Hiya! Welcome back to my wedding planning posts :) Today, I would LOVE to introduce you to our photographer — can you tell I’m excited??
Let me begin by saying that I know everyone has different priorities when it comes to planning a wedding, and I know that photography is not at the top of everyone’s list — but it definitely was for us. There are a few reasons for this — most importantly, that the photos are what we will cherish long after almost everything else has been eaten, sold, thrown out, packed up, or forgotten (kind of sad, but true). But the photos? The really good ones? Those will bring us back to that day years and years in the future.
Oh yes, and wedding photography is also my job. I stare at it all day long. Unsurprisingly, I have both strong opinions about it and high standards for it.
With that being said, there were a few things we were looking for in our photographer. They were, in no particular order:
1. Someone who shoots film.
2. Someone who has a great personality.
3. Someone who effortlessly directs their subjects and has a knack for natural posing.
I love SO many photographers, and there wasn’t just one that I HAD to have (there are certainly many who fit the above criteria). I would have been ecstatic to work with a number of photographers, and before I introduce you to our final pick, I wanted to spend a minute on these others, in the hopes that one of them might be right for one of you.
I adore Joey + Jessica. I really, really do. Having worked with them through Southern Weddings, I know that they are so fun and easy going. Plus, I love the ease with which they direct their subjects (probably from all of their commercial experience).
I haven’t met Jonathan Canlas in person, but I would really like to — he seems like such a fun person to be around, and I know his enthusiasm would be infectious on a wedding day. Plus, he turns out some of the most amazing family and large-group portraits I’ve ever seen.
I adore Lisa Lefkowitz’s work. I think her color images have the most beautiful quality to them, and everything she produces reflects such a high level of taste and a classic aesthetic. She also seems like she would be a warm, calming process on the day of a wedding.
Believe me, I could go on, and on, and on, but I think I’ll leave it at that for today!
Now, John and I actually made our choice a few weeks ago, and a few days after that, I asked y’all to guess on Twitter who we chose. The only hint I gave was that our photographer was a female. I had the best time looking through all of your guesses! In no particular order, you guessed: Jasmine Star, Kate Headley, Rae Leytham, Jen Huang, Nancy Ray, Elizabeth Messina, Meredith Perdue, Melissa Schollaert, Jenna Cole, Amy Rae, Katie Stoops, Meg Perotti, Kellie Kano, and Millie Holloman. What a WONDERFUL group of ladies and photographers!
In the end, though, no one guessed our choice. I am so pleased and excited to say that none other than Tanja Lippert will be photographing our wedding!! I have loved Tanja’s work for a loooooong time — ever since I saw this wedding in 2008, in fact. From what I’ve seen, she does an amazing job effortlessly posing single subjects and large groups. She also seems like she’ll be a blast to be around on our wedding day — just check out this video for evidence :) She has a strong commercial background, which gives her a matchless editorial eye. She has a huge heart, which is evident in how much love and emotion comes through in her images. And, of course, she shoots film, which gives her work the most beautiful color and quality.
But enough words from me! I’ll let Tanja’s images do the talking:
Elegant, fun, emotional, light-hearted, editorial, candid, classic, joyful — her photographs really run the gamut, don’t they?
Seeing all of those images together makes me even more excited, but you know what the best part about hiring Tanja has been? She is SO EXCITED about shooting our wedding. And while I know she just loves her job in general, and gets excited about every wedding she shoots, I think it also helps that she knows that I am SO EXCITED she’ll be shooting our wedding. It’s been my experience that vendors can tell when you love what they do and are thrilled to get to work with them — and those seem to be the conditions under which they produce their finest work. Something to keep in mind when interacting with the people who will be a part of your big day!
So tell me: What do you think? Do you love Tanja as much as I do? :) Who will be photographing your wedding?
P.S. In case you missed a post:
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Sarah S., November 23, 2011 10:02 am reply Oh my heavens, I'm blubbering my face off so ecstatic to see baby Grace and so happy both of you (Lara and Grace) are safe and healthy! Congratulations, Lara and Ari! Thank you for sharing your beautiful journey with us. XO
Brittany, November 23, 2011 10:02 am reply That video was so precious and such a wonderful thing to have to show little Gracie in the future! I'm so happy that this new little family is doing wonderfully and I wish Ari and Lara the best. Have fun bonding with your bundle of joy! I'm sure she'll give you one million more reasons to smile and love each other just as you love her :) Congratulations!
