Erica Dragon
January 9, 2024
In a celebration that seemed to leap from the pages of a fantasy novel, Kyndal and Nate brought their medieval dreams to life with a budget of just $10,000. Their wedding, set in an enchanted forest theme, was a testament to their love for Renaissance fairs, Dungeons & Dragons and all things mystical.Read more...
November 9, 2010
I blogged Brittney & Chris' state fair engagement session only two weeks ago, but I am even more excited to share their actual wedding with you today - especially because they got tattoo 'rings' done at their ceremony! Oh yes, how Rock n Roll is that!? They had a " Read more...
September 12, 2010
This is totally sad so you'll have to forgive me. Also, it's 6:30am and I've been awake for 3 hours. I don't know why and maybe my mind is going a bit haywire but I just came up with this ridiculous idea for a blog post so I'm going to run with it. I was watching 'Don't Tell the Bride' with Gareth the other day (for those of you who aren't in the UK, it's a TV programme where basically the groom plans the whole wedding - he picks and organises literally everything - the venue, the dress, the flowers, the invitations, the theme - it's brilliant!) I bet lots of couples do this as they watch this show but Gareth & I got chatting about what he'd do if he had to plan our wedding. Now I've either subliminally trained him well or he's been paying close attention to the blog and just not telling me but OMG his ideas were quite frankly awesome. As soon as he said "short vintage dress from Fur Coat No Knickers (yes he named the shop!), mismatched colours, summer meadow" I was sold! So much in fact that I totally want to marry him all over again and have him plan the whole thing.Read more...
July 24, 2010
Woohoo. New feature alert! I've decided that Saturday's are going to become guest post days. I've always shied away from featuring guest posters before because...well...let's be honest I'm a control freak and am very particular about what I like (just ask my husband!) BUT I've got a few reasons for changing my mind and introducing this new concept to the site. Therefore I thought it'd be cool to share my thought process with you all before we get going - and I'm going to be honest (because as we know, that's me!)Read more...
July 19, 2010
Why have I never seen a Psycho themed wedding before? This is so incredibly cool! Robert, a film director, and his bride Suzi, a make up artist, sent out generic invitations for their June 5th Wedding. It included a strict meeting time and hints of being transported to a secret location. This year is 50 years since Psycho terrified audiences all over the world and the film-loving couple thought that the very house that the movie was filmed it would make the perfect location for their wedding. It was the first ever wedding held at the Psycho House. The pair really went all out with their theme which started when and the groom appeared from the House escorted by none other than Norman Bates as Mother. He descended the famous staircase and the bride entered from Janet Leigh's room #1. The recessional ended with Robert carrying Suzi back to the hotel under the watchful eye of Norman Bates.Read more...
July 13, 2010
Roxana & John's incredible Mexican fiesta wedding was shot by the amazing Katherine O'Brien with a Holga, a Hasselblad and a Polaroid camera. The results are not only magical, but give a really unique and different perspective when looking back. In fact looking at these awesome images is almost like a crazy, exciting acid trip...in a good way of course! The bride, a costume designer, custom-modified her dress with dress with ribbons, rhinestones and a favorite brooch that was her Great Aunt's. Her groom wore a gold western belt buckle with the initial S for a bit of extra personality. The couple added lots of fantastic details to suit their papel-picado theme (a natural fit given their Texan roots) including tissue paper flowers lining the railings and tables, a custom card box in festive colours that looked like a wedding cake and grosgrain ribbons tied to the cedar arbor with fleur de lis topped markers. They also used Mexican loteria cards as escort cards which they clipped to a red ribbon hanging on an old wooden door. They then put matching cards on each table with a cowboy boot filled with wildflowers as the centrepieces. The wedding cake was topped with a Day of the Dead Bride and Groom.Read more...
June 12, 2010
I usually only put one post up on a Saturday, but I have to admit that I wanted to share this engagement shoot as soon as I could...and plus, the submissions have been coming in at such a rate of knots since I posted my How to... Get Your Wedding Featured on a Blog post (which I'm not complaining about of course!) but I do feel like I have a lot to get through this week! Alister & Rachel are having a gothic & diy wedding on a mountain vineyard in a few weeks. The wedding is sure to be super detail-heavy and I can't wait to share it! However their engagement session was actual quite impromptu. "They wanted a Gothic yet bibliophile theme with a twist for the main part of the shoot, hence the books, vinyl and rug. Then for the rest of it, we simply found some killer locations and let them do their own thing; smiling, laughing, whatever went!" photographer Julian told me.Read more...
