We’re thrilled to announce a new feature today: Editor-in-Chief Lara Casey‘s IT LIST of top images. Yes, we have another “It List” of top photographers, but that section is being renamed with our new site that debuts in a couple months. So, welcome to the new IT LIST of top images! Every week, she scours the blogosphere for the top images from weddings all over the world. She’s been working on this feature for a couple months now and has a jam-packed folder full of inspiring goodness!
We want to know what you think too! VOTE for your favorite by leaving a comment here and (combining our office votes with yours) we’ll award the top image of the week a very special honor. The top four images of each month will be in the running for Image of the Year at the end of 2010. The best part- if your image makes the cut, there’s a strong possibility it will make our print edition (of course with the photographer’s permission). So, get your vote on and tell us what you love! Want to submit an image? See below for our very unique submission system.
Without further ado, this week’s IT LIST:
This engagement session from Sarah Yates captured my heart. We’ve seen balloons galore in wedding images lately, but somehow this mass of heart-shaped goodness stood above the rest. I had a really hard time picking just one image from this shoot.
Millie Holloman rocked this ring shot. I love movement in images. The light, the texture, and just knowing how hard this must have been to get just right made me instantly fall head over heels.
Oh, Brion Hopkins… this image caught me. The rest of the session is equally as simple and stunning. Also, Brion is a very cool cat. His tagline … “The number one photographer recommended by pirates!”
W. Scott Chester consistently wows me with their art. This moment they captured says it all- celebration, friends, spontaneity… I only wish I knew what was being said at this moment.
I discovered James Christianson recently and immediately was drawn to this wedding. I rarely say this, but if I could step into a wedding and experience everything in that moment, it would be this series of images. Her dress is divine, the colors are dreamy and the relaxed feel of these portraits lets you know right away that the photographer has a great relationship with this lucky couple.
Erik Clausen aka Poser is a solid, inspiring soul. His work reflects his deep connection to people and art. I love this shot technically for several reasons, but mostly I love the gold rings. You so rarely see yellow gold wedding bands anymore. Coupled with the golden simplicity of the apples, this shot is a winner.
I’ll admit, my file of favorites has more than one epic shot from Punam Bean. These silhouettes are so classic and reminiscent of a romantic Parisian cafe scene. And what really gets me… the glow of two tiny candles in the foreground. Divine. You have to see the rest of this session.
Anyone who knows Chris and Sarah Rhoads falls in love with them. They are those rare people who are basically walking sunshine. You can see that everyone they photograph feels that same connection. First of all, could this couple be more gorgeous!? I love their sandy blonde hair swirling in the golden fall leaves and his piercing blue eyes in the first frame. So much love between these two stunners.
I am honestly not a heels kind of girl. I pretty much live in tennis shoes and Havaianas. But, the second I saw this shot from Natalie Moser, I thought to myself… “ok, mayyybe” What bride wouldn’t feel like a million bucks in these? I love the feel of this image… relaxed, fun, and I can just see the girlish smile on her face.
Well, it’s no secret in this office that if I had to pick three photographers to shoot my wedding, Jeff Newsom would be one of them. Two words = epic hay.
Admittedly, I was quite the tomboy when I was little. Yes, believe it. I’d take Transformers over Barbies any day! How fun is this engagement shot from the super-fun Brooke Schwab!?
The first time I spoke to Otto Schultze on the phone, I knew he was a rare gem. His perspective on weddings, love, marriage and life is the real deal. This image of his gave me chills the first time I saw it. The texture of her dress, the movement, her carrying him away… all of it is just perfection.
Congrats to this week’s IT LIST picks and thank you for inspiring me!
Have an image you’d like to submit? Here are the rules:
1. you can only submit one image per week and
2. only via twitpic (or the Twitter image service of your choice). Follow and tweet your images to @LaraCasey with the hashtag #itlist to be considered. If your image is chosen, you’ll get a direct message requesting the shot. This is a Twitter-only submissions system. No email submissions or links to blog posts accepted. Don’t have a Twitter account? Sign up or have someone submit the image for you! If you need help learning Twitter or how to post an image, just leave a comment here and we’ll be glad to help : )
From Lara: Images can come from anywhere in the world. What I’m looking for: details, portraits, engagements, proposals, anything that makes you stop to take the image in. I’m looking for that Mona Lisa factor… something that captures you!
