Natalie and Sean were such a fun couple to shoot! During their engagement session we explored downtown Austin for unique backsplashes to help highlight their personalities and had a great time doing it. We can't wait to shoot their wedding in November!
Randi B. from Facebook had a great question a couple of weeks back, "What's your advice for brides doing their own makeup, so they don't look like a disaster in photos- especially as the reception goes on."
This is such a great question because A. The way your makeup looks in the mirror is not necessarily the way it will look in photos, B. Not everyone has the budget for a professional makeup artist and C. Everyone wants to look great on their wedding day!
Below are five solid DIY Bridal Makeup tips for looking great in-person and on-camera.
1. HD isn't your friend when it comes to makeup in photos! Any sort of HD, anti-aging or SPF will give your face a white glow on camera. You don't want to look like a ghost on one of the most important days of your life!
2. Use a brighter lipstick than normal. If you usually go with more neutral tones, don't be afraid of color. Use your everyday neutral as a base and then add a pop of coral on top. It makes a huge difference on camera and gives you a bright, fresh look!
3. Extend your face makeup down your neck and even to your shoulders. You want to be sure your face blends with the rest of your body and there isn't a noticeable makeup line. You can also achieve this by blending your foundation into your neck really well with a blender ball.
4. Practice makes perfect! Do a couple of makeup trials before the big day. This will allow you to practice different techniques and get an game plan together for your wedding day. Also, take photos! This will help you to see how your makeup will be reflected on camera. Pro tip: Makeup artist Joanna Schlip suggests taking photos under different kinds of lighting (fluorescent, natural, candlelit, etc.).
5. Once your makeup is finished and you're ready to go, be sure you spritz your face with makeup setting spray a.k.a. hairspray for your face. This helps to set your makeup and holds everything in place for hours, which definitely comes in handy when you're cutting a rug at the reception!
Two great DIY Makeup resources:
Glamour Guide to DIY Wedding Makeup & Our Makeup Expert, Erica Gray
Have any other Makeup tips for the ladies? Share them in the comments below!
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This is our series, Ask M, where we take YOUR questions and answer them with honesty, love and care. Have any photography questions you’ve been dying to ask? We’re an open book! Shoot us a note on our Facebook, Instagram or Twitter, or just leave us a comment below!
Alright, let's get real, weddings aren't cheap. Whether you're having a small, intimate celebration or planning a big shebang, costs add up. We're not experts on everything wedding, but we are experts in wedding photography, so here's a realistic breakdown of how much of your wedding budget should be allocated for photography and why.
The Numbers: 10-12% of your budget should be dedicated to photography, JUST photography. This does NOT include videography costs. This means that if you're working with a $25,000 budget, you should be prepared to spend at least $2,500 minimum on photography.
The Facts:
- You're not just paying for the day-of shooting. You're paying for the photographers time for editing, processing, creating albums, packaging, etc. There's also pre-wedding preparation that has to happen.
- This might be a hard pill to swallow for some, but your cousin Gerry who bought a really nice DSLR camera on Black Friday is not a proper substitute for a professional photographer. When it comes to your Wedding Day, you'll want a photographer with experience. To make sure you don't end up like this couple, reference our Top 5 Questions to Ask A Potential Wedding Photographer.
- Most photographers have packages that combine multiple products/services such as a select number of prints or a complimentary album. They may also have a package that includes an Engagement shoot or Bridal Portraits. Packages are the photographers way of giving you the most bang for your buck. Pro tip: A lot of photographers are flexible and their packages can be customized. Always use the information a photographer has provided you as a starting point for a conversation, not the end.
Keep in Mind: Your photos are how you will remember your Wedding for the rest of your beautiful life together. Photographers catch the big and small moments that made your day so special. So, in our humblest opinion, photography is one expense that shouldn't be spared.
Have any photography budgeting tips? Share them in the comments below!
These are personal favorites from Aly & Cece's Wedding Collection, enjoy!
