Moving the BBP Blog

After 860+ blog entries, (Yup--- that's a lot!!)  we thought it was time for a new look, a spruce up as it were.  So, here she is,-- the new BBP Blog from Bobbi Brinkman Photography. We're all excited about it! 

For those of you click-ly challenged: BBP Blog: http://www.bobbibrinkmanphotography.com/blog

Thanks to our clients,friends and fans who loved the "old" blog, it's been great! Keep reading, you know it will be a fantastic ride!

The Oil Crisis Project

We were honored, humbled and moved by attending the opening of the Oil Crisis Project at Mad Art Gallery in St. Louis last night.

Aware of the wonderful photography of Katherine Bish already, it was a certainty that her work would be exceptional and impactful.

It Was.

We urge to to visit one our favorite spaces, Mad Art, and take in the Oil Crisis Project. It's running through October 31st.

An Evening at City Cottage on Choteau

We had SUCH a great evening last night at a great new STL wedding and reception venue, City Cottage on Choteau. Vendors around town were in attendance on a gorgeous almost October evening--- much fun was had by all!

I can't say enough nice things about the space. It's located in the old King Louie's. The building is absolutely gorgeous, spacious, inviting, warm & welcoming. An outdoor patio is a plus in this outdoor living town, throw in a brick oven for pizza (delicious!) and plenty of space indoors for guests and it is easy to see that this venue will be a hot ticket.

Rehearsal dinner, wedding,or wedding reception ----- don't miss a chance to fully consider the space, it is absolutely fabulous. Food by Catering St. Louis, always great as well.
Thanks to the owners and staff @ City Cottage, what a wonderful night. Can I also mention that I'm still dreaming of that wood fired pizza dressed up with figs, apples and goat cheese?

Turning Leaves

As I look outside the studio window into the street scene in Lafayette Square, I see that fall is on it's way! The leaves are turning, the mums are making appearances onto doorways both residential and commercial. Those on the streets on their way to eat, or shop, or even attend a yoga class are clad in the mornings and evenings in something with a little more coverage against the chill.

We're gearing up for FALL portrait sessions, including those for our wonderful engaged couples. More details to come very soon on the Fall Portrait in the Park sessions------ but let me say right now that if you have a session in mind in what is sure to be a gorgeous fall season, give me a call! 314-361-9899--------- I really don't want you to miss out!

Hello? Is that you?

Saturday Sharing

We're with Jayna and Patrick today, capturing their wedding with "Images from the Heart..."

But, while we're away, can I just share the following video? It's from a vintage clip taken at the wedding of friends Jen & John in California.

I'm just sayin'--



and for those of you who laugh at the quality of film from way-back-a-when (8 years ago) I'll share their lyrics.

In Spite of Ourselves
by John Prine and Iris Dement

She don't like her eggs all runny
She thinks crossin' her legs is funny
She looks down her nose at money
She gets it on like the Easter Bunny
She's my baby I'm her honey
I'm never gonna let her go

He ain't got laid in a month of Sundays
I caught him once and he was sniffin' my undies
He ain't too sharp but he gets things done
Drinks his beer like it's oxygen
He's my baby
And I'm his honey
Never gonna let him go

In spite of ourselves
We'll end up a'sittin' on a rainbow
Against all odds
Honey, we're the big door prize
We're gonna spite our noses
Right off of our faces
There won't be nothin' but big old hearts
Dancin' in our eyes.

She thinks all my jokes are corny
Convict movies make her horny
She likes ketchup on her scrambled eggs
Swears like a sailor when shaves her legs
She takes a lickin'
And keeps on tickin'
I'm never gonna let her go.

He's got more balls than a big brass monkey
He's a wacked out werido and a lovebug junkie
Sly as a fox and crazy as a loon
Payday comes and he's howlin' at the moon
He's my baby I don't mean maybe
Never gonna let him go

In spite of ourselves
We'll end up a'sittin' on a rainbow
Against all odds
Honey, we're the big door prize
We're gonna spite our noses
Right off of our faces
There won't be nothin' but big old hearts
Dancin' in our eyes.
There won't be nothin' but big old hearts
Dancin' in our eyes.

I love Jen & John, two of a kind----- that's for sure!

The Weekend is (almost) Upon Us

The weekend is [almost] here------ sounds like great weather in St. Louis, and hopefully great weather where you are as well.

