Do you ever find yourself thinking:

• You would really like to have an overall theme that represents your wedding day

• You and your love don’t really fit into any of the typical “cookie cutter” wedding themes out there

• How the hell do brides find time to fine-tune all of those annoying details while having a life?

If you often find yourself drooling over those perfectly styled weddings that are plastered all over wedding blogs and pinterest I have the perfect person for you to meet.

Becky Pleshaw, founder of RP Design, who specializes in custom wedding branding.

April: What exactly is custom wedding branding?

Becky: Wedding branding sets the theme for a couple’s special day. It includes the colors, typography, imagery, and general style for all of the printed wedding materials, from save the dates to thank you cards. Branding provides a common thread that pulls together all wedding communication and compliments the overall look and feel.

April: You are a great resource for couples who know what sort of theme or brand they want for their day, but what about those couples who have absolutely NO IDEA!?

Becky: Typically there is already a foundation for design that we can uncover by discussing some basics.  Will the wedding be casual or formal? Daytime or evening? In a ski lodge, or on a beach? I can leverage what details couples already have, such as a bridesmaid color or wedding location, and build a complete brand from the ground up.

April: Do you have a process that you use to work with couples to help figure out what would best represent them?

Becky: I work with couples one-on-one to lay out their brand in a really organized way. I like to keep it as easy as possible for them, but I welcome whatever level of involvement they’d like to have in the process. We will decide on the general theme and work our way down the line, choosing a color scheme, typography style and any other graphics we plan on using throughout. We then define which materials they want customized and finalize the branding kit. The most important thing is that they are happy with the results and have a brand that’s perfect for them.

April: What look and overall theme was this couple wanting to achieve and how did you come to your final overal look?

Becky: Christine and Travis are getting married in Boothbay, Maine and they wanted their wedding materials to bring out the character of their location. They had a good idea of what they wanted and we worked together to bring their theme to life. Once we established the vintage postcard style save the date, I continued to incorporate the wedding colors, typography and custom imagery throughout the rest of the pieces that Christine and Travis would need.

April: Why should couples talk with you before checking out any other custom branding resource?

Becky: In addition to my passion for design, I have extensive experience in marketing, brand creation and strategic thinking. I take pride in my work and couples will feel confident that their entire design process is in good hands. I love getting to know the people I work with and together we will achieve the perfect theme for their wedding.

To find out more about what Becky offers, check out RP Design’s website and follow the blog!

Peace, Love & Branding,

April K

I was thrilled when we decided to start out Emily & Bert’s engagement session in their Back Bay apartment.

Why?

Because I feel the more you incorporate your everyday-ness into your engagement photos {that you’ll have forever}, the fonder the memories will be down the road. “Oh remember that blanket” or “remember what fun it was living in that apartment… remember when we used to walk along the Charles and order out from our favorite restaurant…”  and it just opens the flood gate of memories from such a new and exciting time together.

My wish for each engagement session is for you to look at the memories years from today and be reminded of WHY you fell so deeply in love.

Emily and Bert certainly make a sweet couple, I am so looking forward to their wedding at the Boston Public Library in June of 2013.

Peace, Love & First Apartments,

April K

P.S. How clever and fitting is that Save the Date?!

When Marisa called me around this time last year, I remember being in Utah talking her through how I do things and she sounded so sweet and awesome. I loved her right from the start…I remember writing next to her name “book this girl”.

A year later here we are, at a beautifully decorated wedding at the Linden Place in Bristol, Rhode Island. Marisa did such a great job planning her day from the invitations right down to the favors, she really went all out with candles (which I LOVE) and put a lot of personal touches on just about everything she could. So many DIY spottings throughout the day, I loved it.

The only way I can describe Marisa and James together is by using the word “cute”, haha. They are just so head over heels for each other which made capturing them so much fun. I know they will have many many years of ooogling over one another, laughter and adventure.

Peace, Love & DIY Perfection,

April K

I often times ask couples what they’ll be doing with engagement portraits, so that I can plan and visualize for whatever it is they’ll be using them for. Sometimes they’re used for save the dates {which I’ll need to leave room for text etc} and sometimes they’re used for a guest book or just because. I feel engagement pictures are such an important piece of the puzzle when you’re starting to preserve your families history.

The engagement period is when it all begins, when you decide to walk through life together and start planning your future together. I feel this time is precious and will be long gone, before you know it you’ll have 3 kids who are all off to college, and you’ll be left wondering what happend. Time moves quick, I don’t need to tell you that. Having photos from a time in your life when you were fresh, new and learning how to love one another is a great “go to” during your marriage. Chances are you have never been photographed professionally together, so why not take advantage of this precious time?

{Christine + Travis}

Beacon Hill’s old world charm and slanted streets make it the perfect location for a very Boston-esq engagement shoot. I was so happy when Christine contacted me to capture not only her wedding {which sadly I cannot shoot} but also her engagement portraits. She is such a kind hearted and energetic person and I was so happy to get to know Travis better. They’re a couple that just melts into one another and can tell they’ll be together forever.

Follow below for our walk through the cutest town around!

