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Then He Gave Me This Diamond Ring

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You're engaged! Now the planning starts from date setting, to bridesmaid picking, from inlaws to outlaws. An engagment shoot is the first chapter in the story of your married life. It is a  wonderful and unique way of showing you and your fiances relationship; where you met, how you met, and capturing those special glances, knowing smiles and secrets that lovers share.  I am a definite fan!


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Capturing a Lovers Glance
I spent some time with Rebecca Keenan of LIfe In Images Photography  talking about  the benefits of having engagement shoots. Rebecca highlighted, "Many couples have not had professional pictures taken of themselves before and an engagement shoot is the perfect opportunity for them to get to know the photographer and help them feel more relaxed on their wedding day'. I love this idea, being somewhat "photo-phobic" myself.  I wish I had this organised for my wedding day!
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It's a great idea to have a discussion with your photographer about the location. It  may be somewhere special to you, for example where the groom proposed, the location of the first date or a favourite picnic spot.  Rebecca says, "I like it if the couple chooses the location of the shoot  so that  it means something  to them."  Rebecca also explains if you can't think of somewhere, discuss this with your photographer as they will have some ideas to assist you with your shoot. .
Bringing something that is meaningful to the two of you adds to the story of you, from a favourite hat to a picnic basket. Adding these flavours to your engagement shoot is a finishing touch.  Dont be shy with your photographer, this can be a really enjoyable experience for them as well. It's relaxed and informal, a fantastic way for them to know how to shoot you best on your wedding day.
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 Tips and Tricks
1. Don't be afraid of sharing your story and feelings with your photographer, a good photographer will also encourage this as nothing says unnatural more than a posed kiss on the cheek. Every couple has a little way that is their's in displaying their affection, a good photographer will see this and capture it.
2. Drink plenty of water and bring snacks for your shoot. As obvious as it sounds, take them with you.
3. Wear complimentary outfits, that don't overwhelm each other or clash.
4. Take Props for your shoot. Talk with your photographer about what may be suitable for the day. It could be your favourite hat, a bunch of red balloons, a scarf, a book, fake moustache or toffee apple. The list is endless and of course  includes your ring!
5.  Get to know your photographer and vice versa. You will be more relaxed and comfortable if you do.
6. Location. Somewhere special to you firstly, or be inventive, avoid cliches, no matching black shirts in a park. Look for new and exciting locations such as railway yards, overgrown farms or a  fabulous city scape. 
7. When choosing a time for your photo shoot consider  mid week  as  it can mean fewer crowds and  a slower pace. Late afternoons have great light for photographers, and if it rains go with the flow, it can be part of your story too!
 8. Display your photos at your wedding! Keep them a surprise if you can!

Most of all relax and have fun.
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Design Me Vintage would like to acknowledge the supply of all images in this aritcle from Life In Images Photography.
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Be who you dare to be....

I always admire the bride who dares to be herself, who somehow manages to defy the conventions and shows her individual and unique ability to be herself.  I've enjoyed pulling together inspirations to style this blog post from amazing and talented vendors from across our small globe!
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I adore the use of this vintage 1970's wedding dress.. its absolutely the bees knees, don't you think?
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One of my favorite photos, - Rock The Casbah, Its always in the detail for me.
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Add vintage fun, circus inspired stationery from Royal Steamline Wedding Invitations  give the guests a look into the funfilled day they are invited to share!
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Fun, natural, with a touch of theatre, add to a wonderful quirky theme for this style of bride. She knows what she wants and her free spirit and natural sense of self , sit comfortably  within  her.


Vendors

Model: Jemima Williams

Dress: 1970′s Zandra Rhodes Ballerina wedding Dress from June Victor & David Wightman of Vintage Modes (http://www.vintagemodes.co.uk)

Hats: Handmade Fascinator by Jemima Williams of Little Red Robin Hood (http://www.jemimawilliams.co.uk)

Location: Casbah Records at the Beehive, Greenwich (http://www.casbahrecords.com/index2.htm)
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 We love to introduce new ideas, and showcase creative and inspiring  talents to our blog. I came across the lovely Daneve through her website Ah-Tissue and just fell in love with her vision and her creativity and the fun she adds to any celebration.  Daneve's creativity runs in her genes. Her life experience and her love of family all combined in 2010 when using an old craft  and a wonderful imagination she founded Ah-Tissue (don't you just love the name!). From weddings to birthdays, celebrations, markets or Fetes, her range of high quality tisssue pom-poms are my new favorite thing! Polka dotted tissues to zebra stripes, Daneve can co-ordinate a design  to meet any theme you have in mind; all with out breaking your budget.  These scrumptious pompoms add a dazzle and style to any room, and can be viewed on her website, or via her facebook page.

Don’t you love how they appear to float on air, hanging in trees or on patios, they are fantastic! Definitely one of my favorite things.
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Ah - Tissue -Purple Pom Pom
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I encourage you all to check out Daneve  at Ah-Tissue. Weahter it is for your wedding, hens night, engagement, birthdays, Australia Day, Christmas, or any other event you can think of they are just so smushy and like powder puffs of coloured clouds.

"A few images courtesy of Ah-Tissue's customers including The Princess and the Pirate & Kelly Munce Photographer"


 
 
With the utmost fortune, I was asked by the wonderful Lea from Willow Tree Ceative Services in Brisbane to design a bouquet for a up and coming showcase bridal shoot. I loved designing this bouquet. Lea organised this wonderful showcase and impressed us with her proffessional attitude. 
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The back drop for this shoot was at Aussie World, Bruce Highway, Caloundra Qld. It was an exceptionally hot day, our poor model Stephanie really was using this gorgeous fan..  Rebecca Kate Make Up Artistry., Whose infectious bubbly nature, incredible bag of tricks including the fan, and skills with her make up brush were impressive to say the least , for this shoot . Based in Brisbane, but being mobile means Rebecca is happy to travel. Check her out!  
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Photography was by Big Dream Photography, Jodi captured the essence of this 1950's Carnival Photoshoot ,  I love this photo and will be hunting out that lollypop for my own wedding!.
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Female Model: Stephanie Rodriguez  Wedding and Photographic Styling: Lea Moate, Willow Tree Creative Services
Makeup: Rebecca from Rebecca Kate Makeup Artistry : Libby Weatherhead from "Be Liberated" Venue: Aussie World
Wedding Dress: Sashay Bridal  Bouquet: Isabella Armstrong, Design Me Vintage  Photography:  Jodi Maree, Big Dream Photography