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 pmtrachette - 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 pmElly T - congrats congrats congrats! Looks fabulous - I'll look for it in the store now! :-)
August 23, 2011 - 8:34 pmMelissa - This is awesome! Gorgeous work as always. :)
I’m honored to have been chosen by the editors as one of the 10 finalists for the Pacific Weddings Magazine Contest! And now, I need YOUR help! Voting is open to the public to choose between the 10 finalists, and the winner’s image will apear FULL PAGE in the upcoming Winter/Spring 2011 issue on the “Last Word” page dedicated towards ending each issue with an inspirational quote and awesome image.
November 13, 2010 - 11:35 amchels - Thanks for all the votes everyone!!
Also, wanted to post a quick update that the deadline was bumped a week longer to the 15th! I'm not sure why they changed it... But if you can, keep voting! lol. Love ya guys!
November 3, 2010 - 10:44 pmJuliet Douglas - I've been voting!
November 2, 2010 - 8:52 pmlani - Been voting for you Chels! This photo is GREAT!!
November 1, 2010 - 2:30 amRowena - Great pic Chels! Just voted and will vote everyday till the 7th :-)
October 28, 2010 - 8:36 amAutumn Cutaia - I will vote for you every 24 hours! I love that photo!
October 28, 2010 - 7:06 amHannes Uys - Wow Chelsea I became a fan of your work today. Great header too.
October 27, 2010 - 9:43 amchels - Thanks so much guys!! Kat: Weird that the link wasn't working... Were you are to figure it out? Btw, you rock girl!
October 27, 2010 - 12:55 amanja - That is a beautiful picture, you have my vote :)
October 26, 2010 - 10:15 amKat Forsyth - It's struggling to open but I'll keep trying! I'll vote for you for anything!
October 26, 2010 - 8:49 amStephanie - Congrats Chels! What a gorgeous image! You have my vote!
I’m excited to be traveling a good amount this year and wanted to post my updated travel schedule for destination weddings and events. I have limited availably for photo-sessions while traveling, but I can fit a few more in for cool, up-for-anything couples. If you would like to chat about the possibility of setting something up (engagement, couples session, boudoir, trash-the-dress, etc.) while I’m in your area, hit me up via email or use the contact form above!
July 25-28th: Los Angeles, CA
September 14-20th: Lille & Paris, France
September 21-24th: Amsterdam, the Netherlands
October 8-10th: San Antonio, TX
October 15-17th: Grapevine, TX
November 8-12th: New Orleans, LA
May 20-22nd 2011: San Jose, CA
Other Availability: I have 4 spots left for 2010 weddings and am now accepting bookings for 2011!
And speaking of shooting cool places… I was in California last week to celebrate my birthday and while in the area got together with one of my fab couples, Mindy & Neil to photograph their engagement session! It was a blast hitting up the beaches of Santa Monica and Venice with them. Here’s one quick teaser – with more to come very soon!
July 23, 2010 - 11:31 amJuliet Douglas - You need to go to San Francisco! I would love photos with Derek and Bailey up there in my hometown!
June 28, 2010 - 7:27 amWhitney - Sounds like you have some fun trips coming up! Hopefully you will make one out to the East Coast soon so we can do a trash the dress session!
June 23, 2010 - 6:21 pmKate Whitmore - There is only one word to describe this image. And that is SEXY. The lighting, the posing, the expressions....yum.
June 23, 2010 - 1:05 pmDennise - Your talent is too much for words... that picture says it all. And you take care of yourself on your travels! =o)
June 23, 2010 - 6:53 amMindy - Chels! Amazing. The wet and sandy clothes were totally worth it! We are so excited to see the rest!
June 23, 2010 - 6:06 amKyla - Oh wow that teaser is amazing! I'm jealous you are going to Paris - lucky!!! My sister and I will be in Vegas the week of July 5th - too bad I'm not bringing my little guy or I'd schedule a shoot with you!!!
June 23, 2010 - 4:54 amAdrienne - that image is almost too much to handle!! Might be my new favorite image of yours!
June 23, 2010 - 3:42 amStephanie - You get to go to Paris, Amsterdam AND Grapevine, TX?!?! LUCKY! lol. What a beautiful pic... I can't wait to see the rest!
June 23, 2010 - 2:05 amKat Forsyth - Oh man, I wish so hard that you were coming to South Africa! I've just DONE a trash the dress for myself, but I would do another for you! Heheh. Enjoy your travels!
June 22, 2010 - 11:55 pmAmber - You are killing it girl. Any plans to come east. If not - we have to do it up this year in Vegas. xoxo
June 22, 2010 - 10:06 pmAutumn Kosik - Amazing teaser photo! You awe me with each new post.
In celebration of Earth Day, I wanted to do a post to celebrate all that’s green and earth friendly!
ECO-FRIENDLY WEDDING TIPS:
To start, here’s a couple of my favorite green vendors in here in Vegas!
- Earth Limos & Buses: Earth Limos & Buses is a limo company committed to minimizing their impact on the environment. One of the main ways they do this is using vehicles that run on eco-friendly fuel sources such as biodiesel and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). And not only are their limos earth-friendly, but they are also super comfortable and stylish! I especially love their luxury limo bus.
