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Happy Late St. Patricks Day to everyone! My family definitely celebrates St. Paddy’s Day full force. We are Irish but ALSO, my oldest daughter is an Irish Dancer! This past weekend she was supposed be dancing in the Philadelphia Irish Parade, but due to what is going on in the world right now, it was cancelled, much like other events and gatherings. So, to back it up a few days, and continue the Paddy’s Day celebration (even though we ARE a few days late…) let’s check out this weeks Top 10 Tuesday!! Whether you are getting married here in the United States or in Ireland (God willing), there are a few Irish Wedding Traditions that you may want to follow. Take a look at my top 10 favorite wedding traditions from Ireland below!
- Shrove Tuesday – Irish weddings were commonly held on a weekday, during “Shrovetide”, or the days preceding Lent. No weddings are allowed during the 40 days of lent! The most popular day is the day before Ash Wednesday, called “Shrove Tuesday”.
Monday for wealth, Tuesday for health, Wednesday the best day of all, Thursday for losses, Friday for crosses, And Saturday no luck at all.
- Claddagh Rings – These rings feature two hands clasping a crowned heart. They symbolizes love and loyalty and are worn as engagement rings and wedding bands. Take a look at this gorgeous white gold engagement ring here that features a diamond. You can learn all about these rings here: Claddagh Meanings. You can wear the Claddagh many different ways to convey your relationship status.
- Wearing a Blue Dress – Would you wear a blue wedding dress? Blue dresses are stunning! The color blue was once seen as the symbol in virginity, even though white is seen as the color for purity; Irish brides were often seen wearing blue dresses. Photographing a blue dress on wedding day, would be absolutely beautiful.
Who will be wearing a blue gown in 2020?
- Proposing on Leap Year – According to legend, a young woman was upset that the men she liked were too shy to ask for her hand in marriage. Because of this, St. Patrick gave her his blessing so that women could propose on ONLY the leap day of the leap year.
So, we just had a leap year, did anyone propose to a man?
I’d love to shoot your wedding! Let’s chat!
- Wildflowers In Braided Hair – Keeping with tradition, you will often find Irish brides wearing wildflowers woven through their long braided wedding day hair. Not only does it look darling, but it also stands for as a symbol of feminine power! Additionally, bridesmaids or flower girls could wear flower crowns, but the bride herself cannot wear a flower crown because it would be considered very bad luck!
I couldn’t love this anymore!
- To Tie the Knot – This saying actually has a Celtic origin, during ancient Irish wedding ceremonies where both the bride and the groom’s hands are bound together with a ribbon. This is called a ‘handfasting’ ritual, signifying their union and strength of their love. This is a tradition that I love to photograph. It slows things down a bit, as a result we can really enjoy the couples bond.
- Sixpence in the Shoe – The sixpence was meant to act as a good luck charm and a way to ward off evil spirits. I have definitely seen brides do this, and it’s a very lovely detail to photograph.
I hope I see more traditions like this come back!
- Ringing the Wedding Bells – Like the sixpence in the shoe, the ringing of the wedding bells was seen as a way to get rid of evil spirits on the wedding day.
They’re also very beautiful to listen to and photograph rather nicely. They’re also a very sweet favor for your guests.
- Irish Lace – In Ireland, dresses look like dresses everywhere else in the world. However, one distinctly Irish touch is Irish lace. Very often it is used on the dress itself, or as a handkerchief or in the veil.
I have seen this given to the bride as a gift by her parents, or to the parents from the bride.
- Irish Dancing – What’s a wedding without some Irish Dance! I know when my daughter grows up, she will be dancing at her wedding, and you better believe she will need some custom bridal ghillies!
Do you have a favorite Irish Tradition? I’d love to hear about it!
I hope you enjoyed this week’s Top Ten Tuesday – ‘Irish Wedding Traditions’. Subscribe to our mailing list and be sure to come back every Tuesday for more amazing Top Ten’s!
*Some of the links in this post are Amazon affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own.
March 17, 2020
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Planning a wedding in 2021? The game has seriously changed! I have compiled an amazing list of Wedding planning tips for 2021 to help you get started or continue planning your wedding with ease! This is a list of MY personal favorite sites, stores and blogs; from publishers and companies like Harpers Bazaar, Ceci NY, Figgie Shoes, or the Mrs Box and The Black Tux!
If I could plan my wedding all over again, I totally would do so many things differently. This list is compiled of all of my favorite things. I hope you love it, as much as I do and I hope it helps you to plan your dream wedding!
