Wedding Bokeh

Over the weekend, I was finishing up the editing process for one of the weddings I photographed several weeks ago...and came across a few that I had forgotten about.  For this particular wedding, I had the chance to go over to the reception hall the night before to get a feel for what the setting would be like the next day.  It was quite dark inside, but I turned on all the twinkle lights they had wrapped around the pillars, and had fun getting a bunch of detail shots with awesome bokeh in the background. :)  

Here are a few of my favorites...

Blessings to you all today :)
Rachel Elisabeth

DIY - Watercolor Votive holders

So, this is my first attempt at combining my love for photography with my love for cute, creative, handmade projects.  

I think the combination part needs a little work...there were definitely details I overlooked.  

But, I decided to share this anyway, and you all can learn from my mistakes. :)

I saw the basic instructions for this idea on another blog several weeks ago, and loved it.

This is a quick and easy project {I'm a huge fan of quick and easy, believe me}.

It's also an inexpensive decoration for a party or shower, and you can coordinate the colors of the paint with your theme.

All you need are a few supplies and about 10 minutes.  Here we go...

  You'll need several bottles of acrylic paint, no more than 4 or 5 colors.  

Apology #1: please excuse our well-used paint bottles...

they have faithfully done their duty over many years.

You will also need clear glass votive holders.  I bought these at Target, but you could probably get a better deal and wider selection at a craft supply store.

Apology #2: please excuse the eggs in the background...photography lesson learned - always check surroundings.

The last thing you need is a paintbrush or two...

...and you're all set to go!

Squeeze a little paint onto a paper plate or piece of foil...you really only need a little for this project, and don't be afraid to mix colors to get a shade you want.

I experimented a little with the method of applying the paint to the votive holder.  Here's the first method:  Using your brush, mix the paint with water until it's runny, and dab it around the top of the glass, allowing the paint to run down the inside.  

Alternate colors all the way around, tilting the glass to allow the water that pools in the bottom to run back up the sides, filling in the empty spots.

Finished product #1.

For the second one, I tried painting streaks around the glass...

...then dabbing the water on top of the paint to see if it would run together.  

I definitely like the effect of the first method better.

It just looks a little more "watercolorish", and not quite so blotchy.

This is how much paint I had left over...so, as I said, you only need a tiny bit.

So there you go. :)  Wash the paintbrushes and throw the paper plate away and you're done!  

I let the paint dry overnight before putting the votives in them.  

Have fun! :)  Blessings to you,

Rachel Elisabeth

{Sisters} ...preview

I did a photo session last week with two very cute sisters...here's a little glimpse of the fun we had.

More to come later...

Rachel Elisabeth

Kara and Jonathan {wedding}

I've known Kara a lot longer than I've known Jonathan.  She and I share memories of piano lessons way back when :), several years of Bible study with the girls at our church, and general fun times in the same circle of friends.  She met Jonathan when she started college at Grove City, and they quickly became more than friends to each other.  He came to our church with her on several occasions, and I was thrilled for both of them when their engagement was announced.

The day of the wedding was very relaxed and we had a great time in the park across the street from the church.  It was fun watching Kara and Jonathan enjoy each other and their family and friends. :)  Once again, there's lots of pictures to sort through and edit...here are some of my favorite images from the day.

I've had quite a number of friends get engaged recently, but I have to say that Kara's engagement ring is my favorite out of all I've seen...it's so gorgeous. :)  Love it...

The Weaver family

The Cutler family

Elizabeth A. was my assistant again, and the above pose was one of her ideas...

it ended up being one of my favorites from the day :)

After the bridal party danced through one song, Jonathan gave a quick swing dancing lesson and invited everyone else onto the floor to learn...

Praying God's best on you, Kara and Jonathan, as you begin a new life together!

Rachel Elisabeth