding submissions coming out of my ears! However I do still let a small number of e-sessions through, especially when they are as cute as Cam & Candace's. The shoot took place around the couple's home, in the neighborhood park and in an old building with a cool looking fire escape.

Jim & Katy’s DIY-Fabulous Whimsical Beach Themed Wedding

Kat

October 25, 2010

I hosted a very special offer from Willow Tree Photography a while ago for free wedding photography to any lucky 2010 couples who maybe hadn't planned to, or couldn't afford a professional photographer. While I got a bit of stick on certain photography forums (apparently I was encouraging newbie photographers to undercut the market...well, anyone who read the post I published on Saturday will know this is certainly not the case!) I am over the moon that through running this very special offer I, and photographer Kathryn, were able to offer some awesome couples without the budget to spend on photography, the chance to have professional wedding photographs.

“Rock n Revolution” – Behind the Scenes Exclusive

Kat

October 25, 2010

I didn't want to make a huge deal of this post because I don't want to bore you with more stuff surrounding my shoot in Paris...however it was incredible so maybe just one more little post about it?! First up, I must say a huge thank you to Love my Dress and The Wedding Chicks for both featuring some images from the shoot on their blogs. Also to every single one of you who commented, tweeted and emailed me to tell me how much you loved the shoot thank you SO MUCH! It really does mean the world to me that you all loved what we did.

A Sunday Kind of Love – Working Together, Rocking Out & Making Love Not War

Kat

October 24, 2010

When you run your own business it's incredibly easy to become fiercely competitive and secular without even knowing it. I've found that especially in the wedding industry there are so many of us trying our hardest to be successful that a lot of the time, it can all get rather bit bitchy and competitive. That sucks. I'm happy to say that although I've had my fair share of niggles with others in the same field as me in the past that I've come out the other side and brought a few of my favourite other bloggers (shock horror - shouldn't they be my competitors!?) along for the Rock n Roll ride. I'm happy and thrilled to call them my friends and colleagues

The Price of Wedding Photography & How Much Should I Expect to Spend?

Kat

Julia Boggio

October 23, 2010

This is a subject I have wanted to address on the blog for a while, but I'll be honest, I have been a little afraid of bringing it up. I need to make a few things clear first. ♥ I am a HUGE advocate of helping start up businesses. I often feature the work of brand new and up and coming photographers on the blog ♥ I am a true believer that a fantastic photographer can make even the most budget wedding look kick ass - more than the dress, the decor and the extra details. Seriously, while all these aspects are important it is the photographer that will capture these memories that will last a lifetime ♥ Everyone deserves to have a truly fantastic photographer to capture their day. Whatever your budget, I can't stress enough how much I'd urge you to spend as much money as you are able to in order to get the very best photographer that you can afford I don't want the fact that I have approached the subject of money, business and all that icky stuff to in anyway ostracise any readers of my little blog. However I do think that just how much you're going to spend on photography is something that should be addressed. It's something that all couples will talk about when they plan their weddings and talk about budget but it's a subject that is never spoken about on blogs or in magazines. Why is this? Well, people don't really like to talk about money do they? My reasoning behind this post is not in anyway to try and encourage you to spend more than you can afford or are willing to on your wedding photography, however I do want to make you stop and think if the service you are getting for the price you're paying really is good value. I have lost count of the number of brides I've had email me asking for photographer recommendations for under £500 and I've also lost count of the number friends I've spoken to who have recoiled at the fact that a lot of the photographers I know are charging £2000 + for "one day's work" (seriously? do people still think photographers only work one day a week!?) I know weddings are expensive things and that this sort of money is a lot for most people, but I can't stress enough that I feel photography is really the one thing you should splash out on. If you can only afford £500 for a wedding photographer then great, but just be aware that the results that you get from a photographer who is only charging that much will most certainly be inferior to someone a bit more pricey. Even if the talent is there, someone able to charge more than this, will if anything have a lot more experience than someone still charging around the £500 mark. If you are happy to pay under £500 for a photographer then fantastic - rock it out, but just be aware that for that price you aren't going to get Jose Villa/Jasmine Star/Jonas Peterson/Jeff Ascough... I hate to say it, but in this industry, you really do get what you pay for.

