Lara Swanson Photo » Nontraditional, Offbeat and Alternative Photographer

I’m sorry to say that I found about this website a little too late, as the Green Bag Lady is taking a break from her project of making fabric bags for free for those who want to switch from plastic. You can check out her blog here: http://www.greenbaglady.blogspot.com/

But Teresa was kind enough to answer a few questions, and provide some encouragement to those wanting to make the switch on their own! I know that we have more than a few “green” brides reading this blog, so I wanted to pick Teresa’s brain and share it with you!

Can you describe what you do and what you love about what you do?
Teresa: I love making bags because they are so handy and useful. It’s not something that gets put in a corner to be admired, I love functional art. We use a lot of hand thrown pottery dishes in our house and I love that we eat off of something that someone made.

What are some of the more creative things you’ve seen done with your bags?
Teresa: Bags used as “gift bags” or “wrapping paper.”

Anything you want to share to couples planning their weddings? (Go green!)
Teresa: Think about every think you buy, do you REALLY need it to make the day special. If not, don’t buy it or use it. It will save you money as well as the planet from more stuff!

While she’s taking a break from the bags for right now, you can visit her blog where she’s uploaded a a downloadable pattern and a how-to video! Be sure to also check out her post on why she’s started this project; it’s a really inspiring read.

As you know, we love us some anti-brides. And anti-grooms. One of my clients, Kim, sent me this article to check out: You Know You’re an Anti-Bride If…

This may resonate with you, too! We’ve got lots of resources for the outside-the-box to-be-wedded ones, so please don’t hesitate to ask where you can get more info, support, and ideas from like-minded nontraditional engaged folk.

YUM, right? I had a great time working with all of these treats as we photographed the different kinds of candies for the Sugar Cube’s new website. Enjoy!

When I first started emailing with Darlene, I knew that this was going to be a perfect fit for engagement photography. Brad and I spent a late afternoon with them in Old Town Alexandria, VA, and had an absolute blast. They look so great together, it was impossible to take a bad picture of them!

Check out that bling:

It was not hard to get Joe to get back down on one knee. He jumped at the chance! (And check out Darlene’s shoes!)

I have so many wedding photography detail shots I don’t know where to begin. I have to split this post up into multiple days because there’s so many! Today, we’ve got all of the ceremony and prep details. Brit and Mac clearly put a lot of time and effort into their detail coordination!

Welcoming guests:

A macro shot of a flower from the bouquets and the programs:

The rings and the bride’s bouquet:

The front of the pew “Reserved” sign and the “tears of joy” packets, alongside one of the streamers for the guests to use during their exit:

First shot of Brit’s shoes, with her and Mac’s initials, alongside the stunning Maid of Honor bouquet. All of the bridesmaids had their initials in their bouquets:

Brit’s dress tag, and another shot of her shoes, with their wedding date:

Coloring books for the kids, and the color-coordinated weight holding up the “Reserved” pew sign:

Their aisle runner (complete with their monogram!) and the flower girl’s bouquet:

The groomsmen gift:

And of course, another ring shot!

I absolutely love this post on Offbeat Bride about two gamers, their love, and celebrating it at the zoo. Check out this quote:

[W]e decided the best way to smooth everything out was to offer a variety of activities during the reception to keep people busy and dizzy with fun. We had dancing, a photobooth, Rock Band, a carousel, and trainers with live animals, and the trainers offered informative tidbits about animal conservation.

She lists some tips and more details of her wedding in this post, but also check out their photos on Flickr!

Brad has been using our home studio for tons of portraits recently. We’ve always loved doing maternity portraits, and Flora’s session was no exception! Check out some of the highlights (I snapped a few too!):