kiss & tell….

“there is no “how we first met” story….i’ve know him my whole life.  he was literally the boy next door.  i don’t have a memory of seeing him for the first time…kissing him for the first time…holding his hand for the first time.  i am so excited to experience all of this on our wedding day……all of our first moments as husband and wife.  our first kiss…first dance…the first bottle of champagne we crack open…the first “i love you”…  all the “firsts” that are to commence on our wedding day…i want them engraved in my memory forever….a freeze frame of each precious point in time.  a collection of “firsts” to compose the story of our lives…”

-jillian

xoxo

a sublime love story…years ago as i made my way through the corridors of art school…i was shy, painfully shy…a very sweet girl smiled at me in class & we became fast friends…sometime after that we were room-mates….we witnessed each other evolve…we took photographs & laughed, bathed in red light & fixer…and talked about the boys that tugged at our heart strings…and so the story begins….i remember when leah met duncan….we would listen to mazzy star on the tape deck & wait for him to take her away on the back of his bike towards the rest of her life….he was her true love…

“Ride It On”

Ride it on baby,
Into my view
Ride it on baby,
Into your side
Ride it on baby
Just like you used to do
Did you want me to love you, well,
I’m just here for the call
And you said that you’re so low, well,
I won’t really do you any harm
Won’t you ride it on baby,
Just like you used to do
There’s no love that you’re over feeling
And you still want to be with me
But you’re leaving like you said that you would
I’m waiting for the call
And you love like you always say now
But you know it won’t do you any harm
Ride it on baby,
Just like you said that you would
Oh then ride it on baby,
Just like you know it’s understood
Ride it on baby,
It’s still into your view
Ride it on baby,
I only want to be with you
I’m dreaming that you’re going far,
And you lie, take and whine
Won’t you ride it on baby,
But you’re so heavy for the price
Ride it on baby,
Just like you said that you would

MAZZY STAR

in her words…a kiss & tell….or rather a love & tell….

“you said that you love me baby, ride it on — always reminds me of the wind on Divisadero street and in the silent hum of cars in the night I sat waiting and wanting the roar of his motorcycle to be screaming my name on his way passed , under my window, his lips on my breath against the glass of my window and the tiny piece of paper that held my number to the leather strap of his seat holding on and tracing his steps like my finger on the edges of his lips and my cheek against his cheek my hair blowing around his face into the night”

LEAH MACDONALD

leah & duncan have been happily married & journeyed through life’s ups & downs for the past fifteen years…they have two beautiful boys & are still wrapped around each other’s hearts…they have matching tattooed wedding bands & a beautiful home in philadelphia…i have been photographing leah for twenty years…it’s been a beautiful work in progress…a true collaboration….a friendship….

leah is an artist, a wife & mother, & a wonderful friend…xoxo

lauren & jon are an adorable couple & their wedding was a lovely intimate event…the love birds exchanged vowes before their closest family & friends at VERITAS, a vineyard nestled in the hills of virginia…lauren was beautiful in her hand crafted TWIGS & HONEY headpiece…& the newlyweds are pictured below holding hand made signs by CHERYL WEST…but the most important detail is…..

the groom is my baby brother…so it’s with great joy that i share these images….their wedding is also featured in the current issue of WEDDINGS UNVEILED….hope you enjoy this peak into a very special day for my family….it was such an honor to capture their day….i also want to give a special thanks to janie at THE BRIDE’S CAFE who designed all of the beautiful florals….the flowers were just perfect.

engagement “kiss & tell”……

“We were out of town for our two-year anniversary… we had just finished getting ready to go out for drinks at the place we first met when Jon said ‘come over here and let me see how beautiful you are’… as I did a silly little twirl and stood before him, he dropped to one knee and took a ring box from his pocket… when he opened the box and I saw the ring I didn’t hear any of the (no-doubt practiced and sweet) things he said after that, I just let out a happy squeak and pounced on him, kissing him between laughter and tears of happiness… minutes later he said ‘I’ll take that as a yes?’… I smiled and kissed him again, whispering ‘yes!’”

-Lauren

lauren & jon had a few moments alone before the ceremony in the a clearing near the vineyard

their reception room, with the help of courtney spencer from MERRIMENT EVENTS, was a lovely blend of country style & modern touches…the room was a combination of good taste and comfort…

the calligraphy on the seating cards & tables were carefully crafted by PRETTY PEN JEN

lauren & jon’s nuptials took place at sunset…it was breathtaking

the ceremony was performed by a sea captain….

lauren is clearly a natural beauty & her wedding look was beautifully enhanced by ERIKA NIXON

wedding “kiss & tell”…..

