12 Iconic Wedding Dresses

As a wedding photographer, I thought it would be interesting to do a little research on the most historic and iconic wedding dresses.

1. Queen Elizabeth (1840)
We always think of white for our wedding gown, but did you know that Queen Victoria was the first bride to wear white on her wedding day? That's right, before Victoria brides wore many fashionable colors for their wedding. In fact back in the time period of Queen Victoria (1840), white was known as the mourning color. Well, Queen Victoria changed all that when she designed and wore her white wedding dress!

Queen Victoria (1840)

2. Princess Elizabeth (1947)
Due to the effects of world war 2, Elizabeth had to save up clothing rations to purchase her wedding dress. The dress was designed by Norman Hartnell and was inspired from Botticelli's painting La Primavera. The gown was embellished with shimmering floral garlands and flowing sprays of corn with details of white seed pearls, sparkling crystals, and glistening silver threads.

Princess Elizabeth, 1947

3. Elizabeth Taylor (1950)
Elizabeth was was only 18 at the time, but already a star and veteran actress. The silk-satin wedding gown designed by Helen Rose was a gift to Elizabeth from MGM studios.

Elizabeth Taylor, 1950

4. Jacqueline Bouvier (1953)
To the marriage of John F. Kennedy, Jacqueline chose a gown designed by Ann Lowe. It was made from 49 feet of ivory silk taffeta.

Jacqueline Bouvier, 1953

5. Aubrey Hepburn (1954)

Aubrey wore a tea length Balmain dress with a stunning crown of roses around her head.

Aubrey Hepburn, 1954

6. Grace Kelly (1956)

Grace Kelly's simple yet exquisitely detailed wedding gown was designed by Helen Rose. 

Grace Kelly, 1956

7. Tricia Nixon (1971)

Tricia's pearl-and-lace-trimmed silk organdy dress was designed by Priscilla of Boston.

Tricia Nixon, 1971

8. Princess Diana (1981)

Princess Diana's entire gown was entirely handmade with with more than 10,000 mother of pearl sequins and pearls. David and Elizabeth Emanuel were the designers.

Princess Diana, 1981

9. Elizabeth banks (2003)
Elizabeth wore an off-white silk-chiffon Christian Dior gown for her wedding.

Elizabeth Banks, 2003

10. Princess Mary of Denmark, 2004

Mary wears an ivory duchess satin dress designed by Uffe Frank.

Princess Mary of Denmark, 2004

11. Ivanka Trump, 2009

Ivanka loved Grace Kelly's wedding dress and called on designer Ms. Wang. Ms. Wang designed a beautiful dress consisting of three layers of different kinds of lace. Each layer being pieced together by hand to create a different pattern in the lace. 

Ivanka Trump, 2009

12. Kate Middleton, 2011

Kate wore a dress fit for a future queen. It was designed by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen royal wedding.

Kate Middleton, 2011

Kallie shares her maternity and newborn session experience

Kallie and I first met back in the spring of 2012 when she came in for her first maternity session. She has completed 2 maternity and newborn portrait sessions with me and I feel so honored to have been her maternity and newborn photographer. I absolutely love building connections with those I work with and Kallie was no exception. Now she is going to share her experience with all of you! Images provided by Kallie.

Hello, my name is Kallie Edwards and I would like to share with you my experience with Jenny Lee's Photography. I have two sons, ages (almost) two and five months. I did both the maternity and newborn shots with both of them. 

Jase + Jett sweet nursery

 I had seen and admired Jenny's work before I was ever pregnant with my oldest son but I never really thought about getting these photos for our own children someday. In fact, the thought of children at that point seemed like an impossibility as we had suffered several loss of pregnancies. After we thought we had (and may have) experienced yet another loss, our first son was finally going to be born in June of 2012 and I knew these photos were a must! 

The newborn session was a no-brainer for me but I have to be honest, I was a little hesitant about the maternity shoot. Was it really that important? Should we just take our own photos of my "baby bump"and concentrate our investment on the newborn photos? I didn't mind the way I looked pregnant but what I was really excited for was MY baby in those amazing newborn shots that I had seen.

We did decide to do the maternity shoot and I am so glad we did. Not only do we have these amazing photographs of my first and long awaited viable pregnancy, but the experience in itself was unforgettable. It was so special to let Jenny photograph that time in my life and I will never forget the feeling of love and intimacy I shared with my husband. 

Jenny Lee is amazing behind the camera and really makes you look and feel beautiful. Having these photos is wonderful in itself but looking at them puts me right back to that day and I can remember it like it was yesterday.
     
