courtney{e}photography

When I think about the advances in technology in the last 20 years, I’m blown away. Just consider the world of photography. It wasn’t too long ago that brides and grooms waited weeks to find out if their photographer had gotten the perfect shot. You know, the one where you and your husband are looking at each other like no one else is in the room…like you are the only two people in the world… on the happiest day of your lives. Now days, your photographer can be instantly confident that he/she got just the right shot – of the bride & groom, friends, family, and wedding party. Technology has made it easier than ever to capture all those special moments; and it has also made it easier than ever for professional photographers to take an eco-friendly approach to their work. So if you are looking to find a photographer who shares your vision – not only for beautiful pictures, but for a greener earth as well, read on for some helpful hints.

I recently had the pleasure of an online interview with Courtney Ellis, a Louisville, Kentucky based wedding photographer.  Courtney’s business, courtney{e}photography, is one of many featured in the Green Bride Guide vendor directory. (Green Bride Guide is a wonderful resource when planning an eco-friendly wedding.) She was kind enough to share some of her thoughts on greener photography, and why you might want to consider an eco-friendly focus for your wedding.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE AN ECO-FRIENDLY PHOTOGRAPHER & WHAT ARE YOUR GREEN PRACTICES?

Being an eco-friendly, or green photographer, to me means that you do your wedding photography and leave as little of an impact on the planet as possible. There are many facets to being a green photographer! First, I use only second hand equipment. This doesn’t mean it’s any less than any other professional uses. All of my cameras and equipment make visits to the manufacturer to get checked out. All of my cameras are digital, which means I don’t put out any film waste. When I get rid of equipment, I sell it second hand, and never dispose of it. All of the batteries I use are rechargable, which generates a lot less waste. You would be totally surprised how many AA batteries a wedding photographer goes through at one wedding! I also shoot here in town locally, versus traveling tons to get pictures. This also makes the pictures special for the client as well since it’s in their town.

Another way I reduce waste is by making all of the pricing guides and contracts available via the internet (which is also a huge time saver). People can visit the pricing list or make notes on there for me and I get notifications via email. When it’s time for the contract to be signed this is done via the internet as well and copies are emailed out. I also offer eco-friendly products. My albums are all animal friendly leather, no animal products. They look just as good as the leather though! I also use recycled presentation materials (boxes, bags, gift tags, client cards, etc.) When we get packages, we always recycle the packaging materials we receive. When I am finished editing pictures, they are all posted to online galleries instead of giving out hard copies of proofs.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO HAVE AN ECO-FRIENDLY APPROACH TO WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY?

I guess nothing really inspired me, per se. I do, however, remember when I had my senior pictures done. We got a huge proof book that once we looked at, we had to return. I thought, “How wasteful is that? Are they just going to throw those proofs away?” I really wanted to not create waste like that. The rest just kind of came naturally.

WHEN LOOKING FOR THE PERFECT PHOTOGRAPHER FOR HER WEDDING DAY, WHY SHOULD A BRIDE SEEK OUT PHOTOGRAPHERS WHO HAVE AN ECO-FRIENDLY FOCUS?

A bride should seek out a photographer with an eco-friendly focus if they are looking to reduce the impact their wedding has on the environment. Weddings generate a LOT of waste! When I was planning my own wedding, I sat back and thought of all of the waste we were producing and we wanted to change that. We ended up using recycled paper for printing our invites and handmade all of our pom balls for our bridesmaids.

IS ECO-FRIENDLY PHOTOGRAPHY MORE EXPENSIVE?

NO WAY! Especially not for the client. Before not only would the client have to pay to mail the contract back to the photographer after they would fill it out, as well as paying for a proof book that has so many pictures that they don’t care to have in it. They also have to travel less and can share their pictures with friends and family that are far away. That’s totally something you couldn’t do before. If you’re family lived out of town they either had to travel to you to see your pictures or wait until the next time you get together to see them.

WHAT MAKES YOUR JOB FUN… & WHAT MAKES IT STRESSFUL?

The best part of my job is that I get to take pictures for people who are completely in love! I get to be there on one of the biggest days of people’s lives and I love it! It’s hard to find something so stressful that you’re truly in love with!

HAVE YOU INCORPORATED ANY GREEN PRACTICES INTO YOUR EVERY DAY LIFESTYLE?

Absolutely! When I made the decision to go green, we also bought energy star appliances and made changes to the lighting in our home. We use biodegradable chemicals, and save up errands for when they can be ran together, instead of all on separate days.

WHAT’S YOUR ONE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE TO BRIDES WHO WANT TO GET THE MOST OUT OF THEIR PHOTOGRAPHY BUDGET?

My one piece of advice would be to pick someone you click with. With my upper packages, I give all my clients engagement sessions so we can really get to know each other, so they can see my shooting style and on their wedding day we’re totally comfortable with one another and I’m more of a friend with a camera than a photographer. Picking someone you click with will really help you get the photos you want and that you look truly comfortable and happy in!

I’m always on the lookout for chic and original wedding favors. Some wedding favors are stylish and thoughtful yet others seem cheap and disposable.  Eco-conscious on-line retailer FavorCreative offers a great selection of lovely green wedding favors and earth friendly packaging that will make your guests feel special.  Check out some of their offerings below.

Looking for a “fresh” idea in eco-friendly favors? These mint herb plants come in a 100% recycled favor box – inside the box is a 2″ peat pot which can be planted directly in the ground or in a house plant pot, a peat pellet, instructions for planting, and mint herb seeds. Dress up the simple cardboard box with any of CreativeFavor’s eco-friendly (and adorable) adhesive wrap around labels.