The BBP crew will be photographing the wedding of  Jayna & Patrick tomorrow, sunny skies and smiling faces will be the order of the day.

ENJOY whatever comes your way!

How Do You Feather Your [Newlywed] Nest?

How DO you feather your newlywed nest??? There are so many styles (and methods) of setting up a first home together. Many couples choose the tried-and-true hand me down route, for the sake of efficacy and economy if nothing else! Some couples go "all new" and of course from that fork in the road you can go sleek and efficient or repro vintage, even the always vogue Traditional.

Do you choose every piece yourself from different shops?

Do you create things yourselves?

Are you an afficianado of home style mags or tv shows that inspire and educate?

How do you feather your nest....................... make your home?

Which design blogs are must reads in your busy day?

Some BBP faves might be yours as well------- if not, you might find something for your nest!

Funky Vintage: 
Happy Loves Rosie
Poetic Home
Bohemian Vintage
Vintage Junky

Retro:
Retro Planet


'new' traditional:
Nate Berkus
Candice Olson
Crate and Barrel

Modern:
Fokal

Tabletop:
Vera Wang
Kate Spade

Just a few from the Idea File. We're looking forward to hearing how YOU are your own special decorator!!

Now back to the Wonderful World of Weddings!


Catalog Shopping:
Wisteria

Tuesday Musings

Tuesday----- 2/3 through September----- almost halfway through the week----- Jeanetta's Birthday! (Happy Birthday Jeanetta!!)

So, I have to ask; who is your favorite bridal designer? Luxe as well as priced for most? There are a few designers out on our radar and we're just wondering who you love?

That's Crystal & Drew above-------- speaking of pretty dresses!

Wish Upon A Wedding

Most of our clients know that Bobbi is involved with the National charity, Wish Upon a Wedding. If you saw the news coverage recently then you know that the first wish granted to St. Louis happened for Danielle & Tony. I share the touching video from Gebbs below.



Danielle & Tony - Wedding Highlight from GEBBS on Vimeo.

As we always say..............Count your blessings and pass one on.

Vendor Choices: Preferred vs. Rogue

Brides and Grooms have LOTS of choices to make when it comes to wedding planning! From the choice of photographer (us, thank you very much!!!) to music, flowers,hair and makeup, coordinators, transportation, invitations, church and reception venue, gowns and tuxes and even favors the list seems to go on and on.

Here at BBP, we DO have a list of preferred vendors. Why do we have such a list and how did those vendors "make the cut"???????

We have a list of local St. Louis wedding professionals because we have worked with them, we trust them, they have exceptional work ethic as well as product. On any given wedding day they can be counted on to bring 150% and the day goes 1000% smoother because of their participation.

Recently a bride asked if there was ONE vendor that was a more important choice than another. After a little bit of thought, the answer is no. If you're fortunate enough to have a "dream team" of vendors----- it almost doesn't matter what happens during  the entire wedding day, you can know without a doubt that the wedding day will go smoothly and be fantastic. Sometimes things go a bit awry behind the scenes and the bride and groom aren't even aware that there was a glitch or that it was handled seamlessly.

We can also add that almost every time when a vendor choice is made based on price or on a "family connection or friend"-------- at the end of the day it's been said at least once that another choice based on recommendation should have been made. I'm just sayin'.

An educated bride and groom is a happy bride and groom. Ask good questions, listen to the advice offered and make choices that will make your wedding day as beautiful as possible. There is no substitute for understanding how everything works together and how your vendors really do make your day. Hands down.

Fascinating Fascinators

pishposhes/ Etsy  $109.00

Wikipedia (gotta show some love) defines fascinators a a headpiece, a style of millinery. The name came from a head covering that was shawl like and term had fallen out of everyday vernacular in the 1970's. Well, welcome to our current fascination (no pun intended) with things vintage and fantastic---- the fascinator is very much back in vogue--- and remaining so. Have you seen the adorable Aarti Sequera, the latest winner of the Food Network, The Next Food Network Star? Aarti (besides making delicious Indian inspired dishes) always rocks a fascinator or a flower in this style.

food network

Whether this chic hat takes the form of a cocktail hat, a vintage arrangement of brooch or flower, or an assemblage of all that is fabulous---- the fascinator is indeed fascinating and still making a huge splash be it in everyday street wear or in wedding fashion. While they've been around for several years, this trend doesn't seem to be going away any time soon and they always interest the staff here at Bobbi Brinkman Photography. Where else can you find such an affordable way to really personalize your look be it wedding or non?

