Bella Rose Photography Blog

March 15, 2010 - 03:41 AM

posted by Lisa | filed under: Events, Fashion, Fun, Modeling Portfolio

The glamorous 'Haute Hat Show' was the 'grown up' equivalent of playing dress up. All of the models were dressed in sophisticated 'little black dresses' with jewels, gloves, boas, high heels and of course, fantastic hats! I felt like I had gone back in time and we were witnessing a modeling show from the 1940's with models that stepped out of Vogue magazine.
Jan Wutkowski of aMuse! has been creating custom-made hats since 1995 when she studied hat making in Melbourne, Australia. She now resides in Wilmington, North Carolina and has a charming little store. Aside from creating hats, veils and headpieces, Jan has an extensive collection of vintage jewelry, gloves, handbags and other pretty things. It was so exciting to photograph this show and I absolutely loved every minute!

The talented, Dessert Divas, made a cake inspired by one of the hats in the show. They chose a dramatic large brimmed hat and recreated it in frosting! The beautiful model, Elena, modeled the hat with the cake for me! So glamorous!

Amanda DeLeon, (fashion designer), Rebekah Hinkle, (The Dessert Divas), Jan Wutkowski, (aMuse!), Deborah Place, (The Dessert Divas), Lisa Brown, (Bella Rose Photography), Jennifer Mattis, (The Dessert Divas), Jess James, (Style Girl).

Jennifer, Rebekah, Jess, Amanda, Elena, & Lisa enjoying the delicious cake!

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!

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!

February 2, 2010 - 04:43 PM

Weddings Magazine ~ Rehearsal Dinner Photo Shoot

posted by Lisa | filed under: Commercial Shoot, Events, Fun, News, magazine features, weddings

This past fall, I had the opportunity to shoot a feature for the Weddings Magazine in Raleigh. The feature was a rehearsal dinner staged at the 1705 Prime Catering and Events restaurant. The lovely table was decorated beautifully in pinks, and deep red colors with a gorgeous platinum and black table linen by Classic Party Rentals. I loved the modern submerged arrangements artfully designed by Michael with Fleurtations Weddings.
The very cool and modern cake was by Swank Cake Designs and the seating chart, table numbers and favors were provided by Maria Scheel. I think have a harpist at any event just makes the atmosphere elegant. The harpist is the very talented Laura Byrne and the whole look was orchestrated by Kara with A Southern Soirre. It was such a fun experience to see the work of so many amazing people. Here are a few of my favorites and then you will see how it all turned out in the actual magazine spread!

Here are few rare shots of me 'in action' taken by my assistant Jill. Usually at weddings we are working so fast that it is almost impossible to think of taking an action shot, but on a shoot like this we are able to take it a little easier and enjoy the creative process!

January 30, 2010 - 04:14 PM

Winter Bride Modeling Shoot ~ Elena

posted by Lisa | filed under: Bridal Portraits, Fashion, Fun, weddings

What a perfect day to put photos of my 'winter bride' on the blog! We woke up to 4-5 inches of snow this morning and a temperature of 9 degrees with wind chill! Very usual for Raleigh, North Carolina!
These photos were taken in Wilmington with much milder temperatures on a pleasantly warm day in late November. We decided to create our own 'snowfall' on the steps of the courthouse. My mom and assistant Jill each had a bag of snow that they threw at our lovely bride. Elena was the perfect person to represent our 'winter bride' because she is gorgeous and also from Russia. This girl understands cold! The lovely dress is and Enzoani from A Carolina Wedding. The moment I saw this dress, I knew I wanted to accessorize it with a black sash. I decided to go for a glamorous 'Imperial Russian' feel once I saw the incredible necklace that Jan with Amuse Artisanal Finery offered to let us borrow. The color of that necklace with smoky sapphires became our inspiration. The make up was expertly done by the talented Amy Kennison of Mac and the lovely bouquet was designed by Salt Harbor Designs. We shot on location at one of my favorite locations- The City Club.

January 28, 2010 - 07:30 PM

My Day as a Diva

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

I am used to photographing weddings, and I am around a lot of the behind the scenes work that is a part of putting a wedding together. One thing I have never done is drive with someone's wedding cake in the car, transport a wedding cake, or serve a wedding cake. Well, my good friends, The Dessert Divas, recruited me to be an honorary 'diva for the day', and I got to do ALL of those things. It was a little nerve wracking, but Rebekah assured me that if I had to stop the car suddenly, she would stick a dowel into the 5 tier cake to save it! Well, we had a very smooth drive with no incidents and the cake arrived in one piece!
The design elements were created after the bride's beautiful earrings! The cake looked fantastic in the fabulous winter wonderland themed reception. I brought my camera and took a few photos. I just love the sparkly backgrounds with curtains of crystals lining the walls. What a great effect for the photos!

June 11, 2009 - 06:06 PM

The Dessert Divas!

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

We would like to congratulate our good friends, The Dessert Divas, on their article in the latest Wilma Magazine! They make the most delicious cakes imaginable! At a recent event, I overheard a woman exclaim after one bite of cake, "Oh! This is simply divine!". What an excellent description! Their cakes and desserts are divine! I had the pleasure of photographing the Divas and one of their cakes for the magazine article. We had so much fun, so I thought I would showcase the article. Take a look at the other cakes the Divas have made recently on their blog and don't forget to call them for cakes for any occasion! (910) 399-6276 or (910) 599-1290.

April 28, 2009 - 05:12 AM

Southern Bride & Groom Magazine Luncheon

posted by Lisa | filed under: Events, Fun, News, magazine features, weddings

The latest issue of Southern Bride and Groom has been released and we are especially excited because our photo is featured on the cover! Our 'cover couple', Jonay and David, were married on the 4th of July at the Carolina Inn. We had the chance to celebrate the magazine launch at the Southern Bride and Groom Spring Luncheon on April 2nd, 2009 at Sister's Garden in Raleigh. What a beautiful party! Loved the colors! I had fun taking a few shots of the cute bouquets on the tables, adorable cupcakes, and the lovely ladies of Southern Bride magazine. Thanks again Donna for selecting our photo!

April 27, 2009 - 10:05 PM

Featured on Southern Bride and Groom Newsletter

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

April 1, 2009 - 08:12 PM

An Elegant Evening at the Preston Woodall House

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

Last night we were invited to a beautiful party given by Joel Hurley and Dale Herring, owners of the Preston Woodall House, in Benson. It was a celebration of their 10 year anniversary in the wedding business at the historic home. What a fantastic party! We really enjoyed the gorgeous flowers provided by Lyn of Fresh Affairs. He created very dramatic, tall arrangements with cascading white orchids, crystals, peonies and roses. My favorite! There was also a beautiful cake, excellent food, wine and great music! They attached a tent to the reception room that was lit with blue lights. It looked very 'icy' with white leather couches, candles and a clear glass bar. We were excited to be able to attend the event as a guest for a change instead of working! Although, I couldn't resist bringing my camera. I kept it simple- only one lens! Here are a few of the photos: