Joyful Wedding in Missouri with Photos by The Rasers

The Rasers have such a way of capturing the personality of their couples through their wedding photography and Katie and Corey's wedding was no different. From their clever first look photos to their joyful wedding party portraits, the Rasers documented it all so clearly that the glee and joy of the day are contagious.

Junebug: What three adjectives best describe your wedding?

Katie and Corey: Personal, Joyful, Meaningful

Junebug: What inspired your personal wedding style, and how did you incorporate your style and personalities into your big day?

Katie: We are both the kind of people who live by principles of simplicity. So our biggest priority for the day was keeping logistics and spending as simple and comfortable as possible, for both guests and bridal party. We did that by choosing to host both events in the same space, within walking distance of hotels; Corey negotiating deals for the groomsmen’s suits for easy affordability; and me giving the girls their outfits as their gift. As a sign of our appreciation, it was really important to us that we made our celebration as much about our favorite people, as it was about us, and I believe we achieved that!

Styling the wedding party was my baby, with my background in design and general need for creativity. The foundation of my and Corey’s taste is classic and streamlined, and supplemented with unique details. We also both love blue, so it was an easy choice! I wanted those unique details to stand out against the traditionally elegant setting, like my desire to dress the bridesmaids comfortably in chic, day-to-night separates they can keep in the closet for work, date night, etc; and finding each girl a different set of statement jewelry to suit her personality, be visually interesting, and have a bling factor that complemented the beading in my dress. I made bow-ties and a vintage hair-piece for the little kids, dressing the ring bearer in converse sneakers,lego man cufflinks and a blue striped dress shirt, while the flower girl wore aqua stripes and black mary-janes. With the guys looking dapper in classic navy and black, the overall cohesiveness of the wedding party look made me weak in the knees! In honor of my love for shoes, comfort and the color red, I wore clear jelly flats during the day (Cinderella-esque), switched to leopard print boat shoes for the dance party and donned punchy red nails, my signature. Using the dessert as the centerpieces was another nod to simplicity- three different flavors of cake serving a visual purpose that the guests could later eat at their leisure. So many other beautiful details of the wedding are choices credited to the other creators in our family, a successful and helpful collaboration by all!

Junebug: Looking back, what are the moments, decisions or memories that you love the most about your wedding?

Katie: It’s so hard to choose! Here’s the shortlist: Katie and her dad coming down the aisle, seeing everyone we love at every turn and getting to spend a few special hours with them all in the same room; choosing to have a strings trio play the ceremony specifically playing Katie's favorite classical song as she walked down the aisle; the brilliant flip decision to dress up in the costumes with our bridal party for the reception entrance; the wildly hilarious karaoke after-party at a local bar where I sang rock and roll to my man; the epically long, inside-joke-filled “Corey Roast” done by 3 of his groomsmen; and lastly, wearing our Letterwinners rings from Iowa State, a token detail for a couple of college sweethearts!

Junebug: What specifically drew you to The Rasers and their imagery?

Katie and Corey: We appreciated how they truly capture individuals in a way that sometimes makes you feel like you are intruding on a moment when looking at the photograph. The Rasers not only create something so personal and poignant for the subject, but they do it with a uniquely keen eye for the composition, scene, artistry, intimacy and timelessness of an image.

The Wedding Team:

Photographer: The Rasers
Ceremony and Reception Venue: The Clubhouse on Baltimore, Tudor Room
Officiant: Mark Seversen, Hillcrest Covenant Church
Invitation Designer: Wedding Paper Divas
Catering: Rm39
Florist: Anita Hempy and Tim Johnston, friends of bride’s mother
Cake: Dolce Baking Company
Wedding Dress: Oleg Cassini for David's Bridal
Bridal accessories: Earrings - Swarovski; Jelly Ballet Flats - Steve Madden; Reception boat shoes - Sperry
Bridesmaid’s apparel and accessories: Skirts - Anthropologie; Silk tanks - J.Crew; Leather belts - Limited; Necklace/earring sets - various sellers of eBay
Groom and groomsmen apparel and accessories: Suits - Joseph A. Bank; Groom’s shoes - Cole Haan; Groom’s watch - Hamilton
Hair and make-up: Blush Co.
Live music: The Mengel Brothers Trio, ceremony; Private Stock
Rentals: AAA Party Rentals
Resource: Gigmasters

Katie and Corey, we wish you all the best in your new life together! Thanks to The Rasers for sharing these beautiful photos with us.