May 3, 2010
Oh yes I do love The Wizard of Oz and when I saw Eagen & Jason's wedding and it's nods to Oz, I knew it was perfect for a little blogging. What I love particularly about the wedding is that the theme hasn't taken over the day - it's not cheesy, it's not crass, it's not cringy - they have just included a few subtle nods to the movie in an oh so stylish way. The emerald (city) bridemaid dresses, the table names, the sparkly 'Dorothy' shoes.Read more...
April 2, 2010
I'm filing this under 'engagement' because I'd love to think someone will be inspired by these for their own engagement shoot. So, technically this isn't a wedding-related photo shoot at all, but when Chris & Dani of Chris Barber Media headed up to Scotland last week, they ended up taking some pretty damn stunning images. and well, I just HAD to share them. The landscape is incredible, the water is awe-inspiring and the subjects are such fun (love the instax shots - swoon!)Read more...
March 30, 2010
Eeeek here we go! The results of the awesome Enchanted Forest theme, my favourite of this year's The NotWedding event. I am literally dying over the fallen vines, the ambling trees, the quirky toadstool-inspired cake and the beautiful fashion and styling. Man...next year I really want to go to this! Full vendor list can be seen below - after the 'jump'Read more...
March 18, 2010
Follwing the popularlity of the 80's themed engagement shoot I featured on Tuesday, I wanted to share Emma & Micheal's cabin crew themed session sent over by the wonderful Julia Boggio (who also shot my Vintage Boudoir session.) When Emma told Julia her idea about doing her pre-wedding shoot in the Virgin Atlantic rig, she jumped at the chance! "After all, Daniel Craig had been filmed in the rig for one of the Bond films and where Daniel goes, well, I go." Julia told me. With Emma living in the UK and Micheal in the US, Virgin Atlantic played a huge role in their relationship so far - ferrying them both back and forth across the pond. "Emma contacted Virgin about her idea and they were more than happy to oblige. " Julia continued "They love a good love story! The Virgin Atlantic rig, or Miss Rigorous, as she is named, is used mostly for training purposes at VA. It's an entire interior of a Virgin plane. Because the rig is quite dark and the lighting is suitable for an airplane, not a photo shoot, I had to come to the party equipped with loads of Broncolor lighting, colour gels, and an assistant. Emma rented an old style hostess outfit and Michael played the role of lusty Business Class passenger. We had a great deal of fun and I'm really looking forward to their wedding later this summer."Read more...
January 29, 2010
Jessica & Ronnie's kitsch Elvis themed wedding was just too damn Rock n Roll to ignore. Stand by for all the juice... First and foremost I would like to just say Kat your blog was definitely a huge source of inspiration through all of my wedding planning! Your excitement for all things wedding is so fantastic to read that even after our big day, I still take a looksey to check out all of the great wedding photography you find! Thanks for doing what you do! It was pretty wild when Tom asked us if he could send you some of our photos, I said "of course I know Rock n Roll Bride, that sounds great!" I totally thought wanting to get married in red was going to have to make me spend a bazillion dollars that we didn't have on getting one made, but I randomly found it at David's Bridal. It was a bridesmaids dress for only $160!! I just had them take off the spaghetti straps that it came with because I thought it gave a more vintage feel to it. My husby's outfit cost more than mine with his special Wingtip Shoes costing almost as much as my dress but it was so worth it because man did he look hot in them! Our wedding consisted of a weekend gathering in San Luis Obispo at The Madonna Inn, which is filled with everything gold and gaudy, its such an amazing place with every room holding a different theme, I really recommend it to all for at least a one night stay! We started the weekend off Friday night bowling with friends and family at Pismo Bowl just right down the road. We wanted our wedding to be for us to spend as much time as we could with everyone and just party, so we had an early afternoon wedding in "The Gay 90's Room" upon the stage, while making our separate entrances, my fiancee's song was "I'm Your Man" by Leonard Cohen, and mine to "You Can Never Hold Back Spring" by Tom Waits, then we had our officiant "50's Young Elvis" (no disrespect intended to older Vegas Elvis, but we just love classic Elvis) who made his entrance by singing "I Got Stung" up the aisle as all of our guests just laughed and clapped along. It was truly a great moment seeing everyone have so much fun with him! Elvis officiated the wedding with fun and singing but also such sincerity about love and how to make it last. Our I do's went something like, "Do you promise to never step on his Blue Suede Shoes?" and "Do you promise to never leave her All Shook Up at