The Amazing Bridal Giveaway!!

Planning a wedding can be stressful…so I have put together an amazing little giveaway to add some excitement to your planning! Thanks to some of the vendors from my own wedding... we have some real unique goodies for one lucky bride-to-be! You do not have to be in Atlanta to win- we will make sure all items are shipped to you. The E-session is restricted to the Southeast. If you aren't located in Atlanta, we will schedule the session for the next time I'm in your area for a wedding/vacation. If you aren't located in the Southeast you can still enter to win the rest of the goodies....Feel free to enter to win this for a friend! Total Prize value is approximately $350.

How to Enter: post a comment under the blog-post with your entry number, name, and email address (see mine as an example). Contestants are allowed only one entry. The deadline to enter is June 30th @ midnight est. The winner will be randomly selected on July 1st and notified via email. If no email is supplied, another winner will be selected. We will announce the winner on facebook too! Your emails will not be used for solicitation or distributed. I only need this to be able to contact the winner.

The Giveaway Items:

“Something Blue” garter from Hello Design Crew

Custom Wedding Gown Hanger of your choice from Rockabuy Creations

50 Postcard Save the Dates* from Serendipity Beyond Design

“Because I’m the Bride” wine glass from Swoozies!!

1 Hour Engagement Session by Peach Blossom Photography (Greater Atlanta Area)*

* Save-the-Date Design fee not included; E-session subject to availability; prizes have no cash value

To view discounts from more of my very own wedding vendors visit my blog post: Details & Discounts

And if you haven't done so already, like us on facebook!

Cheers,

Details & Discounts

Bridezilla (1) n. a bride-to-be who focuses so much on the event (DETAILS) that she becomes difficult and obnoxious.

Growing up most girls spend their life dreaming of their wedding day and take turns dressing up as the Bride… my sister Lori and I, on the other hand, were busy photographing our lives – animals, plants, vacations, trips to Disney, ect. I guess you could say we were practicing for our roles in life as photographers... I never realized how young we were when our passion for photography started until we were going through all the boxes of family photos. The majority of the photos we found from childhood were of our animals (tons of kitten shots) and the other half had someone’s head cut off.
As I got older, I developed my passion for traveling (which is a great compliment to photography). I’ve lived in Spain, Germany, Costa Rica, England and visited many other countries. I always said that if I grow up and get married I was going to elope and take a long honeymoon somewhere amazing & tropical... But then again the idea of settling down or ever getting married was so far fetched until 2008 when I moved to Atlanta and meet the one – Mr. Brent Neill! Some girls dream of big diamonds and poufy gowns…. I was dreaming of escaping to Tahiti in a simple JCREW wedding dress. I knew how much work went into wedding planning but I never really saw how stressful it can be (for some!). I show up to the wedding and everyone is happy and cheery and I capture those moments... Not the one where the bride cries and throws things (okay-maybe I am the only 27 year old that throws things!) I guess I should have known what to expect after all the times I’ve watched Say Yes to the Dress and Bridezilla. Choosing to spend my life with Brent was the easy part… Trying to plan our wedding, work a day job, renovate a house, run a boutique photography company, pick vendors from 900 miles away, and manage our crazy family/friends was the über difficult part. I had already started my career as a wedding photographer by the time we got engaged and I had the opportunity to see 2-3 weddings a month. I was so mesmerized by all the details, dresses, and venues I was seeing, I HAD no idea how to pick mine! My attention to detail and creativity was close to driving me insane... After all – we only get one chance to express ourselves and be 100% in the spolight... and the photos had to be perfect! I was constantly thinking…how is this going to photograph, what can we use for props to get unique shots, I DON’T KNOW WHAT FLOWERS I WANT, how come no one carries tablecloths in SEAFOAM Green (I'm obsessed with colored tablecloths - they can really change the whole room)! Thankfully Key West is a magical, unique, laidback, beautiful oasis so that took a tiny amount of stress off. It was through the help of my wedding planner, ETSY.com, and wonderful vendors that I was able to create a magical, memorable wedding day full of details fit for a TROPICAL GODDESS.