They can range from very fairly priced to a bit spendy------ and talented women can make their own with the right findings, a bit of crafty-ness, and some chutzpah. Check eBay for good fascinator bits and pieces if you can't find them locally.

Something 'weddingy' from Florabond/Etsy  $69

The pieces can be as elegant as the fascinator above in it's vintage flowers, netting and new pieces of feather and floral and very easily worn.

SqueakyBroncoLiz/Etsy $26

Or crazypants fun as can be as in the lovely above! All sequins and sparkle mounted on a headband. Probably not your everyday bridal but might be just the touch a bridesmaid needs or fun reception wear?

MarloAdele/Etsy $19.99

Talk about a vintage feel------- not for the timid perhaps?

My favorite for the streets would be this one from GiantDwarf (also at Etsy.com)

giantdwarf/Etsy

Felt origami rosettes all hand cut and shaped into this lovely fascinator. Love it!

You might want to check out some ideas for constructing a fascinator if you are of a creative bent! One we particularly like is from the DIY Wedding.  There are lots of other great resources if you get out there and scout around.

How will YOU be fascinating?

Bella Bella.....Belli!

Thanks so very much to Lisa at Belli Fiori for the lovely surprise. When I was home yesterday working (albeit in my jammies!!!!) Bobbi answered the door of the BBP Studio to the very happiest of sights!

This gorgeous arrangement of flowers makes us all smile! The day yesterday (and today to some extent) was so gray and dull that these happy sunflowers and pretty blue iris and other lovely blue-ness for which I have no name really perked up the day.

Fabulous, we'll enjoy them for some time to come! Thanks again Lisa and Belli Fiori!

Hope YOUR day is wonderful, a few outstanding weather days are on the way!

Pie for a Long Weekend

Well it is a long weekend coming up, right? What better way to enjoy a long weekend with something from the kitchen that shouts to the world what a great catch you are! Pie! Pie? Not just any pie mind you but a rich yet fluffy slice of chocolate heaven. Pair it with takeout pizza or bbq if you must but let there be the labor of pie.

**Note: We might suggest if you have intention of fitting into a wedding gown anytime soon you might rethink the whole pie thing.

Chocolate Heaven Fluff Pie

 

1 baked pie shell (from scratch is lovely, I mean don’t be lazy!)

¾ cup sugar + 2 Tbs.

¼ cup cornstarch

½ cup heavy cream

2 cups milk (you can use any kind but you’ve gone this far, use whole)

¼ cup dark cocoa

2 Tbs. butter

4 egg yolks, beaten gently

2 Tsp. good quality vanilla

1 cup mini marshmallows

With the pie shell cooling (because you did make it from scratch, right?) prepare the filling. Tumble together all of the dry ingredients and whisk up. Slowly add the cream and stir, add the milk and heat over a medium heat. You can use a double boiler if you like but whatever you do stir constantly. When the liquid begins to steam, add a bit slowly to the beaten yolks and stir up, then remove them back to the mixture on the stove. Continue stirring, add the butter. The filling will go to a stage where it looks kind of lumpy or grainy, keep stirring. When the mixture reaches a bubble, turn off the heat, add the vanilla and the marshmallows and stir off the heat. When the filling has incorporated all of the marshmallows, take a taste. (You know you want to!)

Place the chocolate fluff filling into a totally cooled pie shell and place a sheet of plastic cling over the top to keep a skin from forming.

In the “old days” I’d make a nice meringue for the top but the state of chickens and raw eggy-ness has made me either leave things plain, or add a whipped cream topping if necessary. Luckily this pie is creamy and dreamy enough to need neither unless you just want to take it entirely over the top. It is of course up to you!

Cool the pie at least 4 hours.

Enjoy-------

Engagement Times

Engagement sessions.................. always a time to laugh, to enjoy, to revel in the "engagement" of it. Amina and Phillip got the giggles at a recent engagement session, they're such a fun couple anyway! The wedding is coming up SOON, and we're looking so forward to what will undoubtedly be a glorious Four Seasons Wedding with Lacy and her team at Lacy Branch Events!

