The 2020 Portfolio Builder: Part 2
I’m back at it, with a little more from the Portfolio Builder last fall! As we’re gearing up for this year’s Portfolio Builder, I’m so excited to share more of these images and the work behind the scenes that we did to make this a one-of-a-kind experience for our photographers.
Today, I want to share with you all about the customizations that we do to ensure that each photographer walks away with a unique set of portfolio images, AND, if you’re planning a wedding, this also shows you how you can easily make small adjustments to make a design your own!
Have you heard the news?
Our next Portfolio Builder event for photographers and videographers is oh so soon!
SAVE THE DATE
Saturday, June 12, 2021
I’m back at it, with a little more from the Portfolio Builder last fall! As we’re gearing up for this year’s Portfolio Builder, I’m so excited to share more of these images and the work behind the scenes that we did to make this a one-of-a-kind experience for our photographers.
Today, I want to share with you all about the customizations that we do to ensure that each photographer walks away with a unique set of portfolio images, AND, if you’re planning a wedding, this also shows you how you can easily make small adjustments to make a design your own!
These images are all from Tiffany Marie Photography, who actually photographed 2 of our designs, so you can really see all the work we went to to make this happen!
First up, this is the gorgeous design board that Emily from Feast & Festivities laid out to inspire us in creating these wedding designs. I love the feminine, organic feel and it was very rewarding to bring it to life.
Below is a quick overview of the 2 wedding designs that we created for Tiffany Marie Photography to capture: a rectangular banquet table with mocha and taupe linens, clear Napoleon chairs, and textured elements, and a round table with dusty mauve linen, white chivari chairs, and feminine details. Let’s dive into this a little more!
DESIGN 1
The first design does a beautiful job of merging modern and timeless styles, with the help of organic textures.
Emily had the genius idea of customizing some of the paper products with dried lavender buds, creating her own wax seal to incorporate lavender, which accented the escort cards and the table menus. This was one of my personal favourite details!
Moving into this table design, you’ll see how layering contrasting textures together can create a unique tablescape that touches all of the senses. Emily paired Planned Perfectly’s taupe panama linen with their oatmeal gauzey runner, custom made taupe napkins with lavender stitching, and the crisp Napoleon chairs.
I created a sense of balanced symmetry with a larger floral arrangement clustered with 2 taper candles, off-set by a smaller floral arrangement clustered with 3 taper candles. This adds a nice sense of undulation and movement to a table, without using the exact same elements over and over again, which can feel a little too repetitive.
I love the way this smoke salad plate pairs with the silver dragonfly flatware from C&T Rentals! The cooler tones feel a little unexpected after the gold and copper craze of the last few years. I’m sure you’ll also agree that the detail on the plate edge adds that touch of femininity that we needed!
DESIGN 2
This second design relies a little more on the bolder ochre colour in the palette (one of the things I love about working with Feast & Festivities is that Emily is not afraid of colour!), while also emphasizing the femininity.
We pulled that honey tone throughout, using silk ribbon to customize the simple invitation suite and even adding a touch to each menu — and of course, on the bridal bouquet.
The lavender touches in the invites also play really beautifully into the toffee belize linen from Planned Perfectly, pulling out the mauve undertone in an unexpected way.
Is it just me, or am the only one in the wedding world who still loves round tables? I know that they’re kind of basic, BUT hear me out: you can have some fun with designing on a round table! There’s something about a round table that feels both fresh and classic at the same time.
Now, there are a few things that I can never forgive, with the main one being those crappy little half length table linens on a round table. Who on earth ever thought that that should be a product?
But moving past that, here are a few of my personal design thoughts about round tables:
-You can still create an asymmetrical design. Instead of placing that centrepiece dead centre in the table, create groupings: move that centrepiece over a bit, and group a clustering on candles to balance it.
-Consider seating fewer people at the table, both for comfort and so there’s more space on the table. Round tables do get full pretty quickly, but if you seat 6 people at an 8 person table, you leave more room for charger plates, bread plates, glassware, favours, candles — all of the pretty elements that go into making a tablescape truly special.
