In fact, the first of several showers took place recently in Northern California where I grew up.  Family and childhood friends came to share in our joy and enjoy some tea with us.  Our dear friend, Wendy, opened her home to us for the bridal shower and Mom (owner and designer at Decor by Design) took great care in making sure everything looked fabulous… she even did the floral arrangements herself!

It was perfect!  Complete with tiny treats, lots of English china, and antique silver.

Mom did an outstanding job on the floral front!  Check out these beauties!  (the tall, green stalks are ‘Bells of Ireland’)

Me and my two favorites.  (Mom and Hay, I love you both so so much!)

Thanks so much to everyone who pitched in to create such a beautiful and memorable first bridal shower!  It was so wonderful to see old friends again and I am so thankful for all of your love and support as Sean and I begin this next chapter in our lives together.

Wow!  We are finally going to start living life together!…  Where should we have our wedding?… I can’t believe this is happening!… What vendors do we want to be a part of our special day?… 

But one of the first things I thought about after Sean asked me to marry him was how I was going to ask my bridesmaids to… well… be my bridesmaids.

It may seem a silly thing to think about right after getting engaged, but with a mere 6 months until our wedding day we didn’t have a lot of time to loose.  I also wanted my bridesmaids to be involved as much as possible throughout the planning process so I could come to them with questions and get their input on pre-wedding events as well as wedding day decisions.

It was extremely difficult to keep the final number of maids and men down, (there are so many friends that are close to us and have made a huge impact on our lives!) but Sean and I both wanted the wedding party to stay small and intimate.  That also gave me a little more creative freedom when it came to asking my girls to be in our wedding… and I love, love, LOVE getting creative through a good craft!

After several hours surfing the vast expanses of the world wide web and favorite wedding blogs, I finally settled on a message-in-a-bottle adaptation from a few images I found on Pinterest and included that famous request, “Will you be my Bridesmaid?”…with my own little twist.

Want to create some of your own?  Here are some material suggestions to get you started:

• small jars or containers of some sort with a detachable lid
• equal length cuts of ribbon, twine, or thread (you could even run all the flags through a sewing machine!)
• small flags (circles, hearts, or any shape your heart desires) cut from your favorite fabric or paper
• a sharpie marker (to write on the flags)
• squares of fabric (enough to cover and hang over the lid on all sides)
• ribbon or twine (to tie around the top of the jar)
• glue stick (to attach flags to ribbon… unless you go the sewing machine route)
• hot glue (to attach the end of the banner to the underside of the lid… the banner is pulled out when the jar is opened!)

OPTIONAL:

• paint chips in the colors of your wedding (I had my girls choose their own dresses using the paint chips as a color guide… thanks to the creative genius of my little sis, Hayley!  Such a smart idea!… thanks for coming up with it first!)
• small metal binder ring (to keep all the paint chips together)
• a little instruction card explaining how the paint chips work along with any other wedding details (who the other maids are, their role in your wedding, a note of appreciation, etc.)

If you are a fiance, nearly engaged, or just really love weddings and all things crafty and creative, Pinterest is a fabulous visual resource.  If you aren’t connected on Pinterest yet or haven’t even heard of it, I HIGHLY recommend that you start pinning… NOW!  *wink*

You can follow me (Lindsey Brooke) and Brooke Photography & Design here, if you like!

Happy Pinning!

There are so so so many talented and creative photographers in the world.  I am convinced a great many of them are right here in sunny Southern California.  I am so blessed to live in a place surrounded by incredibly wonderful, gifted photographers and I want to always be in a state of learning and pushing and challenging myself to grow in my craft.  Over the last couple of years I’ve sought to learn more and more about wedding photography from other professionals in the industry.  I’ve attended workshops, read blogs, followed posts and tweets and instagram, read books, watched videos, and have made some truly fabulous friends.

But somewhere along the way I’ve become self-conscious.  I compare myself to others I know in the industry.  I see friends grow and thrive in their businesses and I want to encourage them and congratulate them and celebrate their success… (it’s so super awesome to witness!) but sometimes it hurts too much and my own work and creativity is stifled.  There are so many talented photographers!  All the news feeds and photo updates through social media make everyone else seem like they have it all together.  And even though I know it’s not entirely true, (everyone has their downs, failures, slow seasons and uncertainties) I totally believe it!