Some engagement session suggestions:

• Be yourselves
• Wear clothing that is "YOU", without being too/too
• Try to have your session when it is not overly hot
• Don't be afraid to show your personalities
• Choose a location that works for the season and your style
• Bring along the usual suspects: lipgloss, comb/brush, etc.
• Have FUN------ the fun always shows in the photos

The Call of the Bat Cave----

Some posts just don't require much comment at all do they?   

Monday is here!  Have a fabulous day, hope it kicks off an excellent week!

Today's Wedding: Modern.Love

photo Today Show

Are you watching the wedding planning for Modern.Love on the Today Show???

The couple chosen is from right here in Missouri!  Well sort of............. Melissa is from Columbia and her fiance is currently stationed in Afghanistan.

I sort of missed being able to choose the couple--- to watch the fun competitions in the past but it seems like Today is fast-tracking the wedding this year, to be held on the Plaza on September 30th. We the audience still get to vote on the wedding details, right now you can vote on their rings.  We chose the "Brilliant Earth" ring, really pretty! Get on over there and vote....... join the fun!


Back here in MO it's the most beautiful weather imaginable! If it could just be bottled and used at will!

Finding it---

Always after time on the road it is time to work, and by that I mean dig down and catch up. (I'm not sayin' that Bobbi is a cruel task mistress or anything.........)

I do know that:

• It's been far too hot and thankfully the heat is breaking
• My desk is not any cleaner than it was earlier in the day
• You can not go away for a weekend with fresh bean sprouts in the fridge
• Laundry multiplies
• "Loose Meat" sandwiches are greatly over-rated 

......and mostly I know that Bobbi Brinkman Photography has the BEST clients in the world. 

Crystal & Drew

 We're looking forward to the wedding of Crystal & Drew, coming up pretty quickly! A chance not only to capture this couple's wedding day story but to work with Lacy Branch and crew as well as other fabulous STL wedding vendors, it is sure to be a good day!

Their engagement session was shot on one of the recent uber hot STL days---- but they look cool and calm!!  :)

We're looking forward to the wedding Crystal & Drew............ it'll be here before you know it!!

File Under FUN--- Trish & Andy

A fun couple? A fun wedding? ABSOLUTELY! We had a great time with Trish and Andy on their wedding day and I think you can get an idea of why! :)

The bride, groom and wedding party got ready to RUMBLE with another wedding party at the Stadium!  West Side Story come to the streets of St. Louis! Who won? We did of course!! Hilarious and fun!

C'mon, it is not every single wedding day that you see a groomsman lose a bet in quite such a fashion. We're still laughing!  No but(t)s about it, can you say Good Sport?

It is certainly not typical for the Father-Daughter dance to include air guitars, or Sweet Child of Mine for that matter but it captured this duo and brought the crowd to their feet!

Wow! What can you even begin to say????? Go Trish and just get down with your bad self!!!

Thanks Trish and Andy, family and friends for allowing us to be part of your very special, once in a lifetime day!!!!!!

Be Prepared

The All Important Emergency Kit:

We’ve seen it all------------- from bags the size of Texas holding everything but the wedding limousine to a ziplock bag with one band-aid and two Excedrin. The best emergency kit lies somewhere in between.

You want to be prepared for emergencies, but there is really no need to prepare for an emergency that is less than likely to happen! For example,  many bridal lists found in magazines and on the Internet will have you pack breath mints. I don’t consider breath mints a bridal emergency, if you do perhaps you have larger issues?

The best thing is to find items that can multi-task. You will spend less time packing your emergency kit and less muscle hauling it around.

Some things should be ‘off packed’, like your beauty kit. Carry a small little brides bag that will contain YOUR things:

Brides Bag

Lipstick or lipgloss

Blotting tissues

Tiny toothbrush and paste

Floss picks (nothing less un-photogenic than spinach in your teeth!)

Bobby pins
a couple of Q-Tips

In a larger more ‘general’ bag you might consider:

Emergency Bag

Hairspray

BandAids

Aspirin/ibuprofen

A stain removal pen or wipes

Paper towels

Tissues

A small sewing kit. (the operative word is small, basically you need 2 large eyed sewing needles, PRE- thread in white, black and the shade of your bridesmaids dresses and bring sharp, teensy scissors)

Clear nail polish only if the ladies are wearing hosiery and might need to stop a run (does anyone wear pantyhose anymore??)

