South Street Engagement: Cassie + Vinny

Cassie and Vinny know all the great spots in Philly. Their history is spread up and down South Street in Philadelphia. We started off at Philadelphia's Magic Gardens in the midst of colorful mosaics. Next, we headed to their favorite BBQ Bar- Percy Street Bar. Did I mention this was the most charming little bar I've ever seen? Vinny, a total foodie, told me about the amazing cuisine over a glass of Black Maple Hills bourbon. Lastly, we walked a few more blocks to the bar, Tattooed Mom. Cassie and Vinny had one of their first dates upstairs, surrounded by graffiti, while sitting in a bumper car. Cassie, not only are you stunning, but you'd make a fabulous Philly tour guide! I've been to South Street a million times, but next time I go, I'll be thinking of these two lovebirds!

Creating a Nursery

It's been a little over a month since our baby girl made her debut into the world. It's funny because the evening I completed the finishing touches of her nursery, and photographing it- I went into labor. She's a smart girl- she wanted to make sure her room was perfect, and I thank her for that! I was so afraid it wouldn't get done on time considering we had just moved into our house not a month prior! I'm thrilled with the way her nursery came out- I have to thank Pinterest for the countless/sleepless nights I spent looking for inspiration. One of my favorite things about the nursery is the gorgeous artwork from my friends and family. It really makes Baby C's nursery feel like it was made just for her!

Lamb Rocker- Pottery Barn White Crib- Pottery Barn Star Mobile- Pottery Barn My First Chair- Pottery Barn Dresser- Ikea

On Labor Day...

This Labor Day is completely different from any other one I've known. Typically, I would be with family and friends, eating delicious food and soaking up rays. This Labor Day, I am doing loads of miniature laundry, and prepping the nursery for a baby! Did I mention we moved last week? Although the move was just five minutes away, we still have many boxes to unpack... all of which have been put on hold until the nursery is complete. Tomorrow, I will be 37 weeks (full term!) and the baby can really come at any time! We are so thrilled, but at the same time, we are racing against the clock- trying to get our house together so when the baby comes we can focus 100% on her. I thought it being Labor Day would be the perfect time to announce that I am officially on maternity leave and so the blog and Facebook will slow down for a little while and also to share my beautiful maternity photographs with you. My amazingly talented friend, Laura, from LuRey Photography took all of the photographs below. I feel super lucky, because typically she only photographs weddings... somehow I convinced her to take time out of her busy wedding season to get some shots of my husband and I before the baby comes. Please take a moment to visit LuRey Photography on the web, and on Facebook- they are absolutely one of the most talented wedding photographers around!

Although I will be on maternity leave, I will be responding to email and am available for client meetings via Skype, so don't hesitate to reach out to me. If I don't get back to you in a couple of days... I may be at the hospital!! Ekk! I will start shooting again in November and cannot wait! I miss it so much! Hope you are having a fabulous Labor Day.

Friday Bride Day: What should I wear to the engagement shoot?

What should I wear to the engagement shoot? This can be a difficult decision and ultimately it depends on your style as a couple. I always advise my couples to compliment each other and not necessarily dress to "match." The days of wearing matching jeans and a white shirt are long gone. See some examples below of how past clients have totally pulled off complimenting, but not matching.

Whatever you choose- remember it should be something you are comfortable in and reflects your style!

Friday Bride Day: Will I get ALL of the photographs you take?

Will I get ALL of the photographs you take? I was a bride not too long ago. Three (short) years ago, I was asking the same question. I wanted to know exactly how many photographs I could expect, and if I was getting every. single. photograph.

In short, the answer is no. Not what you wanted to hear, right? Let me explain. My job as a photographer is to document your day, as if I was a friend attending your day, I'm telling the story of how everything happened. I can do that without showing every single photograph (which could be upward of a couple of thousand photographs)- sometimes I take a photograph thats out of focus, sometimes my clients blink, sometimes someone walks in front of my shot and it becomes less than ideal. These are photographs you do not want, and frankly, do not meet my standard. I want my clients to have only the best.

Don't get me wrong, if I shoot a series of photographs and they are all awesome- I'm giving them to my client. On the other hand, if I shoot a serious of photographs and they look something like this -ehh, ehh, ehh, blurry, ehh, BAM, ehh... I'm giving my client the BAM shot.

Let's talk numbers. It's safe to say that when I shoot a wedding with a second shooter, we average about 100 photographs per hour together. So let's say you have 6 hours of coverage, you can expect about 600 photographs. What if I got 700 that I thought were amazing, do I stop once I get to 600? NO WAY! I give you all of the excellent photographs I have! When I hear of photographers giving clients thousands of photographs- I think they are doing them a disservice. It is simply overwhelming to try to create/organize/print that many photographs.

In short, TRUST your photographer. When someone hires me, I assume that they trust my judgement. I would never hold out on a client and hold back from any great photographs! Many of my clients become my friends, and I treat them as I would my best friend. I want them to be genuinely astounded with their photographs and will give them every amazing shot I can.

If you have a question for me about photography or weddings in general- email me at diana@styledpink.com

Smithville Mansion Children's Photographer: Blake is one!

Blake is turning one today, and to document this special time, we met at Smithville Mansion in Mount Holly to get some great shots of him and his awesome mommy and daddy. We had a great time exploring and finding fun spots to entertain a one-year-old. Blake is a totally happy, smiley guy- which makes my job easier! To make him the happiest little guy ever- we ended with a cake smash! Didn't his mommy do an awesome job coordinating his outfit and this adorable cake?! Happy Birthday, Blake! Keep smiling :)

Smithville Mansion Engagement: Kevin and Kelly

Kevin and Kelly got engaged just two short months ago at Kevin's 30th birthday celebration. Friends and family surrounded them, as everybody knew what was about to happen... except Kelly. During a German birthday tradition, Kevin got down on one knee and asked Kelly for her hand in marriage... Have goosebumps yet? Kudos to Kevin for the planning and bravery of such an amazing and memorable engagement! Kevin and Kelly have been in full-swing wedding mode since then choosing a super cute venue, picking colors, and even special wedding shoes for both bride and groom ;) We got together one evening at historic Smithville Mansion in Mount Holly for their engagement session. Smithville is a wonderful place to shoot because there is so much variety and its so quaint and quiet. Every time I'm there, I come across something new- it's like a little adventure. Anyway- Kevin and Kelly are one of those funny couples who love to joke around and just enjoy each other- did I mention this makes for fabulous engagement photographs? The proof is here! I cannot wait to document the best day of their lives next August!

Hair by Kate Spencer Hairstyling