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Hey y’all! Well, I’ve been a busy bee here in the office as usual. We’re working hard on V3 — which I have to say is the most beautiful thing on earth so far — and I’ve been deep into a few big projects. But, without further ado… this month’s It List! This is a very special edition — I’ve given you a few of my favorites, and have asked a few of the lovely ladies I work with to give one of their favorites, too!
Congrats to the last feature‘s top voter’s pick, Meghan McSweeney. I loved the powerful story behind that photograph.
PREVIOUSLY: Volume 1, Volume 2, Volume 3
How this works: VOTE for your favorite photograph by leaving a comment here and (combining our office votes with yours) we’ll award the top image of the month. All of those images will then 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).
My picks:
One of the brides in our upcoming print edition tried on 108 dresses. Yes, 108. I believe her. I, oddly, get her. When we went to Kleinfeld to help Katharine say yes to her dress, I was overwhelmed with schoolgirl giddiness. My good friend Randy showed us around the massive store, including back rooms filled to the brim with fluffy white designer goodness. Had I been granted three wishes in that moment, they would have been:
1. Have Randy pick out a dress for me.
2. Try on every dress in that store.
3. Rinse and repeat every day of the week.
Ladies, help me out here… I cannot be the only one! You try being surrounded by Vera, Carolina and Monique… hello temptation! So, naturally, this gorgeous photograph from David Murray reminds me of that divine feeling of slipping into “The One” for the first time. Perfection…
I have a mental file of my favorite images of all time. This file is easy to keep organized because there are very few photographs inside of it. Well, it just got a little fatter with this gem from Ben Chrisman. I audibly gasped when I saw it. I love movement in images, as well as anticipation and surprise. Her curled veil is like the cherry delectably placed on top of the perfect decadent wedding sundae. In a breath, in a moment… their lives just changed. Oh, my words just aren’t big enough for this photograph. I suppose that’s the beauty of phenomenal moments captured – a picture contains so much more than 1,000 words.
There is an appropriate onomatopoeia in Alec Vanderboom’s name. Like magic, this couple is surrounded by a rainbow of light and smoke… boom! Love love love.
It would be a natural tendency to label this image from Tanja Lippert “classic” … but classic denotes that it has been done before, has a timeless quality or is a perfect example of a particular style. I would dare to say I have not seen this image before, nor done better. The bride emerging into the light, the fullness of her dress, her graceful fingers extended as if she is saying hello to the first day of the rest of her life… need I go on? Breathtaking.
My taste, as you can see, is varied. I love anything that catches me and I love a photograph that shows strength. This bride’s veil and the push of her hand cuts the air like a knife. Direct, strong, sexy. Thank you, Daniel Aguilar, for submitting this stunner.
I will confess that today is a tough day for me. I’m reflecting on a personal experience one year ago that shook me to my core and still lingers. It’s making me more reserved, quieter than my usual boisterous self, and a bit sad. I had a great conversation with Dane Sanders last week where he asked me pointedly why I am passionate about photography. My honest answer: photography changes me. I am captivated, moved, uplifted by imagery. This photograph from The Parsons is a prime example. Hard day turns soft when I drink in the light, airy love in this image. I can imagine her on the beach, wind in her hair, carefree and full of anticipation and love. You can feel the sunlight, smell the ocean breeze, and without a doubt you know she feels really good in her own skin. The power of photography. I just went on a mini mental vacay. Thank you, Ashley and Jeremy.
I have long loved this sweet ceremony shot from Jasmine Star. The adoration in the groom’s eyes, pride and happy tears from Dad, and the bride offering Dad a bit of comfort with a gentle touch on the back. There are fireworks in this moment. Just brilliant. Gets me every time.
Awesomesauce. That’s what these kids, captured by Michele Waite, are full of. All dressed up with somewhere to go. (That place, apparently, is Super Mario Kart land. OK, I think just dated myself. Kids probably don’t play that anymore, do they?) Regardless, I love how sweet this image is — kids just being kids, contrasted, of course, by their wedding duds.