Why do I do that?!  I know I’m not the only one who has struggled with these feelings and thoughts… Why do I want to be anyone else but me?  Why is it so difficult for me be confident in my own work and skill and shoes?!

I am so thankful for Sean, my sweet family, friends and past clients for being my advocates.  For believing that I have something unique and real and creative to offer.  I know I need the Lord’s strength.  I need confidence in the abilities He’s given me as an artist and photographer… and I need to work hard.  Every day.  Every moment I can.  I need to start thinking less about what others have to offer that I don’t have and thinking more about what I have to offer that is totally different and unique from everyone else.

I need to be confident in myself.  I need to be comfortable in my own shoes.  I just have to be.

Sometimes I get wrapped up in myself and my work and my responsibilities that I don’t always stop to observe the unique, complex, and lovely people God has placed in my life.  Michelle is striking in beauty and character.  I’ve always appreciated her and loved her as a friend, but it was such a joy to explore her spunky personality and natural beauty more closely through my lens.

Often in the business of life, I forget how beautiful my surroundings are.  The place I live.  The people I know.  The friendships I have.  Thank you, Lord, for blessing me so richly and giving me so many reasons to be thankful everyday.

I first met Tiffany and Paul working at the Wine Country Trattoria at the Disneyland Resort about 5 years ago.  They were dating at the time and I remember talking with Tiff on several occasions about what she wanted her wedding day to be like and how excited she was to marry Paul!

Last Christmas season, Paul finally proposed!  Of course Tiffany was thrilled and I’ve had such a great time hearing all about their wedding plans!  Just last week, the 3 of us were reunited at Disneyland at Christmastime for their engagement session.  Here are just a few of the images from their shoot… enjoy!

(How beautiful, sparkly, and vintage is Tiffany’s ring!?  LOVE!)

Tiff and Paul, I am so so excited for you both!  I know you will enjoy living your lives as one and am so encouraged by your love and devotion to each other.  I cannot wait to photograph your beautiful June wedding!

When Taylor and I first met up at Cafe Rio, I had no idea how clearly God was involved in setting us up!

A dear family that used to attend my home church started attending Crossline a few years back.  Their daughter was familiar with my work and also happened to be involved in the youth group at Crossline where Taylor was also involved.  When Taylor and Jeff realized they needed a photographer, this sweet girl suggested they take a look at my work… and when I met up with Taylor, we just hit it off!  Jeff was also a Biola Alumni (just like me!) and plays in a band at Hume Lake Christian Camps during the summer and winter months.  Hume Lake was a HUGE part of my growing up in the church!  I just love the way our God works!

It was a beautiful, overcast, December morning.  Crossline was buzzing with friends, family, and excitement as everyone pitched in to make Taylor and Jeff’s wedding day memorable.

Taylor and Jeff decided to have a first look before the ceremony to get some good photos, ease nerves, and share their first kiss… EVER!!  So sweet!

Argyle and Glitter… LOVE!

Taylor was absolutely glowing all day!

The ceremony took place in the little chapel at Crossline.  Beautiful wood, stone, and natural light filled the space.

The reception followed in the Fellowship Hall on the church campus.  Everything looked so lovely I almost wouldn’t have guessed it was a multipurpose room before!  Sarah Gonzalez of Illuminated Weddings and her team did a fantastic job.

What an example of a godly, head-over-heels in love couple.

Jeff and Taylor, thank you so much for trusting me with your special day and being so flexible!  You’re love for the Lord is such a joy to witness and be a part of and I just want to thank you both for ultimately trusting HIM… with your day, your lives, and your marriage.  I know He has some amazing things in store for you and I wish you all the best He has for you.

Words can not explain just how excited I am about this wedding post!  Not only did I get to shoot one of my dearest friend’s weddings, but I had the honor of going back to Liverpool, England to capture it!  What an absolutely memorable time.  It was so wonderful to see family and friends again… it felt as if I had never left.

Stephen and I go way back… nearly 10 years back, now… and even though we are separated by an ocean and a continent, the Lord has continued to keep us in contact and keep us friends.  When I heard he was getting married, I knew I just had to be there, and was absolutely thrilled he and Katie wanted me to be their photographer!

