Flat lays are a great way to show off your invitation suite, paper goods, treasured heirlooms you might be wearing on your wedding day, or jewelry. Read on below for 5 tips on styling a fantastic flat lay!
Xo, Calluna
Background
This is your base and sets the tone for the flat lay! A crisp white background is always a safe choice that will be the supporting role for what you are trying to feature. The background is also a way to bring in different patterns and character to the photos!
Accessories
Accessories are another great way to bring in different textures to give the eye multiple things to look at. These can include silk ribbons, velvet ring boxes, different props that match your wedding feel, and lastly florals!
Layering
Going off of using textures for interest, layering different components and props to bring in height can also provide the same effect. Giving the eye multiple things to look at using textures and heights creates a sensory overload in the best way. The textures bring in a tactile sense while height and different levels will give it depth – even as a flat lay! While it is a styled flat lay, layering your props can give it that effortlessly chic “this ribbon just fell in perfect tendrils across the paper” feel.
Color Palette
Choosing a color palette will also help dictate the style and mood of your wedding. You can use different hues of the same color for a chic monochromatic look, or use complementary colors to provide contrast and bring in an interesting pop of color. This is where you can have a lot of fun and play around with different ideas!
Composition
Use different compositions to show off your details! Whether it’s an entire overview of your suite, or a close up of the paper or jewelry, a great composition can highlight all the ideas you’ve put into your designs while showcasing the calligrapher or illustrator’s work. Some composition ideas include using a grid, leaving negative space, ordered chaos, rule of thirds, and so much more!
See how some of our incredible photographer friends styled flat lays for our Calluna brides!
Photo | Amy Caroline Photography
Designed by | Sweet Zion Paperie
Photo | Cassie Rosch Photography
Photo | Laura Murray
Design | Lana’s Shop
Photo + Featured Photo | Alp & Isle
Here at Calluna we are always looking for new ways to highlight and honor some of the amazing creative partners we get to work with. We feel incredibly fortunate to work with some seriously talented vendors in the industry, and we want to show them off to you in our new Calluna Community Series! We will sit down with some of the fabulous vendors of Colorado and get to know about them, their business and what life is like behind the scenes. Stay tuned for more!
This week for Calluna Community we caught up with Laura of Laura Murray Photography!
Cheers! Xo, Calluna
Describe what you do! “I am a wedding and lifestyle photographer. I am based in Golden, Colorado, but I adore traveling for work all across our beautiful state, as well as across the country and globe. My photography business began in 2008 while planning my own wedding. At the time I was working in a complete opposite field– I have a degree in mathematics from the University of Colorado and my career path initially took me into tech consulting. However, I craved creativity and have always had an entrepreneurial spirt. I fell in love with photography while working with my own wedding photographer. I quickly made the switch and have never looked back! I absolutely love what I do — my job is my passion and I cannot imagine doing anything else for work. I get to work with the loveliest people on their happiest of days. Being a wedding photographer is my dream job.”
What is your idea of a dream project? “My dream project is working with clients who make their wedding a reflection of their unique selves. My favorite thing is to walk away from a wedding with the feeling that the couple created an event that was a true representation of their personalities and relationship. I also love working with couples who value emotion and are not afraid of expressing it. My favorite imagery is created when when couples do not hold back from expressing their love and joy.”
What has been your favorite wedding that you have worked, or attended? “Oh goodness, it is so hard to choose, as I have so many favorites. I feel like I have the BEST clients around. My clients are kind, gracious, and have incredible style. Each wedding is completely different, but always so enjoyable. However, traveling is always a highlight for me. I have enjoyed traveling to Paris, Santorini, New York, California, Montana, and Vermont to photograph weddings. And I never tire of traveling across the state to Colorado. It is exciting to be somewhere different each weekend and to draw inspiration from my environment when photographing.”
What does your morning routine look like? “My morning routine is a little different now that I have kids (I have 3 kids– a toddler and twin 7 month old babies). Because I often work on the weekend, I allocate some weekdays as family days. On those days I spend my morning getting in some snuggles with my children, eating breakfast together, and we often go outside to play. However, on work days I try to get into work mode right away. I wake up around 7 AM and once the kids are with our nanny, I start my work day. I have a studio space in my home and it is very convenient. It is a light-filled location where I will meet clients, do computer work, and also photograph studio sessions. On a typical day, I will first take a look at all my emails and respond immediately to anything that needs a quick reply. Communication is a keystone of my business so I like to be timely with emails. Then, I plan my day depending on what I have going on. My work days are often filled with editing, album design, blogging, creating social media content, reviewing/drafting timelines for upcoming weddings, and meeting with potential clients/current clients. I also like to carve out time to work ON my business instead of always IN my business. Working ON my business means setting strategic goals, improving who I am as a person and photographer, and planning out the steps required to meet my long-term goals.”