Which one is your favorite?
Vote!
Millie Holloman, W. Scott Chester, Poser, and Brooke Schwab are Southern Weddings advertisers.
sending...




















































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Christin, January 5, 2010 5:42 pm reply
As a pianist, I love the Natalie Moser picture! Definitely gets my vote!
Gwendolyn Tundermann, January 5, 2010 6:39 pm reply
That ring shot from Millie is the best! When she posted it my jaw dropped. I don't care how many attempts it may have taken, the result "rocks!" : )
Allison @ The Innovation Companies, January 5, 2010 6:41 pm reply
Lovely! Thanks Lara for sharing these beautiful shots.
Cassandra, January 5, 2010 6:53 pm reply
The Ring Shot by Millie Holloman!!
Sandi, January 5, 2010 6:56 pm reply
I absolutely LOVE the photograph by Natalie Moser. Those SHOES (I adore)! The piano. The creative simplicity. It's all so girly & I can only imagine who (or what) the bride it looking at. Beautiful!
Jenni Bailey, January 5, 2010 6:59 pm reply
Maybe it's just because the couple is so darn cute but the Punam Bean gets my vote. Such a private moment captured in an unobtrusive way. I love it!
Andrea, January 5, 2010 7:09 pm reply
My favorite is the Otto Shultze photograph. It is breathtaking!
Kari, January 5, 2010 7:13 pm reply
Love the very last image, it's nostalgic:)
carrie, January 5, 2010 7:15 pm reply
the shot by punam is my fav. and the hairdo really gets me, love it.
True Blind Faith, January 5, 2010 7:49 pm reply
I love the Punam Bean cafe shot. The world goes by outside and they are wrapped up in each other in the romantic little cafe *le sigh
Melissa Schollaert, January 5, 2010 8:17 pm reply
Otto Schultze's photo for sure. There is an elegant, impressionistic feel to it. Love the motion and the light.
Kelly, January 5, 2010 8:58 pm reply
I love the "falling" rings. Never seen anything like that before!! And I've seen a lot of "ring shots."
Christina Solomon, January 5, 2010 9:26 pm reply
The final shot: Otto Schultze gets my vote! I can't wait for future installments - love it!
Chantz Hough, January 5, 2010 10:31 pm reply
My Vote - Millies "Falling Rings" - AMAZING!!!!
Also, when submitting images can you submit more than one?
Chantz Hough, January 5, 2010 10:36 pm reply
ummm yea now I feel stupid...Pay attention to what you read! Me Fail :)
Soffee, January 5, 2010 11:43 pm reply
The Natalie Moser picture gets my vote! It's so pure and simple and reflects girlish happiness! Fantastic!
Southern Weddings, January 5, 2010 11:44 pm reply
Haha, no worries, Chantz : ) I do that more often than I'd like to admit.
So glad you all love these images as much as I do! Keep the votes comin'!
Lara
Jen, January 6, 2010 12:53 am reply
Natalie's shot gets my vote! Can't say no to the shoes!
Amy Campbell, January 6, 2010 1:44 am reply
Millie's falling rings is killler! I love this idea Lara! It gives me some inspiration!
Carly, January 6, 2010 1:55 am reply
Jeff Newsom's shot rocks the house!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Love love love it :)
Brit, January 6, 2010 2:53 am reply
My favorite is from James Christianson - I have loved his work for quite some time!
louise, January 6, 2010 3:18 am reply
Otto Schulze gest my vote. Truly the real deal!
chelaine, January 6, 2010 3:20 am reply
The movement in the Otto Schulze image is beautiful. A moment truly captured.
Jess Graham, January 6, 2010 3:54 am reply
Otto Schultze's image -- beautiful!
Cristy Cross, January 6, 2010 4:00 am reply
I submitted an image, but I don't know if I did it right. Crossing my fingers.
My vote is Brion's rainbow shot. Love it.
Dan, January 6, 2010 5:02 am reply
I vote for the last shot - motion shots are so hard to do so well... a masterpiece.
