Best of Blogs – Issue 6 ~ Our Labor of Love

Kat

March 5, 2010

In my Photo Pro article this month I had the opportunity to write about one of the best known and most loved collaborations in blog land. Our Labor of Love have probably been featured on every blog out there and when you see the stellar work of Whitney, Jesse, Micheal, Max, Matt and co. it's pretty damn easy to see why. Matt's own wedding to Danielle was so popular when I featured it (part one and two can be seen here) and is such a perfect Rock n Roll wedding that it was an easy decision for me when deciding which of their weddings to feature. Enjoy

Thursday Treats – 25th Feb 2010

Kat

February 25, 2010

Are you kidding me? Is it actually nearly march already? C-c-c-razy! OK Thursday Treat fans..saddle up and prepare yourself for another 7 days worth of internet pretties... ♥ First up, a little 'toot toot' to yours truly - did you recognise the fuschia haired chick in today's headline image? Oh yeah baby that's ME! This lovely little drawing was sent to me by illustrator-extraordinaire Miss Dee Ahoy and I actually nearly wet myself with excitement! Thanks to Miss Dee for the utter love. Mwah! ♥ This diy wedding is awesome to the max - mismatched bridesmaids will forever be cool in my book ♥ Secret celebrity wedding! ♥ Ruffles, red shoes, big red heart - pop! ♥ Sweet, outdoor wedding ♥ Fierce engagement session (faux fur for the win!) ♥ AMAZING rockabilly style lesbian wedding ♥ Let's get colourful ♥ Fashion and home design inspired by The Red Shoes ♥ A Midsummer Night’s Dream themed wedding (these shoes are Irregular Choice - I've swooned over them before!)

Best of Blogs – Issue 5 ~ Steep Street Photography

Kat

February 8, 2010

Screen printing, custom designs, image overlay, graphical collage effects – these are all ideas one wouldn’t usually place alongside wedding photography. But Kelty of Steep Street Photography, based in the eclectic and creative Portland, Oregon, is seriously bucking the trend and doing her own thing. As a child, Kelty chose to spend her time obsessively designing, creating and crafting – it’s a very lucky person who is able to bring their childhood hobby into adulthood and to make a career of it. She explains “I grew up with dirty feet, knotty hair and an art project going full steam ahead. And as much as I enjoyed hocking my creations to my friends, family and neighbours, it wasn´t the loose change or the Haribo candy it bought that caused me to leap out of bed every morning and stay up till the wee hours of the night, obsessively beading dangly earrings anchored by rubber eyeballs or mini schnauzers, gluing moss into perfect shapes for a diorama scene or stapling binding after binding for my next illustrated novel. Come to think of it, the most fun I´ve ever had, back then or since, has been making things and a large part of that happiness has been sharing those things with others. I´m not sure how many people in my life still cherish (or even possess, for that matter) a Nature Stick, a water-colour portrait, a persuasive-bordering-on-pushy brochure or a rainbow-braided bff bracelet, for example... but making whatever it was with them in mind was basically my purpose in life back then.” Skip forward 20 years to the present day and her quickly emerging successful career as a web designer, artist and wedding photographer is a reality. Kelty is certainly what one might call an experimental and spontaneous photographer and artist. She chooses never to settle for the easy option or to follow the popular wedding crowd. She is always pushing herself to create art that reflects her client’s personalities and ideas, and to generate small seedlings of imagination into a reality. “My inspiration comes from the couple I’m working with. It really depends on what the couple likes. The style of Hannah and Alex wedding images came out sort of goofy spy/comic book inspired because that's what they love. I know they like bright colours and popping shapes. I'm inspired a lot by the couple's personal style, and try my best to translate and reflect that into the work.” From the outset, Kelty chooses to let the client and the environment determine the shots. Posed ‘smiling at the camera’ shots are a big no no, pushed to the side in favour of more naturalistic, spontaneous and organic imagery. “I like a blend of far away shots to let the environment speak for the couple, mixed with up close, personal moments” she told me. What intrigues and ultimately excites me the most about Kelty’s work however is her post-production techniques. I have never seen anything like it. One of my favourite examples is the wedding of her sister Hannah to Alex. The experimental aspect of both the wedding itself, the photography and the post production all came together to tell a story that is exciting, eclectic and perfectly personal to the couple. “I love when my clients are open to mixing their photos with other elements, collaging a bit and putting a new spin on what could be an average photo.” Kelty told me. “Hannah and Alex needed 8 cd covers made to use as favours for their guests and let me do whatever I wanted with the photos of them to create 8 little worlds for them to live in. I created the collages in Photoshop using photos of the couple, other photos I've taken, torn out magazine pages, scanned textures and other elements. The covers came out wonderfully and were also printed large and hung as art in their home!” The style is one you may already be familiar with. You have probably seen similar ideas being used in magazines or in advertising…but wedding photography? The idea is in actual fact a simple one; it’s the execution, the situation and the subjects that make it so exciting. “It’s simply digital collage. I layer photos and scanned textures in a Photoshop document and then print it flat. It's hard to hand collage something like that, but Photoshop allows me to collage much richer designs because I can make some layers more prominent and solid, and other more transparent and layered. I think this is what gives the dimension, richness, imagination and energy to the collages” Kelty admits to not being the most effective blogger when she first began. It is hardly surprising when she was so busy being crazy-creative in her work. With a life full of photography, editing, web designing and other art projects, who would also have time to be obsessed with blogs? However luckily for me, her sister Hannah submitted some of her work to Rock n Roll Bride last April and so my obsession with her photography and style began. I believe I actually even blogged about my ‘girl crush’ on her a while ago! The amazing thing about blogging, really unlike any other media is the snowball effect it can generate, almost immediately. Once Hannah had submitted her sister’s work to both myself and other bloggers, it not only started popping up all over blog land, but people who saw her work on the professional wedding blogs similarly wanted a slice of the action and began sharing it too. Her experimental ideas have literally created a wave that has rippled its way through the blogosphere in the last year. After seeing Rock n Roll Bride and other blogs, a new outlet for her work began to emerge. “I had just begun blogging and discovering the wedding blogs like yours.” She told me “Other photographers and fans have given me a real purpose in my blogging. It feels amazing having such talented people out there who are willing to share, guide, and inspire me.” After the discovery of blogs, she’s never gone back “I like blogging because it makes me feel more connected to my friends and clients. Knowing I have a forum to post my work to inspires me to improve every time and the feedback that I get from friends and viewers is priceless. Blogging has helped my business more than any choice I've made so far. It has connected me to hundreds of like-minded creative types with lots to share and I couldn't be more grateful for the exposure. I think wedding blogs are getting cooler and cooler. I especially like blogs like Rock n Roll Bride who post unusual weddings, DIY elements and images of people. They're a treasure trove of information and inspiration that I'm sure helps hundreds of brides plan something personal and different. I've also noticed that TONS of married or single people are fans, which proves that it has a universal appeal in its artistic side. People of any age, marital status, location or job can apply the photos, tips and stories to their own life, which is totally rad.”