What are some of your favorite trends that you are seeing? “One of my favorite trends has to do with fashion, especially with the wedding dress. I think the wedding dress is the perfect way for a bride to express her personality. I have seen so many different styles of wedding gown — and all are so beautiful! Sometimes my brides choose something more modern with sleek lines and unique shapes, sometimes they choose something more traditional with intricate lace patterns or beading. My favorite trend is when a bride choose a gown that is a reflection of their personal style.”
What advice would you give to a younger you? “I would tell my younger self that you should dream big, have no regrets and that you are responsible for creating your own happiness. Dream big with your career and don’t settle for a 9-5 that doesn’t inspire you. Have no regrets by getting out of your comfort zone; travel the world and ask that cute stranger out on a date (which is how I met my husband!). The sooner you realize that YOU are responsible for your own happiness you can get on with creating a wonderful life and not blaming others for your apparent failures/shortcomings.”
What makes you excited to go to work in the morning? “My clients and the wedding vendor teams that I work with are what ignites the fire in me. As I said before, I love my clients. They are always such a joy to be around! But I also have such a strong community of vendor friends too. The wedding industry is warm and welcoming — many of the people I worked with at weddings have become dear friends. My answer to this question is that the PEOPLE I work with are what makes me excited to get to work!”
What is your favorite cocktail, or what are you drinking tonight? “My favorite cocktail is usually a glass of red wine. You really cannot go wrong with a good glass of red wine and it is also heart healthy (I am a health nut!). But if I am going to splurge, I’ll choose a chocolate martini! I can never get enough chocolate in my life! ;)”
Follow Laura Murray Photography on Instagram!
This week for our Vendor Spotlight, we chatted with the ever-fabulous Ashley Sawtelle with Ashley Sawtelle Photography. We’ve worked with Ashley on a few weddings, a fabulous elopement, and a beautiful styled shoot. Read on to learn a little more about this talented artist!
How would you describe what you do?
I use natural light with my medium format camera to create photographs that are nostalgic and timeless. My style is the lovechild of documentary and editorial—joyful yet curated. Discovering what is important for my clients and what makes their wedding day special allows me to deliver a complete set of imagery.
What is your idea of a dream project?
I love discovering new destinations! Whether it’s traveling with my husband and documenting our travels or shooting an engagement session off the coast of California. I love what captivating environments do to a couple – it makes them love on one another a little more!
What has been your favorite wedding or event that you worked or attended? Why?
I love what weddings have become for couples. It’s really whatever your heart desires and the vision you hold. I enjoy the energy and excitement of big weddings, but also really appreciate photographing intimate gatherings. This past fall I photographed a sweet elopement at Beano’s Cabin in Beaver Creek (w/ Calluna Events). Witnessing and feeling the solidarity between the couple against the tall mountain peaks was a day I’ll never forget.
What makes you excited to go to work in the morning?
What the day has in store! I love that at any moment an amazing couple or vendor can contact you for a wedding or collaboration. Being able to build these relationships within a creative capacity is my favorite thing about this job.
What advice would you give a younger you?
Never stop being a student. Always continue to grow and learn everyday. I am amazed at what I’ve learned since the beginning and looking forward to the journey ahead.
Keep up with Ashley from Ashley Sawtelle Photography :: Blog | Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest
Sadly your big day is only ONE day, but luckily there are some amazing wedding photographers out there that can capture all of the beautiful moments of laughter and happiness! Choosing a wedding photographer may seem like a daunting task but don’t be instantly overwhelmed. We have compiled a list of five tips & tricks on how to pick the best photographer for you and your future hubby.
Enjoy! xx, Calluna
1. Start The Search Early
It is often the case that wedding photographers have their schedules booked fairly early so we suggest starting your research in the beginning of the planning so you can score the perfect photographer for the big day. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t find the perfect fit right away, there are an endless amount of talented photographers out there!
Photography Credit: Kate Holstein Photography || Dawn Sparks Photography
2. Utilize Social Media
To get the full feel of your potential photographer utilize social media. While browsing the photographers website is most definitely useful, check out other platforms like Facebook to see past reviews from former clients. Most photography websites also include a testimonial section that will give you some useful info!
Photography Credit: Jenna Walker Photography
3. Decide on a style
Wedding photographers each have their own styles, ranging from photojournalism to fine art to portraiture. It is crucial to have an idea of how you want your photos to look before you start meeting with potential photographers. If you have specific photos that you want, make sure your photographer is willing to go that way.
