I’ve been art-directing photo shoots even before we started our business, and in those years, I’ve
worked with a lot of photographers. But every now and then I’m privileged to see a real artist at work.
Elizabeth Messina has a soul and talent that shine through in her images, and stand out in a sea of
photography. I knew her photos long before we met. She had been photographing my dresses and
lingerie for various magazines, and one day, she just called me out of the blue…”Hi, this is Elizabeth
Messina, and I love your work…I think we should meet” So the rest is kind of history…I sent her gowns
for her workshop in France, she photographed my lingerie collections, I created a French inspired Beau
Monde bridal collection, so naturally, who did I think of to photograph our campaign?

It is one thing to capture actual emotional moments (as she does so brilliantly for the lucky couples who
book her for their weddings) but what makes Elizabeth so remarkable, is that she is able to “create”
moments on a set that convey a real mood and feeling. Part of it is her technical skill, part is her warm
energy that brings out the best in her subjects, and the third part is pure magic…that thing that others
try to imitate but it just comes out flat. She so perfectly captures the genuine beauty that I also strive
to share with the world, and every time I send her pieces to photograph, I can’t wait to see the dreamy
images that come back! As she once said, “my camera wants to date your lingerie!” well, my gowns
want to MARRY Elizabeth!
 
 
 

Her new book, The Luminous Portrait, will give everyone a bit of insight and ideas for creating their own magic. I’m so proud and honored to have some of my designs featured in this gorgeous book, and can’t wait for our next collaboration!

The Luminous Portrait, by Elizabeth Messina available on Amazon.

Kissthegroom.com

Elizabethmessina.com

 
Chantilly gown shot by: Max Wegner Photogrpahy

Having celebrated Father’s Day with one of the best fathers on the planet (that would be my hubby Guy), and my own fabulous father paying us a visit from the East Coast this week, I guess the men in my life are on my mind. Without them, what would all this wedding fuss be about anyway?! I loved this quote recently posted by our friends at Little White Dress…so romantic…all he wants is you! And of course all you want is him too, so here’s a little attention for the grooms. Some seriously stylish ones here!

Photo by: Andrew Weeks

 
Madame Butterfly gown shot by Andrew Weeks     Clover Gown shot by Matt Miller

 
Krestene gown show by  Kristen Weaver            Madame Butterfly gown shot by Andrew Weeks

 
Queen Anne gown shot by Sarah Gawler           Lydia gown shot by Images by Bethany

In most weddings, so much of the focus is on the bride (as it should be, and our grooms wouldn’t have
it any other way!) but without your one-in-a-million-man, you wouldn’t need the gorgeous gown, the
cascading flowers or the perfect medley of sweet and savory…at the heart and soul of every wedding,
are the hearts and souls of two becoming one.

shared with us from bride Lisa Conrad Hare wearing Luna

I’m thrilled to share just a few lovely images from one of our UK beauties, Abi, married this spring in Kristene. Her wedding is featured on one of my favorite blogs, Love My Dress. So be sure to see the whole story with tons of gorgeous images photographed by Annamarie Stepney here.

The Art Deco theme is expressed in fabulous details throughout, and our bride looks absolutely gorgeous from head to toe! Love her groom dressed in his family’s tartan…so handsome!!! This wedding is full of the personal touches and thoughtful planning that makes a wedding truly memorable. Congratulations to Abi & Adam, and thank you for sharing your amazing day!

Featured on Love My Dress