Want to know a shameful secret about this cake? It was supposed to be tied with actual ribbon. I ordered some gorgeous gossamer ribbon from Tono & Co specifically for this, and then…I lost it. I think it must have accidentally fallen into the trash can in my studio, because I have torn this place apart and not come across it. I even went through two entire garbage bags to find it 🤦🏼♀️ BUT Kayla from Sugar & Salt Bakeshoppe came to the rescue at the last minute, and added this gorgeous sugar bow that she made by hand. Saved by the baker.
Vendors:
Photos: Tiffany Maire Photography
Planning and design: Feast & Festivities
Florals and Design: Stone House Creative
Linens, Chairs: Planned Perfectly
Place Setting Rentals: C&T Rentals
Venue: Cloakroom Wellness
Dress: Bliss Bridal Boutique
Shoes: Bella Belle Shoes
Makeup: Tiopo and Co
Hair: Tori Lynn Hair
Rings: Mokada
Accessories: Luna + Stone
Stationery: Minted
Calligraphy: Blake Creative Co
Cake: Sugar & Salt BakeShoppe
Model: Havilah for Panache Management
Want to be part of the next portfolio builder?
June 12, 2021 is the date and registration is NOW OPEN!
This is a day exclusively for photographers and videographers who are looking to build their portfolio and attract their dream clients. You’ll find an expertly planned and thoughtfully designed styled shoot and bridal editorial created to give you the time and space to get inspired, explore, try new things, and hone in on your skills in a one-of-a-kind outdoor setting.
Whether you’ve been in business for several years already or if you’re just starting out, or maybe you’re thinking about branching out to offer video services to your already established photography business, the Portfolio Builder is the right fit for you.
And let’s be honest…after the dumpster fire that was 2020 and that 2021 is turning out to be so far, we all need some inspiration.
Intimate Indian Wedding at Home
Good things can happen when you plan your wedding in 5 days. WHAT? Yes. Because of constantly shifting covid regulations, Nageen and Jawed had planned their wedding, then postponed, then weren’t sure, and then they pulled the trigger.
5 days is about how much time Amanda Douglas had to pull together the design of this wedding, and I was hired 3.5 days before the wedding. Nageen had sent over 2 inspiration photos and knew that I’d have no control over what flowers I could get at that short of notice, but luckily, it all came together really beautifully!
Good things can happen when you plan your wedding in 5 days. WHAT? Yes. Because of constantly shifting covid regulations, Nageen and Jawed had planned their wedding, then postponed, then weren’t sure, and then they pulled the trigger.
5 days is about how much time Amanda Douglas had to pull together the design of this wedding, and I was hired 3.5 days before the wedding. Nageen had sent over 2 inspiration photos and knew that I’d have no control over what flowers I could get at that short of notice, but luckily, it all came together really beautifully!
Nageen decided to have the entire wedding at her parents’ home, here in Winnipeg. The wedding fell under the timing of a maximum gathering size of 10 people plus the residents of the home, which is a challenge for any guest list. With a combination of a few people in person, and the rest Facetiming/Zooming in, the wedding came to be, just a little bit differently than they envisioned initially.
The focal point of the ceremony was the circular arch behind the settee that they were married on. I sourced the arch from Ornare Event Rentals and Amanda took care of the rest — including voile draping added to cover the living room and dining room curtains, and to cover a wood hutch in the dining room. Pictures and frames were taken off the walls, and the family worked hard to make it a blank canvas so that the wedding decor could stand out.
One thing you won’t notice here is all of the heavy medical textbooks we had to use to weight down the base of the arch — they were covered with a white tablecloth and camouflaged by the couch! That’s something to be aware of when renting basically any arch — the bases are always too lightweight if any kind of floral or lighting or drapery will be added to them (especially if the arch is placed outside).
And because it wouldn’t be a Covid wedding without some Facetime and Zoom guests…I can’t imagine how it would feel to Facetime in to a wedding, but I want to thank all of you who have made that difficult decision over this past year. I’m so grateful.
