Y’all. These photos just make my heart go pitter patter! I still can’t believe I got to wear such a beautiful dress, and after so many months of work, it was so fun to see my vision come to life.  With that being said, I’m so excited to {finally!} share the photos and inspiration behind the three custom dresses I had made by Nardos Design for my wedding weekend. Up first, of course, is my wedding gown. You guys. Nardos nailed my vision. I wanted the dress to feel soft, ethereal and romantic, and Nardos made. it. happen. ?????? This dress was like a dream, and I felt so, so special when wearing it. I still pinch myself that I got to design my dream dress! #waitwhat

It’s funny, because I would say I’m a pretty decisive person when it comes to clothing – I know what I like and what I don’t. I know how to mix and match clothing, colors, and fabrics. But man, oh man. Designing a dress is HARD. I’ve wondered if maybe it was the whole “it’s your wedding dress” pressure that was tripping me up, but then I had the opportunity to design two more dresses and the confusion, indecisiveness and overwhelming sensation all returned. Let me just say that sweet Nardos should be a saint y’all for how much patience she showed me throughout the entire process #blessher

Let’s rewind a little bit though, shall we? The reason why I even decided to go to Nardos in the first place was because I had found 2 dresses I loved but also disliked at the same time. Let me explain.

I got engaged in December, and over Christmas, when I was home in New Orleans, I went to try on dresses. One of the very first dresses I tried was a huge hit with everyone – including myself {see image below}. I loved the shape – something about it just felt so bridal, you know? Maybe it is growing up in New Orleans where girls grow up doing deb balls and wearing multiple white dresses before they even hit their 20s, but I just knew I wanted my dress to feel and look bridal – and not just look like another deb dress. And this dress just felt so elegant and soft. I loved the scalloped lace the skimmed my collarbone and dipped in the back, and I loved the nipped in waist. The one thing I couldn’t wrap my head around, though, was the taffeta skirt. It just didn’t feel like me. Was it too preppy? Was it the shine? I wasn’t sure – So, the search ultimately continued back in Dallas, but this dress never left my mind.

In Dallas I visited Warren Barron {see my review of the experience here} and found another dress that has both things I loved and hated. This time, I loved the soft tulle skirt of this Monique Lhuillier dress, with lace sprinkled randomly throughout. As I described to Nardos multiple times, I loved how the lace almost looked ‘messy’ – as if it was just randomly placed. It felt imperfectly perfect and I loved that about it. The top of the dress on the other hand…..No.

So those two dresses were the ultimate top contenders. There was however, one last dress that sticks out, but for a slightly less significant reason. This Oscar de la Renta dress had a nipped-in waist that made me realize I wanted that in the dress I found. I loved how the waist was super tight, and the skirt of the dress fell below it. It made me feel dainty and bridal. I can’t really describe it other than that. I just liked it. I took this tidbit with me when I went to Nardos as well.

So this all leads me to how/why I decided to work with Nardos. Well, I loved the top of the 1st dress, and the skirt of the second dress, and the nipped-in waist of the 3rd, and I just wasn’t sure I was going to be able to find a dress off the rack with all three of those things! Enter in Nardos. I knew I wanted to work with someone in Dallas because of convenience, and Nardos had created my sister-in-law’s wedding dress a few years prior and came highly recommended. I had obviously never designed a dress before but I figured I had more of a grasp on what I wanted than some brides, so I figured, why not!?

The design process starts with a sketch that is then turned into a muslin. A muslin is basically made out of light cotton and used as a pattern for the seamstresses to use before cutting your actual fabric. This is really the first time I was able to show Nardos exactly how I wanted the dress to lay on my body. I was very specific in how I wanted the lace to skim my collarbone and dip down my back {low, but not too low} and the muslin was great because Nardos could pin, rip and mark it up without having to worry about damaging anything. I remember at one point I mentioned I wanted the sleeves to be a bit shorter and Nardos just cut them shorter while the dress was still on me! #sheworksquickyall

the muslin being fitted below

After the muslin, things start happening quickly. The dress began to come to life, and it was so exciting to see. I had finally chosen a lace {after MUCH indecisiveness – they all look so similar!} and it was amazing to see Nardos drape it over my shoulders. She also had pieces of the lace cut out for the skirt portion and we probably spent too much time agonizing over where and how the lace should lay {you can see her pinning the lace in one of the photos below!}

the dress was really starting to take shape at this point!

The magic of the finished product left me speechless – it was so incredible to see it come to life!

Like I said, I’m normally someone who is very decisive when it comes to clothing, but designing this dress, my wedding dress of ALL things, was more overwhelming than I could have ever imagined. With that being said, Nardos {and her incredible team #hidelayna!} made the process SO easy and fun for me, that I decided to take the plunge and design two more dresses for the weekend…….

