I want to become a society lady Rockin' a new rock?!

Spring has sprung in today’s gorgeous engagement session shot by Chris and Kristen Photography. Tasha and Eli chose a wildly romantic location and some fresh blooms created by The Vines Leaf for just the right amount of seasonal inspiration for their engagement session. We made sure to ask Tasha and Eli the story of how they met and their proposal, which we know you’ll love, so keep reading as you obsess over their images. Seriously. How is this loveliness possible?

Wedding Blog Chris and Kristen Photography
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Wedding Blog Chris and Kristen Photography
Wedding Blog Chris and Kristen Photography
Wedding Blog Chris and Kristen Photography
Wedding Blog Chris and Kristen Photography
Wedding Blog Chris and Kristen Photography

And do you remember how you two met?

At a casting the night before Valentine’s Day. He struck up a conversation asking if I had a recommendation for a costume shop of sorts where he might find some ‘Buddy Holly’ style jackets for his band, who were doing a 50′s sock-hop themed show the next night. I told him a few places to check out, and then he was like, “If you’re not doing anything tomorrow night, you should come.” And I said, “Perhaps.” And he was like, “Give me your number and I’ll text you the flyer.” And I started to give him my number, and he heard the area code, and he said, “859? Are you from Kentucky?” And I said, “Yes.” And he said, “Me too!” So then I was a little intrigued. And the bar where he was performing the next night was in my neighborhood, so I decided to go. And the rest is history!

Wedding Blog Chris and Kristen Photography
Wedding Blog Chris and Kristen Photography
Wedding Blog Chris and Kristen Photography
Wedding Blog Chris and Kristen Photography
Wedding Blog Chris and Kristen Photography
Wedding Blog Chris and Kristen Photography

Tell us your proposal story!

(Told from Tasha’s perspective…) We were visiting Eli’s family at his Kentucky farm. That’s his father’s land, and his grandfather’s land before that, and his great grandfather’s land before that. We thought we’d drive out to the lake and go fishing. Eli planned a picnic… Bottle of wine and wicker basket and checkered blanket and all. (And don’t forget that we met at a casting where we had to go on a pretend picnic!!) He was super nervous but I had no idea why, until he pulled my ring out of his pocket and got on one knee. We were both in tears. It was the happiest day of my life. We ran around the fields like two giddy little kids screaming we’re getting married, we’re getting married. It was magical.

Wedding Blog Chris and Kristen Photography
Wedding Blog Chris and Kristen Photography
Wedding Blog Chris and Kristen Photography
Wedding Blog Chris and Kristen Photography
Wedding Blog Chris and Kristen Photography

Vendors: Chris and Kristen Photography // Flowers: The Vines Leaf // Make-up: Brides by Kelly Jo // Hair: Ashley Carol

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If you haven’t snapped up a copy of the recent issue of Smitten Magazine, you absolutely MUST! They have allowed us the chance to share with you this gorgeous cover feature shoot photographed by Landon Jacob Photography. This is just a taste of the type of features that are always choc full in Smitten, so it’s a definite must! We are absolutely obsessing over the styling by Parkside Wedding Studio with the crazy beautiful florals by Fern Studio.

Wedding Blog Horses and Poppies
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Wedding Blog Horses and Poppies
Wedding Blog Horses and Poppies
Wedding Blog Horses and Poppies
Wedding Blog Horses and Poppies
Wedding Blog Horses and Poppies
Wedding Blog Horses and Poppies
Wedding Blog Horses and Poppies
Wedding Blog Horses and Poppies
Wedding Blog Horses and Poppies
Wedding Blog Horses and Poppies
Wedding Blog Horses and Poppies
Wedding Blog Horses and Poppies
Wedding Blog Horses and Poppies
Wedding Blog Horses and Poppies
Wedding Blog Horses and Poppies
Wedding Blog Horses and Poppies
Wedding Blog Horses and Poppies
Wedding Blog Horses and Poppies
Wedding Blog Horses and Poppies
Wedding Blog Horses and Poppies
Wedding Blog Horses and Poppies
Wedding Blog Horses and Poppies
Wedding Blog Horses and Poppies
Wedding Blog Horses and Poppies

Original feature: Smitten Magazine // Photography: Landon Jacob Photography // Design & Styling: Parkside Wedding Studio // Florals: Fern Studio // Hair and Makeup: Mikel Rumsey of Bombshell // Paper: Lady Letterpress

Every time we receive a images from Trent Bailey Photography it’s a little like opening a birthday gift from your most thoughtful friend–it’s always something you know you’ll love! Well, Trent did not disappoint with Adam and Molly’s incredibly romantic elopement at Gramercy Park Hotel in New York. And what could be more lovely that an intimate photo session immediately after?

