Brittany + John's Brunch Wedding at the Taylor Mansion

The very first time I spoke with Brittany over the phone (she and John are from Ohio but currently work in Washington, D.C.), I knew I would love her. Before she allowed me to ask questions about she and John, she wanted to hear all about my pregnancy (I was 37 weeks when we spoke), how I was feeling, what I was most looking forward to about motherhood and even invited baby Glass to her upcoming wedding. What a genuine, beautiful soul. She and John are two of the most intentional folks you'll ever meet and it was no surprise that their wedding was full of charming, thought-out details attended by friends and family full of excitement for the two.

And if being fabulous and incredibly good-looking wasn't enough... Brittany and John opted for a brunch wedding at The Taylor Mansion. During that initial phone conversation Brittany was describing their vision for it : "there will be waffles and coffee and pie and tea cups; we just really love each other in the morning so we thought, 'why not?'." Yes, please.

I am so thrilled to have had the opportunity to celebrate with you and document such a beautiful day. Thank you for sharing it with me, Brittany + John.  

xo

Ceremony + Reception : The Taylor Mansion

Wedding Stylist : Ever After Vintage Rentals  

Videographer : Anthony Codispoti

Harpist : Miriam Weber Brown

Vocalist : Luke Bovenizer

Hair + Makeup : Nancy Shockley

Band : Brian Michael Smith

art + reika

I first saw Art and Reika just over a year ago as they walked into our tiny church plant and immediately pegged them as too cool to ever hang out with us.  They're the kind of fabulous that just seems to happen, ya know? The kind of cute that could throw on anything and it would look fantastic and effortless; they're so cool we invented a hashtag just for them. But here's the thing - tell this to their face and they would both just giggle. Art and Reika are two of the kindest, most genuine folks we've ever had the pleasure of knowing and our lives are most definitely better because of them. They're completely head over heels for one another - so dedicated to each other and to their friends, fully present in whatever situation they find themselves which is a rare thing these days. Basically, as all of our grandma's would say : "they're good people." 

Art and Reika will be married in June and sometimes I die a little when they share details about their wedding - and here's my favorite part : I'll be shooting all film! They're big bike enthusiasts so we spent one evening rolling from one favorite spot to another around Columbus and had a blast. ​

Thanks for all your lovin', Art + Reika. ​#artandreika4eva

​Kodak Portra 400 Film

What to Wear : Engagement Sessions

Today I'm thrilled to share some 'what to wear' advice from my good friend and talented stylist, Nichole. She's the good taste behind the inspiration boards that I share with every couple before their engagement session and was kind enough to offer a few key points to keep in mind when picking out your wardrobe. Enjoy! xo

One of you popped the question, the other said "yes!" and here you are. Amongst what seems like hundreds of tasks that need accomplished to plan a wedding, you find yourself needing some engagement photos. You may be flipping through the photographer's look book and thinking, "Wow, these couples look so put-together! What am I going to wear?!" No need to worry. With a little planning on your part and an amazing photographer like Lily Glass, you'll be blown away by your own photos!

Be your [Best] Self.

Yes, of course, you want these photos to be a reflection of who the two of you really are as a couple, relaxed and natural. However, if the real you equals sweat pants and hoodies, all bets are off. You don't need to wear a formal gown, but a little effort goes a long way. These photos will be seen by all your friends and extended family. You may even be using them as part of your Save-The-Date announcements. If your parents are anything like mine, your engagement photo will also be featured in the local paper. Its a good idea to invest in a new outfit that makes you feel great. You'll definitely be able to wear it throughout your engagement to parties, dinners, and meetings with vendors. 

Dress on the Same Level.

While you don't want to show up wearing matching shirts, you at least want to look like you are attending the same event. If your fiancé is wearing jeans, don't show up in a cocktail dress and heels. Not sure where to start? Try checking out the website, catalog or store of your favorite brand to study how they put things together. Even if the brand is out of your price range, it will give you an idea of the type of pieces to look for at a more frugally-priced store.  Here are two examples  of outfits styled at the same level as your partner.

Pay Attention to Details.

Accessories: 

It's the little things that can make all the difference in a good outfit. Add a pop of color somewhere. A bold necklace, scarf or earrings add interest to an outfit. They also make focal points for the photographer, allowing him/her to make better compositions and more visually-interesting shots. This goes for the guys, too. Try a bold scarf or tie. Amazing shoes look great on everyone and instantly take a casual outfit to the next level. Just remember to refrain from crazy heels if you'll be walking around out in nature during your shoot.

Grooming: 

Ladies: Your photographer is definitely going to want several shots of your hand with that gorgeous new ring . This means do your nails! You don't need to spring for a manicure if you're on a budget, but at least trim your nails and apply a coat of neutral polish.  This is also a great time to have your hair done professionally. Having your hair curled or straightened by a good stylist will help you to feel extra confident and radiant for your close-up!

Gents: Like your bride, clean up your nails for close-ups. Also, get a haircut about a week before the shoot. This will give it time to grow out a bit and not scream " I just got a haircut!" Facial hair is fine, if that is your normal look, but please trim it up. No Neck Beards.

I really wanted to end this article with a list of items to avoid completely, but I can't. I've seen some amazing photos where the couples have on less- than-traditional outfits. My suggestions may not fit every couple, but I hope that they guide those of you who are completely in the dark.  If you have the confidence to pose in your swimsuit, the edge needed to rock leather shorts, or the style to pull off a vintage ensemble, go for it!

 -Nichole