Rachael & Tony’s Land of Make Believe Wedding

Kat

October 22, 2010

"The theme of our wedding was inspired by us being big kids and my love for make-believe, colour & Alice In Wonderland," Rachael & Tony told me. "The garden (which was right next to the reception - which was held at Brett's Wharf on Kingsford Smith Drive Hamilton, Brisbane) was filled with toadstools, moss and over-sized cartoon style colourful flowers. We had 'floating' windows and a door hanging in the entrance with a 'Welcome' sign on wood tied in a tree."

Sarah & James’ Rockin’ Rockabilly Wedding

Kat

October 22, 2010

Sarah & James 1950's rockabilly wedding was inspired by Sarah's Grandparents who got married on September 12th 1953. "We wanted to get married as close to this date as we possibly could, hence the choice of 11th September 2010," Sarah told me. "My Grandparents celebrated their 57th Wedding anniversary the day after our wedding - the rose tattoo's on my feet (by Sam Ricketts) have their names 'Alice' and 'Mervyn' in recognition of how special they are to me."

Photography Friday – Carly, Cocktails & Cats

Kat

October 22, 2010

This week my bestest friend in the whole wide world came to stay. We are officially rubbish and never see each other enough (busy lives and all that) but I know she stalks my blog (her words not mine) so this should be a nice surprise for her this week! Carly came to stay. We drank lots of these...

Thursday Treats – 21st October 2010 (+Southern Weddings Mag Winner Announced)

Kat

October 21, 2010

I've said this over and over on Twitter, Facebook etc but I literally can't get over how awesome the response has been to our Paris photo shoot. I am so chuffed that you all loved it...and we only did it for you lot. Blown away I am! Also, thanks to everyone who entered to win a copy of the V3 issue of the beautiful Southern Weddings Magazine (featuring yours truly!) and I am pleased to announced that the randomly selected winner is....

Hitchfest 2010 – Bowie Bride & The Rock n Roll Wedding of the Year!

Kat

October 21, 2010

In the words of the lady herself, I am so titstastically excited to share Britt & Mike's wedding with you today. I have literally been on the edge of my seat since July in eager anticipation of seeing their wedding photographs. Most of you will already know Britt, the kick ass, controversial and Rock n Roll heavy-weight behind the the Bowie Bride blog. Words really can't express how awesome this chick is and how much I totally adore her and her killer blog.

Under the Spotlight – AriaDress

Kat

October 20, 2010

When it comes to looking for your perfect wedding dress, a lot of Rock n Roll Brides are now heading online to see if they can get their dream gown at a fraction of the price. My worry with this has always been that you might end up with a substandard 'knock off' dress that isn't of the quality that you deserve for your big day. You know what they say, "pay cheap, pay twice..." However I'm excited to say that I've found an exception to this rule! I was contacted by AriaDress a few weeks ago and I have not only been blown away but the quality of work and design that goes into every one of their bespoke gowns, but at prices significantly less than you'd expect! Can you believe you can get a dress as gorgeous as these for under $500!? I got chatting to designer Tak Hau last week about his passion, his inspiration and his love of creating simply stunning gowns for brides and bridesmaids. I hope you enjoy reading all about it. He really is a wonderfully talented man and I'm so thrilled to be showcasing his brand new Spring 2011 collection on Rock n Roll Bride

Alice in Weddingland at The Designer Wedding Show, October 2010

Kat

October 20, 2010

A few weeks ago myself and the lovely Rock n Roll Bride intern, Alice, headed to The Designer Wedding show. I asked her if she'd like to write the report for me as I felt that her opinion on the show (as a bride-to-be) would be much more interesting for you..especially those of you who might be a little afraid of the whole 'bridal show experience. I'm not going to lie, the big shows can be hella scary - but this smaller and more intimate wedding show is actually very pleasant- there are no scary brides with clipboards (give me strength!) or manic and desperate suppliers trying to shove leaflets in your face. Think champagne reception, clean white stalls and super friendly and creative wedding suppliers.