Spotlight on Bali Wedding Photographer, Veli Yanto

Bali wedding photographer Veli Yanto is quickly bringing a brand new outlook and vision to the art of wedding photography in Indonesia. With emotionally compelling photos, his vibrant work is perfectly suited for the colorful traditions, culture and landscape of Bali. It is my privilege to share Veli's stunning work with you today, along with his passion for photography, business and life.

Junebug: How did you get into wedding photography?

Veli Yanto: It was back in 2004 when I graduated from college and moved to Bali to work for a retail company. I had lots of spare time, so I thought it would be great to buy a camera and take pictures of Bali’s landscape and culture. I bought my first pocket camera back in 2005 from my yearly bonus and started taking pictures. I spent almost all my spare time searching anything related to photography on the internet. Then I thought it would be great if I could make extra money from photography, so I began to work as a freelance photographer in 2006. The craziest thing was when I get my first job to shoot an event, I didn't even know how to use a flash! The day before the event, I bought a flash and asked my friend from a photography community how to use it. My Dad was doubtful and thought that I was only wasting my time with this photography stuff. I know it’s because I didn’t come from a family with photography/artistic background. But his doubt drove me to follow my passion and make it one day. In October 2010 I started my own photography business.

Junebug: What really gets to you at weddings? Makes you cry? Makes you laugh?

Veli Yanto: I shot a wedding where the mother of the bride had a stroke and was unable to speak. During that day I never heard her say anything nor have an expression on her face. During the ceremony, when the couple went to their parents to thank them, the bride asked her mother "How do you feel, Mom?" and suddenly her mom spoke and said "Happy!" None of the guests could hold back their tears, including myself. That moment always reminds me how blessed I am to be a wedding photographer.

Junebug: Do you shoot film, digital or both?

Veli Yanto: All digital. But recently I have begun to shoot with film to have a different challenge.

Junebug: Where do you want to shoot next?

Veli Yanto: Anywhere that has unique culture, scenery, and venues.

Junebug: What gets you up in the morning?

Veli Yanto: A hug and kiss from my wife :).

Junebug: Describe your wedding photography style in less than 6 adjectives.

Veli Yanto: Emotive, natural, sincere and story-telling.

Junebug: One thing you'd like every bride and groom to know before their wedding?

Veli Yanto: Things might go wrong sometimes on the wedding day. But as long as you are happy and surrounded by family and friends who support you and are happy for you, your wedding will be perfect.

Junebug: What is your favorite moment or tradition at weddings?

Veli Yanto: The connection between father and daughter. From the first look, to walking down the aisle to the father/daughter dance, it’s just amazing. I can see and feel the emotion.

Junebug: Favorite image you've taken lately?

Veli Yanto: I took the image below last month, only 5 days after I got out of the hospital due to typhoid symptoms. I’m still not feeling 100%, but this couple was just amazing. They gave me lots of strength to get my job done.

Junebug: How has being a wedding photographer made you a stronger photographer over all?

Veli Yanto: As a wedding photographer, you have to be able to take great pictures using both natural and artificial light, and you have to be able to shoot Products, Interiors and Exteriors, Fashion, Portraits, Documentary and Photojournalism. You have to learn all of these styles and combine them together in every wedding.

Junebug: What is your favorite reaction from a client when you delivered their wedding images?

Veli Yanto: It was my first clients of 2012. When I showed them their wedding pictures, the bride began to cry while going through all the pictures.

Junebug: Best advice you've ever received about being an artist?

Veli Yanto: Don’t let people tell you how you should do it, do it your way.

Junebug: Best advice you've ever received about being a happy human?

Veli Yanto: Do what you love and be grateful for what you already have.

Veli, thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and your work with us! To see more from Veli Photography, visit his website, blog, and Junebug member brochure.

That's Gorgeous! 4.18.13 - Beautiful Wedding Portrait by Fer Juaristi

If the warmth of spring hasn't made its way to your part of the world yet, this beautiful photo by Fer Juaristi ought to do it. Simply gorgeous!