Sara, January 6, 2010 5:11 am reply
Natalie Moser gets my vote! Awesome picture. :)
Katie Field, January 6, 2010 6:00 am reply
No question. My vote. . .Natalie's shot of the sassy heels :)
Rheinhardt, January 6, 2010 6:30 am reply
OTTO SCHULZE's pic is the best!!!AWESOME STUFF!!!!!!!!
Rheinhardt, January 6, 2010 6:31 am reply
Otto Schulze
HFL, January 6, 2010 6:33 am reply
The picture by Otto Schultze, where the lady "carries" the man away..
Jill Baucher, January 6, 2010 6:33 am reply
Natalie Moser...her work is amazing!
Jorge, January 6, 2010 7:07 am reply
Otto Schultze is a true master. A genius of some sort! I will almost consider getting married just so that he can photograth it.
Stefan, January 6, 2010 7:56 am reply
Otto Schultze's shot is truly amazing! Do your self a favour and visit his site for even more spectacular pics...
bundie, January 6, 2010 7:58 am reply
I love the movement in Otto Schulze's photo, really well done and unique!
Boor, January 6, 2010 8:01 am reply
I nearly cried when I saw the pic by Otto Schulze. I know when something brings out the emotion in me that it is something special!!
Travis, January 6, 2010 8:26 am reply
Easy - Otto Schulze. His picture stands alone against the rest of the selection. Not the kind of picture you see often and if at all - rarely executed this well. Something a client cherishes as a truly special view into their wedding day. iloveboereworsrollietjies
Philly, January 6, 2010 8:58 am reply
Natalie's shot gets my vote!
nick, January 6, 2010 9:03 am reply
love the natalie moser shot. love the framing of the heels by the dress, and the red underside gives such a nice splash of red! beautiful!
Elizabeth, January 6, 2010 4:04 pm reply
Otto Schulze. hands down.
Mia, January 6, 2010 4:17 pm reply
The last one by Otto Schulze!!!|Well done, what a great picture!!
Bridget, January 6, 2010 4:52 pm reply
Brooke's picture of the couple and their transformers is so creative and fun! i love how the colors pop. it gets my vote!
Tim, January 6, 2010 4:55 pm reply
The Natalie Moser picture gets my vote. Love the color combination, black,white and red. NICE!
Hun, January 6, 2010 5:56 pm reply
high heels by a mile!
Jessica Smith, January 6, 2010 6:06 pm reply
Millie's ring shot.. absolutely STUNNING! definite has that "it" factor!
Rosie Hernandez, January 6, 2010 6:07 pm reply
Millie Holloman image rocks!
Ariela Bonen, January 6, 2010 7:30 pm reply
I have had the pleasure of Otto taking pictures of my bouquets and they were brilliant! Tracy and Paul's wedding pictures were all stunning as well. So Otto gets my vote for sure!
R. J. Kern, January 6, 2010 8:03 pm reply
I really like Otto Schulze's image of the bride in movement.... it is stunning!
Lyndsy, January 6, 2010 8:46 pm reply
I love the Natalie Moser shot. I am a total gluton for shoes and these ones are INCREDIBLE! The dress and heels had me squealing in delight!
Melissa, January 6, 2010 8:51 pm reply
I love Natlie Moser's shot of the dress and high heels! Gorgeous!
Rob, January 6, 2010 10:45 pm reply
Otto Schulze!!! I love this pic. It gets my vote!
Jig, January 6, 2010 10:53 pm reply
girls in heels can't beat that!
Rebekah, January 7, 2010 3:28 am reply
Otto Schulze's pic is gorgeous and unexpected, love it!
Bonnie, January 7, 2010 5:42 am reply
Definitely the shoes and piano! LOVE the shoes!
tulle and feathers, January 7, 2010 5:48 am reply
sarah yates heart engagement shoot!
Ludwig, January 7, 2010 6:22 am reply
I love the shot by Otto Schulze!!
Otto Meyer, January 7, 2010 7:13 am reply
The photo by Otto Schulze is one of the best I have seen!!
Tessa, January 7, 2010 7:43 am reply
Chris and Sarah Rhoads photo is just stunning. They got my vote!
Poser, January 7, 2010 1:35 pm reply
Otto.
Done.