SO HERE IT IS! The BLP Top 10: Wedding Planning Tips for 2021
- Ceci NY: Invitations – I have been following Ceci NY since they first emerged around 2006. I absolutely loved how they were a small startup invitation company who incorporated letterpress into their workflow. They create absolutely beautiful designs, and are now a huge name in the wedding industry based on out New York. A female owned and operated business also makes me adore them! Check them out here, and make sure your invitations are show stoppers! You won’t be disappointed! CeciNewYork.com *Also, you can order a sample pack here: Sample Pack
- The Black Tux: Grooms Attire – Let me first start off by saying that this company is the best rental service for men’s wedding day attire that I have ever seen. I have photographed many grooms, and their details, and this one is the best! When I walk in and see a Black Tux box waiting for me, I know it’s going to be an amazing day! I have also partnered with them, so of course I love them, but I would not have partnered with a company that I didn’t absolutely love. If you want to have the very best service, reach out to them via this email, tell them that Lauren from Bokeh Love Photography sent you, let them know your wedding date and they will take amazing care of you! Concierge@theblacktux.com Also, feel free to browse their site! TheBlackTux.com
- The Mrs. Box: Details– Let’s talk about heirlooms, or as their website says, “Modern Heirlooms”. These little boxes are more than just boxes. They will set the mood of your wedding day. Your rings being photographed in these beauties while you’re getting ready. It’s a photographers dream! You can get them in 44 different colors. They’re velvety perfection will just melt in your hand! Imagine the detail shots! You will want to frame these images all over your walls! TheMrsBox.com
- Figgie Shoes: Attire – I have been in love with these shoes from the first time I laid eyes on them. As an artist myself, I can really appreciate these. They aren’t just shoes, they’re a work of art! Brides always want their shoes to be a statement, and this is for sure the best statement because they will be custom designed to match exactly what you are looking for! FiggieShoes.com
- Riley & Gray: Wedding Websites – If you are looking to have a wedding website, but don’t quite fit in with the boring templates that those chain wedding websites have to offer, then check out Riley & Gray. You can design a free wedding website, but you can also purchase a plan as well. They have wedding websites for design-forward couples. “Enjoy an editorial experience with limited-edition wedding website templates created by the same digital tastemakers from brands like the New York Times, Marie Claire, Glossier, and Condé Nast.” Whatever you want, Riley & Gray can do for you. RileyGrey.com
- Nearly Newlywed: Brides Attire – If you want a designer wedding dress, but don’t feel like spending full price on your gown, there is no shame is getting a previously owned gown. Wedding dresses are only worn once, cleaned and preserved. Sometimes, you may not want to keep it, or really just want to recoup what you’ve spent. Nearly Newlywed is an amazing site that allows you to both sell and purchase wedding gowns at a percent of the price that was originally spent. Check them out to see what they offer, and maybe you’ll be listing your dress here as well! nearlynewlywed.com
- Bazaar Bride: Planning Resource – An exclusive membership brought to you by Harpers Bazaar, for the newly engaged. It is the most fashionable bride resource on the internet. You will find wedding inspiration & advice, discounts up to $25,000 in savings, 1 on 1 consultations, video series with Vera Wang, and more! Bazaar Bride Membership
- BHLDN:Bride Attire– A dress boutique by Anthropologie that offers absolutely stunning bridal gowns, bridesmaid/bridal party dresses, mother of the bride dresses, shoes & accessories, decor, gifts and more! These dresses are reasonably priced, unique and absolutely stunning! Check them out: bhldn.com
- The Modern Bride: Delicate Details – If you are looking for beautiful, and delicate jewelry to adorn your skin on the most amazing day of your life, then take a look at The Modern Bride. In addition to jewelry, they also offer lingerie, belts, and more. I would stay clear of trying to purchase a dress here though because they are based in Canada, and unless you want to go on a road trip, this may be a pretty far drive for a dress. tmodernbride.com
- Etsy: Wellness Favors – Right now, Wellness Favors are trending on Etsy for custom bath soaps, bath salts, candles, oils and more. Not only are they a great thank you gift that can actually be used and isn’t clutter, it’s also super cute and thoughtful. Check out this page to see some really nice bath salt favors in glass jars: Etsy Bath Salts
I hope you enjoyed this week’s Top Ten Tuesday – ‘Wedding planning tips for 2021’. Subscribe to my mailing list and be sure to come back every Tuesday for more amazing Top Ten’s!
*Some of the links in this post are Amazon affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own.
