Thank You Kimberly and Olivia!

Olivia’s mother, Kimberly, emailed me not too long ago to inquire about my Equus collection prints. She told me that her 11-year-old daughter is part of the hippotherapy program, Horse Ability, in New York where they live. Olivia is special needs with a rare genetic deletion that requires special attention and daily forms of therapy. She loves horses. Kimberly told me that Olivia is so happy when she is riding.  As a board member of Special Equestrians, it is these stories that truly touch my heart.

I hope you love the print of L’ami Noir – it is one of my favorites! Thank you for reaching out and sharing your story with me. Keep riding, Olivia!

If you have any questions about hippotherapy, please click the link to learn more. Programs like Special Equestrians are unique in their aim to provide therapy for persons with special needs. 

11-year-old Olivia. Thank you for the photos Kimberly!

Wedding Rings: Getting the Shot

Some of our favorite wedding photos to shoot are the ring images. Probably has something to do with all the sparkly bling, right? There are so many interesting and unique details personal to each wedding, and we love to incorporate those into the shot. While the rings speak for themselves in beauty and value, it is often those small details that really make the image! Often times, the ring photo says everything about the wedding ceremony - classic, elegant, whimsical, rustic, charming - you can see that in the details! 

Tell us what you think! Do you like the simplicity of the rings by themselves, with the bouquet or flowers, or showing off one of your favorite (and often overlooked) features of the day - like the shoes? Got any ideas for beautiful ring detail shots? Let us know! 

Arden Ward Upton's Expert Advice: Fall Bridal Makeup

There is something about the deep hues of fall that compliment a woman so beautifully – just look at what happens to Mother Nature this time of year! The rust colored leaves, the golden sunlit rays, the red, ripe berries and apples; it is easy to see how this inspires makeup trends.

For your fall wedding, envision wine-stained lips, classic reds, magenta shadow-swept eyes, and hints of metallic gold and silver. If you aren’t accustomed to wearing a lot of color, incorporate it subtly. Apply just a pop of metallic gold shadow on the inner corner of your lids. You could opt for a bolder burgundy lip color and go for the bare minimum everywhere else. Remember to keep your favorite product on hand for touch-ups, and after quick stolen kisses with the groom ;) 

Check out a few of my brides who opted for a splash of color other than in their floral decor!

I am in love with these beautiful bridal makeup looks! Perfect for the fall bride!

Top left image: www.aubresbridal.com; Top right image: Chris Nicholls; Bottom image: www.rockmywedding.co.uk

If you are a bolder bride who loves trying different makeup trends, be brave, and opt for one of these jaw-dropping palettes! 

Top image: www.thewingedlady.com; Bottom left image: Smashbox.com; Bottom right image: www.thefashionfox.co.za

A few of my favorite fall products are courtesy of Smashbox cosmetics. This makeup line was engineered by photographers - of course I love it! Work a few of these products into your fall beauty regimen and you'll battle Mother Nature for the prettiest colors this season! 

Limitless 15 Hour Wear Cream Shadow in Riches (click for link)

Always Sharp 3D Liner in Gunmetal (click for link)

Be Legendary Long-wear Lip Lacquer in After Dark (click for link)

No matter what color your lips or eyes are, nothing will be able to compare to that beautiful bridal glow you'll have on the day of your wedding. Now if only we could get someone to bottle that up! 

Arden Ward Upton: Alabama's Finest "Artist of the Year"

Gadsden Museum of Art has chosen Arden Ward Upton as the 2014 Artist of the Year. Her Equus collection will debut December 7, 2014 and will hang in the museum until January 20, 2015. In the gallery collection will be a few new editions to her ever-growing Equus fine art including the release of the Italy "Snow Polo" images. Please be sure to click the link to visit the Gadsden Museum of Art website for any additional information. The grand opening of the Equus gallery will be Dec. 7, 2014 from 2-4pm. 

Surviving the Ceremony: Emergency Wedding Kit

*Read with Australian accent for authenticity*

On today’s episode of “Surviving the Ceremony”, we take a look at how to make it out alive on the biggest day of your life! Torn dress hem!? Run in your stockings!? Fainting bridesmaids!? We can teach you how to solve all that, and still have a good time! Grab onto your veils mates, it’s going to be a wild wedding survival!

Every bride has an idea of what she thinks she might need on the big day. We are here to tell you there are things you’ll probably forget, things you will need, and things you might want to have just in case. Compose a list, gather everything together, and place it all in a handy-dandy case that can easily be accessed at any point in time. Small tackle boxes are great for this kind of thing (if you love being crafty, you could even decorate it with glitter or spray paint in your wedding colors!). Baby diaper bags are also a great option – lots of pockets. You could even gift your bridesmaids with clutches that come pre-stocked with a few of these items, so that you’ll be ready for anything at any moment’s notice.

Essentials::

• Aspirin or pain reliever of choice
• Mini first-aid kit – extra band aids
• Mini sewing kit
• Tape – every kind imaginable (duct tape, scotch tape, double-sided tape)
• Safety pins
• Bobby pins/hair ties
• Eye drops
• Tissues
• Dental floss
• Nail file
• Touch-up nail polish
• Tweezers
• Baby powder
• Rubbing alcohol
• Cotton balls
• Lint roller
• Sunblock
• Scissors

Just-In-Case::

• Chalk – use to cover minor stains or smudges on your dress
• Clear nail polish – use to prevent runs in stockings/tights
• Super glue – you will use this for something (jewelry, décor, etc.)
• Smelling salts – remind your wedding party not to lock their knees!
• Bleach pen
• Allergy medicine
• White sheet – for bride to sit on if necessary
• Medicated pads – typically found with the hemorrhoid creams, great for swollen/puffy eyes if tears have been shed!
• Extra undergarments – you never know!
• Cell phone charger
• Extension cords
• Tums/Pepto

Not to be Over-looked::

• Umbrella
• Pen/Notebook – secret notes for the groom
• Makeup
• Hair spray
• Breath mints/spray
• Deodorant
• Perfume
• Bottled water
• Snacks
• Q-tips – use with a little lotion to remove mascara runs!
• Cash – don’t forget to tip your hair stylist/makeup artist/bartender
• Tampons – just in case!
• Straws – to prevent lipstick smudging when hydrating
• Razors

Yes, this seems like a lot of stuff, but the good Girl Scout knows to always be prepared. Think small – travel size, divide up certain things. You’ll be amazed at what you do actually use and will need - and the things you don’t use: well you’ll be incredibly grateful it was there either way.

