Telling Your Story with Details {Inspiration for Kerri Lynne brides}

March 10, 2014

I love telling stories.  And what a better way to frame your love story than with the beautifully crafted details on your wedding day?

After photographing many weddings, I realize my heart leaps when I see a detail that is creative and unique to who my couples are. In seeing that detail at your wedding, I know something more about you. That detail is so much more than a detail. It’s an entry point into your story.

I realized the power of this only a few weeks ago. I was talking to my brother’s fiancee about wedding ideas. We were talking about beautiful distressed picture frames and stringing pictures of them, and the color scheme. Then, when I asked her about their ideas for Save the Dates, I realized there was something missing in all of the planning. We had talked about seafoam green, DIY picture frames and christmas lights, but we hadn’t once talked about them. Any couple can have a seafoam green wedding, with DIY picture frames and christmas lights. I came up with an idea to include guitars into their engagement shoot and their reception, because my brother plays the guitar, and that has been apart of their relationship. And something clicked.

That something that “clicked” for me is what will “click” with anyone that sees something personal on your wedding day.

The personal details make every other detail more beautiful. Why? Because the wedding becomes yours, and becomes connected to the rest of your story. It helps your guests to celebrate you. And as your photographer, it helps me to capture you.

So here are some creative ways my couples have entered into their story on their wedding day.  I hope it inspires you to tell YOUR story with details!

 

1. CHOOSE A PERSONAL LOCATION

I know this may sound simple, but many couples choose to have their wedding at locations that are meaningful to them and their story.  Suddenly, these locations aren’t just pretty places, they touch hearts to know they are a part of what you love together.

For example, you may choose to marry in the church you grew up in.  This couple chose to marry at the Fordham University Chapel where Jen went to college.  It’s awesome to know she passed this building for years before entering into it with her future husband!

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And this couple loves golfing!  Patrick loves it and goes on many golf outings during the year.  In fact, one of Colleen and Patrick’s first dates was at a mini-golf course.  It’s only fitting that their reception would be at the beautiful Garrison Golf Club.

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2. GIVE PERSONALIZED GIFTS ON YOUR WEDDING DAY!

Sometimes couples choose to open their wedding gifts the night before, at the rehearsal dinner.  But I always LOVE it when they open them on the wedding morning.  The notes they read are precious, and evoke such beautiful emotion.  And the gifts add to telling their story, because they are so personal.

For example, this couple married at FEAST at Round Hill, but their entire lives together are in New York City.  They wanted to bring in details about the city into their wedding, so when they exchanged gifts, he bought her a bracelet with a subway map on it; she bought him cuff links with a subway map on it.  I wonder if they planned that?!

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3. USE PHOTOS OF YOU AND YOUR FAMILY MEMBERS

This is something that most couples do, but I’ve seen it done in such creative ways!  When you put photographs of family members, you tell your family history, and the larger story that your lives are a part of.

This couple created a table with their photo in the middle, and photographs from her family and his on separate sides.  It turned out beautifully!

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Another thing that couples love to do is put charms or actual photographs on their bouquet of family members they want to honor that would not be at their wedding.  This bride’s father had passed away, and holding his picture was a way to keep him present in her heart.  So beautiful!

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Of course, guests LOVE to see photos of you at your reception!  Whether you create a sign in book, print canvases or prints, whether you prop them or string them, it’s a beautiful way to help your guests have a glimpse of your lives together thus far on your journey.

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4.  BE CREATIVE WITH OTHER RECEPTION DETAILS

There are so many ways to tell your story with details at the reception, and it’s not just limited to your photographs!  You can use the seating charts, table centerpieces, the cake or cake topper, and even reception games, to tell your story.

This couple used their seating chart creatively!  Their wedding theme was “tying the knot,” and they gave each guest a handmade knot bracelet.  They had made knot bracelets while backpacking in Patagonia, to symbolize their love and commitment to each other.  So they gave one to each of their guests!

