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Marie Antoinette Themed Shoot

Every year I put together an annual group photo-shoot for the Vegas PUG (a local meetup group I lead for super-cool professional photographers). It’s a chance for everyone to get out on location, have fun shooting with others in the community and hopefully come away inspired and having picked up a new tip or two.  This year I wanted to do something a little different, so I surprised everyone with a styled shoot filled with eye-candy just begging to be photographed!

For for theme, I took inspiration from the unique style of Sofia Coppola’s ‘Marie Antoinette’ (if you haven’t seen it, it’s a must!). I’ve always wanted to do my own take on it for a wedding-shoot and love how it turned out. Huge props go to my incredible team that pulled the vision together and made the shoot-out a huge success: AMAZING floral by Layers of Lovely, the epic cake and treats by Gimme Some Sugar, killer hair and makeup by Your Beauty Call, decor from The Pottery Shop, inspiring off-camera lighting demo by Steve Fogarty, an awesome behind-the-scenes video by Lighten Films, my girls Kristin Wilson and Liz Le for all their help bringing everything together and last but not least, our models: Carrie, Sarah and Lindsey – (all real and completely FABULOUS brides). Tons of love goes out to you all!

Here’s some of my images from the shoot:

Admittedly I always go a little crazy over Catherine at Layers of Lovely’s floral designs. Here’s Carrie modeling the pearl and peonies bouquet:

Lindsey’s rockin’ the macaroons - one thing a Marie Antoinette themed shoot would be incomplete without!

Towards the end of the shoot we topped things off with a surprise cake fight! While it was a bit sad seeing Gimme Some Sugar’s masterpiece getting torn apart, it was so much fun (and delicious too)! I couldn’t resist digging my fingers in for a little cake action – YUM!

Below is a fantastic behind the scenes video by one of my fave videographers, Terrence of Lighten Films!
You may notice that I sound like a complete dork at the beginning. I’m going to blame it on the cold, lol. It was freezing! Props go to the brides for rockin’ it out in the crazy weather we had that day.

**Click here to check out more images from this shoot in the feature on The Wedding Chicks!**

January 19, 2012 - 3:31 am Kat Forsyth - Yeah, um, this BLOWS MY MIND. I want to frame these on my wall! You rock!

Features

I want to give a quick shout and big thanks to some of the blogs and magazines that have featured me and my couples lately! I’m super appreciative of the love and would love to send some back their way. If you’re looking great wedding inspiration, these are some of the best places to start stalking!

Also, congrats to all the couples that were featured! You guys rock!!

Wedding Chicks

Wedding Chicks featured the Marie Antoinette themed shoot I put together with Layers of Lovely, Your Beauty Call, Gimme Some Sugar and The Pottery Shop. I’ll be blogging more on this soon! In the meantime, check out the front-page feature on the WC site:

Weddings in Houston Magazine

Weddings in Houston Magazine featured the travel-themed invitation suite I photographed by the super talented Tifany of Gourmet Invitations:

Occasions Magazine

Occasions Magazine Online featured the Chinese “east meets west” themed styled shoot I worked on with Juliet Douglas of Green Orchid Events! Shouts go to the incredible team: Platinum Hotel, Enchanted Florist, Your Beauty Call, LTevention, Peridot Sweets, Bella Bridesmaid, Lola and George, Dress the Drink, Chameleon ChairPink Orchid Designs – and of course our fab couple, Jenn and Alex.

Destination Inspirations

Destination Inspirations featured Shauna & Dustin’s Trash the Dress at the Neon Museum:

Examiner

Examiner interviewed me for an article on trash the dress:

Destination I Do Magazine

Destination I Do Magazine did a blog feature on Emma and Fabrice’s trash the dress in Paris, France:

Simply Blue Weddings

Simply Blue Weddings posted a photograph from Lindy & Dang’s wedding at Mandarin Oriental as the “Blue Pic of the Day”

JLM Weddings

JLM Couture did a “Real Brides” feature of Jill & Ian’s wedding:

Occasions Magazine

Occasions Magazine Online featured Monica & George‘s Moroccan inspired wedding at Loews Lake Las Vegas:

Love Olio

I’m thrilled to be included in Love Olio’s “visual directory of the most creative wedding photographers in the world”

Destination Inspirations

Destination Inspirations featured Kelly & Orr’s wedding at the Four Seasons:

Wed Savy

Wed Savy featured an image from Larissa and Staford’s sweet-hearts inspired couples session in the article “10 Engagement Photos that Rock!”