I absolutely HAVE to dedicate some space here to Nageen’s incredible bridal lehenga. The colour, the softness, the intricate detail, the stunning way that it drapes…I’m in love. I want to re-design my entire life around the way this outfit makes me feel.
I’m so glad that Nageen and Jawed opted for a few of the typical wedding moments. With such an intimate wedding, and especially with it being at-home, it can be a challenge to create that wedding-like vibe.
Brittany Mahood (obvs one of my favourite photographers — she shot my maternity photos!) took them outside and celebrated with them. I love these portraits!
They headed back to the home, at which point the ceremony space had been flipped to the dinner setting. A champagne linen, gold chivari chairs, and gold-detailed place settings allowed the burgundy, mauve and pink flowers to take centre stage.
I’m so grateful to have been a part of this Covid-cautious wedding! This October wedding took place during a time when it felt like the world was just about to end and it was so special to see love still being celebrated, and celebrated safely.
Event Design: Amanda Douglas Events ~ Photos: Brittany Mahood ~ Florals: Stone House Creative ~ Linens, Chairs, Drapery: Planned Perfectly ~ Tabletop and Couch Rentals: C&T Rentals ~ Backdrop Rental: Ornare Event Rentals ~ Cake: Chocolate Zen Bakery ~ Makeup: Ashley Tiopo Artistry ~ Lighting: Event Light
LOOKING FOR A WEDDING FLORAL DESIGNER FOR YOUR INTIMATE WEDDING IN WINNIPEG?
Getting married in 2022? Appointments to plan your dream florals are now available. Click the button below to get started!
Flowers are the best way to make a statement at your wedding. Whether you already have a specific vision or want me to dream up something custom just for you, reach out to Stone House Creative for stunning bridal bouquets, truly unique ceremony backdrops, and beautiful floral centrepieces to create the perfect ambiance for your wedding!
The 2020 Portfolio Builder: Part 1
I’m so excited to FINALLY share this first set of images from the Portfolio Builder that Emily from Feast & Festivities and I hosted together in the fall!
The concept of the Portfolio Builder is something I’ve been envisioning and planning and trying to figure out the best way to make it happen for several years already. I knew that I didn’t want to take it on on my own (so much work!) and I knew that Emily would be an amazing partner. You’re going to hear from her a little later in this post.
Have you heard the news?
Our next Portfolio Builder event for photographers and videographers is oh so soon!
SAVE THE DATE
Saturday, June 12, 2021
I’m so excited to FINALLY share this first set of images from the Portfolio Builder that Emily from Feast & Festivities and I hosted together in the fall!
The concept of the Portfolio Builder is something I’ve been envisioning and planning and trying to figure out the best way to make it happen for several years already. I knew that I didn’t want to take it on on my own (so much work!) and I knew that Emily would be an amazing partner. You’re going to hear from her a little later in this post.
This set of images were taken by the talented Photography by Jolaika!
The 2020 Portfolio Builder was originally supposed to take place last April, but we decided to postpone due to Covid, and I’m so glad that we did. By the time our new October date rolled around, the case numbers were actually a lot higher but we we knew how to best organize the day to keep it safe for everyone involved, and had so much more peace of mind.
As I’ve been envisioning the Portfolio Builder over the last few years, I knew a few things would be important:
1) That I wanted to gear it towards photographers and videographers.
2) That each of the participants be given privacy, customization, and the chance to do their own thing. I’ve seen the behind the scenes of a lot of shoot-outs and photography workshops on Instagram, and honestly, they look terrible. Jostling over each other’s shoulders to try to get the shot you want? Nah. That’s no good. I know that if I were in that situation, I would shrink to the back because I wouldn’t want to take away anyone else’s chance at getting what they need, and in the end, I’d be super unhappy with my final product.
I’ve got a soft spot for beautiful seating displays. Whether it’s a traditional (and cost-effective) seating chart, or an elegant display of escort cards like this one, I love to see that attention has been paid to the details. This is one of the first things your guests will interact with, so it should be beautiful!