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This couple used the story of their geography in their wedding details.  The groom was from Alabama and the bride was from New York.  So they made travel postcards for each of their guests, and theirs had NEW YORK / ALABAMA on it.  They also used elegant details like cotton, not only on the seating chart, but at each of the centerpieces.  And finally, they had a bluegrass band to give their music a Sweet Home Alabama feel!

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This couple loves to hike and travel together, so they decided to create unique centerpieces for each table with places they have been.  Each table had the location, with a hand-painted centerpiece to represent it, and a candle inside.  A fun way for guests to learn about their travels!

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This bride is the middle child and has two sisters; it’s only fitting that she would place “Middle Sister” wine bottles on each table!

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This couple loves to hike and travel, so they created a rustic cake with a topper that really looks like them – ready for their next adventure!

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This couple loved to do crossword puzzles together, so they created a crossword puzzle for their guests to do at their seats during their reception!

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5. USE YOUR STORY TO CREATE A WEDDING THEME!

I love this one!  I have seen some couples create a whole theme to their wedding day, that they tie in to every detail they can.  This couple’s theme was “A Toast to Us.”  They love champagne, and they love to pop a bottle together on a romantic date or with their friends.  They have many pictures toasting together.  So they decided to make that their theme.  You can see their cake topper was a couple popping a champagne bottle, Patrick wrote her a card called “A Toast to Us” that he gave with her gift, and at the reception, they created a board with pictures together surrounded by corks from champagne bottles.

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They even took this theme into their formal pictures!  They asked me to take a photo of them toasting to each other.  They also bought champagne bubbles to give to each member of their bridal party, who blew them at Kari and Patrick to create some sweet photos.

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I hope this post inspires you!

All wedding details are stunning – the dress, the rings, the invitations, the shoes…  But to me, the details are even more beautiful when they are tied to your story.  Anyone can have a fall wedding in the woods with the same color scheme you dream of.  Anyone can have a summer wedding on the beach.  But no other couple will have your story – guaranteed:) So use it to create something beautiful!

xoxo

Kerri

 

 

 

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Announcing the “This is Love” Contest Winners!!

February 28, 2014

At the beginning of February, I announced a photo contest called “This is Love,” to give away a free photo shoot to tell an amazing story that defines the meaning of love.

In the middle of a month that commercializes love, I wanted to bring the focus back onto what love really means.

After getting several entries, I knew it would be hard to choose!  I asked voters on Instagram to help me sort through these stories to help me choose a winner: A marine and his love, high school sweethearts who have been married for years, and two sisters who have weathered the storms of life together.

I am so excited to announce today that the official contest winner is AMANDA & BRIAN!  I’m so excited to tell their story!!

But it gets even better, friends.  I checked Instagram this morning and saw that Pete and Sandy had already determined to give their session to Amanda and Brian, even if they won.  They decided to give up something they wanted to make someone else happy!  This brought me to tears.  They don’t even know Amanda and Brian…but they decided to pour into their love.  This is the very definition of the love that I’m trying to capture.  Love at its highest form is sacrifice – being willing to lay down your life for someone else.

My heart is overflowing to announce that I am going to tell Pete and Sandy’s story too!!  Now there are 2 WINNERS.  And I couldn’t be more filled with joy to tell BOTH of their stories.

Why?  Because this is what love does.  It multiplies and it inspires.  When one person loves, it flows into another person’s life and helps them love others better.

I’m so excited to capture Amanda and Brian, and Pete and Sandy, this spring, and share both of their amazing stories!

With a heart overflowing,

Kerri Lynne

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*photos taken from Instagram

 

 

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Meghan

Wow!! This is absolutely beautiful and how amazing of Pete and Sandy! So excited for both of them!

Designing a Rustic Tablescape! {for Kerri Lynne Brides}

February 25, 2014

This week, I participated in a bridal show at Bloomingdales, which I was so grateful to be apart of!  It has been a little while since Kerri Lynne Photography has participated in a bridal show, so I was in the market to buy some NEW tablescape items that would really enhance my new branding.  Boy, was that WAY more fun than I thought it would be!   Who knew I loved decorating?!

