Jillian Michelle Photography

This project didn’t start with a real bride or a real wedding, it merely came as an excuse for me to be creative and shoot what I wanted, for as long as I wanted, and where I wanted…ohh the freedom!!  Not only was it a great exercise in my own creativity, it will hopefully provide inspiration to brides and photographers on how to do the same.

Rewind a few months… when I had a tiny little idea. These often happen and then they usually just fizzle out. But this one caught on and grew. I started thinking more and more about the idea of a styled bridal shoot with lots of wedding details that was fun for me to create and also fun for others to share in.

So I ran with it, collecting inspiration as I went. Bridal shoots are nothing new, so I had to decide what it should look like, where to shoot it, and the overall feel. I quickly realized that I needed a theme…because, really, what good party or event starts without a great theme?!

I wanted something that was unique, but accessible and not too crazy. And then it hit me, and I’m not sure from where , but it did…”I’ll do a FRUIT theme!” (I was probably in the kitchen at the time) Yes, fruit. I would theme a shoot around berries, apples, plums, and jewel tones, contrasting those with ivories and neutrals. YES! I had the theme and the shoot was born.

From there, it was constantly on my mind. I jotted down ideas, scribbled little drawings, and literally even dreamt of things to do! I shared my ideas with my good friend Brie and asked if she would be my “bride”. She graciously obliged and we were off. I began working on the details…shades of lipstick, the dress, the decorations, the timing, the locations, etc…

I’m so happy that I  stretched my creative muscles and saw this project through. It was so much fun! I know there are plently of styled shoots out there with professional florists, hair and make-up artist, bakeries, and designers, but I’m glad to say, I did it all myself!….which means that if you’re planning your own wedding, you don’t need to spend thousaaaands on lavish vendors to create a look you want. Start with an idea an run with it.

Now, I must clarify that I defintely DO NOT advise a bride (and her mother) to try to do everything themselves.  You’ll not only end up married at the end of the wedding, but you’ll probably have chronic migraines and maybe an ulcer or two. So, outsource where needed, and get creative with the rest!

So, without further ado, here’s my little tiny idea turned fruit-themed bridal shoot that I’m calling “Berry & Whim”… Enjoy!

I checked the weather religiously the weeks prior to the shoot and as it got closer, they were calling for fog in the morning. I was SO excited! I’ve always wanted to shoot on a misty morning and although it wasn’t very dense fog, the first part of the morning was a bit misty and overcast…AND then…the sun came out! And it was glorious!!!! It created such a different feel!these are some of my favorites! The only thing I could say to Brie as I was shooting was “this looks like a dream!”Since we planned an all day shoot, we changed things up for the evening…

Brie, THANK YOU SOOO much for doing any and everything I asked you to!!! xoxo

Happy GOOD Friday…a good Friday indeed!!!

“Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are HEALED.”