According to Molly, “One of my favorite moments was when Adam surprised me with a vintage checker taxicab waiting outside the hotel”. The words just married scripted on the back window of the Film Cars’ cab. The couple swept off to their honeymoon on Italy’s Amalfi Coast shortly after. So romantic!

Wedding Blog New York Elopement at Gramercy Park Hotel
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Wedding Blog New York Elopement at Gramercy Park Hotel
Wedding Blog New York Elopement at Gramercy Park Hotel
Wedding Blog New York Elopement at Gramercy Park Hotel
Wedding Blog New York Elopement at Gramercy Park Hotel
Wedding Blog New York Elopement at Gramercy Park Hotel
Wedding Blog New York Elopement at Gramercy Park Hotel
Wedding Blog New York Elopement at Gramercy Park Hotel
Wedding Blog New York Elopement at Gramercy Park Hotel
Wedding Blog New York Elopement at Gramercy Park Hotel
Wedding Blog New York Elopement at Gramercy Park Hotel
Wedding Blog New York Elopement at Gramercy Park Hotel
Wedding Blog New York Elopement at Gramercy Park Hotel
Wedding Blog New York Elopement at Gramercy Park Hotel
Wedding Blog New York Elopement at Gramercy Park Hotel
Wedding Blog New York Elopement at Gramercy Park Hotel
Wedding Blog New York Elopement at Gramercy Park Hotel
Wedding Blog New York Elopement at Gramercy Park Hotel
Wedding Blog New York Elopement at Gramercy Park Hotel
Wedding Blog New York Elopement at Gramercy Park Hotel
Wedding Blog New York Elopement at Gramercy Park Hotel
Wedding Blog New York Elopement at Gramercy Park Hotel
Wedding Blog New York Elopement at Gramercy Park Hotel
Wedding Blog New York Elopement at Gramercy Park Hotel
Wedding Blog New York Elopement at Gramercy Park Hotel

You can see more images of the original feature on Brides.

Vendors: Wedding Planner: Tracy Taylor Ward Design || Ceremony Venue: Gramercy Park Hotel || Wedding Officiant: Rev. Jeddah Vailakis || Bride’s Wedding Dress: Vera Wang || Bride’s Shoes: Jimmy Choo || Groom’s Tux: J. Crew || Hair and Makeup: SB Beauty || Florist: Blossom And Branch || Stationery: Paper With Benefits || Photography: Trent Bailey Photography || Vintage Taxi: Film Cars

Our darling favorite photographer, Jen Huang, recently hosted one of her outrageous workshops in Santa Barbara. I had the chance to speak to her attendees and as usual, she put together a GORGEOUS class and shoot for her attendees. We thought you might enjoy the initial inspiration board Jen created, along with her description. And then of course, all the stunning images! Beyond love!

Wedding Blog Dutch Still Life with Jen Huang
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From Jen:

Every workshop that I put on ends with a decadent styled shoot–it’s fun and incredibly helpful to have such a hands on portion of the day. I hesitate to call this an “inspiration” shoot, but rather prefer the name “portfolio” shoot because the idea behind the collaboration was to highlight the talents of all the vendors involved. Much like planning a wedding, a proper portfolio shoot allows all the vendors to work on one concept but encourages them to give their own interpretation of it – I like the freedom that a shoot like this offers for everyone involved. This shoot, like many of my shoots, finds its inspiration in art, and in this case: rustic Dutch still life paintings. It took the talents of many amazing wedding artists working very hard to produce such a gorgeous afternoon! Sarah Winward and Borrowed Blu Rentals worked together to design the table scape pictured. The unstructured family kitchen style table puts a new spin on wedding decor and highlights the raw production behind a wedding meal. I love the giant and mini artichokes and the rainbow chard, the colors blend beautifully with Sarah’s organic centerpieces. Cassandra from Borrowed Blu used bits of handmade pottery, pressed glassware, all with a hint of green, and paired it with antique silver platters and trays. The silver was reflected in the jaw dropping Temperley gown from Nearly Newly Wed (which you can purchase directly on the site!). Laura and Brian, our handsome models were a mix of glamourous yet natural (my favorite pairing!) thanks to the lovely makeup and hair work of Erica from 1011 Makeup. I absolutely loved the up-do! Laura carried a bouquet by Sarah, and wore simple white satin shoes with rose shoe clips from Freya Rose London. Invitations used watercolor and calligraphy and touched on the organic green garden look, with a natural wooden envelope. Last but not least, the delicious and beautiful leaf sugar flowers were sent all the way from New York but the sweet Emily of Lael Cakes. This was one of my favorite shoots to put together, and we had such luck with the beautiful weather and light we had in Santa Barbara that day!