Here, we carefully lined up rows of (alphabetically arranged!) escort cards beside a champagne tower (HELLO! That’s a good way to welcome everyone to the party!) and completed the design with mixed size floral arrangements. Because, obviously every table should have gorgeous floral arrangements 💁🏼♀️
A few notes from Emily of Feast & Festivities:
"One of my favourite event details to design is the dining table. It's where guests all simultaneously gather and move through an experience together. Planned and designed well, a table has the essentials for the making of a cherished memory—carefully chosen food and beverage, personal touches, and good company.
The sunny and tall ceiling surroundings of Cloakroom are so refreshing and white. We took the opportunity to draw on that blank canvas with neutral linen, chairs, and tableware, which allowed the colour palette to really stand out in the cheerful florals and candles of the tablescape. I always love a custom detail incorporated into the event's place setting. For these settings, we added a vellum wax seal embellishment with lavender buds to the menu. The card was placed on top of a custom-made Everyday Host linen napkin with a soft purple edge, highlighted by the particular fold of the napkin. I'm such a sucker for a timeless linen texture napkin!"
One of my very favourite design moments of the day, this sweet little cake and champagne combination. Adding depth is often forgotten about, but so much life is brought to this moment of your wedding design, through the varied heights of the cocktail tables, the layering of texture through napkins and plates ready to go for your cake cutting, and a few simple taper candles placed behind the cake.
Obviously any time anyone wants me to floralize a champagne bucket, or a wedding cake display, or just about anything, I’ll be happy to do so. I encourage you to think through your wedding day and imagine when those special moments will be happening. Then, how can we enhance the ambiance of those moments even more by adding a thoughtfully-planned design element?
This was such a joyful day, and I cannot wait to share more from the other photographers.
Vendors:
Photos: Photography by Jolaika
Planning and design: Feast & Festivities
Florals and Design: Stone House Creative
Linens, Chairs: Planned Perfectly
Place Setting Rentals: C&T Rentals
Venue: Cloakroom Wellness
Dress: Bliss Bridal Boutique
Shoes: Bella Belle Shoes
Makeup: Tiopo and Co
Hair: Tori Lynn Hair
Rings: Mokada
Accessories: Luna + Stone
Stationery: Minted
Calligraphy: Blake Creative Co
Cake: Sugar & Salt BakeShoppe
Model: Havilah for Panache Management
Want to be part of the next portfolio builder?
June 12, 2021 is the date and registration opens NEXT WEEK!
This is a day exclusively for photographers and videographers who are looking to build their portfolio and attract their dream clients. You’ll find an expertly planned and thoughtfully designed styled shoot and bridal editorial created to give you the time and space to get inspired, explore, try new things, and hone in on your skills in a one-of-a-kind outdoor setting.
Whether you’ve been in business for several years already or if you’re just starting out, or maybe you’re thinking about branching out to offer video services to your already established photography business, the Portfolio Builder is the right fit for you.
And let’s be honest…after the dumpster fire that was 2020 and that 2021 is turning out to be so far, we all need some inspiration.
Fresh and Feminine Editorial at The Gables
When Vanessa Renae Photography first reached out to me about creating an early summer editorial at the brand new venue The Gables, I was on board immediately. The venue is an absolutely gorgeous, newly built facility in Southern Manitoba, which has been so beautifully designed and constructed. I couldn’t wait to get to work!
Vanessa sent me just a couple of inspiration pictures, and I knew right away that I wanted to design an earthy, feminine, and fresh aesthetic that would bridge the rustic barn-like setting with a romantic feel.
When Vanessa Renae Photography first reached out to me about creating an early summer editorial at the brand new venue The Gables, I was on board immediately. The venue is an absolutely gorgeous, newly built facility in Southern Manitoba, which has been so beautifully designed and constructed. I couldn’t wait to get to work!
Vanessa sent me just a couple of inspiration pictures, and I knew right away that I wanted to design an earthy, feminine, and fresh aesthetic that would bridge the rustic barn-like setting with a romantic feel.
I really, really love using locally grown flowers and so I was determined to use 100% locally grown product for this editorial. Why? Not only are the flowers more ruffled, scented, and variegated in colour, focusing on locally grown flowers is also far better for the environment and for our local economy. I’m able to support local farms at the same time as eliminating packaging waste, lowering shipping fuels, and lessening chemical usage.