And if I’m being totally honest here, more people were talking about my rehearsal dinner dress than any other dress that weekend – wedding included! You’ll see why below 🙂

Pretty magical, right? #swoon This dress turned out SO much better than I could have ever imagined. I mean really, I wasnt even sure my idea was even going to make sense, but give Nardos an inch…..

This story of how this dress came to be is really me just trying to dress in a way I knew my husband would like. He always teases that all I wear are muumuus and oversized sweaters, and that I should wear more fitted clothing more often. Because I knew my wedding dress would be more my style than his, I wanted the rehearsal dinner outfit to be more fitted, to show that I atleast kept him in mind during the wedding planning process 😉 Honestly though, in the end, none of the ideas I came up with felt like ‘me.’ I just couldn’t bring myself to committing to any of them. And then one day, and I’m still not sure how or why I thought of this, I had the idea of wearing a super tight fitted dress, with a sheer overlay. That way, I could have my cake and eat it too! I could give Alexis the illusion of a tight dress, while still remain comfortable in my oversized sheer overlay. #winning

And then Nardos comes in with the *most* incredible overlay fabric and I just about DIED. In a little over a week, she and her team created both the silk faille dress, and the sheer overlay. It was just magic, and we are both still in awe of the final product! Below are a few photos from those fittings.

prior to cutting the arm holes!  

the finished product – the first time I tried it on!

Ok, now if you’re still reading, I’ve saved a surprise for last! This dress has never been revealed before, and I’m so excited to finally share it with you all. Ladies and Gentlemen, my exit dress…..

      I knew I wanted a little shine in my exit dress – but crystals just didn’t feel like ‘me.’ So when I thought up this dress, and Nardos brought it to life, it was exactly what I wanted. Those silver beads reflect the light and just SHINE. I loved the movement they created as well….I changed into this dress an hour or so before we made our exit, and it was just SO fun to dance in

The process behind making this dresses was such a roller coaster of emotions, but at the end of it all, it was so worth it. This dresses were literally everything I could have imagined and more! I hope you enjoyed my little behind-the-scenes glimpse into some of the most important and special dresses that I’ll ever wear, and I also hope that you all have the most wonderful Thanksgiving with your family and friends!

Much love,

B

image via Elisa Bricker

You guys. I am so excited about todays post! I spent hours researching photographers when I first started planning my wedding – it was the one thing I cared about above all else {besides, you know, the marrying my best friend part :)} I just knew that I wanted the photos to be above and beyond – to perfectly capture Alexis and I’s relationship, our personalities, and our families – in a style that was ethereal, soft, and romantic. Staring at my google search page, I didn’t even know where to begin. Many hours, and many rabbit holes later, I found Elisa Bricker’s work. Elisa’s images blew me away from the start. She seemed to capture the incredible moments around her with such expertise and softness, and every single image portrayed the style in which I was looking for.

After a few days, Elisa and I got on a call and I knew she was the one {because choosing vendors is like being on a dating show, right?!} But seriously. Elisa just got me, and our visions seemed to align perfectly. She was funny, laid-back but sharp, and super knowledgeable. What stood out the most, besides her incredible talent, was her initiative just like Andy Defrancesco. Midway through our call, she asked for the address of our church, and within seconds, she was telling me about a park nearby that we could walk to for photos – brilliant! I loved that she was thinking outside of the box, and better than that – she was taking the stress off of me. I stopped looking at other options, and I booked Elisa on the spot. I couldn’t bear the thought of her being snatched away by another bride! #yougetarose 😉

If what I mentioned didn’t convince you enough, Elisa’s images have been featured in national publications such as Martha Stewart Weddings, Town & Country, Brides Magazine, Southern Weddings, Weddings Unveiled Magazine, The Knot, and just about every major wedding blog.  Yeah, I know. She’s that good. #somebodypinchme

I wanted to give Elisa a space to introduce herself to you guys, so you could also see what a BA she is, but also so she could answer some of the most common questions we both get – I’ll let her take it from here!

seriously – how cute is she?
image via Elisa Bricker 

First of all, what gets you up in the morning? Literally? My little people! My son, Lucien, is 6 and my daughter, Matilda, just turned one, and those little darlings are early risers – my natural alarm clock each day.

Where did you grow up? Go to school? What was your major? I grew up a mix of city girl and country girl – and I still am. My early years I lived in the DC metro area, and when I was 12 my family moved out to the bucolic Virginia countryside. I love going home to sit on the porch and watch the sunset, but visiting cities like Paris, New York, and LA have a thrilling sense of home for me as well.

