WEDDING BLOG

In honor of today being the day after election day, I’m thinking about something near and dear to our country’s heart, something with history and home town goodness, something very, very American, pie!

When it comes to weddings, there’s no rule that says you must have a traditional wedding cake. If pies and tarts are your favorite desserts, why not serve them instead? A table loaded with a selection of fresh berry, fruit, nut, or cream pies will delight your guests and bring your personality to forefront. Find pretty cake stands and platters to create your display, make lovely labels telling guests about their options, offer whipped cream, ice cream or candied nuts to add as toppings, and send guests home with recipe card favors detailing your favorite family pie recipe. Yum!

Top row: Image by Delicious Days

Second row: Peach tart with black pepper ice cream images by Keiko Oikawa of Nordljus

Third row: Deep dish pecan pie image by Matt Armendariz of MattBites.com, Pies from MarthaStewart.com

Fourth row: Mini pecan pie wedding favors and cherry pie wedding favors from MarthaStewart.com   

Fifth row: Rosanna large 12-inch pedestal and small 9-inch pedestal cake stands and Goldbrush cream cake stand 

Sixth row: Signature Now & Then 9-inch cake stand, Nigella Lawson light blue cake stand and Danica/Now Designs pink cake stand

Seventh row: Ivory eyelet pedestal cake plate stand, Spode blue Italian 11-inch footed cake plate and lacy white pedestal cake stand 

Eighth row: 22-inch, 14-inch and 18-inch clear cake stands with domes 

Oh-oh, I think I found my new online obsession! For cool DIY save the dates, wedding invitations, shower invitations or favors, Wordle.net makes “word clouds” of any text you enter into its online tool, and lets you change up the fonts, colors, and orientation of the words. Choose each detail yourself, or hit the randomize button and watch new combinations pop up before your eyes. Prepare to lose some serious time playing with Wordle and all its fun possibilities!

Ooh-la-la! Now that’s what I’m talkin’ about! Want a fantastic gift for your spouse-to-be or an anniversary present to remind him why he married you? Look no further than a sexy photo shoot showing off your (and his) favorite assets. Photographers around the country specialize in these intimate and empowering photo sessions that make you forget about the stresses of everyday life and feel utterly gorgeous and unique. From personal experience both in front of and behind the camera, I can say for certain that boudoir photo sessions can be all kinds of fun!

To find the photographer who’s right for you, start by asking your wedding photographer if lingerie shoots are in their repertoire, or look around for other photographers in your town who really specialize in this type of art. Choose someone whose work you love and who you feel comfortable with personally. In the Seattle area, check out the boudoir photography of In a Frame Photography (who shot all the amazing photos above- thanks so much Cheryl!), Laurel McConnell Photography, Katrinka’s Secret and Old School Pin Ups.

Once you’ve got your photographer chosen, here are a few tips to get you ready for your big photo shoot:

• Wear loose fitting clothing and no tight bras or undies before hand to avoid dents and lines on your skin.
• Bring along some music that makes you feel happy, feisty and playful, and reminds you of the one you love.
• Show your photographer images from movies, magazines or websites that you think are beautiful and that embody the kind of sexy style you’re going for. 
• Photo shoots can take place anywhere; consider a hotel room for luxury and privacy, your own home to spice up your everyday environment, or take a few minutes to shoot some special photos as you’re getting ready on your wedding day.
• Choose an assortment of lingerie that makes you feel fantastic, as well as any props, sentimental items or other outfits you want to play with. You may not use it all, but it’s great to have options to inspire you.
• Most guys I know love the look of their ladies no matter what they have on, and often times, the simpler the better. Grab a few items from his closet and wear his favorite tee, his button down shirt, his work uniform or his favorite team’s jersey, and, well, not much else!
• Relax and have fun! Your partner already thinks you’re stunning, and a good photographer will know how to photograph you in a way that makes you look and feel comfortable. Your ease and confidence will show through in the images, and that’s really what sexiness is all about!

We want to hear from you- are you having boudoir photos taken? Have you found a photographer you love? Share your recommendations and resources with all of the Junebug readers and help your fellow brides-to-be treat themselves to some fun!