Peace, Love & Crooked Streets,

April K

When I meet with potential clients for the first time, I never know what I’m walking into. Are they going to be lame, boring and I’ll do all the talking… or will they be super cool and tell me all about what they love to do together, what they love about each other and open right up?

Dan & Nicole were certainly the type of people that opened right up. Before we even discussed wedding details, we were talking about 3 day hikes in the White Mountains, camping, gear… you really couldn’t stop the rampage of our mutual love for the great outdoors! Finally when we got to the wedding stuff, we chatted about what their vision was for their day, what they wanted in a photographer and of course how the experience with me will be like no other!

After we left our meeting I think there was a mutual love fest going on because we had felt like we’ve known each other forever. When I get asked to shoot for couples like Dan & Nicole… it’s the ultimate photography treat! {kinda like vanilla ice cream with rainbow sprinkles}

{fast forward to wedding day}

“I’m gonna need a lot more hairspray” was the general tone of the day… the wind was gusting off the ocean as if Hurricane Irene had a personal invite to the wedding. It didn’t stop Dan & Nicole in any way. We still took lots of photos outside of the charming Owenego Beach and Tennis Club in Branford, CT and they were even brave enough to walk the plank over the ocean out to the giant rock for some dramatic photos. That’s when you know two people are in love… when they don’t care what else is going on around them {including hurricane like weather}, they’re doing their thing and loving every minute, not even noticing the elements.

Dan & Nicole did such a great job with putting their own special touches on the day. They had a little of everything that meshed together harmoniously. It was a wedding full of character, that’s for sure.

Peace, Love & Windy Wedding Blessings,

April K

Ugh, where do I even start with this day? It was unbelievable, I mean, the series of events that took place as soon as I walked in the door right up until the minute I left…

First, I must say, I like to give myself a pat on the back every now and again… simply because I seem to attract THE COOLEST couples. Let me just toot my own horn with a prime example… Jen and Mike. Charismatic, full of life and energy and clearly are absolutely made for each other. The way these two play off one another is out of this world, and they were up for anything, nothing could bring them down. I am certain, without hesitation, that these two will have the most thrilling life together.

Now, down to business, after both Jen and Mike were finished getting ready we headed over to the Boston Public Gardens to do their first look. What better place on a beautiful day than to use the gorgeous bridge as a first look location. As you could imagine on a Saturday the bridge was bustling with tourists, but we got very lucky! The wedding party kindly asked if people could wait for Jen and Mike to do their first look. Much to my surprise, every one present was honored to be able to watch the love unfold.

The ceremony was beautiful and as you’ll see down below… it’s not uncommon for the rings to not go on as easily as they do in the movies! Leave it to Jen and Mike to make everyone laugh about it. They followed that up with a reception at the Hyatt Regency Boston who does a fantastic job. Groove Events came in and did a bomb job on the uplighting which transformed the room into a wonderland of pink {my favorite!}. With the help of the talented Boston Florist, My Flouer, to add soft floral accents to each table effortlessly, this did not look like a ballroom wedding.

To top it all off, there was a traditional Chinese Tea Ceremony, Dragon Dancers, a surprise guest for Mike, and some SERIOUS dance moves to top off the night! I usually don’t post dancing pictures… but I couldn’t help myself this time.

There are a lot of moments here… so take your time and savor!

Peace, Love & Wedding Day Surprises Are The Bomb,

April K

Quite possibly the most entertaining & priceless sequence right here…

Mike: “Jen what did you do? you didn’t… no”

Jen: “oh yes I did!!!!”

Mike: “GET THE %^&$# OUT!!! YESSSSS”

All of the Boston Bruins fans out there might recognize this man and his “cowardly lion-esq” voice singing the National Anthem!

What is my dream as a photographer? Besides my long list of goals… most importantly for me, is for my subjects to be comfortable to be themselves in front of me. Just to be together, not caring what I’m doing or thinking or what bench/wall/any object I’m climbing to get the perfect shot. My dream is to have each and every one of my clients to simply… act as if I’m not there! The goal for me is to capture each couple as they are, naturally, in real life… {just looking extra insanely good doing it!}.

Well Becky and Mark certainly had no troubles doing just that. These two are so much fun and completely and clearly adore each other. It was one of those shoots that I walked away feeling all toasty and tingly inside. Needless to say, I cannot wait to capture their wedding day! It’s going to be off the hook.

Peace, Love & Belly Laughs,

April K

Sitting on the pretty white farm house porch, on the perfect wooden seat, finely manicured flowers all around, with a brewski in their hands… That was the scene when I pulled up to see Lauren and Bryan. I swung the car door open and ran in for a big hug! I was so excited. We hugged, we screamed, I raved about how sick their property was, gave Bryan a hug, introduced Justin… it was a whirlwind of excitement and one big love fest! {I’ve known Lauren since College… so that’s why it was a love fest}.

Lauren and Bryan are two very special people who are very much in love. I’m a firm believer that energy is contagious and there is just this spark of excitement and bright yellow beaming radient ora around these two, it’s pretty contagious! So we had a wild fun time during this shoot.  I was glad that Justin got to tag along too because he captured some video so I’ll post my little home movie once I have time to put it together.

