{Vendor Spotlight} Alexis Sweet Photography

Drum roll please!!! Today's Vendor Spotlight is Alexis Sweet Photography, whom I have become very good friends with. Alexis will be the photographer for one of my upcoming weddings here in Savannah and she will be taking their engagement session very soon (I'll be the doggie sitter since the couple MUST include their adorable two corgis, but will also be taking some pictures san-doggies). Alexis was also the amazing photographer behind the Bohemian Beach Styled Shoot that we recently just finished which combined many talented Savannah area vendors - pictures and post to come, don't worry! 

Grab your coffee, sit back and enjoy our little Q & A.....

Layla: Which are your 5 favorite images and why? 

Alexis: I couldn't possibly choose favorites. Instead, I offer 5 wedding images that I enjoy and am proud of.

1) This photo was taken in the hotel lobby as we were waiting for the car to come around to take us to the ceremony. I love that the bride has a look of both confidence and nervousness at the same time. Her mother was holding her train for her in the background with such a wonderful expression of pride and contentment. I am such a sucker for beautiful window light and the lobby of the Bohemian provides a beautiful example of the best kind.

2) This wedding had been running behind all day. We had planned to do shots for 45 minutes on the beach after, but I ended up with only having the couple for 5 minutes right before the reception for their portraits. This couple was sweet and quiet. The wedding schedule was so crazy, but the entire time the couple exuded a quiet calm. It was evident that this was the way they loved each other too. I thought this photo captured that calmness beautifully. 

3) This super fun couple (mentioned in a further question) was willing to do anything for their portraits. I love when I get couples like that. This bride trudged right into the surf to get this photo. When she pushed him up on the rock and kissed him it was all her, not a hint of direction from me. He just loved it. He said to me he had finally snagged his mermaid. This photo is also in a way the birth of my current style. The beautiful creamy luminescent quality was a happy accident that I now try to carry through a lot my editing process. 

4) This was from a simple elopement wedding. The couple tied the knot in a very quick ceremony in one of the sqaures and we headed off on a sunset walk through downtown. I saw this railing and the beautiful light and directed them to it. I suggested he kiss her cheek and as he did, she moved right into it and gave this beautiful expression. It was like his kiss was just as warm and inviting as the sunset.

5)  This was taken just before they were announced as husband and wife and kissed. As the moment drew close they both became so excited that they began swinging their arms back and forth in anticipation. Their smiles went from being big to being mega-watt. I connect with the total adoration you can see in the bride's eyes when she looks at her man. 

Layla: What makes you laugh?

 

Alexis: 80's teen movies like Better Off Dead and Just One of the Guys, awkward moments, and I always burst out in uproarious laughter when I fall down.

Layla: What do you find enjoyable?

Alexis: I enjoy fall air, my dog Molly (when she isn't destroying my house), a quality sandwich from the likes of Starland Cafe, the city of Chicago, and bees wax candles. 

Layla: What are you most proud of?

Alexis: I am most proud of myself. I have come a long way to get from point A to point B in my life. While I have a long way to go to get to Z (although I'm pretty sure only folks like Nelson Mandela or Ghandi make it to Z), I'm proud of who I am now and how I am learning to handle what life throws at me.  

Layla: How would you describe your style?

Alexis: Its a bit of a grab bag when it comes to my wedding work. My work seems to polarize between really fluid candid shots and editorial portraits. This really seems to work for me though. The candids pull at my documentary heartstrings, while the editorial style adds a little extra gloss and polish. I find that it suits the task of capturing a wedding very well. I often remind myself throughout a wedding day "shoot the story, then shoot it prettier". 

Layla: How did you get started in photography?

Alexis: I got started in high school with a fabulous teacher. He imparted in me the importance of composition and light and I was immediately hooked. It was the darkroom aspect that sucked me in at first. Something about watching the image I captured slowly appear on the paper while it was in the developer. That was like poetry to me. I made a misguided attempt at studying Classics in college, but after a year and a half transferred to an arts and media school to pursue a photography degree. 

Layla: When did you start your business?