:P
Travis, January 7, 2010 4:25 pm reply
The image by Otto Schulze - love the complexity and interest of this shot - gorgeous
Lauren, January 8, 2010 2:53 am reply
Oh goodness, they're all beautiful! Love Millie's ring shot the most! And then James Christianson in a close second!
Juanita Malcolm, January 8, 2010 3:58 am reply
James Christianson FORSURE!!!! amazing work man!!!
Anita Goodman, January 8, 2010 4:00 am reply
Millie Holloman's ring shot is the winner in this group!
Char, January 8, 2010 4:01 am reply
Absolutely love these photos by James Christianson!
Amanda, January 8, 2010 4:02 am reply
James Christianson has done it again! Such dreamy imagery!
Alexa, January 8, 2010 5:07 am reply
James Christianson's series...i love!
Laura Murray, January 8, 2010 5:09 am reply
James Christianson, hands down. Love the light in his photos.
cherie, January 8, 2010 5:28 am reply
The color and lighting in Jame's series is amazing. It completely captures heart of a wedding day!
Josselyn Peterson, January 8, 2010 5:45 am reply
I love how James Christianson was able to capture the light and color in these shots. I feel like they just walked out of a Jane Austen romance. Beautiful!
Stephanie Osborne, January 8, 2010 6:29 am reply
I vote for Millie Holloman's ring shot. The movement in this is just fantastic!
ali, January 8, 2010 6:41 am reply
james christianson!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Norm, January 8, 2010 3:52 pm reply
I'd have Jim Christensen do my wedding photos. Talented guy!!
Diane, January 8, 2010 4:18 pm reply
Otto...unique and fresh
Kent Meireis, January 8, 2010 4:38 pm reply
Otto Schulze's beautifully toned picture is a work of art.
Molly, January 8, 2010 4:53 pm reply
James Christianson's fall portraits make me feel warm on a chilly day! He gets my vote!
anna, January 8, 2010 4:56 pm reply
The Sarah Yates engagement session shot for sure. So lovely.
Adam Houseman, January 8, 2010 5:05 pm reply
GO ahead Otto Schulze! Always loved that image.
Shauna, January 8, 2010 5:15 pm reply
My favorite is Millie Holloman's ring shot. Very cool
Mrs. McCoy, January 8, 2010 5:45 pm reply
Definitely Otto S.!
Laura Dombrowski, January 8, 2010 5:58 pm reply
My vote is for James Christianson. Awesome Job! . And that is me in the photo so I am a little biased! :)
Corinna Hoffman, January 8, 2010 6:03 pm reply
Loving Millie's ring shot! I agree with Amy Campbell's comment as well.. it had inspired me to do fun "action shots" with the rings next time :)
T.J., January 8, 2010 6:17 pm reply
that ring shot is my vote, it's amazing.
Beth Morgan, January 8, 2010 7:04 pm reply
The first one by Sarah Yates steals my heart. I love the heart balloons in the background and the little bit of expressions that you see on their faces. You know they are so in love. Plus the colors are phenom!
Daniel Seidel, January 8, 2010 7:08 pm reply
Otto's is beautiful. There's something fluid about the motion. Love it!
Jason Armond, January 8, 2010 7:16 pm reply
Millie's ring shot is awesome. I love it. 2 votes from me.
sandy, January 8, 2010 7:34 pm reply
I vote for Millie's photo! It's amazing!
Carolyn Egerszegi, January 8, 2010 8:35 pm reply
I'm crazy for JAMES CHRISTIANSON's work and the wedding with the bride in the gorgeous yellow shawl is no exception. Breathtaking!
Sybrandt, January 8, 2010 10:19 pm reply
I just Love Otto's pics!!! It's the BEST!!!
Laura, January 8, 2010 10:29 pm reply
I'm taken with James Christianson's photography. These grouping of photos stands out above the crowd. From the color, to the lighting, atmosphere & all.
angela batts, January 8, 2010 10:32 pm reply
I love the ring shot by Millie Holloman! Way to ROCK IT, Millie!!!! That's my favorite!
Todd, January 8, 2010 10:46 pm reply
James Christianson for sure. Christiansons subjects are so casual, yet flawless exposure, color, everything. Like all of his work.