MacKenzie, November 23, 2011 10:05 am reply Welcome to this world, Gracie girl! We can't wait to give you and your mama a big hug! xo
Lara Casey Birth Announcement Video | Inkspot Crow Films : North Carolina wedding videography I Durham wedding videography I Chapel Hill wedding videography I Raleigh wedding videography I Greensboro Wedding Videography I Asheville Wedding Videography, November 23, 2011 10:17 am reply [...] more Grace goodness, visit the Southern Weddings blog and read Emily Ley’s post on Lara Casey’s site for their special announcement of [...]
Veronique Bise, Weddings By Vero, November 23, 2011 10:21 am reply This was such a nice surprise, a wonderful film and i had goose bumps all over ! It is insane ! we waited for her for so long and now she is finally here ! discovering her first pictures, so beautiful full of talent pictures, was just wonderful ! good job Nancy, thank you for that lovely present and I am so happy for Lara and Ari to finally have discovered their little Princess...
Shannon Reeves, November 23, 2011 10:23 am reply Well, welcome sweet Grace! 11-22-11! What a fun birthday!
Amber Housley, November 23, 2011 10:28 am reply So, so, so sweet! Congrats and much love to Lara, Ari and sweet little Baby Grace! xoxo
Melissa Pearce, November 23, 2011 10:32 am reply Congratulations! I LOVE that video-- it's been so fun to see the whole pregnancy through photos on Nancy Ray's site, and now to see the beautiful baby girl Grace herself--it's amazing.
Dana, November 23, 2011 10:34 am reply i'm absolutely THRILLED for lara & ari!!! Congratulations! little grace is so precious! i'm so glad she's here!!! :) xo
Brittany R, November 23, 2011 10:36 am reply oh my starts. the happy tears are flowing! God bless Lara, Ari and baby Grace, and I pray that you soak in every second. So excited to see the SW family growing and I look forward to baby Grace updates from her SW aunties! Congrats, she is beautiful!!
Gina, November 23, 2011 10:38 am reply Lovely! Congrats for this happy moment and the ones to come!
Liz, November 23, 2011 10:46 am reply Hooray!! So happy that little Grace is here safe and sound! Beautiful video and gorgeous photos to match. What a welcome for her! Also, I love that you used the word hankie (no one does anymore - I miss it!).
Katiuska, November 23, 2011 10:50 am reply That-was-beautiful! All of it. Congratulations & God bless! *:)
Patti, November 23, 2011 11:03 am reply Such a beautiful introduction for a beautiful baby girl! So happy for you Lara! God bless you and Ari as you begin your journey with Grace!
Allison Barnhill, November 23, 2011 11:12 am reply Such a beautiful little girl and what a blessing for this Thanksgiving! Congrats on the sweetness and enjoy your time as a family! Happy Thanksgiving!
Camille Detrick, November 23, 2011 11:21 am reply Congratulations Lara & Ari & welcome to the world baby Grace! What a blessing. God is so good! Can't wait to see more photos! Much love, Camille
Christina B., November 23, 2011 11:22 am reply So, so, very excited for you both. What a sweet angel she is. Congratulations!!
Michelle March, November 23, 2011 11:27 am reply Wow! The video brought tears to my eyes! I loved it! What a journey! Congrats to you and your loved ones. Grace is so beautiful! I'm so happy for you all! xoxo
Laura Brooks, November 23, 2011 11:29 am reply Congratulations! What a beautiful child! What a beautiful family! Wishing you all the happiness in the world!
Marissa, November 23, 2011 11:48 am reply Thank y'all so much for all your sweet words about baby Grace! I know Lara sincerely appreciates your love and I look forward to passing them on to her!
Barbara Stevens, November 23, 2011 11:55 am reply Oh, she is a glimpse of Heaven.
Kristina, November 23, 2011 11:58 am reply What a blessing! Congrats!
Sara, November 23, 2011 12:02 pm reply Ahhhh!! Oh my goodness!! Congratulations Lara!! What an amazing video to look back on and remember the journey!! Welcome to the world, little Grace!! We already love and adore you more than words can say!! xoxo
Lauren Kinsey, November 23, 2011 12:03 pm reply Congratulations Lara and Ari! We are so happy for you, Grace is lovely and will bring you so much joy! We wish you all the love and happiness that having a sweet baby brings, and Happy Thanksgiving! :)
Tamara Menges, November 23, 2011 12:30 pm reply Oh MY!! This is so beautiful!! Congratulations Lara and Ari and all the SW girls on your new addition! She is so loved and will have many blessings just like her mom!! Congratulations again she is beautiful!
Brit @ Landlocked Bride, November 23, 2011 12:31 pm reply I'm just so thrilled for them! She is precious! And, I could not be more excited for this little adventure their heading down!
