Spring Bridal Portraits in the Magnolia Blooms

Spring magnolia blooms were the perfect backdrop for this stunning bride … she simply glowed! 

How do you select the perfect location for bridal portraits? There’s no need to overthink it. This backdrop was a small area of magnolia trees at the bride’s home. The area is simple, sentimental and the perfect tone behind a glowing bride.


Part One | Dublin, Ireland Editorial with Pearl and Godiva

In the words of Wedding Sparrow:

“This monochromatic beautiful editorial from powerhouse duo film photographer Sara Donaldson and stylist Pearl and Godiva is so perfectly evocative, I’m thrilled to have such a work of art grace the pages of Wedding Sparrow today. With fluidity and high fashion, this inspiration showcases how an eye for fashion and how people move can really make your images perfect. A good wedding photographer will be there to capture moments that another photographer will overlook. They know how to anticipate beautiful moments like these and to be patient in their wait to document the unguarded. They’ll capture the beauty, the drama, they’ll tell your story the way they know how. They have an eye for creative details – the beautiful table settings, a hand written note from your fiancé on the morning of your wedding, the song that was playing while you prepare with your bridesmaids.”

This is the first of a series of blog posts from this shoot. I can’t possibly narrow down these special images enough for just one post… Stay tuned for more!

VENDOR DETAILS

Photography: Sara Donaldson | Stylist/Planner: Pearl and Godiva | MUAHNoeleen Cunningham with EFC Studios | Wedding gowns: Cortana Brides | Accessories: Kristin Hayes Jewelry | Models: Not Another Agency and I Am Models Agency | Bridal shoes: Emmy London


Winter-Inspired Wedding Gown by Marco and Maria

This ostrich feather gown by Marco y Maria is any girl’s dream! As we wandered the grounds of Montjuic in Catalonia, Spain, onlookers oodled over the hand-sewn lace and long, lux feathered train. The entire 2019 line by Marco and Maria was inspired by the seasons … spring, summer, autumn and winter. This gown was inspired by winter, with lace details depicting winter floral and snow.

I also had the honor of photographing one of Marco and Maria’s spring-inspired gowns and their Barcelona Bridal Fashion Week runway show. Stay tuned for their new 2020 couture gown line, soon to be unveiled at BBFW!

VENDOR DETAILS

Photography: Sara Donaldson | Dresses: Marco & Maria | Hair and Makeup: Yolanda Blasco | Stylist agency for MUAHOui Novias | Model: Aranzazu Estévez | Modeling Agency: Pop House | Crown/Headpieces: Martina Dorta


Blush Wedding Gown by Marco y Maria

While meandering Montjuic in Barcelona, Spain, I found this beauty, wearing a blush Marco y Maria

Photographing Marco and Maria gowns is like photographing a work of fine art. This spring-inspired gown includes off-shoulder, hand-sewn lace shaped as delicate leaves and floral; a sheer back with gorgeous, delicate buttons; and a multi-layered flowing skirt. Wedding Sparrow calls Marco y Maria fresh, modern, feminine and edgy. I couldn’t agree more. 

You can check out my images of Marco and Maria’s Barcelona Bridal Fashion Week runway show featured here

Montjuïc is a phenomenal area in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. If you happen to find yourself in Barcelona, it is an absolute must-see spot. Bring good walking shoes, though: meandering Montjuic is vast and filled with lots and lots of stairs! I got quite a farmer’s tan wandering the expansive grounds after this lovely shoot (and may or may not have gotten a wee bit lost in the gardens). 

VENDOR DETAILS

Photography: Sara Donaldson | Dresses: Marco & Maria | Hair and Makeup: Yolanda Blasco | Stylist agency for MUAHOui Novias | Model: Aranzazu Estévez | Modeling Agency: Pop House | Headpieces: Martina Dorta


Child Portraits | The Sweetest Pea

This sweet little miracle has the best blue eyes I ever did see! We chose a beautiful background of floral in grandma’s fabulous backyard for these six-month portraits. I just love how her outfits match here eyes - and the scene.  

Words can’t express how much I enjoy capturing the continued stories of my wedding clients. This story started with engagements, their wedding, and now this sweet little one has captured the hearts of everyone around her! 