Where are you based, and how did you end up there? I moved to Charlottesville, Virginia to attend the University of Virginia and fell in love with the area. I studied English Literature (but had a hard time deciding between art, theater and English) and once I got there, I was hooked.

What got you into photography? Wedding photography? Love. I wanted to return to photography after finishing my Masters degree, and photography was the most important decision I made as I planned my own wedding. When I realized I wanted to go back into photography, it was a natural decision. It turns out, Charlottesville was one of the top five wedding destinations in the country, and a great place to start my career. These days, I’m traveling the country, but I still do about 40% of my weddings each year in Virginia.

image via Elisa Bricker

What are the most important questions that a bride and groom should ask before hiring their wedding photographer? I’m going to turn this one on its head a little because there are so many lists of questions you should ask your photographer, and they don’t tell you why you are asking these questions. It’s important to ask yourself what purpose these questions are serving. Are you getting to know your photographer and his or her work better through the course of these questions, and are they able to do the same?

I’m always happy to connect with a couple as they talk about the essence of their relationship and their day – the real why between them and what motivates their wedding (not just the details of where they’re getting married and who they’re hiring).  Getting to know my couples and what is most important to them informs how I photograph them. Sometimes it involves questions for me, and more often than not, it means questions for my couple. Creating a dialogue – an open conversation – is more important than a checklist of questions. Informing my couple about process, style, goals, and timing comes naturally through that.

What have you enjoyed most about being a wedding photographer? I’m creating heirlooms that my brides and grooms, and their families, will cherish for a lifetime. I never doubt the importance of my work.

What is your shooting style? My work blends the fine art photography style with an organic version of photojournalism. I’m looking for natural moments unfolding between my couples, their friends, and family, but also ready to step in and help with the creative process. For example, during portraits I work with the couple to create comfortable and authentic images. While I’m photographing the reception or other elements of the wedding, I position items carefully and pay great attention to detail. During the ceremony and reception, I’m always looking for that moment of laughter, the happy tears, and the unscripted surprise. When looking for a photographer for your own wedding, think about what you’d like to have at the end of it all. My couples want natural images that show real emotion, true color, natural skin tones, and attention to detail.​

image via Elisa Bricker

Do you shoot film, digital or both? Both! I’m primarily a film shooter. I grew up using that medium and love the process, so I use film exclusively as long as I have enough light, and then use a mix of film and digital after sunset. I love the beautiful creamy color I get using film during the day, and the reception is the perfect place for those grainy romantic black and whites.

Describe your wedding photography style in 3 adjectives: Romantic. Soft. Natural. I always know a bride has really connected with my imagery when we’re on the phone and she uses one (or sometimes all!) of these words to describe what she was drawn to about my work.

What inspires you? The light! It’s no surprise, but it’s absolutely true. I’m forever pointing out the rippling light as it hits the water, the golden-hour light as it filters through the trees, the soft rays of light bouncing up on the clouds once the sun has set – and I’m always talking to my couples about the light on their wedding day! It helps to know what the light will be like, how much we will have, how much time we’ll need, etc., so we start talking about the light as early as their first consultation.

A tip or two for couples who are looking for their perfect wedding photographer?

1. Identify your goals for your wedding. Focus on how you want it to feel – and then how it will look, what you will eat, the music that will play, and what you will wear will start to fall into focus.
2. Hire a team that can identify with your goals and help you meet them. My couples love that I capture a blend of candid real moments and also deeply understand what publications are looking for. The result is a beautiful gallery of heirloom images that tell the story of their day in a unique and irresplaceable way, from start to finish.

image via Elisa Bricker

One thing you’d like every bride and groom to know before their wedding? Take a look at your family, and think about a way to acknowledge them (publically or privately) on your wedding day. They have been looking forward to this day with you for so long! Now that I have littles, I think about their weddings, and I realize my parents probably did the same!

How has witnessing so many weddings impacted your life/outlook? I cry at every wedding – but in a good way! Every wedding I attend strengthens my own marriage, and one of my favorite officiates has a line that says “may you each bring your very best self to the other”. What a beautiful thing to say to a bride and groom, isn’t it? It reminds me that I want to bring my very best self to my own marriage.

What do you typically wear when shooting a wedding? I try to blend in, so I usually wear dress slacks and a blouse, muted jewelry such as pearls, and dressy flats. The said, if I dressed to be most comfortable it would be lululemon all the way. Wedding days can call for some serious sweat!

What is your dream shooting location? The one I haven’t shot at yet!

image via Elisa Bricker

Favorite quote? That’s a hard one! I’m going to share a poem by Wendell Berry, that speaks to me right now about the grace of living in the moment. I’m reading through his novels this summer and loving them for their tone and candor.