I went to several stores to pick out items that would really show the rustic-chic nature of my brand, and really make you feel that you stumbled upon me in the woods (and, my iMac with scrolling pictures was there too!  Is that a stretch?:))  I purchased wooden crates with chalkboard spaces to write on, wooden plates, birch tree stumps to display my cards, tall grass plants, table runners, mason jars with burlap and lace, and distressed picture frames.  I used some items already apart of Kerri Lynne decor – my big orange “K” and my antique medium format camera. And of course, I ordered a beautiful floral arrangement in a wooden container with bright, orange gerbera daisies and peach roses.

I thought my brides would just LOVE to see this and the final design, as it’s really so easy to design and create a rustic table scape.  And who knew…so much fun!

Here is what the final setup at Bloomingdales looked like!  All ready to meet brides and chat about their wedding days:)

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I set up the table again at home, just because I was so in love with how it came out, and wanted to photograph more!

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I LOVED using the birch stumps to display my new business cards!

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And of course, what would any table be like without a little chocolate?  Godiva – oh yes!:)

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I was so in love with this flower arrangement by Bobbi at Plants & Things, that it’s now proudly displaying in my office!  I wish it would last forever!!

 

Source of Items Featured:

Home Goods – Table Runners, Wooden Crates, Grass Arrangement

Michaels – Wood Stumps, Mason Jar, Burlap & Lace wrapping, Godiva Chocolates

TJ Maxx – K, Distressed wood picture frame

 

A special thank you to:

Bloomingdales Bridal Show, White Plains, New York

Plants & Things Floral Design Center, Mount Kisco, New York

 

 

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Wedding Venues I Love: 2013 Recap {Hudson Valley, Westchester & New York Wedding Venues}

February 21, 2014

As I photographer, I get asked these questions all the time.

“What’s your favorite wedding you’ve done?”  ”What’s your favorite place that you’ve worked at?”  ”Have you shot at some cool places?”

I decided to write a whole blog post to answer this, and share some of my favorite wedding venues with you.  (Note: this recaps weddings I have photographed in 2012 & 2013!  There are so many more great weddings yet to come.)  I have truly loved photographing working in the Hudson Valley, a place that is so RICH with natural beauty!  It’s not hard to find a really awesome wedding venue, and there are so many un-conventional, beautiful locations to be discovered.  Here are just a few of my favorites – enjoy!

 

1. BEAR MOUNTAIN INN

I have photographed at Bear Mountain Inn several times, and by the end of this year I will have done 4 weddings here!  I’m not a photographer who ever wants to stick to one location, but I have to say that I love Bear Mountain.  The setting in the Hudson Valley is unbeatable.  Around the Inn and on Hessian Lake is a beautiful place to take photographs, and there is also access to other locations right off the Palisades Parkway.  The Inn has such a rustic charm.  The staff is so accommodating.  They have worked so well with my brides who bring in lots of DIY details to really give the setting their unique flavor.  And plus, my parents had their wedding reception here back in the day!  (That’s true!)

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2. CV RICH MANSION

CV Rich Mansion is a treasure right in White Plains, it’s a country escape that you wouldn’t expect!  The Mansion has a rich history and has been renovated to host events like weddings, and is a part of the Womens Club of White Plains.  Their staff is so nice and accommodating.  In the back, their patio and outdoor area have a beautiful garden feel.  And inside, they have some really cozy rooms and libraries that are certainly unique.  I just love that CV Rich Mansion exists in the middle of a big city but is such a sweet getaway!

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3. FEAST at Round Hill

Round Hill is such a unique venue situated in the Hudson Valley.   The main room inside has such an Italian Renaissance charm to it, with the decor and paintings on the wall.  For an Italian girl like myself, it makes me feel like I am back in Italy!   There is a class and an elegance about Round Hill, but also a casual atmosphere that my clients love.  And outdoors, they have beautiful gardens that are lush and green in the Spring and Summer.  It’s the perfect location if you’re looking for a quaint family-oriented celebration, while having a fun and classy wedding day.