Megan Malloy, January 8, 2010 11:18 pm reply
Brion Hopkins Rainbow shot! So cool, I have never seen anything like it out there!
Christy, January 8, 2010 11:46 pm reply
I love Millie Holloman's ring shot!
april, January 8, 2010 11:58 pm reply
Millie Holloman's ring shot pretty much takes the cake :)
michelle, January 9, 2010 12:29 am reply
my fave is Sarah Yates engaged shot!
Natalie, January 9, 2010 1:00 am reply
Love Millie's ring shot!
Jennifer, January 9, 2010 3:25 am reply
Our vote is for Jim!
Erik, January 9, 2010 3:27 am reply
Jim's (Christianson)pictures are always fantastic - we love this series of photos!
Mary, January 9, 2010 8:51 pm reply
James Christianson gets my vote!
Clarisse, January 10, 2010 12:03 am reply
Love the photo by Otto - great movement!
steve & deb gutierrez, January 10, 2010 2:44 am reply
James Christianson For Sure!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
steve & deb gutierrez, January 10, 2010 2:44 am reply
James Christianson For Sure!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
steve & deb gutierrez, January 10, 2010 2:44 am reply
James Christianson For Sure!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
steve & deb gutierrez, January 10, 2010 2:44 am reply
James Christianson For Sure!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
steve & deb gutierrez, January 10, 2010 2:44 am reply
James Christianson For Sure!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
steve & deb gutierrez, January 10, 2010 2:44 am reply
James Christianson For Sure!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
steve & deb gutierrez, January 10, 2010 2:44 am reply
James Christianson For Sure!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sylvia, January 10, 2010 6:25 am reply
James Christianson is an artist......he really can capture the moment!! I love the one with the groom kissing the bride......I am such a romantic.
Myra Peterson, January 10, 2010 8:56 am reply
James Christianson gets my vote
Maggie Stone, January 11, 2010 3:44 am reply
Natalie Moser gets my vote!! I love the shoes! What a great idea for a wedding picture!!
Another Jim, January 11, 2010 4:45 am reply
Jim has captured a day of remembrance in this series of photos.
Shannon Christianson, January 11, 2010 5:51 am reply
James Christianson is a phenomenal wedding photographer. He has the ability to capture the most intimate moments yet has the flare for keeping it so natural. This is a unique quality that sets him apart from all the rest. I vote for James Christianson hands down.
Evette Velez, January 11, 2010 5:54 am reply
I vote for James Christianson. His talent surpasses all others
Yolanda, January 11, 2010 5:14 pm reply
I think Otto Schultze's picture is beautiful; he gets my vote!
Kristy Firebaugh, January 11, 2010 5:28 pm reply
I love Otto Schulze's image - it captures both the couple's intimacy and the movement of the scene around them.
Stxey, January 11, 2010 5:39 pm reply
Otto!!!
steph:)lindsey, January 11, 2010 5:40 pm reply
Otto Schultze is truly a rare gem!!!!!!
Lief, January 12, 2010 4:24 am reply
All excellent, but I am particularly fond of the series by James Christianson. His images get my vote.
Michelle Hoffer, January 12, 2010 1:07 pm reply
pictures from James Christionson makes me want to get married all over again--Michelle
trina k, January 13, 2010 8:08 pm reply
james christianson
Kristin, January 14, 2010 12:39 am reply
I love the bride's sash with the golden yellow leaves in James Christianson's photos above... What a beautiful setting!
jj, January 19, 2010 3:53 am reply
James Christianson. Great color. Always an artistic angle. His work is stunning!
karen baker, January 19, 2010 5:06 am reply
Otto Schulze is an artist-----Otto gets my vote!!!!!!!!!!
Rachel Olsen, January 20, 2010 4:01 am reply
James Christianson is amazing and has incredible connections with his brides and grooms allowing for fabulous photos! (As seen above!)
lindsay ramirez, January 21, 2010 3:35 am reply
otto schulze without a doubt!
Sara Farrar, January 29, 2010 2:43 am reply
james christianson gets my vote! beautiful!!! absolutely amazing work and a gorgeous bride!!!!!
Martha M., January 31, 2010 3:22 am reply
I love the Natalie Moser shot....those shoes are the best! It says a lot when a shot focused on shoes can capture a wedding!