the Heartbreak Hotel and Love her Tender?" After the ceremony Elvis handed us the infamous Vegas Elvis Glasses and sang us out to "Burning Love". We of course had to have Elvis' "Fame & Fortune" as our First Dance, hopefully by now your seeing that we're not creepy just HUGE Elvis fans. At the reception each table centerpiece was a different record sleeve from our collection of singers that we love like Johnny Cash, Wanda Jackson, Roy Orbison, B.B King, David Bowie, Elton John and many others, then for the placement cards we had "Mr & Mrs So & So are partying at Elton John's table" and so on. It was such a cheap money saving way to do centerpieces! I totally recommend it! To continue with the theme we had little record napkins that had "Rock & Roll" on them from Party City for next to nothing. For party favors we had our immediate family members and bridal party dedicate songs to us that reminded them of us, and the two of us dedicated songs to each other too, which we made into a CD for all to take home. Everyone came up with such great songs that it made a great compilation that we listen to all the time! We finished off the reception and despite the sprinkles of rain outside, we all headed up to the pool & spa and partied in our bathing suits till the pool closed! Such an awesome day to finally start a new chapter with my best friend in such a fun way and to share it with all of our loved ones that came near and far for a little mini vacation! I definitely recommend all couples to just try and have as much fun with the planning as possible, and don't worry about having to stick to the norm of late afternoon weddings with dinner & dancing, do whatever your heart desires and have an all day long of festivities to enjoy it even longer, because it goes by so fast! Thanks to Tom and of course Jessica & Ronnie for sharing their top tappin' wedding with usRead more...
December 20, 2009
I've got yet another wedding I've been waiting with baited breath to share with you as a matter of urgency. Lori & Jason's funky, punky, trailer part love affair wedding makes me squeal with excitement (especially when I saw the images of the couple getting inked together - hello, so awesome!)A vintage trailer park called the Shady Dell, a custom pink crinoline peeking out of the wedding gown, and tattoos on the spot are only a few of the awesome details of this wedding in Bisbee, Arizona. Shooting Lori and Jason at the Shady Dell was a blast. Lori looked fabulous in her Stephanie James Couture; it complemented her stunning body art. And the venue only added to mystique of the day; vintage Airstreams were the perfect backdrop for this hip couple who love all things vintage! And don’t forget the BBQ and potato salad on pick plastic plates! Thanks to Erin for sharing this fabulousa wedding with us todayRead more...
August 28, 2009
It's such an honour to be the first blog to share this amazingly themed engagement session by Joy Marie! Karnis & Alex really wanted to break the pre-wedding shoot mould and so came up with the awesome creative concept of dressing up like some of their favourite iconic images and heroes. Who can you spot? Thanks to Joy for sharing these with us! Credit: Joy Marie PhotographyRead more...
August 6, 2009
After posting Jenn & Skip's engagements back in May, I was convinced I would totally love their vintage vacation themed wedding - and I guess I was right. As these exclusive (oh yes) photographs show, their wedding was one seriously themed affair. They went for a western/vintage vacation theme which was helped along by all their friends and family, not only dressing up for the day, but by helping the couple to DIY the lot! Jenn made her own veil and fascinator, the invitations, her bouquet, the boutonnieres, the cake, the decorations and the signs. Skip made his own Groom's cake - a bowling ball and pins - and helped Jenn wherever she needed it! Jenn's sister and maid of honour made all the cute cupcakes and each Bridesmaid maid their own fascinators. The couple decided not to include anybody in their wedding that they didn't know - so they had a friend perform the ceremony and other friends chip in with food, hair and make up. I am obsessed with themed things, so naturally the wedding had to have a theme. Our overall theme was “vintage vacation”. From there we had mini-themes inside the big one. The brides cake and cupcakes were woodland (to go with the mountains). The suggested attire was western. The groomsmen and Dads wore western shirts. The bridesmaids wore headpieces and carried fans, saloon girl style. Both the bride and groom wore cowboy boots (which we already owned)… the groom also had spurs, the hat, the whole shebang! Our favors were vacation & western themed, as well as our decorations, popcorn & candy bar. Insead of dancing, the wedding was rounded off with fun and games including eating doughnuts on a string, two photobooths, a candy and a popcorn bar. Wow! Jenn & Skip I am blown away by your wedding. Thanks so much for sharing it! Credit: Patrick of PWP StudioRead more...
