Bella Rose Photography Blog

July 13, 2010 - 05:26 PM

posted by Lisa | filed under: Events, Photojournalism, Rehearsal Dinner, weddings

It is always a great experience to photograph the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner before one of my client's weddings because it gives me a chance to get to know the couple, their families and the bridal party a little better before the actual wedding day. The rehearsal is always exciting because everyone is anxiously anticipating the wedding the next day. Robin and Garan's wedding rehearsal was no exception. You could feel the excitement in the air, and everyone was ready to celebrate and have fun together. The rehearsal took place at the Washington Duke Inn and the dinner was at the Parizade restaurant in Durham.

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.

January 29, 2010 - 05:07 PM

Style Girl, Fashion Fix Party!

posted by Lisa | filed under: Fashion, News, Photojournalism

"Style Girl" Jess James hosted a launch party to celebrate the re-branding of her "Fashion Fix" e-zine at Odessa January 21st. Lindsay from B Branded collaborated on the "look," along with back-end wizard Michal Wisniowski. The party, attended by over 100 stylistas, featured a live performance by Bibis Ellison, a customized "Fashion Fix" cake and event design by The Dessert Divas, a retro photo booth by Full Sail Photography, floral design by A Boxed Event and Foz of Z107.5's "Foz in the Morning" as event MC. To receive the "Fashion Fix" every Friday morning, sign up at www.stylegirljessjames.com

The new logo!

The cute cake designed by The Dessert Divas for Jess

Fashion Designer Amanda DeLeon and husband Kevin DeLeon.

Shannon Dunn and Susanne James

Musical Artist, Bibis Ellison

Lisa Brown, Rebekah Hinkle, Jess James, Jennifer Mattis and Deborah Place

Rebekah Hinkle, Foz from 107.5, Jess James and Jennifer Mattis

Hats and accessories by Amuse Artisanal Finery!

Lisa Brown, Jess James, and Jan Wutkowski with Amuse Artisanal Finery

Jess with her new logo and web design layout.

Lindsay Blyth, owner of Fountaine Bridals and Jennifer Wartell Shoff, one of my previous brides!

Me and Foz from 107.5!

Me with The Dessert Divas!

Jess with her mother Susanne James

Jess and Jennifer interviewing the winner of the most fashionable award for the night.

Photos of me taken by Tom Sapp

March 11, 2009 - 12:18 AM

Entries in the WPJA photo contest

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

Here's a look at the images I submitted to the latest Wedding Photo Journalist Association contest for creative images. These images were taken of my bride, Meredith, during her fabulous bridal session. What a great dress- so much fun!!!

May 22, 2008 - 03:15 AM

The New Studio of Salt Harbor Designs

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

Jennifer Rose-Sandy of Salt Harbor Designs invited me to photograph her fabulous new studio! It is so beautiful and totally well designed to showcase all of Jennifer's creations. She has a great style, and I love photographing her work. If you have the opportunity to work with Jennifer for your wedding decor or planning- trust me, you will be so happy! Check out her website at www.saltharbor.com

April 29, 2008 - 04:11 PM

Not My Typical Photoshoot!

posted by Lisa | filed under: Fun, Photojournalism

Yesterday, I had to opportunity to photograph a once in a lifetime experience. The battleship is America's newest nuclear submarine. The new submarine will bear the name of North Carolina. The official ceremony- called 'the commissioning' will take place in Wilmington on Saturday. I was able to view the submarine coming up the Cape Fear River to be moored at the Wilmington Shipping Port.

The security was extremely high as you can see with the photos of soldiers with machine guns. There was a helicopter circling overhead and the Coast Guard was circling in the river with machine guns. There were also bomb sniffing dogs to inspect any vehicles that got close. I had to have a background check in order to be there as one of the media. The public is not allowed to get near the ship.

I was there with all of the newspapers, television stations and several reporters from magazines and other agencies from around the state. It was very cool! I felt like- 'Bridget Jones- serious news reporter!'- ha ha. My photos will be on the WWAY website! www.wwaytv3.com

The Hoggard High School Band played for the audience and several officials including State Senator Mike McIntyre and Mayor Bill Saffo spoke at the ceremony. The mayor gave the Captain, Mark Davis, the key to the city.

Senator Mike McIntyre posing with some members of the crew.

Captain Mark Davis

April 22, 2008 - 03:53 AM

More Garden Tour Photos

posted by Lisa | filed under: Events, Fun, Photojournalism

You just don't see anything like this in California! Amazing! We loved the gardens. The colorful flowers are magnificent this time of year. April is diffidently the best time to visit!

My favorite shot of the day!

Of course, Isabele found a kitty- I love how they are BOTH smiling!

March 11, 2008 - 06:54 PM

A Flower Gathering

posted by Lisa | filed under: Events, Photojournalism

Here are a few photos from the beautiful display of the talented people at A Flower Gathering at the Elegant Weddings Gala. For more info contact Renee Becker at (919) 465-1820.