Photography Credit: James Christianson || The Willinghams
4. Pay Attention to Personality
You and your photographer will be spending alot of time together. Don’t underestimate the importance of a great relationship, it will contribute largely to the day running smoothly. Setting up and interview to meet and get to know the photographer is a great way to see if your personalities mesh well together. Make sure that you trust the photographer to be assertive enough while also appealing to you and your guests.
Photography Credit: Alison Vagnini
5. Don’t Ignore the Fine Print
Pick a photographer that has a clear contract and make sure you discuss what will be included in your wedding package. Determine which parts of the wedding you would like photographed as well as hours and any additional staff joining the primary photographer. Clear communication about budget and logistics from the start will contribute to a hassle free planning process.
Photography Credit: Steve Stanton Photography
Featured image || Dawn Sparks
All of us from Calluna Events are excited about the new Manzanita business extension. Manzanita SELFIES is a selfie service for wedding or events. We are in the age of the selfie! Don’t be embarrassed, we all know that taking pictures of ourselves is a common past time. So, why not give guests the ability to do just that at weddings or events? Manzanita now provides a service that could give the happy couple or host the most lively and honest snapshots of their guests, a sort of mobile photo booth that can easily act as a guest book. Manzanita will deliver high quality photos that are professionally edited and curated into an online gallery and photo book. What could be better?!
How does it work?
You order your package | it is mailed to you | you and your friends take great selfies | you mail it back | we curate and edit the best of your photos | you get a photo book and an online gallery to share with friends and family!
Website | Instagram | Facebook
On this week’s edition of Calluna’s vendor spotlights we had the opportunity to sit down and catch up with the ever-so-talented Otto from Otto Schulze Photography. For those of you who don’t remember – we had the honor of working with Otto on Bre + Ben’s wedding which was also featured in Style Me Pretty! Otto was one of three photographers for this wedding, the moments Otto captured were absolutely stunning. We are absolutely smitten with Otto’s work, he is very very talented and we were so happy to discover what inspires Otto. Read on to find out for yourself!
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Describe what you do.
I think it would be fair to describe me as a ‘qualified observer’. I’ve always loved this quote by Henri Cartier-Bresson “you see, you feel, and the surprised eye responds”. This to me sums up my approach when I’m shooting. Unobtrusively capturing authentic moments as they happen. And then beyond that my treatment of those images in post production most definitely is a fine art approach.
For me, the actual shooting is the sketch, the pencil drawing, and the post production is where I ‘paint’, where I finish the thought, if you will. I take my time. One image at a time. I have no preconceived goal or idea. Every image is finished as one of one. I’m obsessed with quality and everything I do is with that in view. From the equipment that I use, to the photographer I fly out to shoot the event with me, EVERYTHING. My strengths as an artist definitely leans towards clients that are confident and comfortable in who they are. People who can simply just be themselves.
What has been your favorite wedding or event you’ve ever worked/attended?
I’ve been privileged in my career to have photographed events at some pretty incredible locations – The Great Wall of China, on top of mountains, secluded beaches, meadows, you name it. But if I have to pick one then my favorite all time wedding would have to be the first wedding I shot at Brush Creek Ranch. Alexi + Beno. Not only was the setting absolutely spectacular, honestly Brush Creek Ranch is my favorite location of all time, but there was a certain ease, and authenticity about Alexi + Beno that just sets this wedding apart for me. By the time it was the actual wedding day, we had all been at the ranch together for a day or two already by then, we felt like we were guests at this wedding. I can honestly say I photographed this entire wedding without even breaking a sweat. Everything came with such ease, so organically…they were who they were, I was who I was, and it flowed…it was grand!
What makes you excited to go to work in the morning?
So I work from home and that involves three magnificent little girls. So, that for me is huge! I love ‘making images’. I feel like for the most part I’m really still just ‘playing’….creating….experimenting. So that’s exciting. And then of course the other part for me of ‘going to work’ is I get to travel to all these ridiculous locations.
What advice would you give a younger you?
Honestly I have no idea. I don’t look back much. I am where I am right now, I’m not where I’m going, and where I was is past. So all I have, and occupy myself with, is NOW.
What’s your favorite trend you are seeing in your industry?
Honestly I’m not a trend guy. I have no idea what’s trending in the wedding industry, or really anywhere else for that matter. Sorry. Again, because my style is so reactive it really makes no difference whether I know what’s trending or not. And honestly my clients are typically not ‘trend followers’ regardless. They’re always doing they’re own thing, they very much have their own vision…
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We loved getting to catching up with Otto and learning what inspires him! If you liked what you read, check him out on his social media outlets and look into booking him for your wedding! Afterall wedding season is just around the corner!
| Keep up with Otto Schulze Photography |
Stay tuned for more of our vendor spotlights! xx, Calluna