To celebrate 15 years as a photographer, I am offering a portrait session special for my beloved clients. Check out the link for details and contact the studio or email Sara directly to schedule your session!


Sara’s Spotlight | Meet Swear Bridal

Meet Swear, a new bridal designer based in Russia, has a fabulous line of alternative couture bridal pieces. I can’t decide if my favorite design is the jumpsuit, the feather trousers or the ostrich feather skirt… All provide a fantastic option for those of us who prefer slacks and separates to gowns.  


This post is a sneak peek to a shoot I can’t wait to share with you, featuring more of my favorite vendors!

VENDORS

Photography: Sara Donaldson | Bridal Wear: Meet Swear | Makeup and Hair: Q the MUA


A FORT WORTH WEDDING | St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church


Wedding originally featured in the January 2017 issue of The Knot Texas 

Sara Donaldson Photography | Final Stages Coordinator: Caroline Events | Makeup: Carolyn Logan, Jentry Kelley | Hair: Ann Gunter | Wedding Gown: Allure Bridals via Lulu’s Bridal | Custom Bolero: Lulu’s Bridal | Veil: Edward Berger | Bride’s Shoes: Christian Louboutin via Neiman Marcus | Bridesmaid Dresses: Bella Bridesmaids | Getting Ready Dresses: Mi Golondrina | Bowtie and Cummerbund: Robert Talbott purchased at John L. Ashe | Groom and Groomsmen Attire: Culwell and Son | Floral: Rusty Glenn, Enchanted Florist DFW | Napkin Linens: Bumblebee Linens, Monogrammed by Marsha Henshaw | Blue Demask Linen: Rusty Glenn Designs | Invitation and Paper: Needle in a Haystack | Calligraphy: Pat Leith, Michael Celedon | Rings: Cartier Wedding Rings, Haltom’s Jewelers, Family Heirloom | Ceremony Location: St. Andrew’s Episcopal Fort Worth | Reception: Private Estate | Band: Drywater | Video: When It Clicks | Custom Bar Coaster: Gracious Bridal

Takeaway Ideas: pale blue wedding color tone, grapefruit signature drink, flowers in hair, white dinner jackets, custom cufflinks, mix-matched bridesmaid dresses, custom monogrammed linen napkin, mixed gold and silver detail elements


Texas Ranch Wedding | Heart of the Ranch | Alyson and Chance


Oh how I enjoy a beautiful outdoor wedding… These two had the most perfect day together!

Photography: Sara Donaldson | Planning: Kendra Parsley, Precisely as Planned | Venue: Heart of the Ranch at Clearfork | Floral: Blushington Blooms | Wedding Dress: Watters from Warren Barron Bridal | Hair: Isha Meshaal | Makeup: Kari Shuler | Groom’s attire: Suit Supply | Paper Goods: HH Design House | Ceremony Music: Eneti Strings | Reception Music: Intensity Entertainment | Lighting and Rentals: Grand Events and Party Rental | Departure: Ashley’s Transportation



Enchanted Atelier by Liv Hart | Samuelle Couture NY Bridal Fashion Week

I had not seen artistic perfection until seeing a Samuelle Couture custom gown up close and personal. Sam’s gowns have an almost majestic quality. Each and every inch is perfectly soft, beautifully feminine, and hand sewn with care. Dresses simply do not typically have the graceful movement and fluidity that these have… Pair these couture gowns with the genius of Liv Hart and brides instantly have an effortless beauty that is rarely achieved. 

Liv Hart and I went to dinner in NYC during Bridal Fashion Week, and like a giddy teenager, I asked if I could wear one of her handmade headpieces to dinner. *Gasp.* Liv let me wander around New York City wearing her coveted halo crown, and for a few memorable hours… I felt like a princess. 

Here are some favorite moments from New York Bridal Fashion Week, featuring the latest pieces from Liv Hart and Samuelle Couture.

See more imagery of the Liv Hart and Samuelle Couture NYBFW showcase on the Wedding Sparrow blog!

Sara Donaldson | photography

Samuelle Couture | custom, hand-laced wedding gowns 

Enchanted Atelier by Liv Hart | beautiful handmade headpieces, veils and accessories

Sharon Becker | makeup and hair, New York City

Wilhelmina Models NYC | Annabelle

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