July 9, 2009
Filipino photographer Jeffroger Kho sent me these stunning engagements which perfectly reflect his 'wild, crazy, and downright addictive' style. These are kinda spooky and dark but I seriously love them (yes even the creepy doll) Check it out... The client Mark and Johanna are photographers and very artistic individuals. You can check out their site here as well Happy Garaje Graphic Design and Illustration. Their style is really dark, desaturated, and textured. And I am happy that I was able to capture that and also reflect the clients style. The outfits are from the clients own wardrobe. They pretty much have everything already. They collect a lot of old stuff as well so it quite reflects much of their personality. I believe that this set is very Rock n Roll because it's different, downright crazy, non-conventional, and most importantly it reflects much of the personality of the client and not just a random theme just for the sake of having a theme. Thanks Jeffroger!Read more...
July 8, 2009
You know this about me already but I'm a huge activist for being yourself on your wedding day, however crazy, out there or even mundane (oh yes) that may be. As all the veteran readers will know, I ran a contest for free wedding photography a while back, and have now gotten to know our winners pretty well. I was chatting to the Bride to be, Vana, on the phone the other day for no joke, literally an hour about all things wedding (jeez that gal can talk he he!) and I'm sure she won't mind me telling you this, she was running a few of her newest wedding ideas by me to ask my opinion as to whether I thought they had 'been done' (for some reason she thinks I must be some kind of expert on such things…) I said this to her, and on her recommendation I am now going to say this to all of you...do not worry about tack, or about being over the top or if something you really want seems to be springing up everywhere in blog-land, and has therefore ‘been done’. Just remember this teeny tiny pearl of wisdom…Your guests won't have been scoring the Internet looking for wedding ideas for the last year so will have no idea if something has 'been done' or not! To me, our wedding was not completely nuts. We kept it quite simple with a black and white theme and a few personal touches, but we had so many people saying to us it was the most stylish and cool wedding they had ever been too...they hadn't spent the last year looking at other people's weddings and comparing themselves after all! So don't doubt yourself... Are you lusting after that cute Stephanie James Couturedress but are worried that in 10 years time the cute short dress look will look as dated as the poofy sleeved meringues of the 80’s? Pah, if I got married in the 80’s I would have wanted to remember the 80’s…2008 was the greatest year of my life and I want to remember that year through my wedding pictures. Have you have been dying to have cupcakes as your wedding cake ever since you started planning your wedding, but are worried because now everybodyseems to be doing it? Well a lot of people that are getting married may be yes, but everybody in the entire world?...erm no. Are you worried that your wedding isn’t cool enough because you spend all day looking at weddings that seen so much crazier/chicer than yours? (You are not alone by the way, I felt the exact same thing) You are more likely to regret planning a wedding in a style that wasn’t really ‘you’ than one that perfectly matches you and your fiancé’s tastes. So quit stressing about what other people will think and just do it already...and then send me the photographs afterwards! Now for a couple of trends I love and therefore don't care if they've 'been done'. Let me know if I've missed any of your favourites!Read more...
July 6, 2009
What's not to love about this wedding? Amanda & Clint have been massive fans of vintage 1940's and 50's styling for as long as they care to remember, to what's a better style of wedding for them as this? Amanda's vintage reproduction dress is perfectly accompanied by her Groom in his traditional kilt (with a decidedly untraditional twist) and her Bridesmaids in their stunning black and red pin up halter style dresses. I am also loving their car, their polka dot themed reception and of course that fabulous cake...my favourite layer has got to be the 'tattoo design' layer...just hottness!Read more...
July 3, 2009
Yep, this is what I love about the weddings I feature - the awesome uniqueness. Sometimes I find it hard not to share the same picture perfect weddings I see popping up all over blog-land and I even have to give myself a little talking to sometimes and tell myself you love little old Rock n Roll Bride for how different the wedding's that I feature are... right? Now Megan & Bob's wedding's pretty prettiness goes without saying, but I'm loving that the Groom dressed as Doctor Who and the Bride wore her something blue on her toes. Cute and original..and that bloody rocks. Kudos to photographer Ashley for sharing the geek chic loveRead more...
June 30, 2009
A scholoristic wedding with a Best Girl rocking it in a top hat is something to be shared. Sharon & Dan definitely went all out to make sure their wedding was truly original, even so far has having the one of a kind 1925 Studebakeras their wedding transport. They also had a theologian conduct their ceremony which was written with the work of Lord Byron, William Morris and Walt Whitma in mind. If you want to know more about this highly intellectual wedding, check out the Groom's Blog! Credit: Studio JRead more...