Destination Inspirations

Destination Inspirations included Kayla and Sean’s engagement session and wedding in a 2-part feature! Check out part one of their engagement session HERE and part two of their wedding day HERE.

Black Bride & Groom Magazine

Black Bride & Groom Magazine published images from Dennise & Harvey’s trash the dress in their summer edition.

Design Aglow

Design Aglow is one of the top online stores for photographers – loaded with great products, templates and inspiration. I’m honored to have my images included in two of their recent product launches!

-  Inspire Me Cards – a creative posing guide for brides filled with some of the best photographic talent in the industry.

- Poetry & Beauty collage Templates:

January 18, 2012 - 2:25 am Gabby / En Route Photography - Whoaaaaaa well done girl!

January 17, 2012 - 7:48 pm chels - Thanks Jessie! :-)

January 17, 2012 - 4:15 pm Jessie Emeric - huge congrats on all the features! They are all fab. Keep rockin' it :)

Sneak Peek: Tracy and Alex

I love photographing couples that make me feel like I’m just out having a good time with friends. This shoot was non-stop laughs. We laughed A LOT. And on top of being such fun people to be around, I loved their unique style – from Alex’s collection of Pancaldi ties to Tracy’s little blue number and stylish shoes. It was so much fun to capture them together and I’m excited to share a few sneak peek images here on the blog.

Shout-out goes to Your Beauty Call for rockin’ Tracy’s hair and makeup!Check out Tracy’s hot Christian Louboutin‘s that Alex got her for the shoot. Good gift giver – not a bad quality to have in a husband. ;-) I can’t wait for the wedding this spring at Four Seasons! It’s bound to be amazing – especially with uber-fab Brit Bertino of Simply Weddings coordinating!

January 23, 2012 - 2:39 pm Ken Rafter - Very nice pictures ready for Vanity Fair

January 20, 2012 - 12:45 pm Sheri Poissant - AMAZING PHOTOS!!!! We can't wait to for the wedding :) And I must say I now have a referral for all of my travel clients to call when they go to Vegas! Great choice on a photographer guys!!!! Sheri and Dom

January 18, 2012 - 7:01 am The other Alex - A perfect combination of subtle machismo intersecting with sultry sensual - a true "Tango in the Desert" - "Smoke gets in your eyes" pic is the bomb!

January 16, 2012 - 12:40 pm Stephanie - OMG. These pictures are beyond amazing!!! Tracy you look so happy and Chelsea was able to capture that perfectly!!! I love how candid and original these pics are! Great Job!

January 16, 2012 - 5:58 am tanya - Amazing photos>You look as gorgeous as ever!Congrats guys!All the best to you both

January 16, 2012 - 5:32 am Christa Gowe - Amazing photos! You both look gorgeous and Chelsea captured you perfectly!

January 15, 2012 - 6:22 pm Linda Grenier - What great pictures! Your happiness and love shines through!

January 15, 2012 - 6:21 pm Tracy Stanley - The pics are amazing!! Thanks so much Chelsea for making a camera-shy girl so comfortable :) Can't wait for the wedding and the post wedding pics!! xoxo

January 15, 2012 - 6:15 pm Matt - Good looking couple, love the shirt! Looking forward to the party

January 15, 2012 - 6:09 pm Nancy - Amazing shots! Love the energy!!

January 15, 2012 - 5:45 pm Rosie - Amazing shots you guys. Chelsea Nicole sure knows her way around a lens....but then again her subjects aren't too shabby :-):-)...beautiful !

January 15, 2012 - 5:14 pm Em - Wonderful photos of you both!

January 15, 2012 - 4:06 pm Brit Bertino - These are hot!!! Chelsea great job and yes, both Tracy and Alex are always full of smiles, it's such a great joy to be around them. They have the best energy and they were a perfect match for such a creative and fun loving photographer like you!

January 15, 2012 - 2:27 pm Jennifer Martin - Fabulous pictures! Love the hair and makeup, shoes and tie. Beautiful couple and amazing photographer. Can't wait to see all the shots. I can only imagine how fab the wedding pictures will be!

January 15, 2012 - 10:15 am cecile stanley - THESE PICTURES ARE AWESOME. CAN'T WAIT TO SEE THE REST OF YOUR PICTURES.