Venue: Vista West Ranch, Floral: Petal Pushers, Catering: The Peached Tortilla, Bartenders: Bar Butlers, Cakes: Mindy's Bakeshop, Music: High Fidelity (Reception), Justif (Biergarten & First Dance), DJ: Premier Entertainment Group, Event Rentals: Premiere Party Central, Photobooth: Pix in a Box, Day of Planner: Coordinate This
"We started planning for our wedding about a year out, as Austin wedding venues and vendors book up so quickly. We absolutely fell in love with our venue, Vista West Ranch, as soon as we saw pictures of it online and then took a tour - it just felt right for us and what we pictured. From there, we were able to start putting together how our wedding would actually look and feel.
San Antonio is a city full of culture. There are so many beautiful cathedrals, missions and historic locations that provide the perfect setting for weddings. While I've only had the pleasure of shooting a couple of weddings in San Antonio, below are my top three San Antonio wedding venues based on beauty, location and reputation.
The Southwest School of Art building has been part of San Antonio history since 1851 when it was established as the Ursaline convent and school for girls. Over a century later, the art school moved to the premises and turned the historical site into a beautiful mecca for art and education that is still vibrant today.
While I haven't had the pleasure of shooting at The Hotel Emma yet, I look forward to the day I do. The hotel building was originally Pearl's Brewhouse, built in 1894, and reimagined as The Hotel Emma, which opened in November 2015. The architecture and design of the hotel sends you back in time as soon as you step inside.
The St. Anthony Hotel was originally built in 1909 as the first luxury hotel in San Antonio. Over the years it kept it's reputation by redesigning and innovating the luxury hospitality industry in SA. Thanks to a recent two-year renovation, the St. Anthony has been restored to it's original glamour with chandeliers lining the ceilings, marble floors and more.
Have a San Antonio Wedding Venue you'd like us to know about? Leave us a comment below!
We absolutely love working with families and their kiddos. There's a pure joy within little ones that make for gorgeous photos. We wanted to highlight a few of our favorites from previous She-N-He mini sessions to give you an idea of what to look forward to with our upcoming Back to School Sessions (details below).
Date: Saturday, August 6
Location: Austin, Tx - TBD
Investment: $225
What's included:
- 2o minute shoot
- 5 high resolution, digitally enhanced, print-ready files*
*Additional images available for purchase
Spots are still available but going fast. To book your mini's Back To School sesh, email me at she@she-n-he.com!
"My family is...complicated. How do we handle family photos when relations are less than perfect?"
This is a GREAT question and a necessary one. We are totally aware that every family has different needs, especially when it comes to relationships. Are your parents divorced? Remarried? Are they friendly? Or would they rather not have any photos together? These are things your photographer needs to know in advance! Below are three steps to help prepare for those complicated family photos on the Big Day.
1. Be candid with your photographer, there's no judgement! It's important that we're aware of all situations that could arise so we can prepare. If we need to keep certain individuals out of pictures with each other, we will do just that. Should we call upon family units separately? You've got it.
2. Be explicit in your group shot list. Don't list "parents," especially when there are step-parents in the picture. Use specific names, i.e. Mom (Lisa) & Joe. Make notes if there are family members who shouldn't be in a photo together, i.e. "Aunt Caroline and Aunt Lucy should never be in the same photo."
3. Relax! At the end of the day, this is YOUR wedding, YOUR big day. Everyone will be on their best behavior - even Uncle Larry. ;)
Have a story to share? Or a question you'd like answered? Leave a comment below or shoot an email to she@she-n-he.com.
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This is our series, Ask M, where we take YOUR questions and answer them with honesty, love and care. Have any photography questions you’ve been dying to ask? We’re an open book! Shoot us a note on our Facebook, Instagram or Twitter, or just leave us a comment below!
Back to school is quickly approaching! Can you believe it? Another Summer in the books. She-N-He Photography is offering Back To School Mini Sessions to commemorate another successful Summer and kick-off the new school year.
