Bella Rose Photography Blog

March 15, 2010 - 03:14 AM

Orton's Secret Garden Wedding and Event Show!

posted by Lisa | filed under: Events, News, weddings

I have always loved the story, 'The Secret Garden' by Frances Hodgson Burnett. The idea of an enchanted garden, hidden by overgrown vines that comes to life with the care and love given by a little misplaced girl always captivated me as a child. When I was invited to participate in Orton's Secret Garden wedding show, I was immediately intrigued. I was even more excited when I heard that the idea for the show was for each vendor to display their work in a creative manner that would really showcase the possibilities of the site. And I was thrilled to be able to display my photography in the quaint historic chapel with the beautiful flowers and decor by Wendy of A Beautiful Event. I designed imagery to hang in the windows of the church using photos from previous weddings and bridal portraits taken at Orton Plantation. To keep with the 'secret garden' theme, I attached vintage keys to the ribbons and designed ornate, vintage style frames for my photography. We also had the a beautiful dress on display by Fountaine Bridals, gorgeous veils and accessories by aMuse! and fantastic violin music by Maura Kropk e. It was absolutely dreamy! To me, there is just something mysterious and enchanted about Orton Plantation and it is the perfect place for your own 'secret garden' wedding. And just like the book, a little bird came inside the chapel on the day of the show.

Jan Wutkowski, aMuse, Maura Kropke, violinist, Lisa Brown, Bella Rose Photography, Wendy Wright and assistant from A Beautiful Event, and Lindsay Blyth and assistant of Fountaine Bridal.

Jennifer and Rebekah of the Dessert Divas with Jan Wutkowski of aMuse!

Lindsay, Rebekah, Lisa, Deborah, Jennifer, Jess and Jan

My assistant Jill and I at the show!

Jess James with Cindy and Ron Pickett, owners of the Dudley Mansion.

It was a pretty day, but still very cold! I think it was a high of 52 degrees!

Jess James doing her job well- looking stylish!

March 11, 2010 - 10:32 PM

A Happy Affair Bridal Show!

posted by Lisa | filed under: Bridal Portraits, Events, News, weddings

The Happy Affair Bridal Show at North Ridge Country Club was a great event. We were positioned in the lobby area of the club so that couples could have a spontaneous 'mini engagement session' in front of the fireplace when they arrived for the show. Then couples entered into the main ballroom to meet with other vendors and to hear the speaker, Stacie Francombe. Stacie is the Get Married Founder and President. She hosts a weekly television show on WeTV and also publishes a beautiful magazine. The focus of the show and magazine are to discuss current trends in the wedding industry. Here are a few of the trends Stacie mentioned in her presentation:

1. Non-linear aisle: Brides are personalizing the procession by altering the traditional aisle with a circle or a triangular double aisle, enabling the couple to enter from multiple spots with a central meeting point. Stephanie Davis, Get Married magazine editor-in-chief and new bride, wedded lake-side on a circular dock from which she and her groom entered. "Our family no longer has two sides, so everyone sat together and, as an added bonus, there wasn't a bad seat in the house!"

2. Comfort foods with a kick: Chef Wolfgang Puck believes that comfort foods have become more popular in the current economy. Think burgers, pizza, ribs, pot pie, and risotto--but comfort does not have to mean pedestrian. "Upgrade ingredients and prepare them with great expertise. Serve hors d'oeuvres like Kobe burgers, wild mushroom risotto, smoked salmon pizzas, slow-braised short ribs or a simple chicken pot pie with lobster," advises Puck.

3. Gifting techie gadgetry: Registries and wedding gifts have increasingly become more high tech. Brides want electronic recipe finders, books and charging plates, and matching his-and-hers PDA cases--all examples of great gadgets for the couple as well as thank-you gifts for parents and the wedding party.

4. Texture-inspired invitations: Top bridal designer Monique Lhuillier shares inspirations and details from her various collections: "A lot of fabric details from the dresses translate into the invitations. We use techniques of embossing to mimic textures and incorporate the same colors from the gowns into the invitations." Look for details you would see on the runway on your wedding invitations.

5. Old, new, borrowed and cobalt blue: From hints of blue in bridal fashion to saturated color throughout the wedding decor, "blues will be the most requested color in 2010," said Shane Murray of The Wedding Report. Bright cobalt blue is a hot hue for 2010, offering fresh, bold and atmospheric twist on the bluesy tradition.

6. Wear-again bridesmaid dresses: The urban legend of wearing a bridesmaids dress by choice after the wedding is a reality with the new silhouettes that mirror what is happening on the runway. Gorgeous and glamorous dresses with drop waists, bubble skirts and ruffles add an additional sense of style for bridesmaids to wear--and wear again.

7. Three-dimensional save-the-dates: Inform your friends and family of your wedding day with a twist. Three-dimensional elements on the save-the-dates, like a paper umbrella (signifying a destination wedding), adds character, humor and relevance.

8. Old Hollywood glam, for men!: A return to Cary Grant's sense of style is making a comeback this year for grooms, looking charming and dapper in a white tuxedo with black-rimmed lapels. This cool old-school look brings back the sharp-looking vest and nostalgic pocket watch.

9. Blogger brides abound: Now more than ever, Get Married is seeing brides enjoy sharing snippets of surprises, ideas and images throughout their wedding planning experience. Personal blogs offer a space for brides to share, gather inspirations and explore. Check out Get Married's robust and newly designed wedding blog.

