How to choose the perfect wedding accessories

Finding your wedding dress can be hard enough, but then you add in the task of finding the perfect accessories to go with it. I love using resources, such as Pinterest, to help give me style inspirations, but that can become overwhelming and cumbersome.

I think the best thing to do is keep it true to you and your every day look. For example, if you're someone who has a classic wardrobe, you might opt for a classic veil. Let's look at some examples of veils (and of course, you have to also choose the length and detail).

This one keeps it classic, but I love the detail in the trim:

Here is a very thin veil. This style is one of my favorites because it is so simple that it doesn't take away from the dress. I feel that you could pair this veil with absolutely any style of wedding dress or even a gorgeous pantsuit. (Veil courtesy of Vocelles):

A classic mantilla is always beautiful and keeps with certain traditions (mantilla courtesy of St. Patrick:

Another classic look: 

This floral veil was a showstopper!

Or, you can go with something off the wall and gorgeous, such as this creative veil from Jurgita Bridal: 

Now, let's take a look at bridal headpieces. These are such a great way to add a little extra to your look. The great thing about them is that you can wear them with or without a veil. They bring this whimsical element that is sure to be a showstopper. 

Here are a few examples of some favorites that I've photographed over the years:

(Courtesy Jurgita Bridal)

(Courtesy Vocelles; A Bridal Shoppe)

I love this embellished headband. (Courtesy Vocelles; A Bridal Shoppe)

These next two are hair pieces that look like flowers. I love how one bride used it as her "something blue"!

This bride opted for real flowers and the outcome is gorgeous!

If you don't want to wear any bridal head pieces, you do have other options. You can wear gorgeous statement jewelry, like the cameo necklace pictured bellow:

Or, you could skip all of the accessories and make a statement with your hair!

Whatever you decide, just remember that it's your wedding day and you should stay true to you. 

For more inspiration, head on over to my Pinterest!

West Palm Maternity Photographer

When it comes to maternity, I really want the story to be about the mom and baby. Pregnant women sometimes feel like they have lost their identity, and I love to help them see that they are still beautiful and wanted. The story is theirs and I’m just there to capture it.

This was Jenna’s third child and she wanted to do something a little different. She knew this was going to be their last time having a baby, so this felt like the perfect way to preserve it. She left her husband and kids in Tampa to come do this session in my home. I believe she really enjoyed that time to herself and with her new baby, as a month later he'd be born and things were sure to change. 

You can see the feature in Embrace Magazine. 

Jupiter Beach Family Photographer

Melinda is a fellow wedding industry friend, as she is an extremely talented florist. She and her family were visiting Jupiter Beach from New Jersey and decided they wanted to find a Jupiter Beach Family Photographer while in town. We decided to do the session at the gorgeous Admirals Cove Country Club. Bennett was just about the cutest baby and I had a blast photographing this gorgeous family! 

Taliah Boudoir Session

Have you ever connected with someone the very instant you met them? This is what happened when I first met Taliah. We met when working together in a restaurant 15 years ago. She was someone that I stayed in contact with on social media, but I hadn't seen her much since those days. There has always been an energy about her that has caused me to gravitate toward her. She's been through a lot, but still maintains such a positive outlook on life. More than that, she maintains a positive outlook on people. 

I had been craving a personal shoot. My blood needed something that made my veins feel alive. I knew that I wanted it to be boudoir focused and that I wanted to photograph a woman of color. Of course, Taliah popped in my mind. She lived in Atlanta and I happened to be traveling up there for a wedding. I reached out, nervously asked if she would be interested, and was delighted when she said,"Hell yeah!" I knew that we would create magic together. 

I showed up to her house and she was finishing up her hair and makeup. As soon as I walked in, I was greeted with the warmest full-body hug. My whole being felt warm and welcome; she has that way about her. She has an infectious love and I wanted to convey that through these photographs. I wanted her to just "be" and stand before me. My job was to be still and listen to everything she had to tell me through her movements. I don't know if I did her justice, but it was my goal. I left this session with a feeling of wholeness and hope. 

I love being a West Palm boudoir photographer, but I also love that it affords me to travel to people like this goddess. 

Tallahassee Boudoir Photographer

Erin's Tallahassee boudoir session is still one of my favorites. She came into my home a little unsure of how the session would go. She, like every woman, has insecurities and doubts. This is honestly why I believe that every woman should do a boudoir session at some point in her life (if not multiple times). She showed up with her sister who ended up being her biggest cheerleader. It was such an encouraging and empowering session. It was three women constantly praising Erin and letting her know just how phenomenal she is. It was something that radiated so far beyond her beautiful face and elongated body.

People joke a lot about me having the best job in the world being that I get to photograph women on a regular basis. I truly believe my job is stellar, but I'm also realistic about the reasons women come to me to be photographed in this way. Some are in a beautiful and healthy relationship. Some women are going through changes with their body and want it documented. I have mothers come to me who are unsure of how they feel about their "new"shape. I have women experiencing  divorces, breakups, engagements, marriages, babies, milestones, birthdays, and so much more. I have women who finish their session and tell me,"I've never felt beautiful before" or "That's me?!" How have you never seen yourself this way? The truth is you can be told this your entire life, by other people, and still not feel it or believe it.

IT'S MY JOB TO SHOW THESE WOMEN THEY ARE SO WORTH EVERYTHING WONDERFUL IN THIS WORLD.

If you follow me on Instagram you will notice that I love adding moving quotes to my images. I'm going to add empowering words to my boudoir blog post, as well; something I feel really paints a picture of each woman that dances in front of my camera. 

For the lovely Erin:

“A strong woman understands that the gifts such as logic, decisiveness, and strength are just as feminine as intuition and emotional connection. She values and uses all of her gifts.” — Nancy Rathburn