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4. HIGHLANDS COUNTRY CLUB

Highlands is one of the weddings in Garrison that are Hudson Valley treasures!  Highlands is a golf club during the year, but also the setting for beautiful wedding receptions.  Their staff was wonderful to work with.  Outside, Highlands has rolling hills and golf carts, but also beautiful tall grasses and bridges, and an outdoor barn to photograph with!  Inside, they have rustic tables and a warm fire, and even a fire pit set up outside for s’mores.  When my clients were married there, they also had a photo booth, a cigar roller, and released wish lanterns into the air.  Highlands has a cozy, rustic atmosphere and a simple  charm.

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5. THE GARRISON

The Garrison Golf Club is the sister venue to Highlands, and is also a golf course during the year.  They also have a restaurant and host weddings and events throughout the year.  There are tons of rolling hills, golf carts and greenery to photograph with; and also some beautiful rustic structures on the premises made of stone and branches.  The view of the Hudson Valley from its property is beautiful, and in the summer they have bright flowers in bloom – I captured some beautiful butterflies there at last summer’s wedding!    Inside, the Garrison has TONS of natural light because of their big windows, and there’s a simple beauty to the way the room is set up.

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6. OLD TAPPAN MANOR

Old Tappan Manor is a New Jersey venue not far from Rockland Country and the Hudson Valley.  It is a private setting and a beautiful stone building.  And inside is the most beautiful ballroom.  I loved the way they combined the rustic exterior with their chandelier-elegant interior.  But most of all, I LOVED the way the room photographed.  With its high ceilings and varying uplighting, the dance floor photographs are absolutely flawless!

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7. THE PLAYERS CLUB

The Players Club hosted the only Manhattan wedding I have photographed, but I was SO enamored with how unique this venue is.  It is a gentleman’s club which was established by writers like Mark Twain, and it has such a unique history to it.  There are pictures all along the staircase of famous members to The Players Club.  They have beautiful libraries with books galore, which is the perfect place to photograph!  All of their rooms have big, beautiful paintings and such classy ambiance.  Their reception room is set up with so much charm, with lights and garland.  They have a stage where an awesome bluegrass band played at the New York- Alabama wedding I captured.  And finally, the Players Club itself is situated right alongside Gramercy Park, within walking distance from the park and beautiful streets in this downtown area of Manhattan.

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8. RED MAPLE VINEYARD

Red Maple Vineyard, formerly West Park Winery, is the most beautiful escape from the city and into the Hudson Valley.  They conduct their wedding ceremonies on Deer Hill, which has a beautiful overlook into the Catskill Mountains.  The grasses and views are just breathtaking!  They even have a beautiful swing situated in a large tree that is such a romantic spot for couples to spend time together.  They have a lawn adjacent to a beautiful stone structure, where you can play lawn games.  The cocktail hour is held in the main building, which also has the bridal suite.  They of course have lots of wonderful wine to taste!  And then, they have a beautiful tent set up for the reception.  They have gorgeous wood tables, which gives a simple, modern flair to this rustic locale.  The staff was wonderful to work with and their property is just stunning!

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9. WILLOW LAKE FARMS

Willow Lake Farms is a beautiful treasure in the Hudson Valley, perhaps one of its best kept secrets.  The property owners (who live in the most gorgeous stone house!) work with caterers and wedding planners to plan beautiful private weddings on their premises.  They have barn-like houses for the bride and groom to get ready right on the property.  The ceremony is done overlooking Willow Lake, with a view of the stone house that is breathtaking.  They have a beautiful dock, and a swing hanging from a big tree which are the perfect spots for the bride and groom to have some alone time together.  They set up the reception tent on a big hill which overlooks the ceremony site and lake.  The cocktail hour is outdoors, with the light shining through the trees as you overlook the beautiful farm.  It’s the perfect spot for a unique getaway.  Any outdoor-loving bride would fall in love with it!

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I’m so excited for the many places yet to be discovered this year!   I just love living in New York.  The Hudson Valley is such a rich area and the possibilities are endless…

Hope you enjoyed this post!

xoxo

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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