These 2 lovebirds will be exchanging vows on the warm white sandy beaches of Riviera Maya, Mexico next February. I will not be able to attend, however, I am confident that will be one wild party-o-love.

As we said our goodbyes, the sun was setting over the fields and they left us with some fresh picked veggies and snipped basil from their garden. What a trip!

Peace, Love & Chillin’ On A Dirt Road,

April K

Jennifer and Peter’s wedding was not only a unique occasion, it was definitely one for the April K Photography history books!  Let me break it down for you via text and then let your eyes be dazzled by the beautiful art we created.

Jennifer and Peter started off their day with a first look, {always a great idea in my book}. This was followed by a small but very beautiful ceremony with their immediate families at Sonnenberg Gardens in Canandaigua, NY. The ceremony was very emotional and very heartfelt. Jennifer and Peter are rare couple in the world of weddings, which is refreshing for me to see. They didn’t care about inviting everyone they know or following the wedding rule book… To them this wedding was solely about committing their lives to one another  the best way they know how, with a little adventure! {I love me some crazy adventures}

When I asked Jennifer what provoked her to “trash her dress” she had some very thought provoking and inspiring words….

“What?!?!  Why on earth would you want to trash your dress?”—yup, that’s a pretty good way to sum up most people’s response as they gasped in shock when they found out we were incorporating a “trash the dress” session into our big day.  I even think our own parents thought we were a little crazy as first.  However, nothing about our relationship was ordinary or without adventure—we first met on a bike ride that Peter organized through a local outdoors meet-up group on-line.  Our first date wasn’t a movie and dinner at some romantic restaurant, but an afternoon at the Buffalo zoo.  It was so us!  Our first trip together wasn’t to the beach and we didn’t stay in a fancy hotel—we pitched a tent at a campground in the Thousand Islands and went white-water rafting.  It was perfect and exhilarating, and even the river of rain that nearly washed our tent off the ground couldn’t dampen our mood.  The best gift I ever got from Peter wasn’t some expensive piece of jewelry, but two tickets for the both of us to go sky-diving.  Talk about the biggest rush of your life—it was the best birthday present ever.

Though I had always dreamed of finding that one guy I couldn’t live without and falling deep in love, I was never that girl that dreamed all my life of a fairy tale wedding.  So, after falling in love and realizing that we wanted to spend forever together, Peter popped the question on a chilly fall day as we hiked by the base of Akron Falls (sense a theme yet!?).  Of course, I said yes and after we were engaged it took us a while to envision our perfect day.  Pretty early on, we decided we were throwing tradition out the window in many respects and just going to follow our hearts and do what felt right.  Part of this was including a “trash the dress” session at Grimes Glen in Naples, NY into our wedding plans.  In many ways I don’t really like the label “trash the dress”.  We didn’t choose to hike the creek in our wedding attire and take pictures by the gorgeous waterfalls because we wanted to trash the dress, we did it because it was us—it was the perfect way to begin our married life together and trashing the dress was just a potential consequence.  To me, the dress wasn’t something I was attached to; I was simply inspired to create unforgettable memories with my only true love on one of the most important days of our life and continue the adventure we had already started.  It was truly an amazing once in a lifetime experience and it was during this portion of the day that we felt most relaxed, true to our self, and closest to one another.  There was just something about being surrounded by nature in all of its beauty and hearing the sound of waterfalls surrounding us that allowed us to clear our minds, reflect on the love we share, and just be present in the moment together.  It was really indescribable.

One last thing for anyone who might be wondering, my dress really didn’t get too dirty and I’d hardly consider it “trashed”.  Though I haven’t decided if I will have it done, I’m almost positive it would clean up and preserve perfectly without anyone knowing what it went through.  But to me, my wedding day was never about my dress and I don’t feel like I need to save it beautifully pressed in a box in my closet for years to come.

All I wanted from my wedding day was to make an everlasting commitment to the love of my life, while surrounded by family, and celebrate with something that would always remind us of the mutual sense of adventure that brought us together and helped spark the love that we now share.  That is exactly what we did!

Refreshing, pure and true to what you believe is what it’s all about. Lucky for me they couldn’t have picked a better more willing person to photograph their day I was in heaven right along with them.

Jennifer + Peter I wish you loads of laughter and love on your crazy journey!

Peace, Love & Adventurous Marriages,

April K

Oh I just love being a Wedding Photographer, especially around Boston. There are so many places, landscapes, scenes and vibes and they’re all so unique. One day I can be shooting a posh city wedding and the next day I’ll be out in the wilderness or on some of the finest beaches on the east coast. I do feel very lucky.

Why else do I feel lucky?

To have awesome couples, not only sometimes, but all of the time. My girl Traci (who’s wedding I shot in June) passed along my name to her friend Maria who called me up and wanted to do an engagement shoot. I said absolutely, let’s do it. So I headed down to Hingham and met up with the beautiful Maria and her fiance Noah. They are such a great couple with lots of personality and spunk. I had a great time with them running in the sand and splashing in the ocean.

Peace, Love & Awesome Floppy Beach Hats,

April K