Date: Saturday, August 6
Location: TBD
Investment: $225
What's included:
- 2o minute shoot
- 5 high resolution, digitally enhanced, print-ready files*
*Additional images available for purchase
There are only six sessions available for the August 6 date, so make good use of those shiny new school clothes and book today! To book a mini session, email Melanie at she@she-n-he.com.
After your wedding ceremony, everyone is so excited and all they want are a few minutes to shower the bride and groom with love. As I'm sure you've learned, you have limited time to get all of the group shots you need in between events. It takes a skilled people person to be able to rally the troops and get everyone organized while keeping everyone happy and smiling at the same time - I'm that girl. ;) Group shots are a tedious and we aim to make them fun, creative, quick and painless - below is the She-N-He method to the madness:
1. 30 days before your wedding we send out a questionnaire asking about timeline, must have photos and most important - your formal group shot list. We'll offer a comprehensive list of shot examples that couples have asked for in the past. We ask that our couples review the list and tailor it to their specific needs. You'll want to take your time with this. Ask your parents and other family members. Think about this list when you have time to give it some attention. Your wedding day is going to be fast and thrilling, you don't want to be racking your brain about who should have a group shot and forget anything.
2. Once we have your list we'll go over it with you. This insures that we don't have any redundancies and gives the bride and groom a chance to make any edits or additions necessary. You don't want to be like Hillary Swank when she won her first Oscar for Boys Don't Cry and forgot to thank her husband... that was a colossal mistake, she heard about it for months. Moral of the story - triple check and write it down.
3. Then, we organize. We make sure that grandparents are finished first so they can sit down and enjoy AC (or heat). If Aunt Becky needs to be at the reception venue, she'll be next. We make sure to prioritize each shot in a way that makes the most sense for your group.
Fun Fact:
While I'm shooting group shots, I notoriously forget names (what? there's a lot of y'all!). I make up light-hearted nicknames for everyone, which usually get a giggle or two, and we move forward. If at the end of the session guests are calling each other by their given nicknames - success!
Have any tricks of the trade to getting a great group shot? Share them in the comments below!
It's no easy task to start the party and keep it going! We've been to many weddings, danced to many Macarenas and have somehow narrowed our top Austin Wedding DJs to the below (award-winning) three.
Greenbelt DJ is composed of four awesome DJs with big personalities - perfect for MCing. They have great knowledge of music and create a set based on each couples' personality. They know DJing is a big responsibility and they take it on with pride!
These are personal favorites from Carolyn & Eric’s Wedding Collection, enjoy!
Venue: Montesino Ranch, Floral: Wild Bunches, DJ: Penguin Entertainment, Catering: Chef Jay Events, Cakes: Bird Bakery, Ceremony Musicians: Montevista Strings and Jazz, Officiant: Rev. Lorelei Starbuck, Event Rentals: Whim Event Rentals, Bride's Hair: Chairish the Day, Day of Planner: Kelly Palella
"Our wedding was April 2, 2016 at Montesino Ranch in Wimberley, Texas. We had approximately 140 guests. We fell in love with Montesino when we first visited in 2015 when we started our wedding venue search. We wanted the style of the wedding to fit the venue and because Montesino itself is so beautiful very little decorations were needed. As far as wedding planning, our engagement was a little over a year. However, in that year I moved back from Seattle, we bought a house, I started a new job, and we started renovating the house. Needless to say, it was a busy year but we just chipped away at the wedding planning a little at a time and it all came together quite nicely at the end. The most important thing to both Eric and me was that we wanted it to be a fun weekend for all of our friends and family. I think we were both extremely calm on the day of the wedding because we had talked about how it didn't matter if we got off of our timeline or if some small detail went wrong. At the end of the day, we wanted it to be a laid back celebration and fun party." - Carolyn
To shot list or not to shot list, that is the question! And it's one that's answer is strictly opinion and preference. So, here it goes... I don't like shot lists.