(How amazing is the old mossy brick wall, by the way!?)

They had the ceremony and reception at the church they grew up in, Bridge Chapel.  I remember attending several church services there over the years.  It was sweet to return for such a joyous occasion.

Stephen surprised Katie and her dad with a VW bus (their favorite car) to take them to the ceremony!

And then, she started down the aisle…

Bill Bygroves, the pastor at Bridge, led the ceremony.  I had no idea it was typical for the bride and groom to share their first kiss near the beginning!

After the ceremony, we all headed over to the Palm House in Sefton Park for some photos.

The pops of purple and pink looked stunning against the English autumn backdrop!

And of course, Teabag had to get in on the action…

A beautiful couple and a beautiful day.  So thankful I was able to be a part of it!

Stephen and Katie, wow… I could not be happier for you both!

You make an absolutely lovely couple and I know the Lord will bless you both in your marriage all your lives.  Stephen, thank you so much for encouraging me to seek Christ all these years, especially during the challenging early years of our friendship.  You will always be a dear friend to me.  And Katie, I am so super excited to get to know you better in the coming years!  I cannot thank you both enough for trusting me with your wedding photographs and hope they will be a blessing to you always.

Love to you!  May the Lord bless your marriage and continue to grow your love for each other!

It all started a few years ago when I met Cathy and her family at Reverence Bible Church.  We connected on a common point of interest, and that interest (or passion, really) is weddings.  Cathy is the owner, designer, and baker at Catherine Joanne Cakes and she does absolutely BEAUTIFUL work!  Her cake creations blow my mind!  (No, seriously… you NEED to check them out.)

I had the honor of helping Cathy design a new logo and brand for her cake business a couple years back and was absolutely thrilled when she asked me to take some photos for her and her family!  Everyone was in town over Thanksgiving, so the Saturday following was a perfect day for a family photo session.  Here are some of my favorites from our time together.

(Cathy’s parents are so super cute!!)

Cathy, thank you so so much for allowing me to capture these for you and your sweet family!  I hope they bless you for years to come.  Much love to you!

It was an absolutely perfect day to visit the Huntington Library (one of our favorite places) with two of our dearest friends, Trevor and Sheryl.  Sean and I had been looking forward to taking them for well over a year and finally, last weekend, all of our schedules aligned.

Trevor and I switched off using my camera for the day so all of us could be in some photos.

We all went inside to see some of the galleries and exhibitions.

The Gutenberg Bible was one of my favorites!

(I just love these two!)

The last time Sean and I came to the Huntington, the Japanese Gardens were closed for renovation.  We were super excited to wander through them this time around!

Sean found shamrocks!… wait, shouldn’t those be in the Irish Gardens!?   Ah well…

One of my favorite spots right outside of the Japanese Garden and the Rose Garden.

I found out just before we came that Sean had made us reservations at the tea house!  I absolutely LOVE it there.  Tea sandwiches, salads, scones, jams, sweets, and of course… TEA!!  (The Rose Black Tea is my favorite… Sean got me a tin of it to take home!)

After tea, Sean wanted to go down to the lily ponds.

Sean waited for me on a bench close by while I took a quick trip to the powder room.

When I came back, we sat down and prayed… He had Trevor take photos of us as well.  A little strange, but we were taking photos all day anyhow so I didn’t think too much about it…

…and then, it happened.  Sean looked me in the eyes, pulled out a tiny envelope with my name on it, got down on one knee…

…and asked me to marry him!  (of course I said “YES!”)

I was so surprised!

Then surprise number 2 came along as we were leaving the Library grounds.  Wet Plate Collodion Photographer, Jessee St. John, was set up right outside the bookstore doing old school portraits on tin!  SO cool!  Sean bought us a small portrait (which should be in the mail any day now!) as a gift to remember the day.

I’m so happy!  Sean is the best thing that has happened to me… truly.  I am so blessed.  Thank you so very much to everyone who kept the secrets and surprises and made the day one to remember!  Trevor and Sheryl, thanks for photographing and spending the day with us.  It was so sweet to spend the day with friends.  Sean, I love you SO much!  I am so looking forward to being “Mrs. Kelly.”

These next ones are some of my faves!

We even got to go inside the barrel room for some shots!