10. Personalized plus: From the décor designs and inspirational invites to a great gifts and super-fab favors, Get Married is observing brides' aspiration for distinctly personalized wedding details. Designing invitations, save-the-dates and thank-you cards and adding monograms to guest books, aisle runners and gifts (like cosmetic and travel bags) offers a hint of personal bridal style. An assortment of personalized décor, invitations, gifts and favors are available a www.shop.getmarried.com.

March 11, 2010 - 02:44 PM

Check out this new magazine!

posted by Lisa | filed under: Fun, Magazine Features, News

I thought all of my newlyweds out there would be interested in checking out this new magazine. Here is a link to the online copy of the magazine. You can view an online version of the issue and the interior design is awesome!

March 11, 2010 - 11:06 AM

Bridal Luncheon ~ Jenny

posted by Lisa | filed under: weddings

Along with the wedding day photography coverage, I was also able to provide photography for the Bridal Luncheon given for my client Jenny at the Eagle Point Golf Club in Wilmington. It was a beautiful day, perfect for such a nice party! Love the unique flower arrangements incorporating flowers, fruit and shells.

March 10, 2010 - 07:58 PM

Bridal Portrait ~ Jenny

posted by Lisa | filed under: Bridal Portraits, portraits, weddings

My beautiful bride, Jenny, took her bridal portraits at her parents home on Figure Eight Island. The perfect location for some unique interior shots and a great view of the intra-coastal waterway for some beautiful location shots. I love the images of Jenny with her dog, Brady. He is the sweetest dog and was so cute in the photos looking at Jenny. Jenny's lovely dress is a Vera Wang and they completed the look with a designer veil with handmade lace! Gorgeous!

March 10, 2010 - 01:53 PM

Photos featured in Metro Magazine

posted by Lisa | filed under: Events, Magazine Features, News

Here are a few photos that are currently featured in the Raleigh Metro Magazine from my coverage of the Triangle Wine Experience. What a fun night!

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February 22, 2010 - 05:42 PM

A Happy Affair ~ Bridal Show!

posted by Lisa | filed under: Engagement, Events, Fashion, News, weddings

Triangle Bridal Association

Bella Rose Photography
will be featured at:

A Happy Affair
North Ridge Country Club
6612 Falls of Neuse Road
Raleigh
Thursday, the 25th of February
4:30pm - 8:30pm

Don't miss this! Stacie Francombe, Get Married Media Founder and President, will present inspiring ideas and fantastic finds to help you personalize your wedding and create a truly memorable day. Get Married Media offers brides-to-be a wealth of wedding tips through Get Married magazine, GetMarried.com, the WeTV television hit series Get Married - and just for you - a live presentation at the Triangle Bridal Association's A Happy Affair.

Hall of Gowns
Dessert Tasting
Inspiration Library
Complimentary Photo
Meet Triangle Experts
Musical Moods
Get Personal with Get Married Media

Bella Rose Photography has 10 FREE Tickets and 12 coupons for $5 off the ticket price. Contact Lisa for more info!
919-744-0682

Meet the Triangle's most reputable wedding professionals. As part of the Triangle Bridal Association, members are quality-oriented wedding experts subscribing to a Code of Ethics, dedicated to honesty, integrity and a commitment to professionalism. They know their reputation is on the line with every wedding, including yours.

February 22, 2010 - 05:22 PM

Orton Plantation's Secret Garden Wedding and Event Gathering!

posted by Lisa | filed under: Events, News, weddings

I am very excited to announce that Bella Rose Photography will be featured at the Orton Plantation Secret Garden Wedding and Event Gathering on Sunday, February 28th from 11am to 4pm! Orton Plantation has four amazing locations for weddings and events on the property. Several new locations have recently been added! All four locations will be showcased with wedding decor, each with a different color scheme and theme. Bella Rose Photography will be displayed in the beautiful historic Luola's Chapel, so be sure and stop by to say 'hello!'

February 14, 2010 - 11:50 PM

A day in the life...

posted by Lisa | filed under: Photojournalism, Tips, weddings

"Wedding photography makes men of camera boys. You have to know it all: how to take pictures of men, women, children, babies, jewelry, clothing, flowers, food, architecture, and landscapes. Photojournalistic and fashion. Ambient light and flash. Photoshop. Photoshop. Photoshop. You have to bustle dresses, pin corsages, button cuff links, and sweet talk the church lady. And ya gotta look good while doin' it." Nathan Bell of Richard Bell Photography

I came across this quote while looking through a recent Weddings Unveiled magazine and thought it was a great summary of what it takes to be a wedding photographer. There are no 'do overs' and you only have a limited amount of time to get the shots and to get them right! You have to be an expert on every detail of weddings, keep the bride on schedule, and soothe away the stress from a very intense, emotionally charged day. A few of the tasks that I have perfected along the way: how to tie the 'Martha Stewart Bow' for the flower girl's dress, how to pin on a boutineer, how to fix a flower that has fallen out of a boutineer, how the bride and bridesmaids should hold their bouquets, how to put in a veil correctly, detailed instructions on how the bride and groom should cut the cake, which tier of the cake they should cut- just to name a few! The photographer is the 'wedding expert' that has the closest relationship with the bride and groom on the day of the wedding and so we have to be prepared for anything.

Now and then, we take a few photos along the way, and I thought I would share a few of the 'behind the scenes' shots.

February 14, 2010 - 05:11 PM

Happy Valentines Day!

posted by Lisa | filed under: Events, Fun

Happy Valentines Day to all of you Lovebirds out there!