It's so easy to get lost in "Pinterest-worthy" shots that you've been collecting on your wedding board since the day you got engaged (if not before - you know who you are ;) ). You've meticulously mapped out a shot list 100 shots deep that you're certain your photographer will be grateful for.
Eh. Wrong.
With a list that long, your photographer misses out on beautiful, candid moments because they're too busy looking at a piece of paper making sure they have all the shots you're requesting - that's no fun. This is YOUR real life wedding. You want to remember Aunt Sue gettin' down on the dance floor and Cousin Dan singing Frank Sinatra to your Memaw. These memories are priceless and definitely not ones you've found scrolling through Pinterest.
Now, I know there are some pictures you just HAVE to have. I send a questionnaire to all of my brides so I can get a feel for what's important to them. I ask for 10 shots they can't live without. Yes, 10. The rest is left to me to be creative and identify the moments you won't want to forget. This is where all that "trust" and "liking your photographer" stuff I write about comes in. It's so important that you believe your photographer knows what they're doing so that you can enjoy the best day of your life.
Just a few of our fav candids:
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This is our series, Ask M, where we take YOUR questions and answer them with honesty, love and care. Have any photography questions you’ve been dying to ask? We’re an open book! Shoot us a note on our Facebook, Instagram or Twitter, or just leave us a comment below!
Okay, okay, we know there's no such thing as perfection but when you're planning a wedding you want to get as close as possible! Finding the (almost) perfect wedding photographer isn't an easy task but so worth it in the end. Below are three tips to help determine whether or not your candidate should even be in the running.
This isn't the first time I've said it and it won't be the last - review your potential photographer's website and confirm that all the images being showcased are theirs. Some photographers may use stock imagery, you want to know if they do. Once you've confirmed that the images are originals, look for consistency in style. Where no two couples are alike, the style should be clear. You're unique and you want your photographer to capture your individuality in the beautiful ways that they've done for others.
I can not stress how important it is that you mesh with your wedding photographer. You'll be spending A LOT of time together with pre-wedding shoots, not to mention your entire wedding day. I've had great relationships with most of my clients but some weren't a fit and we determined that early on. That's okay! Wouldn't you rather make that call when you have time to find another, better fitting option?
Not sure how to figure out if you and your potential photographer are a good fit? You can find five of my favorite questions to ask when making your decision in this Ask M post.
Find out everything that your wedding photographer is going to bring to the table. What does your package include? Will they be providing any prints? Do you own the rights to your photos? These are all necessary evils that need to be discussed in the beginning. There is no room nor time for misunderstanding, you don't want to be disappointed after everything is said and done. If there is something you need that isn't being listed in the package or mentioned in receivables - ask! Many photographers are flexible and want to be sure you're going to be completely satisfied in the end.
Have any other advice? Post in the comments below! Have a question? Ask it! Odds are someone else is wondering the same thing.
Ah, flowers, they have the ability to bring life to a room! I always say love is in the details and your florist should feel exactly the same way. Here are a few of our favorite Austin Wedding Florists.
I love the work that STEMS does. Their designs are clever, using not only flowers to create gorgeous arrangements but different props to help continue telling a story. They work with their brides & grooms on a full design concept, not just what flowers can be thrown into a centerpiece. Their care and creativity is what saves them a place on my favorites list!
When you think of Austin Florists, you should think Rosehip. They are the epitome of the Austin vibe - free-spirited and creative, not to mention they've been serving the city for over 13 years. The ladies at Rosehip have a very clear vision and bold style that exudes from their designs.
Verbena is a classic and the perfect match for a traditional bride. Their designs are incredibly romantic with soft, subtle details. The Verbana team can make a simple design look so elegant. They too have been long-time Austinites, serving ATX for over 12 years.
Have a florist that you LOVE? Let us know! We'd love to check them out.
These are personal favorites from Alex & Bonner's Wedding Collection, hope you enjoy!