Bridal Bouquet Ingredients: peonies, ranunculus, foxglove, lisianthus, phlox, sweet pea, yarrow, and poppies with a touch of brown ninebark foliage.
Every year there comes that hazy, lazy time when summer has really just started, the vibe is great, and everything feels fresh and full of possibility. And when you live in a climate that is covered with snow for 5-6 months of the year, you REALLY want to celebrate in that perfect window of time.
I worked with Leech Letter Co from Brandon (she’s actually one of my former wedding clients!) on this gorgeous stationery suite.
When working on the design plan, I wanted to highlight the gorgeous wood tones of the venue, so I chose to keep the overall colour palette feminine and earthy: taupe, yellow gold, peach, salmon, blush, touches of brown, and focused on placing a ton of florals on the table.
Want to design this table alongside me? Download my Design Guide here!
The cross-back chairs add that somewhat rustic feel, which was complimented by the natural textures in the stationery, soft fringe in the napkin, and pottery vases.
When it came to selecting the rentals, I knew that I wanted to keep the place settings sleek and clean. C&T Rentals’ Lilly place settings were just the right choice, with their simple, modern lines and minimal lip.
I love working with coloured candles, and for this table, I chose 2 tones: sandstone and toffee. I wanted the candles to emphasize the earthy side of my design, and loved the warmth these neutral tones brought to the tablescape.
My favourite images are the glowing early evening portraits on the expansive lawns and meadow (secret: that meadow is actually a small sheep pasture!).
Thank you so much to Ashley from The Gables for hosting us — your space is mesmerizing and I look forward to coming back!
The Gables Wedding Barn ~ Vanessa Renae Photography ~ Stone House Creative ~ Leech Letter Co ~ Adrianna Papell from Christie’s Bridal ~ Mokada ~ Mrs Box ~ Ashley Lauren from Nikki’s Beauty Bar ~ Emily Leiding from Nikki’s Beauty Bar ~ C&T Rentals
Want to be part of the next portfolio builder?
June 12, 2021 is the date and registration is NOW OPEN!
This is a day exclusively for photographers and videographers who are looking to build their portfolio and attract their dream clients. You’ll find an expertly planned and thoughtfully designed styled shoot and bridal editorial created to give you the time and space to get inspired, explore, try new things, and hone in on your skills in a one-of-a-kind outdoor setting.
Whether you’ve been in business for several years already or if you’re just starting out, or maybe you’re thinking about branching out to offer video services to your already established photography business, the Portfolio Builder is the right fit for you.
And let’s be honest…after the dumpster fire that was 2020 and that 2021 is turning out to be so far, we all need some inspiration.
My Top 5 Tips for Designing a Beautiful Tent Wedding
THERE ARE MANY THINGS TO LOVE ABOUT A TENT WEDDING:
the ability to host your loved ones at a special property, the ease with which you can customize the event design, and the ambiance can be so exciting and inspiring.
Let’s ensure your wedding is more beautiful than the typical tent event. Read on for my 5 top tips to design a beautiful tent wedding!
With covid the way it is, I expect that we’ll continue seeing a lot of tent weddings throughout the 2021 wedding season.
There are many things to love about a tent wedding:
the ability to host your loved ones at a special property, the ease with which you can customize the event design, and the ambiance can be so exciting and inspiring.
Planning: Gather Events | Photo: Nancy Ray | Via: Town & Country
Let’s ensure your wedding is more beautiful than the typical tent event.
Read on for my 5 top tips to design a beautiful tent wedding!
PS Before you scroll too far, open up this Pinterest Board in another tab! Here you’ll find more awesome tent wedding ideas 😘
Pay Attention to the Colour Palette
Tent weddings usually mean lots of green (grass) and lots of white (tent walls). This makes it really easy to design a classic white and green wedding, but if you’re working with a different colour palette, you really need find ways to incorporate your palette to make it stand out!
