Happy Friday everyone! We’re so excited to share the news that our L’ezu bride Danni’s gorgeous Santa Barbara wedding was featured on popular wedding website, Hey Wedding Lady. We’re beaming with pride thinking about the collaborative work we did on Danni’s custom blush lace wedding gown. Check out the feature here, and congratulations again to Danni and Ben!
TO BRIDESMAID GIFT OR NOT TO BRIDESMAID GIFT?
We’ve noticed this trend among our L’ezu brides that demands brides shower their bridesmaids with cute gifts to show their appreciation for them being a part of their special day. We pulled a Carrie Bradshaw and “couldn’t help but wonder” if this was really necessary, so we went online shopping. On the hunt for cute gift ideas, we came across this personalized Bridesmaid gifts website, so we thought we’d give a few of the products a spin.
Design me a stainless steel tumbler to keep my liquids cold but make it L’ezu? We’re sold. Bridesmaid Gifts Boutique nailed it! Not only does our drink stay hot or cold in this bottle for up to 6 hours, but now we have a super cute, on brand accessory keeping us hydrated while we work at the office. No need for a coaster, the metal tumbler doesn’t leave any condensation. To be honest, we’re loving our L’ezu bottle, but you can get it personalized however you like! I think our enthusiasm for this bridesmaid gifts stems from it’s true usefulness to the receiver.
How cute is this black denim pouch with gold detailing? It can double as a makeup bag for a quick touchup at a wedding, or even as simple as throwing your phone and wallet in on the go. At L’ezu, we’re most likely use it for some quick fix needle and thread, buttons for any wedding mishaps we may encounter.
These are just some of the cute things we tried out, but there are 300+ items available to personalize and gift on the Bridesmaid Gifts Boutique website. Our take on bridesmaid gifts is that if you feel compelled to do so, make sure they’re useful for after the wedding, because these certainly are!
HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER
Looking for a Wedding Photographer? Here’s How to Make Sure You Get the Best Shots.
When your big day rolls around, you’ll want to make sure you capture every moment. After all, you’ve waited your entire life for this very day. What better way to remember it all than by hiring the perfect wedding photographer? However, finding them is easier said than done. Here’s eleven things you might want to keep in mind as you start your search.
1. Consider the Time of Day
Have you ever looked at a wedding photographer’s website and noticed a trend among the best-looking pictures? It might be the time of day. Most wedding photographers have the required equipment to make both day and night shots look fabulous, but it might be worth asking if they have a specific forte. This will help make sure you get the best shots they’re capable of!
2. Look for Originality
Another thing to keep in mind is the uniqueness of photo albums among a photographer’s vast portfolio. No one wants photos that come across as uninspired, cliché or the same as everyone else. A good photographer will know how to whip up something fun, new, and spur-of-the-moment.
3. Evaluate Their Expertise
A wedding is an emotional event. Naturally, there will be some moments you’ll want to capture that are truly touching, while others... not so much. The best photographer will be able to tell the difference and make sure they’re only getting you and your guests at your finest, while avoiding bad angles and potential clothing mishaps or slips (whoops!).
4. Get Their Input on Poses
Most brides have spent a considerable amount of time online looking into various wedding venues and services. By the time of their wedding, surely you’ve seen countless pictures of couples posing just right for the camera. However, when it comes time to pose for these pictures yourself, it can be difficult to recall the thousands of pictures you saw and make the perfect pose. When speaking to a wedding photographer, ask if they’re able to provide guidance for you and your spouse. The right pose can make all the difference!
5. Communicate Frequently
The best way to make sure you get the pictures you want is to regularly communicate with your photographer. This can be done before, during, and after your wedding. For example, you might want to make your photographer aware of a few photo op ideas you had in mind before and during the wedding, then see if they’re able to edit or crop any pictures that could potentially be enhanced.
6. Have a Plan in Mind
Are pictures of the cake-cutting ceremony or an outdoor family shot among the many that will make up your dream photo album? Be sure to let your photographer, as well as your guests, know so everyone is present when the time comes—and so that no one misses out on any celebratory fun.