The Peace of Wild Things

When despair for the world grows in me

and I wake in the night at the least sound
in fear of what my life and my children’s lives may be,
I go and lie down where the wood drake
rests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds.
I come into the peace of wild things
who do not tax their lives with forethought
of grief. I come into the presence of still water.
And I feel above me the day-blind stars
waiting with their light. For a time
I rest in the grace of the world, and am free.

Best advice you’ve ever received? Enjoy the moment. It’s easy to look forward to the next thing, but if you can really revel in the moment you’ll be so glad you did. This applies to the wedding day, but also helps me in my day to day – making me more present as I go on a date with my husband, read a book to my daughter, or go for a walk with my son. Enjoy the moment!

I wanted to leave y’all with a link to Elisa’s blog so you can see more of the content she’s shot – the weddings and events are all so incredibly dreamy – and please let us know if we forgot any major questions you’d like to ask Elisa!

Thank you so much to Elisa for giving us such thoughtful insights into her world, and for being so sweet as always! I can’t wait to work together on Alexis and I’s big day! And I can’t wait to share with you all the magic she creates for us! #tminus44days

xx

B

dress: Parker Azalea dress (on sale!!) c/o // bag: Kayu white wicker seashell clutch c/o  // shoes: Schutz cork sandals (similar) c/o // sunglasses: celine

It’s only appropriate that my first blog post back {hi world!} after a long hiatus is on #weddingwednesday. I am contributing my absence to the large amount of wedding planning that I have been doing these last few weeks, and I’m happy to say that I have gotten quite a lot done! With that being said, I’ve missed you guys, and I’m ready to be back! Besides, planning a wedding isn’t nearly as fun 🙂

When browsing Tuckernuck earlier this summer, this dress jumped right out at me – I loved the soft sweetheart neckline and the old fashion silhouette. The beautiful eyelet is perfect for summer and the length made it a great option for any numerous occasions! This dress could easily be worn to an engagement party, a wedding shower, a tea, or even church! I even think it could be nice going into fall with a cranberry or dark green colored sweater #justsayin! This dress runs large, so size down when ordering!

photos: Michelle Preau Photography

Thank you to Tuckernuck for sending me all these beautiful items!

 Dress: Amsale ‘Holly’ Dress in Peony // Necklace: Kate Spade scallop necklace // Bag: old, similar here & here // shoes: Stuart Weitzman ‘Nudist’ in platinum

We’ve all been there. The dreaded bridesmaid dress that you know you’ll never {ever} wear again. Every bride does it {myself included #ugh} and even when the best of intentions are there – ‘you can wear it again!’ – that so rarely actually happens. Insert this dress. I was looking for something I could wear to a black tie wedding in August and wanted something that felt light and summery. I scanned several sites without much luck, and then, feeling discouraged, went to Nordstrom to check out their selection. Doubtful that they would have anything long enough {remember, I’m 5’10 without heels!), I wandered into the ‘Wedding Suite‘ on Nordstrom.com to see what they might have anything for a totally different event — my bridesmaids luncheon. Nordstrom has the most incredible ‘Wedding Suite‘ – that fit all needs. From ‘wedding day essentials,’ to an entire section devoted to just the bridal party, I was pretty blown away at everything they offered. Forgetting all about my bridal luncheon endeavor, I immediately clicked in the ‘For the Bridesmaid’ section and found a wide selection of gorgeous gowns. When I saw this dress, I knew it was perfect.  The column shape was so elegant and the single {hi-lo} ruffle didn’t feel overtly girly. I paired it with this gorgeous + simple scallop collar necklace, and silver accessories {all found via Nordstrom’s wedding section!} What’s crazy is that this dress didn’t seem overtly ‘bridesmaid-y’ either {even though I think it would make a beautiful bridesmaid dress – especially in the navy #swoon} Truthfully, I found more than a few dresses in the ‘For the Bridesmaid‘ section that I would happily wear to a wedding or event as a guest – so many so that I found it difficult to narrow down my choices to just two dresses {I also ordered this one!} And if I’m being totally honest, I’m still quite tempted by this one & this one as well #somebodyhelpme

Long story short – learn from my mistakes {and the mistake of so many other brides!} If you really want to find a dress that your bridesmaids will wear again, go take a look at Nordstrom’s selection – and if you’re just looking for a dress to wear to a party or event, go take a look at Nordstrom’s selection! I promise you’ll have a hard time picking just 1!

photos: Michelle Preau

thank you so much to Nordstrom for sponsoring this post!