Under the Spotlight – Rosie Parsons

Kat

January 11, 2010

I love sharing the work of photographers and wedding vendors that not only really really rock, but who I definitely think you need to use for your own wedding! Rosie Parsons not only fits into this category but is someone I consider one of the best friends I've made since starting Rock n Roll Bride! Not only is she kicking some serious ass in the UK wedding world at the moment (she was featured in the same issue of Cosmopolitan Bride as me this month - with two of her weddings being used and with her taking part in a feature about how to love the camera) but she was also the genius eye behind one of my favourite ever photo shoots (so much so I use one of the images as my profile picture everywhere!)

Best of Blogs – Issue 4 ~ MangoRED

Kat

January 10, 2010

It doesn't get tired seeing your name in real-life print! I am loving writing my monthly article for Photo Pro Magazine and being able to share some of my favourite photographers with the world. This month I not only shared a magazine with Katie Price who is on the front cover (she's a big deal here in the UK - unfortunately!) but I was able to write about the amazing MangoRED. Long term readers of Rock n Roll Bride will know how fanatical I am about Ryan & Randall's work. I love them! Ok...so, without further ado let's get on with this show...

Rock n Roll Bride Featured in Cosmopolitan Bride Feb/March 2010

Kat

January 1, 2010

Happieeee New Year! As you nurse your sore heads I have some very exciting news to share...and what a fantastic end to 2009/start to 2010 it is. I have been featured in what is undoubtedly the best bridal magazine in the UK - Cosmopolitan Bride! Oh the excitement. I hope you Enjoy my tit bits of advice and words of wisdom all about how to plan the perfect Rock n Roll wedding. I just have to say a huge ass thank you to Gemma & Miranda at the magazine for asking me to take part and to every single reader of my little blog for believing in me because after all without you coming here to read my incessant ramblings none of this would be possible. You are all literally making my dreams come true.

Thursday Treats – 24th Dec 2009

Kat

December 24, 2009

Credit: The Rockstar Diaries With Christmas literally hours away (eeek) you'd be forgiven for thinking I'd be winding down for the year and blog land would slowly have become a lonely little place. Naaahh my darlings! I have found a bumper number of awesomeness to share with you, to round off your pre-Crimbo week with a BANG. This may actually be the biggest Thursday Treat ever. I'll be talking a few days off for Christmas but will be back early next week as usual. The posts may come a bit for sparsely but I will certainly be here. I hope you enjoy perusing these little gems and I'll see you on the other side. Happiieee Chrrrismas... ♥ I might have to start this Thursday Treats with a bit of a brag. Over the last 7 days I have had not one, not two but three aaamazing write ups on blogs I love, admire and regularly lust over. Go check out Underneath the Petticoat, Clarabow's Blog and (squeeeel) Gala Darling's iCiNG blog. I friggin' love blog land! ♥ Jane Taylor Millinery creates bespoke vintage style head wear in South West London. Her head wear has been features in Cosmopolitan Bride, You & Your Wedding, Harpers Bazaar, Tatler, Glamour, Asiana Magazine, Vogue and many many more! Check out these beautiful pieces and you'll see why....