“There is no kiss as wonderful and magical as the first time I kissed Jon after we said our vows… I know the sun was setting over the beautiful vineyard behind us and we were surrounded by our family and friends, but my world consisted only of him… I just kept thinking “my husband… my husband… my husband!” “

-Lauren

although i cannot fully believe my little brother is old enough to have a wife, it was truly amazing to witness their obvious love & affection….& it’s wonderful to have another sister…simply love + family

their beautiful cake was created by K ROSE CAKES

my lovely little nieces were the flower girls & my beautiful daughter was my assitant

it was wonderful to have our family & lauren’s together

not only were their dogs included but my beautiful sister was the “best man”

“just married” parasol hand-painted by I DO ORIGINALS

as the day came to an end we shared cake by candlelight….

xoxo

this was a dream come true for me…photographing the wedding of a lovely couple….cherise & aaron…and the icing on the cake is that chersie is one of the founders of an amazing luxury shoe company called OMELLE (pronounced “ahm’ elle”)…all the shoes in the collection are crafted in italy…the shoes are unique & stylish…with architectural details….i am coveting the pair below….

most of you already know, that i get a little weak in the knees around a beautiful pair of shoes….i was beside myself at this lovely wedding…i should mention, it was planned by the amazing LISA VORCE….she perfectly captured the essence of this sweet couple….classic timeless touches mixed with modern charm….a perfect compliment to the fabulous shoes that seemed to be everywhere….

because pretty much every female guest was rocking a pair of OMELLE shoes

of course, the most important element of the day was the absolutely palpable affection these two love birds had for each other…they were so tender & kind with each other….simply wonderful….xoxoxo

kiss & tell (she said)….

“When the doors to the church opened on our wedding day, all I could see was Aaron waiting to take my hand at the end of the aisle, ready to embark on our journey together as husband and wife.  Our five year relationship was a series of hellos and goodbyes, as I lived in New Orleans for two years and Los Angeles for three years of our courtship and Aaron lived in Las Vegas.  Most of the kisses we shared have been at an airport or through the travels we experienced together around the world.  However, the most memorable kiss we have ever shared was after we were pronounced husband and wife, knowing we would never have to say goodbye and our kiss was symbolic of a new life as one.  I would forever be with the love of my life, my biggest supporter and my best friend for an eternity.”

Cherise Angelle Hurlburt

kiss & tell (he said)….

“Our courtship lasted five years and earned us approximately fifty thousand frequent flier miles.  Cherise was based in New Orleans for the first two years of our relationship and Los Angeles for the remaining thirty-six months.  As much as I wanted to be elsewhere, I was in Las Vegas.  If you had asked previous to our wedding day, “what was your most memorable kiss?” , we would have had great difficulty naming a specific place or date.  Our minds flashback to the many undistinguishable airport terminals because it forever seemed we were constantly coming or going from one another.  As cliche as it may sound, we both agree that there was only one kiss, the kiss that ended the distance and our elite frequent flier programs, the kiss we shared at our wedding.  I was standing on the alter with my best man when the doors at the front of the church swung open and I saw a silhouette encompassed by a brilliant white light.  It was the last time Cherise would ever have to come to me.  I cannot but help to think of the metaphor of the church being like a terminal.  However, in this instance, when we kissed, a kiss we had practiced on many prior occasions, we were departing not on planes, but from our individual persons.  We were one.  Never again would we be saying good-bye.”

Aaron Hurlburt

have a beautiful shoe day….xoxo

most people know me as elizabeth messina….but in my personal life, i am mrs moore….and today is our wedding anniversary….so i thought i’d share some of our personal weddings photos….both the beautiful images taken by thayer & some of the ones i took throughout the day….celebrate with us…

our day was so amazing….breathtaking & lovely….i collected the chandeliers that hung above our table for more than a year (many of them now hang in our home)…lisa vorce was just incredible….she planned & executed every detail….she literally made our dreams come true….everything was wonderful…from the stunning florals by mindy rice to my couture gown created by kirstie kelly….our entire wedding was also beautifully filmed by paul korver of fifty foot films…we were so blessed…

we also incorporated some very personal & sweet details…i wore my grandmother’s shrug & had her pendant sewn onto my bouquet…we also had poilane wedding bread flown in from paris, this was certainly the most decadent detail…the round loaves had our names & wedding date baked into them….we also enjoyed the richest most scrumptious chocolate truffles made by jessica foster….xoxo

our delicious cake was created by christine dahl & the crown on top of the cake has become a big part of my photography, i use it for my crown portraits all the time….kirstie kelly also made my girls’ dresses & the boys’ ties…and my veil which had the most amazing handmade french lace sewn on the edge….there is something about france, always beckoning me…..and then there was our kiss…..

kiss & tell

“there we were, in front of our friends & family & yet somehow alone…just us..i remember looking at him for what seemed like an enternity…his face was so serene, so kind…i felt so happy & a little shy…he said his vows with his deep soothing voice…mine felt like a whisper…husband & wife…and when we kissed, i knew what i had always known…i was home”

mrs moore

these were the candy bars i made, wrapped in photographs from our life…i love how thayer allyson gowdy lined them up & captured them…and she was very patient while i took some of my own….

here are some of the behind the scenes images i took on our wedding day

thank you to all who helped make our day so wonderful…xoxo

kiss & tell (she said)….