Wedding Blog Dutch Still Life with Jen Huang
Wedding Blog Dutch Still Life with Jen Huang
Wedding Blog Dutch Still Life with Jen Huang
Wedding Blog Dutch Still Life with Jen Huang
Wedding Blog Dutch Still Life with Jen Huang
Wedding Blog Dutch Still Life with Jen Huang
Wedding Blog Dutch Still Life with Jen Huang
Wedding Blog Dutch Still Life with Jen Huang
Wedding Blog Dutch Still Life with Jen Huang
Wedding Blog Dutch Still Life with Jen Huang
Wedding Blog Dutch Still Life with Jen Huang
Wedding Blog Dutch Still Life with Jen Huang
Wedding Blog Dutch Still Life with Jen Huang
Wedding Blog Dutch Still Life with Jen Huang
Wedding Blog Dutch Still Life with Jen Huang
Wedding Blog Dutch Still Life with Jen Huang
Wedding Blog Dutch Still Life with Jen Huang
Wedding Blog Dutch Still Life with Jen Huang
Wedding Blog Dutch Still Life with Jen Huang
Wedding Blog Dutch Still Life with Jen Huang
Wedding Blog Dutch Still Life with Jen Huang
Wedding Blog Dutch Still Life with Jen Huang
Wedding Blog Dutch Still Life with Jen Huang

Photographer: Jen Huang // Workshop: Jen Huang Workshops // Styling & Execution: Jen Huang // Floral Styling: Sarah Winward // Rentals & Tabletop: Borrowed Blu // Invitations: Dear Jendo // Shoes: Freya Rose // Dress: Nearly Newly Wed // Makeup & Hair: 1011 Makeup // Sugar Flowers: Lael Cakes

Spring has sprung in our beautiful styled shoot that took place at the Secrets of a Stylist workshop for photographers in February! We have a few spots left for our upcoming dates in April, May and June, so if you are interested in joining us, be sure to send an email to style@summerwatkins to reserve a spot. Curious what you’ll be shooting? Here are the images from our February workshop shot by all of our attendees! We LOVE them all, we just had to do two posts. If you didn’t see today’s earlier post, you can see it here. But do you want to see even more? Head over to Green Wedding Shoes for a recap of our workshop and a gorgeous feature!

These images are a mix from each of our attendees: Ashley Keleman // Emily Reiter of Anna Delores // Coco Tran Photography // Katie McGihon of Max and Poppy // Mollie Crutcher // Connie Lyu // Jessica of Chavez Jessica // Gorete Ferreira // Joyce Medeiros of Tania and JoJo // Audree Jean // Jen Wojcik // Lauren of Haute Shoe Studio.

Wedding Blog Secrets of a Stylist (Part Two)
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Wedding Blog Secrets of a Stylist (Part Two)
Wedding Blog Secrets of a Stylist (Part Two)
Wedding Blog Secrets of a Stylist (Part Two)
Wedding Blog Secrets of a Stylist (Part Two)
Wedding Blog Secrets of a Stylist (Part Two)
Wedding Blog Secrets of a Stylist (Part Two)
Wedding Blog Secrets of a Stylist (Part Two)
Wedding Blog Secrets of a Stylist (Part Two)
Wedding Blog Secrets of a Stylist (Part Two)
Wedding Blog Secrets of a Stylist (Part Two)
Wedding Blog Secrets of a Stylist (Part Two)
Wedding Blog Secrets of a Stylist (Part Two)
Wedding Blog Secrets of a Stylist (Part Two)
Wedding Blog Secrets of a Stylist (Part Two)

Vendors:
Stylist: Summer Watkins of Grey Likes Weddings // Shot at workshop: Secrets of a Stylist // Dress: Carol Hannah Whitfield // Flowers: Honey and Poppies // Makeup: Melina Ruiz and Amy Clarke // Hair: Dianna Lopez // Rentals: Storied Rentals // Stationery: Megan Gonzalez of MaeMae Paperie // Cakes: Andrea Boudewijn of Superfine Bakery // Bridesmaid dresses: Nordstrom and Forever 21 // Groom’s Suit: H&M // Models: Brand Talent

Photographers:
Ashley Keleman // Emily Reiter of Anna Delores // Coco Tran Photography // Katie McGihon of Max and Poppy // Mollie Crutcher // Connie Lyu // Jessica of Chavez Jessica // Gorete Ferreira // Joyce Medeiros of Tania and JoJo // Audree Jean // Jen Wojcik // Lauren of Haute Shoe Studio