January 14, 2012 - 9:27 pm Alex Martin - Chelsea the shots are AMAZING! We had so much fun. I can't pick a favourite yet but you've chosen a great selection for the blog here. Can't wait for the wedding. Thanks for making this a great experience for us both and capturing our personalities so perfectly!

Merry Christmas!

Wow, what a year! Huge thanks and virtual hugs to all my amazing couples, friends and family that made this year absolutely incredible! I’ve been so busy that I haven’t been able to blog much, but you can be sure that I have TONS of images that I can’t wait share with you (coming very soon).

For now, I want to take a moment to wish everyone a happy Christmas! For the last few years Jayse and I have been making personal holiday cards with the theme of “Christmas in the Desert.” Here’s the photos from this years card:

I hope you have a magical Christmas and New Years with the ones you love the most! 2012 here we come! :-)

January 4, 2012 - 4:24 pm Roxanne - Gorgeous and creative, as always, Chelsea!

January 3, 2012 - 5:55 am Beth - Those are awesome photos! I love the concept and the way you were able to carry it out! Happy New Year!

December 24, 2011 - 11:01 pm Cindy - what an awesome card!! Merry Christmas Chelsea

December 24, 2011 - 10:33 pm John Hall & Mimi Hall - WOW!!!!!!! What Lovely & Magical Photographs I love Christmas in the Desert :) Merry Christmas Chelsea! Also, thanks so much for your wonderful gift! We loved the ornament :)

Britt & Michael’s Engagement

I’m excited to share some photos from Britt and Michael’s engagement session! I had a great time hanging out and capturing how these two are together – I’m pretty sure we laughed our way through the entire shoot!

Britt and Michael are from Kentucky, but they love traveling and I think it’s safe to say they have a bit of a love affair with Las Vegas. So for their engagement session we did things up Vegas-style with a trip to the fabulous Neon Museum! The bright retro signs ended up being the perfect compliment to Britt and Michael’s colorful, fun-loving personalities.

Do I spot a butt grab here? ;-) You two are so darn cute!

B+M: Thanks for an awesome time! Hope you two had a blast honeymooning it up in New Orleans!

October 22, 2011 - 5:24 am Bet and Josh - Love all the pictures! Chelsea is an outstanding photographer! So glad you all captured these memories in such a creative way!

October 14, 2011 - 5:28 am Kim @ Scenic Las Vegas Weddings - Congratulations to Britt and Michael for their engagement! They are a sweet and cute couple! I'm very happy for them! thanks for sharing their engagement photos with us, Chelsea! very lovely pictures! You are definitely my favorite Las Vegas wedding photographer! Keep up the good work!

Kickback to the 90′s wedding shoot!

When Brit Bertino (the fantastic lead coordinator at Simply Weddings) came to me with the idea of doing a shoot with 1990′s inspired elements, I thought it was uber-rad and couldn’t wait to be a part of it!

For the photography I decided to create images that had a modern feel while reflecting the playfulness of the era. I took visual cues from 90′s graffiti and vibrant color trends, using bold shapes and splashes of color.

The shoot was held at Rumor – a super swanky boutique hotel just minutes off the strip. If you’re looking for a cool, modern location for an intimate wedding or after party, you should definitely check it out!

Of course, a 90′s hip-hop themed wedding wouldn’t be complete without great entertainment. Brandon Namebrand totally brought it with his killer dance moves on a LED dance-floor from Naakiti Floral.
Some of the pretty details:

Check out the feature on Rock ‘n Roll Bride with even more images from the shoot!

CREDITS

Photographer: Chelsea Nicole (me)
Coordinator: Simply Weddings by Brit Bertino
Venue: Rumor Boutique Hotel in Las Vegas
Bride’s Dress: Bella Bridesmaid
Groom’s Attire: Tuxedo Junction
Hair & Make Up: Make the Bride Up
Linens: Creative Coverings
Stationary: Sky Orange Studio
Flowers: Naakiti Floral
Cake: Gimme Some Sugar
Break Dancer: Brandon Namebrand
Couple: Jenifer Duncan & Dominick Hill

December 6, 2011 - 11:16 am Nancy Ebert - Awesome! What a fantastic idea. Very inspiring work! Best wishes from Germany, Nancy

November 4, 2011 - 2:15 pm Stephanie - I love these colors and the whole 90's feel.

October 29, 2011 - 2:19 pm Antony - DAM! this rocks! Looks like it was so much fun!