White correction fluid (works like a charm if you get a stain on your dress that the stain pen can’t get out)

Pantyliners, just in case

Chewing gum or mints

Small spray bottle filled with water (in case you need a damp paper towel)
Bug Bite Pen (or a small baggie filled with cotton swabs saturated in ammonia)

Snacks and water should not be considered as part of an emergency kit but do consider bringing adequate bottled water and some ‘clean’ snacks such as crackers or string cheese along. There is nothing worse than someone hitting the dirt because of low blood sugar! It is the easiest thing in the world to skip having a little snack because you don’t feel as if you are hungry. Small little snacks throughout your wedding day are a must! Bring alongs might include:

Small bags of pretzels

Water (lots and lots of water)

A couple cans of clear fizzy soda, non-diet for blood sugar issues

String cheese

Cut fruit (biting an apple wreaks havoc with lipstick)

Granola or trail mix

Plan well. Personalize. Relax.

Matt and Andi and Miss Annabelle

Andi and Matt-------- waiting, dreaming, planning

the very sweet bassinette made from Andi's wedding dress-----

 And there she is------ the beautiful Miss Annabelle. Worth waiting for, don't you think???

Julie & Travis---- The Funny Couple! ;)

Julie & Travis recently entertained us at their summer engagement session:

Of course he is being silly.......

very very silly.......

They're a great, high-spirited and fun couple! The wedding should be lots of fun!

Trish & Andy's Day

On this sunny Saturday, when the temperatures (for a change on Saturday won't be 110)-- Trish & Andy will be married! We've known the family for a long time and have had the opportunity to photograph sister Becky's wedding as well.

We're looking forward to it....................... no doubt it will be a beautiful day!

Weddings in the News

It seems as if the news is all about weddings these days from the mild to the sublime and mostly the big and/or unique.

Vogue Daily had a fabulous article online about recent brides who have all worn Vera Wang. Fueled by the recent wedding of Chelsea Clinton, there are great pics of Victoria Beckham, Sharon Stone, and many more. The article is interesting for brides and non-brides, check it out HERE. Speaking of Vogue, are you ready for the September Issue?

On the wild wedding front, did you hear the news about the couple married at a discount department store? In the shoe aisle. I'm just not sure what to say! See the Today Show story HERE

We love shoes as much as the next bride..................... but we're not so sure about a wedding THAT close to shoes, well unless they're Jimmy Choo or Manolo Blanik!! 

Seems like a WEEK!

Somehow it seems like a week of Kristin & Eben! Be that as it may, we're sharing a slideshow of their wedding day before it leaves my desk for their file. Frankly I thought I had put it up some time ago but had apparently shelved it until their return from Italy. Gotta love the best laid plans!!!!

So, here it is----------- enjoy!

Renee & Alex

I just think I might be too hot to think........... fried brains or at the very least soft boiled thought process! The heat index was 115 yesterday and today looks to be the same in good ole' St. Louis---- home of Summer 2010 Extraordinaire---- yikes. Today promises to be almost a carbon copy so I'm already thinking of what to do for dinner that does not require firing up the oven or even standing outside over the bbq grill! We all are!

But one thing I know for sure is that we are honored to welcome a new family member to the best brides in St. Louis MO! Renee and Alex, we are delighted to have you and very much look forward to your wedding!!!

Now, stay cool out there!

Anna & Wumesh

Anna & Wumesh are the most fabulous couple! We were honored to photograph their engagement session recently and the images are wonderful indeed. I'm a little bit jealous of Anna as she graduated from Smith (I passed up the op), but since she does happen to be a knitter, I'll let it slide.

They're getting married October in Connecticut---- if that doesn't sound like a movie, I don't know what does!!

Eben, Kristin & honey-blogs

We love Kristin and Eben------ and they're back from honeymooning in Italy so we can share a bit of their wedding. It was a pleasure and an honor to capture their wonderful wedding with "Images from the Heart..."

From the beautiful invitations

To a truly lovely ceremony

Kristin & Eben were fab!

Eben rocked the top hat...

and the girls had great 'brellas...

An arch of 'brellas and the mens canes...

Great friends, Great family, GREAT couple!