7. Have a Short Trial Run
A good way to develop chemistry between you (as a couple) and your photographer is to have a short trial run with them. This way, you’ll be able to understand their communication style and provide them with initial feedback, like, for example, that you prefer your right side profile over your left. This can make a dramatic difference in how your day-of photos come out!
8. Get to Know Their Assistant
While it may not apply to every wedding photographer, you’ll find that most have assistants. If you’re unsure about a photo or a pose, it may be worth getting the opinion of the assistant as well. You never know, sometimes four eyes are better than two.
9. Check Their Work
In addition to looking at their website and social media accounts, you should also look into reviews or seek references to understand how others found their experience. General comments, like, “Extremely professional!” are helpful, but don’t provide as much insight as a longer, more detailed review. Make sure you’re studying up!
10. Check Their Price
Couples are often reluctant to spend the extra money on a professional wedding photographer. This isn’t exactly surprising. According to Chime, a second chance banking company, 74 percent of Millennials are coping with debt, and are therefore more cautious about how they spend their money. However, the photos you take at your wedding will last a lifetime, so don’t feel guilty about hiring the best for the job—especially if they include videography services!
11. Go With Your Gut
At the end of the day, go with the photographer you feel comfortable with. Reviews and social media may add, or take away from the reputation of who you’re looking to hire. But if you love their work and they’re easy to communicate with, then they might be the perfect wedding photographer for you!
PUBLISHED COLLABORATION WITH SKY AND REEF PHOTOGRAPHY
We’re so excited to announce that our recent Waikoloa Beach styled shoot in collaboration with Sky and Reef Photography was published in Lovely Day Journal.
If this gloomy winter weather is giving you the blues, go check out some Hawaii sunshine, our dresses, and gorgeous photography on this popular wedding journal!
Some of our favorite shots from the collaboration below:
SAN DIEGO STYLE WEDDINGS FEATURE
Our recent Los Willows Estate shoot was just featured on the San Diego Style Weddings blog and social media! We often work with San Diego based brides and we are so honored to be featured on this lovely blog. Be sure to check out their Instagram for some divine Southern California wedding inspiration.
JESSIE + DAVAN
One of our most spectacular brides had her French Disco themed wedding chosen to be featured on brides.com and we just couldn't wait to share it with you! You can read more about the details on the post but let's just say it's an absolute stunner down to the last detail. We were delighted to work with Jessie on her customs made, off-the-shoulder dress. We drew inspiration from old-era France, using white silk charmeuse and hand stitched french embroidery. We're also in love with the the touch of neon at the reception and the disco theme! Congratulations Jessie and Davan!
Dress: L'ezu // Venue: Le Pavillon de Musique de la Comtesse du Barry // Catering: La Belle Assiette // Cake: Synie's Paris // Planner: Nancy La Tart from Fête in France // Bride's Shoes: Alberta Ferretti // Groom's Attire: Saint Laurent, Lanvin // Hair & Makeup: Harold James // Floral Design: Lily Paloma // Music: Jazz Around Midnight // Rentals: Options // Photography: Marcus Meisler // Videography: Vincent Cadoret of Lifestories Wedding
L'EZU DESIGNER FEATURED ON VOYAGE LA
One of our founders, and lead designer, Patricia Nevil, was featured on Voyage LA a little earlier this month and we finally have a chance to share it with you! In the article, you'll delve a little into Patricia's background, what drew her to fashion, and the evolution of L'ezu bridal over the years.
Click Here to see the Voyage LA Feature. We hope you enjoy it as much as we did!
FEATURE ON WEDDING SHOP STORIES
We are so proud to announce that L'ezu was a chosen feature on Wedding Shop Stories, an online wedding blog that outlines small business success stories. Our very own co-founder and lead designer, Patricia Nevil, gave a fabulous interview.
Here's a small excerpt:
Q: What do you like most about your business? What part of it is the most fulfilling?
A: The fact that I come to a playground! Always making something new and meeting new people!
Q: What advice would you like to give to people who wish to start a bridal boutique?
A: Being in the bridal industry is a passion more than a business, you need to be compassionate, assertive, flexible and most of all a good listener.
Q: What advice would you like to give to brides who walk into your boutique?
A: Enjoy the visit, and learn as much as you can about the fitting of a well made garment.
Check out the whole interview here.