Phenomenal Photography - Getting Ready for the Wedding

I often hear photographers say that one of their favorite times to shoot during a wedding is when everyone is getting ready for the big day - beyond all the beauty and glamour, the emotions are flowing! Thanks to our incredible Junebug member photographers, Candice Cusic, Abby Photography, Cornelia Lietz, Magnus Bogucki, David Josue, Daniel Stark, DWJohnson Studio, and Theilen Photo for showing us the anxious anticipation, tears of joy, and giggling going on in these stunning moments.

Are you looking for a phenomenal wedding photographer for your own big day? Be sure to visit our World's Best Wedding Photographer's Hotlist!

That's Heartbreaking! 4.16.13 - Emotional Wedding Photo by Theilen Photography

I just had to share this touching moment between the bride and her grandmother, beautifully captured by Tara Theilen of Theilen Photo. So very sweet!

Intimate and Non-Traditional Wedding in North Carolina with Photos by Richard Israel

Today's couple, Melanie and George, are truly unique and they designed their wedding to follow suit, exuding style and glamour in an entirely distinctive way. A few examples? Their dark chocolate wedding cake was made to be smashed rather than cut, Melanie's bridal bouquet included glitter covered feathers, and their photographer, Richard Israel, was the perfect choice to capture their celebration with dramatic beauty and outside-the-box creativity.

Junebug: What three adjectives best describe your wedding?

Melanie and George: Relaxed, untraditional, and (a little bit) rowdy

Junebug: What inspired your personal wedding style, and how did you incorporate your style and personalities into your big day?

Melanie and George: George and I both love a good party, but we are introverts too, so we need lots of time to unwind. By stretching our wedding out over 2 days, we allowed ourselves to have lots of downtime and party time.

We are also both creative people. George is an artist/art teacher and I am a librarian who loves to curate and craft. We didn’t want to go crazy with the DIY, but we did manage to create our own invitations, party favors and decorations. We were also happy to support other makers for the “stuff” we couldn’t make or didn’t want to make.

Junebug: Looking back, what are the moments, decisions or memories that you love the most about your wedding?

Melanie: I love that our ceremony lasted two minutes, so I didn’t have time to be too nervous. I somehow still managed to call my handsome, fit husband “fat” though. I don’t know how that happened...I also love the moment when we smashed the hollow, chocolate cake with a hammer! Smashing something is always gratifying.

George: I love that we defied tradition. We spent the night before the wedding alone together and got ready together in the morning. It was so nice to just be alone without having to worry about anyone else.

Overall, breaking our wedding up into two days was the best decision. On the first day, we had the ceremony and a casual, family lunch. On the second day, we got rowdy with our friends. It was the best of both worlds.

Junebug: What specifically drew you to Richard Israel and his imagery?

Melanie and George: We love that Richard’s photography can be both gritty and dreamy at the same time. We love that he takes a fine art approach to wedding photography. And we love that he would never, ever make us take jumping photos-- haha!

The Wedding Team:

Photographer: Richard Israel
Ceremony Venue: Buncombe County Courthouse
Reception Venue: Rezaz Restaurant and Wine Bar for lunch with the family; The Dirty South Lounge for our party with friends
Officiant: Local magistrate
Invitation Designer: George
Catering: Provided by our reception venues
Decor: Melanie
Cake: The Chocolate Fetish
Wedding Dress: Ceremony dress - Pronovias from Lana Addison Bridal; Party dress - Sue Wong
Bridal accessories: Haircomb - Twigs and Honey; Earrings - Allison Wrenn Smith; Coat - Anthropologie; Gloves - East Workshop; Shoes - Enzo Angiolini purchased at Nordstrom
Bridesmaid’s apparel and accessories: H&M
Groom apparel and accessories: Suit - J Crew; Tie, socks and shirt: Express;
Favors: Lunch favors: New England Workshop, Party favors: DIY by the bride and groom
Rings: Engagement Ring - Kyle Ann Metals; Wedding Bands - Bario-Neal

See more beautiful photography by Richard Israel in his Junebug member brochure, or in his Photographer Spotlight Interview here in the Photobug archives.