Venue: Pearl Events +Ilios Lighting, Floral: Bouquets of Austin for bridal party flowers/pew markers + DIY table flowers/arrangements with wholesale flowers/vintage bottles from mother of the groom, DJ: Live Oak DJ, Catering: Dagars + Marquee Rentals, Invitation design/printing by Native Factories.
"I had a lot of time to plan the wedding (16 months) so I tried to really enjoy the process. I am very organized so I made myself a to do list and tried to complete one task per month (venue selection, caterer, dj etc.). I wanted the event to feel like family and have everyone we love feel included. We were able to incorporate skills that our friends/family already had and involve them in the wedding. My uncle and Bonner's grandfather were our pastors. Bonner's mom helped find old glass bottles to make the table arrangements. My mom made the groom's tie, all of the pocket squares for the groomsmen and the usher's bow tie from fabric I picked out and shipped to her house. My Aunt has great handwriting and addressed all of our invitations. Bonner's screen print shop (Native Factories) designed and printed our invitations. (They even had a drawing of our dog on them.)
My most cherished memory from the day was our first look. There were so many nerves associated with the day and it's expectations. It was such a relief once we could finally be together and get the party started." - Alex
First, I want to introduce you to our newest series, Ask M, where we take YOUR questions and answer them with honesty, love and care. Have any photography questions you've been dying to ask? We're an open book! Shoot us a note on our Facebook, Instagram or Twitter, or just leave us a comment below! Now on with the show...
We stressed how important your photographer is in our last blog post with a few tips on planning. Now the next step, insuring that the photographer you pick is the best fit for you! Check out five questions to ask when interviewing a photographer:
How long have you been a wedding photographer?
Just like with any other profession, experience matters. There are a lot of unknowns at people’s weddings and being able to navigate appropriately through each situation is important. An experienced wedding photographer has been there, done that and knows how to handle it. They’re also able to provide the bride and groom guidance on photography decisions as well as vendor info and more.
Are all of the photos on your site yours?
This is always a tricky one. While most photographers use their work on their website, there’s always the possibility that the images they’re using are stock, stolen or just the work of a second shooter. You want to be sure whatever photos are winning you over are the same level of work the photographer will deliver after your big day.
Will you be THE photographer on my wedding day?
You might be thinking, “Well duh!” but that’s not always the case. There are some photography businesses who have a star photographer, or the owner of the company, but send alternate photographers out to different gigs. There’s nothing wrong with this and if the photographer is willing to send someone out in his/her place, they must be of a certain caliber, but it’s important that you know this information ahead of time so you’re not caught off-guard the day of your wedding.
Can you send me a link to 3 full wedding collections?
So important! You have a vision for your special day and you want to be sure that the photographer you choose is able to capture the entire experience, not just bits and pieces.Every couples wedding is different and while you can expect to see the best of the very best on a photographers website or blog, it's important to view the rest of their work to make sure the consistency is there and that what you see will truly be, what you get.
Do you have any references?
We're not saying you need to call up past clients and play this out like a job interview BUT it is important that a photographer has people who will vouch for them. Usually this question is taken care of by testimonials on the photographer’s website or portfolio but if it's not, this isn't a crazy request to make. It'll give you the chance to ask the real questions.
Have a question we didn't include that you think is important to ask? Leave us a comment below!
A photography timeline is fluid, but the priority of the photographer is not. Finding a photographer should be one of the first things on the wedding planning “To Do” list. Why? Well, a few reasons:
Have any tips, tricks or experiences about a photography timeline you'd like to share? Post in the comments below!
As photographers, a good venue makes us giddy! It sets the scene for a great event which, in turn, means great photos. We’ve been around a ton of weddings, so naturally we have favorites. Check out our top three favorite Austin wedding venues.
This space is so intriguing. It’s the first certified organic special-events facility - yes, the venue itself is organic. The floor-to-ceiling windows invite gorgeous natural light to flow in, allowing for beautiful photos. The natural elements throughout the venue highlight the thought and care that was put into creating such a space. Plus, it’s close to town which is always a positive for guests. And as pure as the venue, so is the staff. They’re a great set of people and lovely to work with.