 

Alexis: I've been working freelance for the last 10 years. It wasn't until I moved to Savannah that I thought of pursuing wedding photography. In fact, I didn't think I would enjoy it. Thankfully I was wrong and I absolutely love it. I've been doing it now for about 3 years. 

Layla: What has been your favorite/most memorable wedding thus far?

Alexis: This is a tough one. All of the weddings I shoot end up taking up a small space inside me. I get emotionally attached to the couples and the amazing experience they are having, so picking a favorite is nearly impossible. I do have to say that an extra fun wedding I shot was when I was first starting out. It was a simple budget wedding out on Tybee. The bride and groom were laid back and total jokers. They were totally comfortable and up for trying anything during their portraits. Their friends and family were just as fun and by the end of the night the bride was doing keg stands and the groom had on a lobster hat. That was a fun wedding. It taught me that you don't have to have expensive details or flowers to provide a great memorable time for yourselves and your guests. 

Thank you Alexis!!
Don't forget to check out her website at www.alexissweetphotography.com or facebook page or email her alexis.l.sweet@gmail.com

{Vendor Spotlight} Alternative Life Photography

Are you ready for yet another AMAZING photographer(s)?? This is my 4th Photography Vendor Spotlight - Alternative Life Photography A husband wife team with spunk and who are full of LIFE! Sharon and Bowie love their job and it shows! They have been added to my list of preferred vendors, and even though they are in ATL they come to Savannah all the time, so there is no travel fee. When I choose photographers who are not in Savannah, they must be available to come to Savannah a lot and also must be REALLY cool, talented, and like minded people for me to consider adding them to my list of referrals for clients. So here we go with our little Q&A and get to know Sharon & Bowie a little better.....

Sharon busting a move 

Bowie busting a move

 

Layla: Which are your 5 favorite images and why?

1) I love this image for many reasons. It embodies the idea of letting go or moving on. This is Emily's mother helping her with the final touches of putting on her dress. It's such a perfect moment as this is the last time mom will help Emily get dressed. She is moving on in her life and not only is it a milestone for her daughter, but also one for mom. It gets me choked up every time. What was mom and daughter thinking right at this moment? Was Mom reliving all the time in her life that she has helped Emily get dress? At the same time knowing she is all grown up and about to become someone's wife. Such an amazing part of the day and was very moving.
 

2) This image just makes me laugh! These two, Jessica and Jonathan, are the best couple ever. So sweet, so in love and so real. Their wedding was perfect and very relaxed. Towards the end of their reception the party really heated up. Jonathan comes around the corner with a liquid in a funky old glass that did not match the rest of the party glassware. The curious side of me needed to know what was in the glass. Once he told me it was moonshine and, that he was head for Jessica, I put my ninja gear on. I wanted to catch the moment she tasted that moonshine. I come from the south and I tried moonshine for the first time a long time ago (courtesy of my parents, thank you very much) so I knew this would be good!! I think we captured the moment nicely. Moonshine is terrible.

3) I've seen a lot of first kisses in my time but this one take the cake! I love the passion and true love that you can see they have for each other. They took the first kiss they shared as a married couple very seriously, and smoking hot might I add. It's one of those perfect moments in one life - a perfect first kiss.

4) The lasting looks between a father and daughter is another special moment on a life changing day. This one is so special, literally seconds before he takes the longest walk of his life to give her away, they took one final lasting glance. What was dad thinking at this moment? Was he thinking about all the times he walked with his daughter into school, or to a dance, knowing that this will be the last time he would hold her hand as he helps her to the next stage in her life? It's just a beautiful moment.

5) The perfect ending to an amazing day, the skyline, sparkler exit at the Ventans is one of the most memorable one for Bowie and I. Therese and David ended their wedding "in the moment." Beautiful. Magical. Perfect. You can feel all that love!

Layla: How did you two get started in photography? 
 