Picking a favorite image from this wedding by A Bryan Photo was an impossibility. Southern perfection captured perfectly on classic beautiful film.
The moment I saw these images from Dixie Pixel, I imagined one of our office walls covered in this shot. From top to bottom, the light, the movement, the look of joyful abandon in the groom’s face and… her dress. Oh my, that dress! As my friend Lydia says, Ack, I die!
There you have it friends! I am known for epic posts and I have hundreds of favorite images, but those are just a little peek into what’s inspiring me right now.
Now, as promised, here are a few picks from Katharine, Emily, and one of our awesome interns, Nicole!
Nicole: Here is one of my favorites. I’ve had this photo from Bobbi and Mike saved for awhile because it just makes me laugh. Practice makes perfect, and what better time to learn to how to tie a tie than on your wedding day? For me, this photo perfectly describes all the little steps everyone takes to get ready on the big day and I’m sure the men in this photo are taking the responsibility of bow ties very seriously.
Emily: Ever since I saw this image from the ladies at Vue Photography, I haven’t been able to get it out of my mind. The soft movement and creamy colors are so beautiful. Plus, this mid-leap snap brings back my 12 years as a ballet dancer… just replace the wedding dress with a tutu, and I’d be good to go.
OK, Katharine is actually out of the office today doing wedding stuff, so we took it upon ourselves to pick an image we knew she would just loooovvvve. Her two loves: babies and candy. There are no signs of sugar in this shot and, technically, it’s not from a wedding, but it’s hilarious and the rest of this post will make you weep. Shannon Sewell is brilliant.
Congrats to this month’s IT LIST picks and thank you for inspiring me!
I search high and low for a lot of these, but you can submit, too! 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 : )
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!
xo
P.S. If you are a photographer or wedding pro and want to learn the secrets to getting published and my take on phenomenal branding, you don’t want to miss this.
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Julia, July 29, 2010 7:30 pm reply
my vote, the airy love picture from The Parsons
lydia {ever ours}, July 29, 2010 7:32 pm reply
there are QUITE few "ack. i die." moments in this post, Lara! :) thanks for the shoutout.
Kelly Langner Sauer, July 29, 2010 7:38 pm reply
I'm gonna have to go with that shot from The Parsons. Gorgeous. This whole post just makes me want to weep at the beauty.
Melanie ~ but you can call me Mel!, July 29, 2010 7:50 pm reply
My vote is for "Awesomesauce".
Michele shot my wedding in Hawaii almost 10 years ago and I must say I am kind of biased. LOL
Love all the pic's geat choices.
~m
Jasmine*, July 29, 2010 7:55 pm reply
I love you. Backwards and forwards. That is all.
Melissa, July 29, 2010 8:13 pm reply
hands down Dixie Pixel! Amazing light captured there!
Jaymie, July 29, 2010 8:20 pm reply
I vote Michele Waite's shot with the kids!
nataliem, July 29, 2010 8:20 pm reply
my vote--the shot by ben chrisman..impeccable timing. can't wait to enter
Rachel, July 29, 2010 8:39 pm reply
The shot by Jasmine Star. Palpable emotion.
Kathy, July 29, 2010 8:52 pm reply
Nothing better than catching kids in a "supposed to be moment" instead doing what kids do...fall deeply into their own moment. You caught it Michele!
Brooks, July 29, 2010 9:00 pm reply
My vote has to go to the classic elegance of Tanja Lippert's beautiful shot. What a great moment in time!
the parsons, July 29, 2010 9:05 pm reply
OH MY GOODNESS, lara! what a huge honor to be named with such great talents. thank you for your incredibly kind words about our work! xoxo
Stephanie, July 29, 2010 9:22 pm reply
The Dixie Pixel Image is amazing! Does anyone know anything about the dress in the picture? Designer maybe?