Scott & Ashley’s Incredible DIY Picnic Party Wedding

Kat

October 19, 2010

I loved Scott & Ashley's wedding as soon as I saw it...and I loved it (and them!) even more once I got chatting to the bride and their photographer Jeremy Lawson about all the amazing little details of their day. "Our inspiration came from our love of the vintage," the bride began. "We listen to records at the house, shop for clothes at retro themed consignment stores, and stay glued to TCM. We sort of envisioned a party that looked like a party scene we saw years ago in the movie Mona Lisa Smile combined with the famous barefoot dancing scene from Big Fish in the town of Spectre. We wanted that easy, happy, homemade, and colorful party for our closest friends and family."

Juliana & Tiago Small & Intimate Brazilian Wedding

Kat

October 19, 2010

Brazilian born Juliana & Tiago met online and wed a year and a half later. They married at sunset in a small and intimate ceremony. The couple were keen to keep the day personal to them and not to succumb to the expectation of the large and lavish wedding that a customary in Brazil. "We got married in a small town, it was a mini wedding, during sunset, " the bride told me. "We decided to not make everything big, like it's usual here, and everything very romantic, but with a vintage touch. In the ceremony we played The Who, Beach Boys, Beatles and She & Him. The reception had the same spirit, a lot of songs to make everyone dance, from 60's to 80's."

“Rock n Revolution” – A Parisian Punk Rock Marie Antoinette Photo Shoot… The Final Results!

Kat

October 18, 2010

A few months ago photographer David McNeil and I were sat in a Creperie in London. He turned to be and said, "Let's do another photo shoot and let's make it the best yet... Let's go to Paris!" It's hard to believe how far we've come since that from that first whimsical conversation and really that we actually managed to pull it off - to hop over the channel and channel my inner Marie Antoinette! Well, if I do say so myself, we not only pulled it off but we SMASHED it! I am actually so blown away by the whole experience (and the results) that I kind of don't really know where to start..maybe the beginning would help?

A Sunday Kind of Love – Coming Up Tomorrow…

Kat

October 17, 2010

Oh yes! Hold on your your hats people because tomorrow, at 9am, I'll be unleashing the final EPIC results of my latest and greatest photo shoot...in Paris baby, Paris! You might want to prepare to be blown away...

The Rock n Roll Bride Venue Guide – London

Kat

October 16, 2010

I get loads of emails from you lot asking me advice on all manner of wedding planning related matters and while I'm easily able to reel off a long list of fantastic photographers I know or recommend some awesome dress companies, when it comes to wedding venues...well I'm as clueless as you are! We had a massive drama with our wedding venue (they cancelled three months before our wedding day - but that's a story for another time!) so needless to say finding the perfect venue for your Rock n Roll wedding is not my speciality! However luckily for me (and you!)I know someone who knows all about the very best and coolest venues in the country. I asked my good friend Mary Herrington of Forever & Ever Events if she'd be able to start up a new feature for me, showcasing some of her favourite and most Rock n Roll wedding venues all over the country, First up London...

A Sparkly, Opulent & Extravagant Marie Antoinette Themed Rock n Roll Wedding

Kat

October 15, 2010

I'm afraid there's no Photography Friday today and all the photography was done by other people this week! However not only do I know you'll forgive me when you see this amazing wedding I'm putting in it it's place, but you will also all be pleased to here that I'm going to be blogging the full Paris photo shoot on Monday! Danielle & Ed's wedding should certainly help you to get into that Marie Antoinette vibe. I knew I'd love their wedding as soon as I saw their engagement session (which I featured in July) With a penchant for crystals, skulls, fashion & shoes (!) this pair really couldn't have anything but a ridiculously opulent and extravagant Rock n Roll wedding. Prepare you have your breath taken away