October 26, 2011 - 6:25 am Chelsea Patricia - OH my goodness--this shoot is amazing, Chelsea! You made the 90's look classy--what up?!

October 24, 2011 - 4:19 am Kim - I really like all these 90's details! very lovely colors! awesome photos! fantastic work as always, Chelsea!

October 13, 2011 - 8:16 pm Tamea Burd Photography - LOVE this shoot! Super fun details and colors!

October 13, 2011 - 4:06 pm chels - Thanks guys! Adrienne: I really love your latest SMP feature! We MUST collaborate one of these days. :-)

October 10, 2011 - 3:02 pm Melissa - These are so unique! I love them! Your photography is so inspiring.

October 5, 2011 - 10:22 am E.N. - Wow! - just wow - you always wow. 'Nuf said.

October 5, 2011 - 7:28 am Adrienne - The coolest...no surprise here. Really love the effect on images...RAD!

Published in Destination I Do Magazine

I’m honored to be published in the Fall-Winter 2011 edition one of my FAVORITE national magazines - Destination I Do!

Lindsey and Nate‘s destination wedding in San Antonio Texas was featured as 1 of 5 Real Weddings in a special editorial piece – “What You Get for the Money.” The article features five weddings at different price-points and shows how each couple was able to pull off a gorgeous, personalized destination wedding while staying within budget.

The issue officially hit the stands today so be sure to check your local bookstore (or click here to subscribe online)!

October 4, 2011 - 1:34 pm trachette - Chelsea! So great to see your latest feat....you seem to constantly one up yourself! Keep up the momentum. I'll make sure to get my copy :)

August 23, 2011 - 9:04 pm Elly T - congrats congrats congrats! Looks fabulous - I'll look for it in the store now! :-)

August 23, 2011 - 8:34 pm Melissa - This is awesome! Gorgeous work as always. :)

Kayla & Sean

Simply put, this engagement session makes me happy. Kayla and Sean couldn’t be more perfect for each other and it was such a thrill to be able to capture that special something they share. I can’t wait to photograph their wedding (only 18 days to go)!

Kayla & Sean, I had an blast with you guys! Thanks for being so trusting and open to my ideas.

January 3, 2012 - 7:26 am Sheika - I love everything about this session. Amazing work!

October 7, 2011 - 6:04 am Mary Marantz - whoa!! HOT HOT HOT!!!! Love em!

September 19, 2011 - 6:19 pm Dennise - WOW! Chelsea, you are so amazing at what you do! Love it!

August 28, 2011 - 5:03 pm Kim Dobson - Kayla these are wonderful. You ans Sean look like you are doing a photo shoot for a jean add. Can't wait to see the wedding pics. I know you've done modeling but Sean is a natural also. Great pics!

August 17, 2011 - 10:58 am Nae - Love these romantic and steamy!

August 16, 2011 - 2:37 pm amanda - ahhhhhhhhh I'm melting!!! these are gorgeous!!!!! how awesome!!!

August 16, 2011 - 2:31 pm E.N. - These are gorgeous shots Chelsea - everyone of them - you just keep bringing it! Looks like a super fun couple to be around!

August 16, 2011 - 12:29 pm Jessie - Awesome as always! Xoxo

August 16, 2011 - 12:13 pm Will - WOW...It's getting hot up in here... up in here!!! Awesome work Chelsea, I'm jus say'n.

August 16, 2011 - 10:22 am Derek C. McDonagh - Could not be happier and more proud of both of You, Sean & Kayla, September 2nd is a day I'm very much looking forward to and keeping it as one of the very special days of my entire life... The Both of You will always make 9/2/11 a wonderful day to wake up to and smell the roses... Much Luv to You, Sean & Kayla,,, xo ,, forever loved by Dad..!!

August 16, 2011 - 10:19 am Elly T - Simply AMAAAAAZING photos Chelsea! You bring your magic to every shoot - I just love the way you capture people! And I love the way she looks at him. And I agree with the others - these are both romantic and super HOT!

August 16, 2011 - 9:38 am Olga - Wow Chelsea! Such a hot couple with such a hot chemistry! You guys chose the most perfect locations!