Our first son, Jase Ryan Edwards, was born on June 6th, 2012, and we had the pleasure of having Jenny photograph him when he was 11 days old. As a new mother I was a bit nervous to put my newborn in the hands of someone else but let me tell you, Jenny Lee has her way with babies! After peeking in and watching for a short time I got to sit and relax (for the first time in 11 days) while Jenny did our photos and I was 100% comfortable turning my son over to her! 

The photos ended up being amazing, as I expected. The one that took our breath away the most was one of my husband holding him in a pose Jenny referred to as "Daddy's Hands". We ordered a large print and hung it above his crib, along with lots of the others around his nursery and our home.
     
Our second experience with maternity photos was even better. After forming a special bond with Jenny while working with her with our first son, the second time around was even more comfortable and fun for us. Our first son was having "one of those days" and Jenny still managed to get some great shots of him and his soon to be baby brother. I was amazed at how great they turned out, especially considering the kid I remember had a bright red and tear soaked face!
     

Our second son, Jett Nicholas Edwards, was born four weeks early on November 21st, 2013, and he was 12 days old for his newborn shoot. Once again she worked wonders with him and we ended up with several breath taking and adorable photos of him. 

We specifically asked for another "hands" photo of him and his daddy, to put above his crib as we did with our first son. We are so happy with the results. The boys share a room, so I did all Jase's photos in black frames and all Jett's photos in white. I love how both of their "hands" pictures look above their matching cribs.
     
In my experiences working with Jenny I learned that she is very understanding and easy to work with. She's great at answering any questions and I learned to just trust her because you WILL be happy with the results!

  

7 Reasons Why you should Photograph your Pregnancy

As a professional portrait photographer specializing in newborns I have the privilege of working with many mamas. I can't tell you how many times I hear mamas share their regret with me for not taking the time for maternity photography. They tend to not feel beautiful at the time, but then as time passes they wish they would've had the confidence to have captured their pregnancy.

Sometimes, when we are in the moment it doesn't feel important enough to put on the priority list. However, as time goes by and we look back we find that those images become even more important. The mamas that take the time to cherish their pregnancy with beautiful maternity images are even more in love with those images, but the mamas that didn't have such regret.

Due to my passion of wanting life moments captured so they can be heirlooms to be passed down from generation to generation, I wanted to take the time to share with you why you should take the time for a maternity portrait session.

1. You are GLOWING!
Now come on, don't let that little devil on your shoulder tell you otherwise. I understand you may be sore, tired, and don't quite feel yourself. However, we see you as a beautiful glowing mama.

Pregnancy is amazing and beautiful! Pregnancy only happens a few times in your life. You may not feel as if you are glowing with beauty, but as your professional photographer I can help you to feel the beauty, love, and femininity of pregnancy. Who knows, you might start to feel gorgeous!

2. Show off that Belly!
You may be like many women and have always felt a bit sheepish regarding your belly, even before you were pregnant, but now you can show it off! This will help to boost your confidence as many women become less self conscious about their weight during pregnancy.

3. Memories!
Once this time has passed you will have missed the opportunity of capturing these authentic, timeless, emotional connections during this expecting time. There's no going back. It will be gone and the regrets will set in. I don't know any mama who has regretted getting a maternity portrait, but I know plenty who regret not doing it.

Photography helps us to remember memories and feelings. Perhaps you think you won't care about remembering this time, but I can assure you that your children will be thrilled to see images of you while they were growing inside of you.

4. Fun and Creative!
Mamas tell me how much they enjoyed their maternity portrait session. Even the daddy's will get into it! It's important to do a bit of research to give you some ideas. Think of the style you want: elegant, intimate, authentic, timeless, fun, in studio or outside. How much skin are you willing to show or do you want to keep it all covered?

5. Daddy Bond!
Dad's can have a harder time bonding with baby since the baby is growing, moving, and hiccuping inside of you and not him. Perhaps by getting daddy involved with a maternity session it gives him a chance to bond with baby and create special memories of his own.

6. Sibling Bond!
Older children in the family may be feeling unsure about the changes taking place in the family. We can help ease those worries by getting children involved in the maternity session. Photographs of them kissing or hugging your belly can help create a loving bond with their sibling. It also makes them feel special and important and they'll have those timeless images to remember, 'I was there when you were in mommy's belly'.

7. Professional Photographer!
As a professional photographer I can create a timeless, authentic, iconic work of art for you so that you can treasure the emotional connections of pregnancy.

Jude and Malachi, Twin Boys 4-month Baby Plan Session

Jude and Malachi are baby boy twins and they came in for their 4-month baby plan creative portrait session. I first met Jude and Malachi back in December shortly before Christmas for their newborn photography session.

I absolutely love photographing babies, so two is double the fun and I feel blessed that their mommy and daddy have chosen me to photograph their babies'  milestones as they grow. Their adorable expressions, beautiful blue eyes, and chunky baby thighs! Aww...you just gotta love it!