My favourite way to bring a colour palette to life is actually with the table linens. Upgrading to coloured table linens makes a massive difference simply because of the large amount of visual real estate that table linens take up. Choose the foundational colour in your palette so that you can make the rest of the palette sing with other accents, like your centrepieces.
Planning and Design: Alison Events | Photo: Tec Petaja | Via: 100 Layer Cake
2. Play with the Floor Plan
One of the awesome bonuses of a tent is that you are not restricted to any structural barriers, nor do you have to feel like you have to follow any set of rules. You can do whatever you want! Mix of long banquet and round tables? Do it. Want to put the head table right in the middle of the floor plan? Love it.
Choose what you want to be the focal point of the tent, and design your floor plan around it.
Planning: Always Yours Events | Photo: Jessica Schifilliti
Planning: A. Dominick Events | Photo: Jodi & Kurt Photo | Via: Ruffled
4. Incorporate Unique Lighting
Enlist the help of a great lighting team. Frequently, tent weddings take place outside of the city where it gets really nice and dark in the evening. Whether you want bistro string lighting, classic chandeliers, or a collection of casual textured basket lanterns, some sort of overhead lighting will make a large impact on the overall ambiance. And, of course, don’t forget about the power of candlelight, flickering low to the table all night long.
My go-to lighting experts here in Winnipeg are Event Light. They cover everything power-related (thank goodness, because I don’t think I’m alone in not knowing what any of that means), they’ve got a great inventory of stylish lighting options, and they also have all the tall ladders I ever need to hang flowers 😉
Planning & Design: Amorology | Photo: Tenth + Grace | Via: Style Me Pretty
3. Make a Grand Entrance Statement
Tents are often large, and with the side panels open, guests can trickle in from anywhere. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but the flow of traffic can feel a little directionless, so establishing a focal point can make an enormous difference to your guests' experience. I love taking this opportunity to create a gorgeous entrance to the tent that also serves a purpose: welcoming guests, guiding them to their tables, and adding to the overall event design. This could be a large floral installation or oversized floral urns flanking the entrance, an expertly designed seating chart or escort card table, or a welcome table set with champagne. Create a focal point, designed with a purpose, and add something extra to the guests’ experience.
Planning: Amorology | Photo: Scott Clark | Via: Style Me Pretty
5. Upgrade Your Rentals
This one is a big one for me: upgrade your rentals, people!! Caterers often include a very basic set of plates, glasses, and cutlery but we’re talking BASIC. Not at all beautiful. Coloured glassware, layered dishware, elegant metallic flatware, a coloured napkin…these things make a HUGE difference in your overall event design. Don’t forget about the chairs — the basic white folding resin chairs that are available from most tent companies are fine, but they don’t necessarily fit with every aesthetic.
Here are a few more ideas to make your tent wedding the BEST:
If space allows, incorporate a great lounge area. Many typical venues will have some sort of entry area with couches and chairs where people can relax post-dinner if they aren’t interested in dancing. A tent doesn’t have that opportunity, so build it in to your plans! If your wedding is in summer, place a lounge outside the tent under a tree, rent some great soft seating (here are some of my faves!) — don’t forget about adding a coffee table and end tables for drinks to be placed on! — and create a great atmosphere.
Make sure your guests are comfortable with either portable heating systems or fans. And if it can be a misting fan, all the better.
If your wedding is in spring or fall, a clear top tent is your secret weapon: the greenhouse effect created keeps the atmosphere a little more toasty and gives you a little more natural heat.
Hire pros. Hire hire hire. I can’t count the number of times I’ve heard people say, “We’re just going to make it easy and have a tent wedding.” LOL guys. Since when is building a venue from scratch in your own yard easy?? But if you hire the right professionals, it can be both easy AND beautiful. This starts with a planner who is well-versed in tent weddings and knows how to take care of all of the logistics — because there are a lot of them. If you need some recommendations, just ask away :)
Proof of how amazing the misting fans are! On a hot summer day, a misting fan is the little piece of heaven you didn’t know you needed. This one is available through Event LIght.
Planning: Soiree Event Planning | Photo: Brittany Mahood Photography
Find the full gallery from this elegant tent wedding on a private estate here, for some more great inspiration!