I’ve reached out to a few of my vendors to get you all some cool discounts, so you can add details to your life too! Below are photos of my details and vendor info....


Vintage Key West Postcard Save-the-Dates by Serendipity Beyond Design
I am a huge fan of all things vintage...as soon as I saw the new trend for post card save the dates I knew we had to have a vintage KW save-the-date made! Fabulous Ginger is giving away 50 postcard save the dates in our AMAZING Bridal Giveaway starting June 1st!

to shop visit: http://www.serendipitybeyonddesign.com/


Custom Illustrated WEDDING MAP with calligraphy by Dear Calligraphy
I splurged a little on my map but I LOVE it. I used it for invites, on our website, as the back of the programs attached to the fans, ect.

to shop visit: http://www.dearcalligraphy.com/

Custom Table numbers and "Mr. & Mrs." Banner by Dazzling Expressions. I will admit these items were an after thought and Crista put these together and rush shipped them to Key West and I was able to find these cute frames to pop the numbers in! She did a fabulous job.
Crista is offering 15% off your next order with coupon code pblossom15!!

to shop visit: www.dazzlingexpressions.com


Hand Painted “Just Married” Parasol by Your Moment.
I love love love the painted parasol shots. Cat from Woodland Fields rocked them out for sure! Jessica @ Your Moment is offering a 10% discount on her products until 6/27/11 with the coupon code 10PeachBlossom

to shop visit: http://www.etsy.com/shop/YourMoment


Kino Sandals made in Key West. ($14.00!)
I just added a blingy "I Do" rhinestone sticker to mine to make them into my something blue. The sandals plus the Nicole Miller Coral Ties were the perfect gifts for our groomsmen!

to shop visit: http://www.kinosandalfactory.com/

I do – Bridal Hanger by RockaBuy Creations
This is just a little added something to make my dress look even more fabulous. You spend a fortune on your dress - why have it photographed on a plastic hanger? RockaBuy will be giving away a custom hanger in the Bridal Giveaway!!!

to shop visit: http://www.etsy.com/shop/rockabuycreations

Aqua Garter Set by Hello Design Crew.I love Hello Design Crews Garters.... Mary is giving away a free M/L Garter in our Bridal Giveaway next month!!

to shop visit: http://www.etsy.com/shop/hellodesigncrew


Antoinette Freshwater Pearl Bracelet by Beautiful Garden Boutique Jewelry.
I searched everywhere for a bracelet to match my dress... this one is beautiful!
Trisha is offering 10% off purchases with coupon code PBP10. expires June 30, 2011
*not valid on special offers or already marked down items.

to shop visit: http://www.etsy.com/shop/BGBJewelry


Starfish Brooches for the Mothers by ShellScapes.
These were great little gifts for our mothers so they had something unique for the wedding.

Kelly Fowler Events is offering 10% off her wedding planning packages for Peach Blossom Brides. If you want a wedding planner that will help make your day extra special.... Kelly is your gal! Just tell her I sent you! Kelly also did all the flower arrangements & bouquets. It helped us save some $$! contact Kelly @ kellyfowlerevents@gmail.com

* All photos copyright of Woodland Fields Photography and Nick Doll Photography

At the end of the day all of the stress is worth it! We had an amazing wedding and meet some amazing people along the way. My Advice for Brides -to-Be: reach out to your vendors for help and ideas. You are more than welcome to email me with all and any questions julie@peachblossomphotography.net After all, that is why we are here!

Stay tuned... the AMAZING BRIDAL GIVEAWAY STARTS JUNE 1st!!

Cheers,

Amanda & David's Vintage Inspired Wedding ~ Buford Wedding Photographer

Amanda and David had a lovely, quaint wedding at the Bona Allen Mansion in Buford, Georgia. Amanda spent lots of time focusing on all the details to make her wedding magical and personal...

Each table had a unqiue centerpiece made from an array of vases, bright flowers, candles and even vintage cigar boxes.

Amanda created super cute "Just Married & Thank You" Banners!

