The wedding was held in the beautiful patio space at the tapas restaurant Cafe Malaga in McKinney, Texas.  I just adored the flower arrangements, done by the amazing Ashley of ashlilium.  I especially loved that the succulents in the bridal bouquet could be planted after the wedding, and they would just grow in place.  What a wonderful post-wedding keepsake.  And it wouldn’t be a 2010 wedding without a cupcake table.  Here the cupcakes were from the national cupcake powerhouse Sprinkles, and I can vouch for their deliciousness.

We stopped off at Catherine’s parents house to take some photos with their awesome dog, Suzie.

And before that we posed at the Vandeveer Park (along with every other wedding party in town).   But no wonder, it makes a lovely backdrop:

What a great day!  I can’t wait until your wedding in October.

Here’s the album’s custom cover:

And the rest of the pages.  The albums included in my wedding packages typically include 20 pages.  This album clocked in at 31 pages, but you’ll see why below:

I’d like to give a shout-out to all the other vendors who participated this weekend.  First, to the fabulous Becca Dilley who was the brains and inspiration behind the fair.  Festivities Event Services decked out the Five Event Center with beautiful tableclothes, flowers, and candlelights.  They really helped create a beautiful, luxurious atmosphere!  Hailley from LeEvent Designs, a wedding planning service specializing in day-of coordination, was on hand to give planning advice.

In between the informative panels, the Urthema Quartet string musicians played beautiful music. They would be a wonderful addition to your ceremony or cocktail hour.  Downstairs, Radio K had a booth at the fair and would be a modern, fun alternative to the traditional DJ.

Jessica’s Cakes brought some beautiful cakes for display and lots of yummy samples for tasting.   The lovely ladies from Sweets Bakeshop brought their delicious corn cupcakes, orange cupcakes, brownies, and vanilla macaroons for tasting.  They also had the most elegant cupcake display I’ve ever seen ~ and of course, I didn’t bring my camera!  Finally, the Chowgirls Killer Catering had a beautiful spread of antipasta, cheeses, and a wonderful pea pesto pasta.  I kept stopping by when I thought they weren’t looking.

Three florists brought a burst of spring with them.  Just Bloomed, Distinctly Debbie, and Diana’s Floral Affairs showed what a range of options are available for weddings from traditional to ultra modern and chic.

Several other photographers participated as well! It was great to finally meet folks I know only online, including Katrina of Studio Laguna and Krista of Never Miss a Moment. Maribeth of Red Ribbon Studio, and brand new mom Jennie of Sewell Photography were there with some inspirational displays! I love talking shop with other photographers. The guys from The Traveling Photobooth also had their booth up and running.  What a fun addition to any reception!

Two lovely invitation designers had their creations on hand – Paperista and Armato Design.  I know when I redesign my branding I need to incorporate some letter press elements.  I just adore the way it looks and feels.

JWP Jewelry Design showed off her beautiful and classic jewelry, perfect for a bride or as a gift for your girls (or mom!).  I was seated next to the lovely Knit N Jules and folks couldn’t stop touching her soft and gorgeous wraps.  She has some great dress options for flowergirls, too.  The flower and bead necklaces by Jessica of  Liebling Designs are beautiful and for sale on her Etsy site!

I am just kicking myself for not bringing my camera ~ I had so much to carry with my sample albums and large canvases that I left it at home.  But there will be some photos on the Independent Wedding Fair site, so you’ll have to check those out.

As part of the fair, I offered a free engagement or “day-after” engagement session to all packages booked between now and March 1st.  I’d like to extend that offer to all of my blog-readers, so just mention it when you set up your consultation!

During the workshop, we had the opportunity to photograph some Atlanta-area musicians.  Here are a few photos of Ryan Horne ~ his new album just came out this week {iTunes link}.  Good stuff!

Calling all 2010 (and 2011) brides!  Have you heard about the upcoming Something New: Independent Wedding Fair?  It’s taking place this February 6 at the fabulous Five Event Center in Minneapolis.  And I’ll be there as a a vendor, in great company with lots of other amazing local vendors.

The event is meant to showcase a group of hand-selected vendors that are all locally owned and independently minded. Tickets are now available, and I will post more updates in the coming months.

The party then moved to McCormick and Schmick’s in downtown Minneapolis and then off to the Minneapolis Queen for a larger wedding reception cruising the Mississippi River.

A simple white wedding cake, decorated with green orchids and white roses.

The sun started to set at the perfect time.

There were white flowers everywhere ~ even floating arrangements in the swimming pool.