Madelynne Miller, November 23, 2011 12:43 pm reply CONGRATULATIONS! What a sweet and wonderful thanksgiving gift! God is so good!
Brittany, November 23, 2011 12:43 pm reply what a beautiful season of life! from the looks of this video, it seems like you've already created a solid foundation for this little lady to be welcomed into! praying for even more sweet times ahead!
Danielle Fletcher, November 23, 2011 12:48 pm reply You know.. i was just sitting here thinking 'what i really need is a good early morning CRY!' So thank you! ;) Truly so beautiful... I can't find any other words. Just beautiful.
Lydia, November 23, 2011 12:54 pm reply Congratulations Lara and Ari! Grace is precious!!
Amy Lynn, November 23, 2011 1:02 pm reply AAACK!!!! This is the sweetest EVER! SO happy for you! *love love love*
Katie, November 23, 2011 1:15 pm reply Congratulations! Grace is a doll! What a beautiful family and an amazing video!!
Shayla, November 23, 2011 2:30 pm reply Lara & Ari, congratulations!!! Grace is beautiful and such a blessing. Happy Thanksgiving to your new family!
Jennifer, November 23, 2011 4:15 pm reply Oh my word! What a little miracle. Congratulations!!!1
Desiree, November 23, 2011 4:44 pm reply i know that your office was just-a-buzzin with love after Grace's intro. the video is just beautiful. i pray that Lara is able to really invest these months with her daughter and a big congrats to this new addition to the SW family! xoxo
Corinna Hoffman, November 23, 2011 5:41 pm reply CONGRATULATIONS!!! She's beautiful just like her mama and papa :) I'm so happy for you, Lara! Grace Austin is one lucky baby to have you guys as her parents! The video just got me all warm and fuzzy inside--almost makes me wanna have a baby (almost) ;) May God bless you and your sweet family!! XOXO
Amanda Noel, November 23, 2011 5:44 pm reply Congratulations! Absolutely beautiful. Enjoy getting to know her and I'm sure we're all looking forward to hearing about baby's first Christmas!
liz rotz, November 23, 2011 9:29 pm reply She is beautiful! Sending all my love and best wishes to Lara, Ari, & Baby Grace!
Phyllis, November 23, 2011 11:27 pm reply Congratulations Lara and Ari! Baby Grace is beautiful and the video had me in tears. I'm so happy for you all! Happy Thanksgiving!
Happy Thanksgiving from the Southern Weddings Gals! « Southern Weddings Magazine, November 24, 2011 8:01 am reply [...] had a baby on Tuesday (yay!!!), we’re betting she is feeling particularly thankful for her new baby girl and her whole family right now. I have no doubt she would also say how thankful she is for each of [...]
Kelly, November 24, 2011 11:18 am reply Ahhhhh!!!! Sooo precious! I am so so so happy for you, Lara! Enjoy every minute of this time!!! :)
Frida's Mum, November 24, 2011 3:02 pm reply Many many congratulations!!! She is beautiful and I love the name Grace. I wish you many moments of joy and love together. What a beautiful family you are!
Eliana @ ellyB, November 25, 2011 12:41 am reply Congrats Lara and Ari! Grace is just beautiful and I cannot wait to see you all again! xoxo E.
Feuza, November 25, 2011 2:19 am reply So precious Lara, May God Bless you in this new journey, she is beautiful
AshleyHH, November 27, 2011 8:20 pm reply What a precious blessing. Congrats to your beautiful family!!
Sara, November 28, 2011 7:33 pm reply Congratulations! What an amazing Thanksgiving blessing. Grace is proof that God is truly amazing! Best wishes.
emilie inc., November 29, 2011 8:04 pm reply Happy congratulations!! Such a stunning keepsake you'll treasure for always of your little girl's beginnings. Love and joy to you all! xoxo
Taylor, November 30, 2011 7:50 pm reply Yes, I definitely am wiping tears from my cheeks! Congrats Lara and Ari!! Welcome to the world, Grace!
Blue Ribbon Vendor Directory :: Videographers! « Southern Weddings Magazine, December 22, 2011 2:46 pm reply [...] as we shot the Paper, Cotton and Flour shoot for Southern Weddings V4. Inkspot Crow also shot this amazing maternity video of our own Lara Casey and her new bundle of joy, Grace. Warning: have tissues ready, it’s a [...]
Southern Weddings 2011 Recap « Southern Weddings Magazine, January 3, 2012 12:31 pm reply [...] Weddings office 1 :: number of new additions to the Southern Weddings office. Welcome to the team, Grace! Of course, there are things that numbers just can’t do justice to, so we each wanted to [...]