Bridal: Mary

As a fellow photographer, Mary was a little more willing than most to just “wing it” in terms of location. She told me where she lived, I zoomed in on a good starting point using Google Maps and said “We’ll start here and drive until we find something good.” I’m not quite sure how I would run this business without Google Maps actually…

So I met up with Mary and Mary (hereafter known as Cousin Mary) at 7-Eleven and we started driving, hoping we would find something good before we ran out of light. We passed a few spots that looked okay, and one fenced off wheat field that looked promising (fenced off = trespassing necessary), but we kept driving a little farther, and then just a little bit farther than that, and then we found IT. An old abandoned house with porch, barns, pastures, and the most perfect grove of new trees I have ever lain eyes on.

Okay, obviously I loved this shoot. I think it’s time to introduce you to Mary with a pretty picture. I have a feeling Mary and I are going to be spending a lot of time together in the near future. You’ll have to wait a little bit longer to find out how!

We were shooting on the porch of this old house when I looked over and shouted “Spider!” Tarantula would have been more accurate, since this was the biggest creature with 8 legs I have ever been privilege to witness in real life. Of course I was the smart one who walked on the board across from it, causing the board to raise up and the creature to go shooting across the porch. We didn’t stay in that spot much longer.

I readily admit that I am not a tattoo person, but I do think the back of her dress frames her ink perfectly. And don’t you love the way the red accents on my antique chair match her red shoes?

I realize that this photo and the one below it are almost identical, but I just love them both so much. What an unbelievable spot for this bride, in this dress. Mary, I’m not sure this fabulousness could ever be duplicated by anyone else.

THAT SHOT! x10

I freely admit to stalking my own photos when clients put them up on their Facebook accounts and I laughed out loud when one of Mary’s friends commented on this picture and asked “I’m sorry, did you just pop out of a fairy tale?”

She most certainly made that veil all by herself, and the fascinator came from Craigslist.

Obviously I really loved this fascinator. Awesome find Mary!

I’m also working on incorporating interesting angles and perspectives. I think the alternative framing really works here.

Am I allowed to say I think she has a hot body? Is that inappropriate?

Because seriously Mary, I would love to look like that in any dress, particularly one as unforgiving as yours. You are my own little Grecian Goddess.

On America’s Next Top Model, Nigel always says he is looking for a “muse”. I think I’ve found one in Mary! Purrrrty.

There’s that tattoo again. It’s really growing on me.

Cousin Mary makes her debut on the blog! She’s such a cutie and made for the perfect hair and wardrobe consultant for Mary the Bride.

Cousin Mary also frequently became the pack horse. And she did it with a smile on her face because she is fabulous like that!

Pictured with wheat bouquet that Mary the Bride also made herself. She’s a crafty one I tell you, don’t you think her wedding will be fabulous?

2nd Runner-up for That Shot. Gah! You’re killing me here with your cuteness Mary.

Mary ran through a cow pasture in kitten heels. That deserves some kind of prize, right?

We jumped in the car as the sun was fading to try to grab a few more. Look at the way her dress falls in the back. Dreamy isn’t it? I like it even better than a train!

I said “Props?” and Mary came up with gun, guitar, and aviators. So she’s brave (the spider), crafty (the bouquet and veil), and fly.

SOOC!

Before

After:

My, my, my. This seems like the kind of bridal image a fiance would love most, no?

A little bit of 70’s action felt appropriate here.

I like the irony of the slight pink tint from TRA2 Lith-E-Yum that adds a little bit of irony to this shot.

When she put those glasses on, she BROUGHT IT. I love how committed she was.

Apparently that orange tip lets people know this isn’t really a dangerous gun? I don’t know anything about guns so I was a little nervous to have it pointed directly at me. If I had known what the orange tip meant I would have photoshopped it out, but as it stands I like the pop of color it gives.

I wanted to get close but those darn aviators were so reflective. I tried to hide behind her hair, but Cousin Mary is on the left side as well…

So gave up trying to hide and went ahead and did a self portrait.

And some exciting news to end this post…

I’ll be shooting Mary’s wedding in October! I’m thrilled that she was able to make it work with her budget (she’s very frugal and I admire that!). Mary, it’s going to be a fabulous day and I’m honored to be able to spend it with you. I look forward to seeing you and Cousin Mary again soon!

Best,

Jenna