So these are some good-looking kids, no? We have Isabel, 7,  Lillie, 5, Micha, 3  and Joshua, 6. This family portrait session was done for Grandma’s b-day this past weekend. Happy Birthday Lynne!

And Mr. GQ who was ready to pose for his close-up….

Irene and Roland got married in San Francisco’s City Hall (big reception next year) and then had a Trash The Dress session after wards. I was so excited when Irene decided to wear a cute little purple mini dress to the ceremony and then changed into a bridal gown and veil for the TTD session. I thought the way she changed it up was so cool. And she really trashed her dress by getting into the freezing water at Baker Beach.  We also went around the Mission to a famous graffiti filled alley. I love me some graffiti, especially contrasted against a clean white bridal gown.  Loved it.

Allie and Dan had a lovely outdoor garden summer wedding. The flowers Allie and her bridesmaids carried were amazing, like nothing I’ve ever seen before. I couldn’t even name the flowers in this bouquet but they were so unique looking. They were done by the talented Fleurty in Mountain View Ca. If you’re looking for something different and not your average bridal bouquet then you should definitely check them out. Also, her mom grew these beautiful potted plants made up of small colorful flowers and plants for all the center pieces.  Now that took some patience and love.

It’s time for a brand new installment of “Why Not?” because I’m in NY and my inner Fashionista is starting to come out again (you can go back to my old blog here to learn about why I decided to write these posts). It’s all about what’s different and new here and I think it’s time to incorporate some of that freshness into bridal attire.

Let’s bring some modernity to bridal options. Starting with a veil alternative!  I think the veil is a fine tradition to continue, but let’s bring it to the 21st century and maybe alter it a bit.

Although, There are times when I think a veil looks cool. Like for instance in this Trash The Dress session I did in San Francisco. It’s adding to the drama of this picture at Baker Beach in San Francisco where it’s foggy and windy all the time.

Actually, the bride wore a chic purple mini dress to the city hall ceremony and then changed into this gown and veil for the Trash The Dress session afterwards. I loved the way she changed it up.

Why not…wear a fascinator?

Today there are countless wedding headpieces popping up. They are called fascinators and you can essentially have it made to order if you like. Here’s a favorite previous bride, Bernadette,  wearing her fascinator. She was the epitimoe of modern chic on her wedding day and this picture is still one of my favorites.

Here’s another fascinator I like. It still has a veil but is topped with a crystal jewel and ostrich feathers for a more glam look. This headpiece along with many, many others can be found on the cool site of Etsy.

I also came across this BandaVeil on Etsy which can be worn in many different ways. It’s still a veil, but simplier and way more modern.

Why not….wear a flower?

If a fascinator headpiece or anything with tulle is not for you then try a simple flower. Ther’s no better way to look youthful and radiant then with a colorful bloom accenting your radiant bridal glow.

This is Jaime, a previous bride, wearing gorgeous orchids in her flowing long hair for her San Diego beach wedding.

Why not….wear a headband?

And then there is always a simple headband. These would be a great veil alternative  if you are going for a vintage look. Both of these can be found at Urban Outfitters.

Another one of my lovely brides, Kristine ,wearing a jeweled headband that completed her modern and sleek look.

Click here for previous Why Not… posts

I need to catch up on posting pics from my last two weddings. I’ve got too many excuses, but I will offer up a sneak peak…

Dan & Allie - Atheron, Ca

more to come…