Sharon: It's funny where life takes you! I have been into photography for a long time - just snapshots of important events really but still loved photography my whole life. Bowie, has been working behind a camera for his whole life as well. When we first got together he showed me many of his home movies. Bowie has 5 siblings so he always had a "cast" and used his cast a bit. Through our whole relationship Bowie or I were never without a camera - video or still. We both went to college and had totally different career choices in mind. I wanted to be a physical therapist and he wanted to be a teacher of theater! Things changed and we found ourselves in line for a Graphic Design degree with a concentration in Fine Art Photography - and for Bowie a Mass Communications degree with a concentration in Film Editing. We worked in our felids for awhile and realized it was not for us. I love being a Graphic Designer and still design everyday - but Photography is my passion as Film and Photography are Bowie's passions. We just found that we fit perfectly in the wedding industry and love the field! Since it was such an important day in our lives and we relive it in each on of our clients!  

Layla: What has been your favorite/most memorable wedding thus far?

Sharon: Whew - this is a hard one! I have to say that Michelle and Houa's wedding was my most memorable to date! A tradition Hmong wedding with all that comes a long with it! Very cultural and the bride and groom were a dream. Perfect - totally in love - and just fun to be around. With 700 guests at their wedding it was full of so much energy. Everyone danced, the band sang, as well as many guests and we just rocked all night long. Too fun! Here are some of the memorable photos from their big day! 

Layla: When you aren’t taking photos(or working) what do you do with your time?

Sharon: Bowie and I love to travel and spend time with friends. I am a shop-o-halic as well so I do spend some time at H&M, basically my favorite store. We love music and theater as well, so we do see some concerts from time to time and go to shows. Gogol Bordello we have seen the most - 6 times now! We also are crazy about roller coasters and love Universal Studios. We've gone just about every year of our life together and Bowie even asked me to be his wife in City Walk! It was awesome! 

 
Layla: What inspires you? 

Sharon: This is an easy one! Love - real love, movie love, puppy love, love for my family, love in every form. It is my life, my purpose for being, the beginning and the end of everything! Life in general is one crazy turn right after the next and without love, nothing matters. I guess it's kind of a cliche that a wedding photographer would say that love inspires me, but it so true. Other things that inspire me, my friends and family, strangers and people watching. Just about any personal interaction, good or bad inspires me to be the person that I am. My husband inspires me daily! He is the funniest man alive and knows just what to say to have me laughing until I can't breathe. Also a perfect sunset and the golden hour! A beam of light in a dark room. A cloudy sky and a peaking sun. I have an obsession with the sun! : ) 

Layla: Something my readers would be surprised to learn about you? 

Sharon: I never created one piece of art work before I made it to college. A lot of people think that you can't be an artist if you can't draw - well I could not draw to save my life. Just ask my very generous drawing teacher! I learned everything about art in 5 years of school and I love it. I would totally kill to have a throwing wheel and a kiln in my house! Working with clay is one of the most amazing and relaxing art forms that I learned in school!  

Layla: What’s your current obsession(s)?

Sharon: Thanks to my sister-in-law, Pinterest! It rocks. Also, Bowie and I found an 8mm movie camera in a thrift store and we have been playing with it a good bit. Hopefully we will have some fun stuff to share in the near future. We also are always continuing our photography education. January we are off to New Orleans for PPA's Imaging USA. We love to learn as much as we can about photography and who we are as photographers!  

Layla: Do you have any pets? What are their names and anything else you’d like to add about them?

Sharon: Yes! I have 4 pets. I guess you could say I have a big heart. We have 2 cats and 2 dogs, Brasco, Chloe, Petey, and Cali. Chloe is our newest addition and our rescue baby. We found her through a friend and she needed a forever home and a lot of love. We could not see life without her. Brasco, our other dog, is nuts! He is the best, but he is a beagle-jack and it totally shows. Fast, smart, and very loud. We love all of our pets to pieces.  

Thank you Sharon!!
Don't forget to check out their website at http://www.alternativelifephotography.com/ or http://alternativelifephotography.com/blog/ or facebook page 

{Vendor Spotlight} Jayne B Photography

I'm very excited to showcase my 3rd Photography Vendor Spotlight - Jayne B Photography! Back in August, while at the Elegance in the Park Bridal Show I met Jayne, who was nice enough to take a few pictures of my booth! You can see the pictures she took of my booth design here. Jayne is so adorable and has the greatest personality!! We share the love of Eco-friendly lifestyles, as well as, being very crafty and love DIY projects. Even though she is based in Atlanta, Jayne can easily come over to Savannah to work a wedding or do a portrait session & has already done a few in SAV already! 
I hope you enjoy our little Q&A and get to know Jayne a little better.....