“I remember our first kiss feeling like it was such a long time in the making…  I was dying for it, I wanted him to kiss me so badly! It was the end of our first real date and I felt like I had to have it happen, right then… I turned around and he surprised me by grabbing my face and kissing me, it was perfect… I melted… “

kiss & tell (he said)….

“I remember wanting to kiss her lips from the moment she burst into the room. I love their shape! Our first kiss was at the end of our first real date, after weeks of flirting at work, and a few group dates…  I felt like everything was in slow motion. I thought if I didn’t kiss her now, I would not get another chance! It was not like me to do this, I am not a first move guy. I grabbed her face and finally got to kiss those beautiful lips of hers!”

this beautiful couple (adam & kim) were married (at the same chateau that will host the LOVELY france workshop) several years ago & their love is still going strong….they are both wonderful photographers & kim is one of the founders of JUNEBUG weddings (one of the sponsors of A LOVELY WORKSHOP)….it was a pleasure to capture their genuine affection for each other…

these lovely images were taken on the grounds in front of the chateau….now certainly you don’t NEED a flower, or the perfect little white dress, or even a french chateau to make beautiful photographs…but it sure doesn’t hurt;)….may your days be full of flowers & your nights be full of….

KISSES

when you have the perfect veil….you really don’t need anything else….

twigs & honey has a new collection of headpieces & birdcage veils that
make me a bit weak in the knees….each piece is a stunning work of art.

myra on twigs & honey…..

“ I’ll be continuing to create handmade and unique pieces that are aimed at complimenting natural beauty while celebrating femininity. The new collection will include pieces that echo vintage styles while being fresh and modern. This coming season, expect to see more color through hand painted flowers that are constructed petal by petal from silks and fine cottons. All the shading is done by hand and the flowers are then hand sewn to form beautiful adornments. The line will continue to create functional yet exciting and bold pieces for everyday, special occasions and weddings. The new collections will bring together the loveliest materials from vintage and embellished laces to oversized feathers, with each piece having its own character. New pieces will be added throughout the coming season.”
 

these lovely hair adornments could be worn for your wedding…rehearsal dinner or cocktail party.

myra’s kiss & tell…..

“Matt and I have shared so many kisses over the years and each one has its own story to tell. One lovely kiss happened during a camping trip before we were married. The day was warm and dry and the sun had just ducked beneath the horizon. After setting up camp, we took a stroll down a dusty, beaten trail alongside a gently flowing river. Hand in hand, we watched the blue sky give way to the night, the moon rising to take its place among the stars. We noticed the simple things… the ripples on the water… laughter from the neighboring campfires… the tall summer dried grass tickling our calves… a tiny toad coming out of its hiding place for a late supper. After attempting to catch crayfish with no luck, we made our way underneath a bridge… a secret place where we could both enjoy the presence of the other. Leaning in toward each other, as natural as the sun seems to approach the land on its way to bring a new day to a distant land, we gave each other a sweet and simple kiss. Familiar, comforting, but in its own way, new… as it is every time with each new experience that comes with it.”
 

TWIGS & HONEY

“gosh….i think i have shared a million kisses with patrick and
each one makes me want to kiss him a million times more…

our first kiss was on our second date. it was so new, so fresh &
i was so excited. it was early evening and we were walking to grab
a drink at bar noir at the maison 140 hotel. we were on the street,
the moonlight above us…it was so romantic. we were walking…
holding hands…then we stopped and turned toward each other.
he looked at me, i looked at him…
and we kissed.

i knew in that moment that this was something very real & special.
he is so kind and loving and brings a sense of peace to my life.
i love my husband…”

BODEE & PATRICK

get married is creating a magazine & i am so honored to have photographed the cover!!

the cover table scape was beautifully designed by mark held (owner of mark’s garden)…mark’s florals were amazing & brought the table to life….it was a pleasure to photograph his creation….and i am excite to see the premier issue hit stands on october 1st, 2009…..get married magazine (the shopping and trend guide for the savvy bride) will be a “hip & diverse wedding magazine….more style & shopping ideas…think Lucky or Domino for weddings” says get married magazine’s executive editor stephanie davis…keep an eye out for this new wedding magazine, it will be a feast for the eyes & heart.

stephanie knows a thing or two about love & wedding planning….she will be tying the knot this fall!

kiss & tell….

“our first kiss was at a mutual friend’s wedding shower….he was a groomsmen & i was a bridesmaid…we talked all through the wedding shower & at the end of the evening, he kissed me….we’ve been inseperable ever since & cannot wait to get married!”

-stephanie davis
 get married magazine 

kiss & tell….

“my son is such an interesting young man….he is full of energy & can climb trees all day long if i let him….he’s funny too…we can site over a bowl of cereal & giggle endlessly about this & that….and every night he wants me to tuck him in bed & cuddle with him….when i get up to leave, i give him a kiss goodnight…and he always says the same thing…’mommy, i love you more than a ten foot turtle’…now, i have no idea what that means…and i really don’t care, it’s music to my ears….”
 

-elizabeth