Jenna, July 29, 2010 9:25 pm reply
The Parsons! Incredible shot.
tess, July 29, 2010 9:30 pm reply
After you upload a picture to TwitPic, how do you post it onto @LaraCasey's feed? Thank you!
liz, July 29, 2010 9:30 pm reply
That photo by the Parsons is stunning! Magical. It definitely gets my vote.
hootenannie, July 29, 2010 9:32 pm reply
The Parsons' image is so dreamy. That gets my vote.
maria casteel, July 29, 2010 9:36 pm reply
i vote for the parsons! they are just incredible.
Thomas, July 29, 2010 9:43 pm reply
THE PASRONSSSSS!
Bev, July 29, 2010 9:54 pm reply
Tough decision but I say the Parsons have m vote, STELLAR IMAGE guys!
Southern Weddings, July 29, 2010 10:08 pm reply
Hi Tess, you just post the link to the image as an "@ reply" to LaraCasey from your own twitter account. Example: http://twitter.com/pfconrey/status/19858048784 Good luck! Emily
Alana, July 29, 2010 10:27 pm reply
I'm gonna have to go with that shot from The Parsons. I love it, and was also taken to a very soft, beach-y, lovely, happy place with this image. Great shot y'all!
Fernando Cañas, July 29, 2010 10:43 pm reply
Stunning picture of Daniel Aguilar.My vote for him.
McKenzie Powell, July 29, 2010 10:46 pm reply
Michele M. Waite! Such a great moment to have captured!
kim, July 29, 2010 10:52 pm reply
i vote for the parsons. fabulous. and can i also comment that we have 2 MO photographers representing?! outstanding.
Katrina, July 30, 2010 3:27 am reply
The Parsons shot, hands down!
Becca P, July 30, 2010 4:34 am reply
Parsons! Parsons!
jen, July 30, 2010 5:30 am reply
michele! so lady like.
Ashlee, July 30, 2010 7:09 am reply
Ben Chrisman's. that picture is incredible!
fer juaristi, July 30, 2010 11:52 am reply
Daniell Aguilar pcitures is amazing!
Lupita Ramirez, July 30, 2010 2:02 pm reply
Love Daniel Aguilar's pic!!
Peter Conrey, July 30, 2010 2:07 pm reply
Ben Chrisman's is my favorite. Beautiful fleeting moment.
Adrienne Ayala, July 30, 2010 2:34 pm reply
THE Parsons is AWESOMENESS at it's finest. They get my vote!
erin kate, July 30, 2010 6:27 pm reply
My favorite...Ben Chrisman's photo.
Emily, July 30, 2010 10:56 pm reply
Love Michele M. Waite's photo. She's amazing!
Lucia, July 31, 2010 1:10 am reply
Love that first picture by David Murray!
Vicki Grafton, July 31, 2010 3:39 am reply
I adore The Parsons image, it really makes me feel how happy the bride is.
erica, August 2, 2010 5:21 pm reply
VUE all the way, baby!!!
Janice Carnevale, August 3, 2010 1:06 pm reply
Dixie Pixel is doing it got me!
Elizabeth, August 3, 2010 3:20 pm reply
There are three that strike me most:
A Bryan's bouquet shot, Alec Vanderboom's wonderful smokey shot, and The Parsons' candid beauty!
Mike S., August 6, 2010 5:48 pm reply
The photo Michele Waite took of the kids is my favorite. I've seen a lot of her work and she always captures people, places and moments in a unique way.
Jude, August 11, 2010 4:40 am reply
Dixi Pixel is the one.
Aubrey Johnson, August 14, 2010 3:53 pm reply
Michele M. Waite. That photo is too endearing!
jamie delaine, February 14, 2011 8:22 pm reply oh sweet! i love michele. i second-shot that wedding with her in vancouver last year. so fun.