Layla: Which are your 5 favorite images and why?

1) This photo was one of those unexpected gems. We were in the middle of Alabama, it was pouring rain for the first half of the bridal shoot. We did as best as we could and shot some inside portraits, then decided to risk it and go find a field. By the time we got there it stopped raining and this one was one of the first shots that I took in the field. It was just that moment where I knew I got something I was really excited about, after being totally stresses out by the storm. I have to give credit to the bride, who was such an awesome sport. (she actually lead the way into the field) Totally worth it!  
 

2) This shot is my new Jayne B Photography Facebook photo! I knew I found a special little spot when I was location scouting, I immediately saw it in my head and couldn't wait to get my shot! Then when I brought these two lovebirds to it, they just completed my vision perfectly.

3) To me this is the perfect wedding moment, everything about their day was a dream, and then we had this amazing light come down during their ceremony. ahhhh.... 

4) These two are photographic gold together. I chose this particular photo of them because I <3 the red door, & how they were having a little moment together, just after saying I do. You can just see the joy & excitement in her beaming smile.

5) This is one of those "ahhh.... lighting moments". We were in the right place and the right time! 

Layla: First, tell us a little about yourself, your blog, your background in the wedding world, etc
 

Jayne: We are Jayne B Photography! We are inspired by brides that want exciting wedding photos! We love creative brides with a vision and style! I have been shooting weddings since about 2007. I quickly realized this is it for me, this is what I want to do...everyday. Once I had this realization, I enrolled at a University in their Fine-Art Photography program. It was there that I gained my knowledge and foundation in art and photography (which I think helps out a lot). After this, I wanted to learn the commercial photography world so I enrolled in the most intense 2 year commercial photography program. Upon graduation I went into photographing weddings full-time and have been loving life since! : ) 

Layla: What inspires you?

Jayne: I am inspired by that warm fuzzy love feeling! : ) It is a pretty cool job to get to document a couple's wedding story. 

 
Layla: What do you use to edit? 

Jayne: I use both Lightroom and Photoshop to edit. If I had to pick just one I could do it all in Lightroom if I had too! I probably spend about 40% of my life in Lightroom.

 
Layla: Are you a PC or Mac girl?

Jayne: Mac all the way! I edit from my 24" I-mac! (ahhh I love this thing!!)  

Layla: Do you drink coffee, what's your favorite? or what is your weakness?? (chocolate, etc)

Jayne: Coffee??!! Yes, Please!!  I like it sweet, with loads of sugar!!! Other than that my weaknesses include cupcakes, candy, chocolate covered frozen bananas. I have a pretty huge sweet tooth! 

Thank you Jayne!!
Don't forget to check out her website at www.jaynebphotography.com or www.facebook.com/jaynebphotography

{Vendor Spotlight} Taken Photography

Today, I would like to introduce you to Alicja Colon, a very talented photographer from Savannah.

Sparkle | Color | Flash | Dynamic

 

Those four words would definitely describe Alicja of Taken Photography! Other words to describe Taken's work are dramatic, beautiful, and emotion capturing. I am thrilled to have met Alicja and get to know her as a friend. I prefer to meet with all my vendors in person to allow that connection and relationship to form. Just looking at someone's website and emailing them does not create a good bond. I want to make sure that if I refer a client to a professional vendor that I know they are quality. Alicja is QUALITY but also such a caring talented woman. Alicja was nice enough to answer a few questions for my blog post to help y’all get to know her a little better!

Layla: Which are your 5 favorite images and why? 

1) oh my heart - I just look at this and swoon. This image was taken in the Bahamas for fellow photographer, Melissa (of foreverphotographers.com) the Bride. We were on the dock, sun going down. The couple just signed their marriage license, which in the Bahamas HAS to be signed before the sunset. I love how John, the groom, took his bride in his arms and assertively gave his woman a kiss. I love how Melissa cherished it.  

