Can you believe it’s been 3 years? G&G has come such a long way since then! I am so thankful and appreciative of all of you who come visit for a little dose of pretty! You are my inspiration and drive and happiness (since because of you, I get to do what I love!) In celebration of you, I’ve got a fabulous giveaway!!
Have you heard? The very fabulous Elizabeth Demos has just launched her new book, Vintage Wedding Style! This book is full of everything you love: amazing real wedding inspiration + easy DIY projects that show you how to pull it off yourself! I, of course, love everything to do with vintage and DIY, but this book also has a spot in my heart because my best friend’s wedding is featured (and there may be a little mention of G&G in the credits! Eeek!) Since I love the book so much, I asked if Liz would giveaway a copy (signed too!) to one of you lovely readers. Plus, I got to pick her brain on some great advice for all you brides!
(G&G) What do you love about vintage styled weddings?
(Elizabeth Demos) I love they what they represent. Vintage style weddings have soul, personality, humor, and tradition. There is a great connection to the past and people that truly love vintage feel it. Their guests feel it too.
(G&G) I love that the book comes from the perspective of both a planner and stylist. What tips do you have for brides to bring out their inner stylist?
(Liz) For details: Edit well and keep things polished looking. If it’s a mess in person it isn’t going to get any better in a photograph. Keep your crafts tidy and your props orderly. It is best to send some of your smaller fun details for your photographer to record in advance so they can set aside time to capture them before the main event (i.e.: stationery, programs, favors). Your photographer will be grateful you thought ahead and didn’t pile up a long laundry list of images during your event. I’m a BIG fan of daylight and having most if not all of your wedding’s details photographed in daylight will produce images you will cherish.
The big picture: When it comes to big overall photos always be cognizant of your surroundings because you might not have a photographer that will police the stranger walking in the background or the light pole that is lined up with someone’s head. Wedding photographers are like sports photographers. They have to capture thousands of photos in a short amount of time. At the rate they are taking photos they might not have the time to stop and look at every photo (and they really shouldn’t). The freedom to move fast is fantastic. They can get so much without slowing down so you shouldn’t slow them down either.
If you are into posed portraits choose several places where you and the photographer can inspect the area and give the all clear to before the wedding. I prefer more spontaneous photographs so just make sure your designer or planner is on the prowl for odd things that would stand out in your pictures like ugly electrical cords, GIANT speakers! I hate those speakers, piles of handbags and shoes (this always happens, another pet peeve) and so on. I also suggest including images of your event hall before people arrive. I can’t say I have ever seen a picture after a place is full of people that looked good. If you are a bride that has taken care to make your event tables or space look and feel perfect you might want to get an image of it because you won’t remember it and it won’t feel the same once it is filled with people.
(G&G) The book highlights so many great couples, all with their own personalities and styles. How can couples help infuse their wedding with their own personalities?
(Liz) Couples should feel free to be themselves and not fall into what is required or expected for their wedding. I do recognize that this is hard especially when you hear “well I’m paying for your wedding and I want………” I hate to say it but weddings can be a bit of a show and a show off for some and when that gets in the way of a couple’s individual expression I sometimes find myself advising they elope. Eeeeek I said it! Ok, so say you can’t run away. Be a champion for your cause. After all it is likely the person paying has known you your whole life so they should understand WHO you truly are and should not be surprised you want to give away popcorn as a favor or use a canoe for your send off, right?
Don’t be shy, gently remind them that things are different now or that you understand how things were done when they got married X number of years ago but that isn’t a good fit for you and your mate. If that fails, elope. Eeeeek I said it again!
(G&G) There are tons of fun and simple craft projects for all the weddings featured. What tips do you have for the couple wanting to DIY their wedding?
(Liz) Choose no more then 3 elements to DIY. That will keep your to do list in check. Do a test run the moment you decide on something to be sure you can find all the supplies, are capable of the craft, and that it is cost effective to produce. Time yourself making it to ensure you allot enough time to make the quantity you need before your wedding. Enlist the help of others if the task is too great but don’t count on them 100%. Friends and family can disappoint you and you will still love them. A hired individual is bound by a contract. There are loads of gifted and eager artisans and crafts people that can take your idea and make it a reality without all the stress.
Best of luck and happy planning!
[ All images from Vintage Wedding Style, reprinted with permission from Chronicle Books]
Seriously, you are going to LOVE this book!! Want to know how to win? Just comment below on why you love vintage styled weddings. Entries open until February 17th at midnight EST, winner will be chosen at random. Good luck everyone and thanks again for making the last 3 years amazing!!!
[ birthday images by John Rawlings and Mark Shaw ]