Thursday Treats – 10th Dec 09

Kat

December 10, 2009

Best of Blogs – Issue 3 ~ Dixie Pixel

Kat

December 4, 2009

Cosmopolitan Bride

Kat

November 29, 2009

As I said on Thursday in my treats, I wanted to scan a few of my favourite real weddings and fashion shoots from the latest issue of Cosmopolitan Bride to share with you all. Not just because I'm mentioned in it (hehe) but also because Cosmo is by far the coolest, quirkiest and funkiest wedding magazine in the UK. It is in fact the only one I still buy. To everyone over the pond and beyond I hope you enjoy this unashamedly girlie delve into the world of the British bride.

Thursday Treats – 26th Nov 2009

Kat

November 26, 2009

Complete with Dirty Magazines!

Kat

November 14, 2009

This singer gal and Goth/Industrial/Techno DJ dude has a rockin' engagement session in a record store, complete with dirty magazines! The couple, who are both into tattoos, piercings and music even opted to show off their art despite the freezing cold day!

Best of Blogs – Issue 2 ~ Jonas Peterson

Kat

November 7, 2009

Being a real life published writer is such an amazing feeling. I can't get over that rush I feel seeing my thoughts and ideas in print. I'd like to thank the wonderful Jonas Peterson for being this month's guinea pig and of course all the guys at Photo Pro Magazine for letting me loose! If you're in the UK, pop into your local WH Smith and check out the magazine in real life. It's aces.

Rock the Ages

Kat

October 17, 2009

Linds & Ross certainly have that retro cool thing going on - from their 1950s-esque beach shoot to the 1970s hippy chic garden poses, these guys certainly know how to rock the camera...and the ages. Thanks to the lovely Dani for sharing these - I have more from her coming up soon! Credit: Dani Mac Photography

British Loveliness

Kat

October 6, 2009

UK based photographer Jodie Chapman sent me over this darling vintage wedding full to bursting with British loveliness. Isn't there just something about a British wedding? We may not have quite caught up with America on the 'cool' stakes but the cute, quirky side of our little isle is something that always puts a smile on my face.

Best of Blogs – Issue 1 ~ Tinywater

Kat

October 1, 2009

OK OK excitement must been contained (although I nearly did squeal to myself in a crowded newsagents whilst on my own earlier today!) Those of you following me on Twitter or Facebook may already know but I am now a fully fledged and published writer. Oh yes how ridiculous is that! Me?! Meeeee?!! About a month ago I was contacted by the editor of Photo Pro Magazine who had seen my blog and liked what he saw. He wanted me to write a monthly column for them entitled 'Best of Blogs' where I could not only share some of my favourite wedding photographers every issue but I could write about blogging...my two favourite subjects! So without further ado here it is - article number one.

Heart.

Kat

September 29, 2009

You know what, I always have time for another quickie blog post before bed. Moley is wonderful. I heart him. He has also just become Feather Love's new intern. I expect great things. Gotta love those random moustaches/fake noses! Thanks for sending Moe. Love ya! Credit: Moley Photography

A Colourful Splash

Kat

September 18, 2009

Oh my God this shoot is awesome...it's good for the soul to take a break from wedding overload once in a while and Kelly Moore has given me the perfect excuse to do so. As always, thanks to Kelly for sharing these and bringing a colourful splash to my day

Their Punk Rock Wedding

Kat

September 16, 2009

This is going to sound more than a little bit weird but I almost don't want to blog these...because once I do it will be done and I will be sad that the anticipation, excitement and exhilaration (I'm a very dramatic person) I have been feeling leading up to posting these will be gone. Yes I am very strange... You might recognise Automne & Graham as one of the finalists in the Tinywater contest I ran a few months ago. As soon as I saw their entry I knew they were a completely awesome punk rock couple and that their wedding would be fab but OH. My. GOD nothing prepared me for this! I am so honoured and excited that the couple have chosen Rock n Roll Bride to be the lucky blog who gets to share their wedding and all the amazing details. Exclusives rock! I'm going to hand over to Automne to share all the details with you, and I'll be right back with the images...

Who Loves Ya Baby?

Kat

July 18, 2009

I have a couple of bits of blog love to share with you. Firstly, myself and my gorgeous hubby Gareth were interviewed for Hot Pink Petticoat, go check it out if you fancy reading about life after the wedding! Also, after they featured our wedding in their last issue, I dropped the guys at Wedding Ideas magazine a little email to say thank you and gosh darn it, they only went and printed it! Just wanted to drop you a line to say thanks for featuring our real wedding last month (Kat & Gareth). I picked up the magazine to flick through in the newsagents and was like 'ooh that's us!' - it is very cool. Also I saw a letter from Verity in your letters page about her blog and I thought I would share mine too..it's an alternative and kick-arse approach to weddings - rocknrollbride.com! ps I can't believe they actually printed the words kick-arse! hehe