August 16, 2011 - 5:45 am Jennifer Nervo - Chelsea, these are truly beautiful! I love the concept and elements of the plane shots. The shots on Sean's bike are my favorite. You were definitely the perfect choice for my baby brother and new sister. :) Can't wait to meet you at the wedding! Jen

August 16, 2011 - 12:46 am Vicki - WOW WOW WOW!!!!! These are AMazing!!!!! I love that first one with the colour of hte light, what a beautiful and confident couple!

Sneak Peek: Kayla & Sean

Just had to share this cute teaser from Kayla & Sean’s steamy engagement session. Their puppy Tiffany had us cracking up. :-) Check back later today for lots more of these two lovebirds!

August 15, 2011 - 3:31 pm Melle Veronesi - Love, love, LOVE the second shot...look at those little ears!

August 15, 2011 - 9:34 am Melissa - How adorable! I love this!

Shauna’s Trash the Dress

I’m excited to share a few images from Shauna’s trash the dress session! I feel like I’ve known Shauna for ages. We started chatting last year when her and Dustin were in the beginning stages of planning out their wedding. They had an intimate wedding in New York, then came out to Vegas for their honeymoon and post-wedding shoot. It was awesome rocking it out together!

To top things off, Dustin’s a firefighter and brought his fire gear all the way from Florida for our shoot! Here’s a few of the images from our day together:


These first two were photographed against the colorful backdrop of the Neon Boneyard! Shauna brought along Dustin’s extra name badge to use as an adorable prop in celebration of her new last name:

To see more from this shoot, check out the feature on Destination Inspirations wedding blog!

November 4, 2011 - 2:07 pm Stephanie - These pictures are adorable! I love them!

August 18, 2011 - 7:51 pm Karrie - very nice! The last one is my favorite.

August 17, 2011 - 11:12 am Charles Moore - WOW Shauna, These photos are as amazing as you and Dustin are! Congratulations to you both.

August 13, 2011 - 3:13 pm Stephen - Terrific pics. Well done.

August 12, 2011 - 5:07 pm Caroline - Beautiful!!!!!!!! I L-O-V-E these pictures!!!!! Congratulations again!!!

August 11, 2011 - 4:47 pm Lee - Gorgeous bride!!! Wonderful shots!!!

August 11, 2011 - 3:18 pm hope krokidas - Shauna, u guys look dreamy!!! These are the best ever!

August 11, 2011 - 2:58 pm Jason LeBlanc - Love the photos, amazing!

August 11, 2011 - 2:52 pm Allison LeBlanc - Absolutely BEAUTIFUL!!!

August 11, 2011 - 2:13 pm Becci Godwin - Lovely - absolutely LOVELY!!

August 11, 2011 - 2:09 pm Oliver - These pics kick-ass...I'm striving to get my images half-this good. I guess I would need to start with a beautiful couple to shoot...great shots!

August 6, 2011 - 8:16 pm JamieY - Gorgeous! Love the name on the belt thing, super fantastic.

August 2, 2011 - 7:02 pm Lanette LeBlanc - Beautiful and unique pics! Great job!!

August 2, 2011 - 10:17 am Suzi Lighten - Oh, these are so cute, Chelsea! I love all of the themed shoots you do!

July 27, 2011 - 1:00 am Angela G - These are so fun! Beautiful and amazing work!

July 26, 2011 - 5:55 pm Will Hawkins - Great pics! Congrats

July 26, 2011 - 2:47 pm Nykea - These came out great! Shauna you look AMAZING and so beautiful!! oh Dustin looks nice too lol.

July 23, 2011 - 9:56 pm Shelley White - I LOVE LOVE LOVE them! They are fantastic!

July 23, 2011 - 8:48 pm Sheila (Mom) LeBlanc - Wow! These are so good! What a beautiful, happy couple. Thanks for doing such a super job Chelsea.

July 23, 2011 - 8:40 pm Charlotte Allen - Great pictures! Nice job.

July 23, 2011 - 7:19 pm Michele(Auntie M) - These pictures are great! Can't wait to see the rest! Great job Chelsea!

July 23, 2011 - 7:07 pm Shauna - I love them, Chelsea!! I cna't wait to see the rest! You are so talented and we are so happy to have had our pictures done by you. Talk soon!

October 5, 2011 - 5:25 pm Day 1 of Marriage: It begins with an adventure and a test « Precious Adventures - [...] thinking my dress is gone forever.  Oh, and by the way…we were on our way to Vegas for a trash the dress photoshoot.  That’s right…the dress was a necessary component of that!  All I could think was [...]