landlocked bride

Why not give your guests a multitude of dessert options? This includes pies, cake, etc. I know I like choices (I’m sure you do, too), and boy do guests love choices.

Image courtesy of Courtney Brooke Photography

Amanda Forbes Photographer
Colorado/Missouri

1. Where are you located and do you travel for weddings?
I am located in Colorado, but grew up in Missouri. I travel anywhere a bride’s heart desires. Mountain wedding? CHECK! Beach wedding? CHECK!

2. How would you describe your photography style?
My style is relaxed, fresh, modern and real. I tend to stay away from super posed photos and strive to capture what is real.

3. What is your biggest inspiration when photographing?
I am inspired by happiness, love and architecture.

4. How did you get interested in photography? Did you start out in weddings?
I have been interested in photography since I was a little girl. My father gave me my first camera, which was a blue film snoopy camera. I walked around for weeks after received the camera just looking at the world through the viewfinder. I started shooting weddings in the summer of 2009 with James Christianson as my mentor.

5. What do you think sets you apart from other photographers in the industry?
Hands down my passion. If you know me or meet me, you will immediately know that nothing makes me happier than having a camera in my hand. I really believe my passion shows in the images I produce.

6. What advice would you give to a couple looking for a photographer for their wedding?
The best advice I can offer is to find a photographer that you not only like but connect with. Your photographer is just as apart of your day as your friends and family. I personally love it when a bride sends me a random email or asks me to meet for coffee.

7. How do you like to spend your downtime?
As nerdy as it may sound, I like to spend my down time reading photography and wedding blogs. A few of my favorites: Style Me Pretty, 100 Layer Cake, Jose Villa, and of course Landlocked Bride. I also enjoy spending the day in the mountains with my husband and two pups.

So, after submitting my application a few weeks ago, last week, I was contacted by the fabulous Mrs. Penguin and was accepted to be a part of the great blogger bride and wedding community that is Weddingbee.  Now, to address some questions that I am sure are running through your mind:

1.  What is my Weddingbee Character:  Miss Argyle

2.  What does this mean for Landlocked Bride:  Landlocked Bride will still exist!  I will continue to share inspiration and highlight Midwest vendors and real weddings.  I could never abandon my readers!

3.  What about the “My Wedding” blog posts?  All “My Wedding” blog posts will now be found on Weddingbee.  You can follow them there, and the “My Wedding” tab at the top of the page links directly to my Weddingbee feed.  The link will not work until probably mid-day today, so just keep a look out!  For a few weeks, past posts will be featured to get Weddingbee readers up to speed on “Mr. Argyle and I’s” wedding.  And then new posts will be featured.

If you want to know more, just me know!

And, stay tuned this afternoon for a great Vendor Spotlight feature of an up and coming photographer!

I have a big announcement coming up Monday morning – so stay tuned!  There will be a few changes taking place (good ones), which I am very excited about.

Stay warm!

I have a lot of favorite colors.  I’m the girl who cannot pick just one.  I have an even bigger obsession with color combos.  This is why during my own planning process I struggled with colors, from Yellow and Gray, to Red, Orange and Gray.

So, of course I love one of the new invites in Kenzie Kate’s collection:

Image courtesy of Kenzie Kate

There is something so fresh and modern about that navy blue and green together.  Yet it has somewhat of an updated traditional feel to it.

Are there any color combos that just make you swoon?

Cream cheese icing to be specific.  And, the only cake that is a true match for cream cheese icing? Red Velvet, of course.

Image courtesy of NYC Cake Decorators

We fully intend on making sure one layer of our cake is red velvet.  The Pilot isn’t much of a fan, but, man, how can you not love it?

As for the other layers…we have plenty of time to think about that.

Be sure to head over to Bride Tide to vote for your favorite wedding blogs.  All you have to do is check out this post, and leave a comment listing your favorite blog(s).  They will be posting the Top 100 wedding blogs on January 4, 2010.

Image courtesy of Bride Tide

Happy Voting!

One of the good things that has come out of me starting this blog (out of the many), is that my friends are always on the lookout for things for me to blog about.  They always want me to have fresh content – which I LOVE and appreciate.

A friend from high school, who got engaged not to long ago, sent me the link to 1154 Lill Studio.  Now, I bookmarked this site a while back with the intention of blogging about it to you all, but in all the hoopla of the fantastic things I find on a daily basis, it completely slipped my mind.  That is, until she sent me a message about it.

1154 Lill Studio has revolutionized the handbag/tote industry.  The shop gives you the opportunity to completely customize a handbag, clutch, tote, etc.  Not only that, but you can customize everything down to what the pattern is for the lining.

My favorite is the above clutch, called Erinn. You can pick the fabric for the top band, the rest of the bag, and the lining, giving you the opportunity to choose up to three different fabrics in their collection. And, my favorite of their fabrics is Red Rocks.

All images courtesy of 1154 Lill Studio

These bags make great gifts for anyone – moms, friends, etc.  So, if you haven’t been there already, check out their site and play around with their options! You’ll probably find something for yourself or a friend (and with the holidays around the corner – these would make great holiday gifts)!

I interrupt this morning’s regularly scheduled post for this woman:

This lovely blogger and new book author stopped by St. Louis last night as part of her book tour.  Ree Drummond (The Pioneer Woman) is as sweet and funny as she is on her blog.  I cannot thank her enough for making St. Louis one of the stops on her tour.  Not only does she spend a good hour answering questions from the crowd, but she makes sure everyone gets their book signed (including those that left their books behind to pick up at a later time – which literally had to be over 200 additional books).  Her demeanor is sweet, her smile infectious, and yes, she is that gorgeous in person.  Plus, she had cute t-shirts for all of the patrons there (which are quite adorable, I might add)

And, on this leg of her tour, she brought this guy:

Please pardon the blurriness – he caught me off guard because he looked right at me as I took the photo (probably thinking I’m creepy, too).  Marlboro Man even stayed and signed books, too, for any and everyone that wanted his signature.  And, yes, I had my photo taken with him, but will have to wait for Meagan to pass that one along!

What is even better? This adorable boy willingly signed books for everyone.  He happily signed is first name, and shared with us that his favorite dish of mom’s is porkchops.  His little brother was running around somewhere, as well.

Ree even said she’d have to “check out” my blog.  So, Ree, if you’re reading this (fingers crossed that she is), thanks for visiting St. Louis!  I hope you enjoyed my hometown with Marlboro Man and your boys.  I definitely appreciated your time and generosity (and have already worn the t-shirt you gave us all).  I will forever be a follower, and cannot wait for your other book!

And, if you haven’t already, go pick up her book.  I’ve already made the chili and it is delicious.  Reading the rest of her cookbook (which is filled with wonderful images and stories) makes me hungry every single time.

I’m always trying to feature creative, fun, and outside the box wedding ideas on Landlocked Bride, but I would LOVE to hear from you, the readers!

Tell me things you would love to see more of, or fun ideas/projects you would like me to feature.  Anything, because I want your feedback.

You can either comment here, or send me a note at hello at landlockedbride dot com

I’m looking forward to all of the feedback and love!