2) During the first dance - there was SO much emotion. This couple has lots to deal with the day of their outside wedding - RAIN. But I love for they overcame and re-focused on what was important: Their love.

3) I lean towards the sexy side of things. We did lots of photos outside, in a playground - but I knew... He is a firefighter (he had to be smokin' under his shirt), and just look how cute she is! I saw a leather couch and a red pillow. Yes, we have to do sexy. So blessed to have clients up for anything :)

4) Love the innocent moment: fun, flirty, and sweet. Jessica, the hottie, was shy of taking photos in a pretty public place. To lighten the mood I was reassuring that no one was looking, "except that guy" and they busted out in sweet laughter. Ahhh - the moments <3

5) Vanessa-a vixen in Miami. She saved for a year to do this glam shoot. When we meet I knew she was ready to rock & roll! I mean look at those red lips-HOT! I love the light, motion, and the confidence our hottie has! 

Layla: What makes you laugh?

Alicja: Really embarrassing moments - like when I go bowling and swing my arm back and accidentally let the ball go. I heard that forward is better, but I like to keep things interesting : ) 

Layla: What do you find enjoyable?

Alicja: Trying to get my one-year-old to dance. It's really not hard. When anything with a beat comes on goes in dancing diva mode - full with hip shaking, shrugging shoulders, and hand waving. Yes, I gave her a few pointers.  

Layla: What are you most proud of? 

Alicja: I guess this has nothing to do with me - but I'm most proud of the opportunity to be a professional photographer. Humbly I thank Jesus for the gift to get to know others and serve them in this way.  

Layla: When did you start Taken?

Alicja: In Miami, about 2 years ago. Before that I was operating under Alicja Colon Photography, for a year in Savannah, but no one knew who to spell Alicja or Colon - pronounced "Cologne." That's what happens when a Polish girl marries a Puerto Rican. 

Layla: How would you describe your style?

Alicja: Fashion-forward documentary. I'm very into color, contrast, and emotion. It's a perfect combination because when a moment happens I capture it as it happen. But I can also pose the couple, bridal party, or parents in a way that's natural and communicates deep emotion. 

Layla: What do you do when you are not photographing weddings?

Alicja: Right now designing logos for fellow photographers and picking colors of the house we're building. But always drinking coffee. YUM! 

Layla: Finish this sentence: 

Alicja: I am ... in need of a date with the beauty salon!  

My passion is ... aesthetics! If I'm involved, it has to look fierce.

My favorite moment in weddings is...The first dance! I love listening to music while watching the groom sing to his bride. And then kiss afterwards, many times, rivals the first kiss!  

Layla: What are your accolades:

Alicja: Taken's weddings are have been feature of varying wedding internet publications. That's very exciting! Each time I get blown away at the response of the images I get to craft.

♥ Blessfully Taken 2012 ♥

This is her 3rd year offering the Blessfully Taken contest where Alicja will give away FREE 8 hours of wedding photographic services, 8x12 luxury, hand-crafted album {custom selected leather cover}, DVD of web-ready album images, and online gallery of wedding images for the winner who has been nominate as a Bride-to-be who deserves this luxurious gift. 

Alicja has the BIGGEST ♥ !

 

Thank you Alicja!!
Don't forget to check out her website at  http://www.taken-photography.com

{Vendor Spotlight} Chelsea Patricia Photography

Are you looking for a GREAT photographer??!! Check out Chelsea Patricia - CP Mac Photography!

She is an eclectic, bold, fresh, modern and funky artist in Atlanta, GA available for portraits, families, engagements, and weddings.

Classy, Yet Unique

Simple, Yet Intriguing

"I absolutely LOVE photography--both the technical aspects as well as each and every one of my clients that I come to love! Yes, I love coffee, and cheese, and the color green. Photography, though, is right up there with my family. Capturing your love story the way that you live it. Unique and funky fresh :) Green is beyond my favorite color...it's a sort of obsession. Well, bright green specifically. It started with my car. And now, now it surrounds me. My bedroom curtains, pillows, even my crockpot-all green. Limes. Avocados. Green makes me feel fresh, calm, bright, cheerful." ~ Chelsea

http://cpmacphotography.com
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