March 10, 2020
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I met Gyllian and Francesco at Renault Winery for their photography consultation and fell in love with them instantly! They are such an amazing couple and they definitely know what they wanted for their special day, A Fall Wedding at Renault Winery! Although the weather wasn’t very “fall” (a scorching 95 degrees!) she was absolutely stunning in her custom wedding gown and their matching Christian Louboutin shoes.
The beginning of the day was calm and collected, but once Gyllian popped her confetti champagne bottle, everyone was ready to party! This was the day they had been waiting for, and although Gyllian was nervous, after their first look Francesco reassured her that she was absolutely stunning! (And she really, really was!)
Gyllian and Francesco, thank you so much for trusting me to capture your memories! I had an amazing time at your wedding and can’t WAIT for you to see your beautiful images! You two are the best!
If you are planning your wedding, you should absolutely consider a fall wedding at Renault Winery. Between the vineyards, the fountains, the gorgeous landscaping you are sure to have an amazing collection of portraits for your wedding album and to display proudly in your home!
Contact me directly to book your wedding: lauren@bokehlovephotography.net
October 3, 2017
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A few weeks ago, I photographed Nicole and Nick’s intimate wedding in Malaga NJ. Their wedding was informal, but beautiful done. They had fresh flowers lining the walkway up to their front porch. They exchanged vows in front of their cabin and someone near and dear to their heart preformed the ceremony. They were surrounded by the people who love them, and drove off into the sunset on a motor cycle. How much more romantic can it get? When I met Nicole, I was so happy she asked me to capture these memories for her. Photography can be that one thing that you never think of until the moment has passed, and you always wish you had a photo of that one time… Not in this case. Nicole and Nick have beautiful images to remember the day they said, I DO!
Nicole and Nick, thank you for trusting me with your memories. I wish you nothing but love and sucess in your marriage together!
If you are having an Intimate wedding in Malaga NJ, email me today! I’d love to chat with you! lauren@bokehlovephotography.net
September 18, 2017
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LOOKING FOR A PHOTO BOOTH IN GALLOWAY, NJ? We’ve got one!
We’ve got the best photo booth in Galloway, NJ, although, we like to call it the SnapBooth! What is a SnapBooth and what are the details? We are SO glad you asked!
-Our SnapBooth is an open air design that allows MANY people at once (so far we have fit 20, please challenge us for more!)
-No small dark spaces, everyone can watch the crazy happen! (Seriously, it’s a fun time!)
-We offer TONS of props from hats, rubber chickens, colorful glasses, feather boa’s, masks, clock necklaces, and so much more!
-Your guests get a 2×6 print and so do you for your guestbook (You get this at the end of the night after your guests doodle, write notes, and sticker it up)
-We provide the markers, super fun stickers, a guestbook and the props!
-In 48 hours, you will receive a link, where you can download all of the images AND strips to give to all of your guests!
OMG We are so excited, is this just for the weddings that book photography coverage with you?
-You can add this onto your wedding photography collection, or you can book the SnapBooth for your wedding or party! (Graduation, Birthday, Anniversary, Office or Holiday Party…)
How far in advanced can we book?
-As soon as possible, as dates do fill up.
-We have been booked as far as 12 months in advanced!
Where are you located?
-We’ve got the best photo booth in Galloway, NJ
-We are 15 minutes outside of Atlantic City, NJ and conveniently located by the Garden State Parkway and Atlantic City Expressway for easy travel!
Do you charge a travel fee?
-If outside of Atlantic County we charge a $30 Travel fee per 30 miles.
How large is it?
-We require at least a 10×10 area in order to have room to move around.
-We bring with us the backdrop, the freestanding booth, a table with all of the props, printer, camera, guest book, stickers, pens, etc.
How long does it take to set up?
-We require an hour to set up. (don’t worry, we don’t charge for this, we just want to be ready to go for you and your guests!)
-For example, if it is for your wedding we will set up during cocktail hour and we open for your reception (for all 4 hours).
How is the image quality?
-We use a Nikon DSLR
-This means, no web cam here, only high quality images!
Do we receive the digitals too?
-Yes, you do! We send you BOTH the strips digitally AND the individual images!
-No fee to download, that’s included in the cost of the SnapBooth!
Do you only have one backdrop?
-We have 8 backdrops!! (so far)
-You select the backdrop you want!
-We love backdrops so much and would love to work with you if you have a theme! Just tell us what you’re looking for!
How much is it?
–Weddings (4 hours) – $650 + 7% NJ Sales Tax
-Parties (2 hours) – $400 + 7% NJ Sales Tax
Have any more questions that we didn’t answer?
-email us lauren@bokehlovephotography.net
Our backdrops:
July 2, 2016