Now you are ready to venture into the wild, a beautiful bride with all the tools to… SURVIVE THE CEREMONY! 

Pinch Provisions Minimergency© Kit (click for link)

Minimergency© Bridesmaids Kit (click for link)

Austin & Jake: Arden Photography

The fall wedding season is in full swing here at Arden Photography! But who could complain when you've got such beautiful people to photograph?! We often say that a happy bride makes all the difference when it comes to the wedding photos. Austin was more than happy - she was absolutely beaming! She smiled and laughed all day - we don't have a single photo of her where she isn't. Their wedding was full of elegant charm, pops of vibrant color, and handmade tokens that made it all the more intimate. Thank you Austin and Jake for letting us be part of your big day! 

Vendor of the Week: Christoper Confero

Christopher Confero was the vendor and event planner of this beautiful wedding. We love his work, we love working with him, we love him - in a totally normal, non-obsessive way, I promise…. Every wedding he plans is a dream, and we love photographing them! He was also the wedding planner for Arden and William's ceremony! 

Can you tell we loved this wedding?? I mean come on, you know it is going to be awesome when you walk in to find a bunch of bridesmaids, hair in rollers, champagne flute in hand and cheering on their favorite football team! Kylee and Jay married beneath streamers blowing in the wind. Who doesn't love a groom in a bow tie and bridesmaids in mismatching dresses? We had such a great time capturing this wedding! 

Psst…. that's Christopher pinning the boutonniere! 

Do you know who your friends are?

A DOUBLE DOSE OF FINDING OUT WHO YOUR FRIENDS ARE IN ONE YEAR IS REALLY TOUGH.

This year has been a crazy year! Polarizing, actually. I keep telling myself it takes courage to get out of bed and face the day everyday.

Jersey Belle was Jaime Primak Sullivan’s baby, and it’s been an incredible experience. I have had the most amazing outpouring of love and support from people I have never met and it has warmed my heart. To everyone who has commented on my website, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, I am saying a big THANK YOU!

All the Belles!

When someone gives you an opportunity to be part of something as big as a TV show on Bravo called Jersey Belle, it can cause a whole slew of emotions. I have a hard time, personally, with self-doubt - I think a lot of people do. But mostly what I want to talk about is finding out who your friends are.

This summer I had a major health scare - a life or death experience resulting in a total of 17 days in the hospital. I had one ovary removed and suffered from a severe life threatening infection caused by a minor procedure. My  fertility chances took a major blow at best - though more than likely are completely nonexistent. I am sure I will write more about that later.

During this time, I FOUND OUT WHO MY REAL FRIENDS WERE.

Much to my surprise, friends who I thought cared the most were not the ones by my side during my blood transfusions, surgery, etc. William, my dad, Dawn, and a few others were unbelievable though as they stood by my bedside. It was another layer of friends - different and mostly a new set. Many people showered love on me: work friends, family, even my CPA and lawyer came. But I felt let down by my closest girls - you know, the ones that were in my wedding, the ones I talk to everyday. People were put on a rotation of sitting with me and it consisted of great and caring hearts! Living in a hospital the better part of a month can work anyone’s mind. I have reconciled with most of my friends who either disappointed me with their lack of regard and how little they showed support, and those who didn’t even bother to come at all. This all happened right before the show aired on Bravo. My first real outing post-surgery was the Jersey Belle premier party.

I LEARNED SO MUCH DURING MY LONG RECOVERY: WHO WAS THERE WHEN I WAS DOWN AND WHO WASN’T.

Jaime and I at the Lake, Season Finale Jersey Belle

Fast-forward to the airing of Jersey Belle. I was stressed with thoughts and questions like, "How will the world receive the show? How will people see me? What will my friends, family, and community think?" But every Monday night, I tuned in with the rest of Bravo’s faithful fans. I love the show - people across the country are loving the show. Jersey Belle is a breath of fresh air. My two favorite episodes were the New Jersey trip and the season finale.

With the 8 weeks of Jersey Belle flying by faster than my 8 weeks of bed rest post-surgery, I thought, "How amazing life is!" But jealously and other weird responses emerged from friends and family. Questions, insults, and proverbial wounds began piling up. The dark side of insecurity and self-doubt bubbled up within me. THIS IS WHEN I TOLD MYSELF TO STOP. I needed to stop judging and analyzing myself. And in the strength of strangers' support and my closest friends and family, I chose not to go down that path and instead, to hold my head high and enjoy the success of the show. The world is falling in love with us Belles. For better or worse, I have a story to tell on this blog - my story. We are opening up our homes and lives for everyone to see on Bravo.

I WANT TO KNOW IF OTHERS HAVE HAD THIS EXPERIENCE? How do you get through the process of discovering who your true friends are when you are sick and down, and need them most? How do you have that same experience weeks later when you are on top of the world? Who sticks by you when you are low, and who is still there at your very best? I leave this post with the question, who are your friends and how does your family treat you? 

Luci, Jaime, Arden, Haley Season Finale Jersey Belle