The only thing for me is I have trouble figuring out who is Jude and who is Malachi. These twin boys really look so much alike! I keep telling myself I will eventually figure it out.

We started out the session with these cute cloth diapers that their parents brought with them. Cloth diapers are not near the pain that used to be with pins and layers. These all-in-one diapers are convenient and easy to change and clean.

When it comes to  twins we want to always take some photographs with both of them together and of course some of each of them. Someday when the babies are older and they go to look back at these images we want them to know that they were loved not just as a pair of twins, but individuals as well. We ended the session with the parents and the parents had no problem loving on their babies!

This is just the beginning of the fun creative sessions we'll have with these beautiful baby boys! Next time we see these twin boys in the studio they'll be about 8 months old and sitting!

Contact me today via the contact form on my website http://www.jennyleesphotography.com
Want to stay updated? SUBSCRIBE here - http://eepurl.com/SbucP

Tara and Steve, Expecting a Boy

Tara and Steve are expecting a baby boy this June! On a beautiful spring day in Wyoming we went out to capture the big event for this couple that is about to be first time parents. They are keeping baby boy's name a surprise for friends and family for when he arrives. So no mention of a name at this point.

Tara has such good taste as she came dressed in a classic black sweater dress and scarf and then later changed into a beautiful sweater and jeans. She was so fit that if I didn't photograph her from the right angle you couldn't even tell she was pregnant.

We set out for a little fun with baby shoes and balloons and also did some great authentic, timeless images which I will show here. Since we are in Wyoming, spring here still pretty much looks like winter; however with the fall leaves still on the ground in certain Gillette areas the images almost look like we are in the season fall. Wyoming! However, the images are gorgeous and we were blessed with a beautiful sunny day.

Steve wasn't so sure about jumping in front of the camera, but I reminded him that it's not just about the mama, but about the daddy too! To ALL daddy's out there, don't do it for you, do it for your NEWBORN and of course your wife will love you for it too!

Steve did warm up and towards the end when I backed away to give them some space and told them to pretend I wasn't there. He smiled a big smile and wrapped his arms around Tara and nuzzled up to her. He has an amazing love for the mother of his child.

Tara and Steve were so great to work with and the love they have for each other and the excitement they have for this baby makes them absolutely glow! It makes my heart soar to capture a couples emotions and connections with each other and their growing anticipation for their newborn.

Thank you Tara and Steve for being so WONDERFUL!

Are you expecting? Contact me today via the CONTACT form on my website http://www.jennyleesphotography.com

Want to stay updated? SUBSCRIBE here - http://eepurl.com/SbucP

Cienna's 6-month Baby Portrait Session

Meet baby Cienna, a beautiful 6-month old girl. We photographed her in my home based studio against the creamy background and flokati rug that is just so dreamy. We started out with mom and dad to get some great family shots, some traditional, some more natural with kisses and loves for baby Cienna.

This was Cienna's first creative portrait session so we kept the focus on Cienna, the couple's first baby. She did well with sitting and I just love to photograph babies once they are sitting. When it comes to infants; after newborns, babies that are sitting are my favorite to photograph. Babies typically start to sit between 6-8 months old.

Cienna was a perfect model as she never cried and never fussed. She modeled for the camera through the entire session and was just as perfect as can be.

We changed her several times to get several different looks. I carry several diaper covers, lacey petties, a few tutus, hats, and headbands to make baby sessions easy for mom and dad. However, this mama had some really cute headbands from the Carter's store that she had received as a gift and they were just perfect for her portrait session. Babies don't need much as I love to show off that baby skin.

Through the first year showing off baby skin is definitely part of the photography experience for a baby. And why not? Babies are so sweet and innocent and scrumptious! Ok, I realize they are not a delicacy to savor, but seriously who can resist not loving on the most precious gift God has given us - CHILDREN!

Gotta love a girl in lace and pearls!

As I mentioned above this was Cienna's first portrait session. Cienna's mama mentioned to me how much she regretted not getting newborn photographs with Cienna. Oh, that just breaks my heart and I know there are many of you out there as well that are expecting and maybe haven't thought about setting up your newborn session, but take it from us moms - DO IT! The only regret you'll have is NOT doing it!

Are you letting time pass you by without capturing the most precious gift God has given you? Contact me today via the CONTACT form on my website http://www.jennyleesphotography.com

Want to stay updated? SUBSCRIBE here - http://eepurl.com/SbucP

Wyoming Newborn Harlan's Portrait Session

Meet baby Harlan, 8 days new!

Are you expecting? CONTACT me today via the contact form on my website www.jennyleesphotography.com

Want to stay connected? SUBSCRIBE - http://eepurl.com/SbucP