Timeless Weddings

’Tis the season for “something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue” … and of course, our annual wedding photo spread. Our “Modern Vintage” spread showcases a look quite different from our two previous years’.

In 2007 our theme was modern elegance, shot at the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art. The bride donned a breathtaking silk gown with a fitted bodice and gently draped skirt whose simple lines reflected the stark, minimalist museum. The wedding party’s equally upscale look fit right in.

Then in 2008 our shoot took on a decidedly different look: spicy high fashion at Samba Brazilian Grill. The bride’s mermaid-style gown was au courant, with a ruched bodice that gathered dramatically at the hip and set off with a flower and sassy feathers. Her feather hairpiece was the perfect accoutrement for the look. The wedding party shined in a champagne bridesmaid dress and in chocolate brown tuxes.

So what to do this year? My concept crystallized upon visiting the Bridal Expo back in January (yes, that’s how far back I started thinking about this!). I started noticing subtle hints of classic, timeless looks. Almost vintage—but not quite. Gowns were understated—with clean lines, sparkling accents and lots of lace overlay. That meant one thing: Modern Vintage. And so it came to be. In order to plan photo shoots I have to work closely with our art director and photographer to make sure that they’re not only on board with the idea, but that they can carry the vision through, too. Judging from our past shoots and this year’s shoot, I’d say we hit the mark again. Shown is the actual photo above that appears in the magazine, as well as some additional "behind the scenes" photos that I shot the day of the shoot.

The silk satin Jim Hjelm gown Becki Gongora wore in this year’s shoot was truly a winner. Her and I both absolutely loved it. It’s even more spectacular in person—and the back also had fun crystal and silver accents on it too! It was a very feminine, and almost evening gown-ish in its look—but thoroughly appropriate for a special day! And how can you not love the hairpiece?! Here’s what I wrote in the article about it: “ … [it’s] reminiscent of a fascinator—those quirky little hairpieces women wore in the early part of the twentieth century. Our bride is so beautifully wearing one, too … ”

So a toast to all of those planning their weddings for this summer—if it’s as much fun as planning the look for this photo shoot (well, maybe this is a little less stressful than planning a whole wedding!) I can see how the “I do” is for you!

Top photo by Luke Severson.

Photo with wedding party, from left to right: Ryan Berry, Caitie Taylor, Becki Gongora and Memo Gongora all did their "fiercest" poses throughout the day for us.

Bottom photo: Yay, Madison Magazine interns! Meredith Beverstock, Kimberly Ecker and Lex Graves came to check out the shoot.