The sweet, clean smell of soap always makes me happy, and I bet it will make your guests happy too. These handmade soaps are created using natural ingredients including dried herbs, natural oxides and ultramarines, pure essential oils and fragrances. They are a practical and unique favor your guests will surely appreciate. They come in a variety of scents including, Eucalyptus & Mint, Lavender Oatmeal, Cucumber Melon and Gardener’s Bar. I love the “tub teas” (right). This cute little pillow box contains a special blend of dried milk, oatmeal, essential oils and fragrance. 

Give your guests the gift of relaxation with these tea favors. Planning a Fall wedding? Try the Fall Spice tea, packaged in an eco-friendly reusable glass jar. Favor includes tea, jar, ribbon and cinnamon stick (simple assembly required). Add a personalized wraparound label for the finishing touch. FavorCreative offers a fabulous selection of favor labels, gift tags, as well as place cards, thank you cards and more. Visit their website and you’re sure to find the perfect earth-friendly favors (and more) for your special day.

photo credit: partylights.com

Envision a backyard wedding reception aglow with gentle candlelight. Paper lanterns and string lights provide a special ambiance and magical appeal. This week we’ve discovered some innovative and eco-friendly products that are both cost effective and convenient, and will add miles of style to your wedding decor.

You’ll love these solar powered Soji Lanterns from Allsopgarden.com. These accordian open lanterns are constructed of fade and weather resistant nylon and are powered by two LED cells. Place them in the sunlight by day to charge, and enjoy a subtle yet beautiful glow by night!

Here are two more offerings from Soji Lanterns. Hang these from trees or place on shepherd’s hooks for maximum effect. The solar power prevents the need for unsightly power cords and the hassle of using extension cords for placement.

Want another fabulous eco-chic decor idea for your wedding? Check out these Soji Aurora Glow string lights. Illuminate your outdoor wedding or reception with beautiful and festive solar powered, hand-blown glass string lights. Six lights crafted from colored and clear hand-blown glass and luminescent details adorn a clear wire and come complete with six high powered LED lights and copper hanging hooks. Aurora Glow string lights are powered by the sun, with a solar panel located nearly 15 feet away from the first glass globe. They are fun, whimsical, and striking all at once. The fact that they are eco-friendly makes them all the more beautiful, and makes you, the bride, all the more wise. Charming and functional at the same time, you’re sure to use these eco-friendly products again and again when entertaining as Mr. & Mrs.

I’m always impressed when celebrities use their status to make the world a better place. That’s why I’m happy to share with you the details of the beautiful (and green) wedding of Nikki Cascone – New York City restaurateur and contestant on the Bravo network reality show Top Chef.  Nikki married her longtime boyfriend and business partner, Brad Grossman June 27^th at Gracewood Mansion on New York’s Long Island.

After bearing witness to the wastefulness that elaborate weddings often create, the couple decided they wanted something different. Nikki’s bridal style is unique (check out her nontraditional choice for a wedding dress, above) and her thoughtfulness is evident in all the little details that made her celebration both eco-friendly and chic.  Read more below to learn how Nikki brought her green wedding to life and inspired others to do the same.

Invitations: Nikki and Brad chose to forgo traditional paper invitations and send out a stylish electronic version – saving both trees and money. Consider this environmentally friendly option for your wedding or rehearsal dinner. Websites like Pingg and Paperless Post offer sophisticated and stylish options for electronic invitations.

Bridal Party: Nikki and Brad chose to reduce the size of their bridesmaids and groomsmen to eliminate excess spending and waste.  For a truly effective way to conserve resources, you can consider reducing not only your wedding party, but your guest list as well. While this is often a challenge, remember that smaller, intimate weddings can often provide the bride and groom with more quality time to spend with close friends and family.

Flowers: Brad and Nikki chose floral arrangements created using local resources. Check out organic and seasonal options in your hometown by contacting local florists. If you have the time and the inclination, visit local farmers markets and recruit friends to help design and assemble DIY bouquets and centerpieces.

Food: Being a chef by trade, it was so important to Nikki that the food for her wedding be all the more special. With the help of her brother-in-law, who runs a local catering business, Nikki created a menu using organic produce from local farms. Organic wines and vodka were served as well as creative non-alcoholic drinks using fresh ingredients.

Favors: Eco-friendly wedding favors are always appreciated – and Nikki and Brad loved the idea of sustainable gifts. They incorporated seeded paper (guests can take the paper home to plant flowers) and small potted herb plants as a favors. Want to treat your guests to eco-friendly favors? Visit BeauCoup.com for a stylish assortment of green wedding favors.

The Dress: Nikki’s dress was a one-of-a-kind original created by her friend (and Project Runway star) Christian Siriano. The non-traditional design was made using organic materials. Following the wedding, Nikki will be auctioning off the dress and donating the profits to charity. She hopes the lucky girl who purchases her dress will, in turn, recycle or reuse it. Buying a pre-owned wedding dress is just another way brides can “reduce and reuse.”

Finally, check out Nikki’s awesome green wedding inspiration board (below, courtesy of thebride&bloom). Cheers to Nikki and Brad for practicing what they preach and planning a beautiful, eco-chic celebration of their love. Congratulations!

photo courtesy the bride&bloom

Photo credits (from top, left – right): Photo by Robert Sukrachand via greenweddingshoes.com; photo of Toms Shoes by Ryan Gladstone Photography; photo of herb pots by Miki Duisterhof via intimateweddings.com; photo of Gracewood from bride; photo of purple bouquet via weddingchicks.com by Boutwell Studio; flowers by Chestnut & Vine; photo of box with grass by Christine Gallagher; photo of wedding signs from misscookie via weddingbee.com; photo of tableware by Wendell Webber; photo of name card found on Etsy’s A Remark You Made; photo of bark conversation starters from green-wedding.net; photo of chair with flowers found on imgfav.com via stumbleupon; photo of boxed flowers found on prontohome.com