This venue was destined for beauty, considering it was created by interior designers. The Villa is smack dab in the center of a plush green landscape right outside of Austin, in Driftwood, which allows for fantastic Hill Country views. The natural limestone house has so many intricacies which makes for a great back splash. Not only is the venue beautiful, so are those working within the space. Photographers are flies on the wall in many situations and the staff is always professional and caring in their duties.
Minimal decorating is needed at the Hummingbird House since the natural botanical setting has flowers and luscious greenery everywhere, Year round, they always have something blooming - Gorg! This is such a fun place to photograph because there are details waiting around every corner, its truly something out of a fairytale. I also can’t rave enough about the staff. They are SO gracious and accommodating to their couples.
There’s an obvious common thread in all of our picks (besides beauty) - a great staff. The staff is such an important component to consider when deciding on a venue. They will be providing support to you and your vendors throughout one of the most important days of your life. Be sure you mesh with the space as well as the people working in it.
Have a favorite venue we should check out? Leave us a comment below!
Emily -N- Casey A New Years Eve Prospect House Wedding in Austin, Tx
Wedding Venue - Prospect House Dripping Spring, Tx /Wedding Coordinator - Pearl Events / WeddingPhotography – She-N-He Photography and Design / Catering - Royal Fig / Cake – Simon Lee Bakery / Flowers – Bouquets of Austin / DJ – Greenbelt DJ / Photo Booth - Pixter / Videographer - ATX Wedding Films / Hair & Make-up–Adore Salon / Bridal Gown - Blush Bridal / Alterations - Kira Kouture / Men’s Wear - Jos A. Bank / Officient - Sam Riccobene Austin Weddings Unlimited / Guitarist - Aaron Goldfarb/ Elvis Impersonator - Michael McMullen / Lighting - Ilios Lighting / Invitations - The Inviting Pear / Limo - R&R Limo and Bus Austin original, husband and wife wedding photography team based in Central Tx. We specialize in documentary style wedding photography for couples who seek a unique, colorful and timeless look for their wedding photos. With experience in Advertising and Editorial Photography and Design we bring a unique perspective to Wedding Photography, Bridal Photography, Engagement Photography, and Boudoir Photography as well as Custom Wedding Invitation Design. If you’re looking for the bold, fearless and the Best Wedding Photographer in Austin Tx, you found the right team! Available for destination wedding photography worldwide.
Aly -N- Cece Moody Engagement session at Austin's own Mohawk.
Aly and Cece met almost six years ago when Cece was feeling a little squirrely (and a little sauced) and made a fated prank phone call to Aly. What was supposed to be a quick fun little chat turned into a two hour conversation, which became a two week conversation. They decided to meet up and thus began their journey, together. A beginning as friends is how I met my better half too. When these guys tell me they want to see themselves having fun in their wedding photos, I understand completely and I can relate!
Fast forward five years, Aly and Cece have endured a big move and a five year relationship, that's huge. Cece asked Aly's family for her hand in marriage and they said yes, and Aly said yes too at Universal Studios Harry Potter World. #nerds. Their wedding is coming soon, in fact they will be wed on my 10 year wedding anniversary with Steve. What a fitting celebration for us and a tribute to love itself. #loveislove
Aly -N- Cece in love at the Mohawk in Austin, Tx
Austin original, husband and wife wedding photography team based in Central Tx. We specialize in documentary style wedding photography for couples who seek a unique, colorful and timeless look for their wedding photos. With experience in Advertising and Editorial Photography and Design we bring a unique perspective to Wedding Photography, Bridal Photography, Engagement Photography, and Boudoir Photography as well as Custom Wedding Invitation Design. If you’re looking for the bold, fearless and the Best Wedding Photographer in Austin Tx, you found the right team! Available for destination wedding photography worldwide.