Candy Bars are all the rage right now.... but we love their unique twist - a cookie bar!






A beautiful wedding for a beautiful couple... we wish them all the love and happiness in the world!

Cheers,

Tarry & Jessica plus 2 ~ Savannah Photography

When I was in Savannah last weekend, Jessica, Tarry, and I decided to do a mini-shoot engagement shoot and grab coffee so we could talk about their August Wedding. I love being able to get to know my clients before their actual wedding day! Jessica and Tarry had their 2 little ones in tow... Since their wedding symbolizes the two families joining, I suggested we definitely have them in the some of the shots....







After all, how could you not include someone as cute as Channing? (Who would have rather played in the fountain than smiled for me!)

Kirsten & John are Married! ~ Panama City Photographer

What do you do when its rainy and there are hurricane force winds before hurricane season? You improvise... we found an area at the pier between boats and shot! They wanted outdoor photos... so that is what we gave them! Here is a sneak peek from their beautiful wedding and of course I included my favorite details....

Julie’s Dos & Don’ts for Destination Brides!

Brent and I spent a year planning our wedding. As a couple, we have become the best at re-doing things... We changed our venue, our wedding date, our bridal party size... I even bought 3 dresses...yes 3!!! I'm surprised he still married me after the crazy bridezilla I was. What can I say - being a photographer has made me crazy obsessed with details! But at the end of the day.... it was magical. And I can't thank the vendors, family, friends, bridesmaids, and my wedding planner enough for making our wedding a dream!

With that said... here are a few recommendations for destination planning!


DO plan to make a whole weekend of it. We booked a Champagne Sunset Cruise the first night with Sebago Watersports and everyone loved it! The second night we catered in El Siboney Cuban food and had an outdoor party at the B&B. We got to spend personal time with all of our guests.


DON’T expect things to be cheaper especially on an island. I paid 2xs the amount for white resin chairs than I would have paid in Atlanta! (The joke is everyone stood for the ceremony!)
DO hire a wedding planner! Kelly Fowler was my lifesaver. She was able to understand my vision and somehow keep my sanity in check through the whole process. Plus, it’s always good to have someone at your destination that can help. (Kelly also does GA weddings - she lived in Macon and frequently visits ATL!)
DON’T fly your wedding photographer in to your destination the day of the wedding. Fly them in a few days before. I knew this was a big no-no but I wanted my friend Cat to shoot my wedding. Of course her plane was delayed and she barely made it in time for the ceremony. My bad – but she made it in time for the shots that mattered!
DO purchase wedding insurance! They cover backup venues due to rain, emergency photographers (shout-out to Nick Doll Photography for capturing the getting ready part of the day), & any unforeseen costs… something to consider! Saved us $1,200 on our back-up photographer.
DON’T entertain everyone all the time. A destination wedding should be a vacation for everyone. Allow for free time so your guest can see the sites and you & the Fiancé can enjoy some time alone before the big day.
DO find a small hotel or bed & breakfast that can house most of your guests. Having a central hub where everyone can hang out is great! In lieu of welcome bags, we stocked the fridge with drinks and snacks for the entire weekend. Old Town Manor B&B helped us create a home away from home feeling.
DON’T forget to keep all your guests informed. Through our wedding website (The Knot- its free) and E-blasts, we were able to keep our friends and family updated with the current timelines, best places to eat, and the must see Key West Sites.
DO consider one of the favorite local restaurants as the reception venue. We were able to save tons of money not having to pay for wait staff, table rentals, and buffet setup. Croissants De France turned out to be the perfect reception place. And their cakes are amazing!


DON’T stress it! Being a photographer – I spent so much time stressing the details and worrying about the photographs and how our families were going to act the first time they meet. We all know Murphy’s Law - "Anything that can go wrong will go wrong".
So relax, have a mimosa, take deep breaths, and just be excited that you are marrying your best friend!

All photos are copyright of Woodland Fields... Thanks Catherine for capturing our magical day!

Stay tuned... I will be blogging all my vendors in the next week or so!

Cheers,