Honey-Blogs---- they're becoming quite popular, those blogs full of photos from the honeymoon. Kristin and Eben have a fabulous honey-blog from their trip to Italy, it's great------- take a peek!

Chelsea Clinton & the Idea File

The wedding of seemingly all speculation happens this weekend, that of Chelsea Clinton to Marc Mezvinsky. Of course we understand the buzz, she is not only a high profile daughter but a remarkable, accomplished and polished woman in her own right, marrying the son of a former Congressman. How will future brides watch and absorb the wedding details? With an eye on the gown, the food, the wedding party dresses and the details for their own nuptials, the Idea File.With a gown by "certain" designer Vera Wang and location in the idyllic Rhinebeck, there are without a doubt clippable photos and sketches to be had.

The Idea File is kept by almost all brides (and their Mom's!) and should be. Our own bride, Danielle, has kept an Idea File for years now. We love to look at these books rich with not only ideas but dreams, they are not only a great springboard but a source for brides, their families and wedding planners to determine exactly what will capture the spirit of a wedding couple and how to best execute perhaps unformed bits and pieces into wedding reality.

If you don't have an Idea File, we urge you to start one or keep fresh and current the one you do have. A three ring binder is ideal and you don't have to have one especially designed or "tabbed" for the purpose. Tuck into the binder a few manila separators with pockets to add things like paperwork that needs to be inserted onto pages in your binder as well as loose clippings by category. A calendar section up front is very important to keep track of special dates like fittings and tastings along with any payments due to vendors. Each vendor (once chosen) should have their own section.

What if you are in the "gathering phase" of your Idea File? Keep sections for flowers, photography, wedding gown, grooms tuxedo, wedding party attire, reception venues, food/menus, music, cakes, shoes (which deserves its' own category, no?), and wedding details which may be as broad as color schemes or as specific as welcome bags for out of town guests. Your file can contain as many categories as you need to express your dreams.

                                                                   photo Vera Wang

The photo above is such an example. It's been said that Chelsea Clinton will wear something simple and elegant by Vera Wang------- assuredly not off the rack but magnificently custom and we can't wait to see it! The gown above is one of our favorites from the Vera Wang Fall 2010 collection, resplendent in organza and tulle and "crisped" with horsehair giving that wonderful structural almost origami look.

One of the most amazing things is the speed with which "knock off" designers copy garments worn by the famous among us. No doubt this wedding gown will have lookalikes hit the shelves of bridal shops with shocking speed. Not being ones that totally take to this practice, we know for a fact that you can take photos of your inspiration garment, blend that with other details you love and come up with a gown that gives a nod to the original but it still totally yours.

Once you have a few photos/ideas in your binder, you might notice a trend. Are you drawn to gowns such as the one above? Simple but interesting? Or are you a fan of looser and more romantic gowns? More or less fabric? White or off white?

Don't forget to have a general tab----- things like current fashion styles that you love (for example the one shouldered look so popular right now, or jewelry styles seen on stars that you love). Remember, to stay motivated to keep your Idea File going. The trick is then to go over everything (neatly organized of course!) and see your own personal trends, loves/hates, and how everything can work together. This can be a daunting task and frequently a good wedding planner can help bring a fresh eye to the process and offer valuable suggestions.

The fun can be in the process as well------ watching your ideas evolve, or even morph into things you didn't start out as your top picks. Enjoy the process, keep current, remember your wedding is once in a lifetime and the planning should bring enormous pleasure. You may find that after the last wedding toast has been given you are still in the habit of the Idea File for home decor------ or something else. I've personally kept a file for home dec for many, many years and find that it is fun not only to pull ideas for my own home but to see the things that I filed early on. Those "what was I thinking" giggles are always rich!

Now, about the Clinton wedding! Surely we are not alone in waiting with baited breath for those first photographs of a stunning bride, a handsome groom and surely a father of the bride that will have lots and lots of  tears!

Guilty Pleasure Indeed- My Fair Wedding

Shall we admit a guilty pleasure? Besides M&M's for breakfast? WE TV's show "My Fair Wedding"--- with David Tutera------ a really great show with the wedding theme and without the drama. Icksnay on the drama please!

On WE's wedding website you can even create "yourself" and try on a suggested wedding dress complete with veil and flowers---- kind of fun. Check it out here. 

Have fun------- and Happy Monday!