- The Springs Preserve: This 180-acre environment-centered preservation is tucked away in the middle of the city, just 10mins outside of the busy Las Vegas strip. Whether you’re looking for something a bit different for your Vegas wedding or just looking for a place to explore and have a little fun while in town, the Springs Preserve is wonderful. For weddings images from here, check out a few of my recent features on Style Me Pretty - Whitney & John’s Wedding and the Vegas Inspiration to Reality.
Also, for a great resource on more green wedding vendors, be sure to check out Juliet Douglas of Green Orchid Event’s blog – The Las Vegas Wedding Planner, which is updated frequently with great information for brides.
MY PART:
While I’ve never been the hugest tree-hugger on the planet, I do have an appreciation for the little things and products that attempt to make a difference. And I’m always looking for ways of incorporating more earth-friendly things into my own business. Here’s a few:
- All proofing, ordering for prints, albums, etc. is done online via Pictage.com, which is much more convenient for me and my couples and really cuts down on printed forms and paperwork for product selections.
- The album company I use and LOVE like crazy should seriously win an award. Not only do they offer the most gorgeous high-quality albums, they are the greenest album company I know. They take great care in selecting the materials they use. They take great care in how they package their products. And they even have an extensive office recycling program.
Some specifics:
Their “pleathers” are all PVC free, and they wont use hides that have been tanned in Asia because of poor working conditions.
Their product packaging is completely green: hand-made recycled pineapple leaf paper used for wrapping, hand-made recycled mulberry leaves used for the ribbons, mulberry skeleton leaves used for decoration, natural kraft tissue used in wrapping and packaging, corn starch peanuts used as packing materials, paper tape used to seal all boxes, completely recyclable cardboard used for packing and shipping,
All their other packing is made from all natural organic materials that can be reused and recycled. Every possible scrap of paper, glass, metal and plastic is recycled.
Everything is made by hand. If it weren’t for building lighting, a power failure would hardly effect their production.
JUST FOR FUN – MY FAV THINGS:
- Simple Shoes: My newest craze! Their tag line “Shoes for a Happy Planet” says it all. And my feet are also quite happy wearing them. They are colorful, stylish, fun and oh-so comfortable! I made Jayse take a couple photos of them for me – thanks love!
Could one ask for a more perfect sneaker? Here’s a cool video about their bio-degradable soles:
April 28, 2010 - 9:18 amchels - Hey Sarah! I do my albums through Finao. LOVE them for many many reasons!
April 28, 2010 - 6:38 amSarah - Hey Chelsea! If you don't mind me asking, who do you use for your "green" albums?
April 24, 2010 - 7:32 amRene - Very cool post chelsea! Your albums are gorgeous! Also, cute new shoes. :-)
April 22, 2010 - 6:20 pmJuliet Douglas - Thanks for the plug! That was a surprise! I don't claim to be an eco-friendly wedding planner either but I'm learning more and more everyday and try to strive to be as green as possible.
Love your pictures. You can be the face of Simple Shoes!
I’ve been super busy lately, but I just have to blog about WPPI 2010: an incredible event filled with great photographer friends, new faces, parties, classes – the works!
The highlight of my week was Saturday’s “Lens & Learn” Charity event put together by the amazing team at Pictage for the children of The Boys & Girls Club here in Vegas.
I was invited to be the moderator of our group and teach things like lighting and composition with the fantastic photographers Mike Colón and Ray Santana. It’s always great having the opportunity to give back – and I loved the idea of working with and inspiring children through a subject that has inspired me so much. Many of the kids were underprivileged and had never had the opportunity to ever handle a camera – even a point and shoot. This made the experience even more special for them. We started the day with pizza, an introduction by Pictage’s fantastic CEO, Jim Collins and classroom instruction at the Boys & Girls Club: teaching the kids about the art and fun of photography.
Afterward we took the kids on a field trip to the one of my favorite shooting places, the Springs Preserve for some hands-on-shooting! And, to help inspire the them to think outside-the-box, a photo scavenger hunt was planned: The kids had to shoot things like “happiness without including a person”. Or “Create an image of an “A” shape without using a sign or any text.” Or “Take a picture of something large but make it appear small.” Challenging stuff for sure and it was so cool seeing how much the children got into it. We definitely had a few aspiring photographers in the mix. Watching their faces light-up when they saw the results of their work was something I’ll never forget.
Bellow is fellow photographer Matt Savage, Jim Collins and myself with our great group of kids:
And a big group shot with all the kids, photographers and volunteers taken by Kenny Kim:
At the end of the day, Mike Larson did his infamous camera toss where he throws his (very expensive) camera into the air. One of many favorite moments of the day was all the kids yelling in unison “Higher – Higher – Higher!” Haha, loved it!
I came in hoping to inspire and give what I could to this wonderful group of kids – but what I didn’t expect was that at the end of the day I would leave so incredibly refreshed, recharged and inspired by them. It was such a great experience. And a big, HUGE thanks goes to the Pictage team and to Jim Collins for having the vision and heart to make this happen!
March 29, 2010 - 2:39 pmmike@mikelarson.com - Sweet post here! It was great to catch up and see you in Las Vegas. Nice shots!
March 24, 2010 - 9:08 amMindy Bean - Very cool for the kids!
March 24, 2010 - 8:11 amAdrienne - awe chels! your always doing something inspiring!
March 23, 2010 - 3:19 pmPictageSimon - Thanks for being there Chelsea and helping us out with so much for WPPI! What a special week it was for all of us. We're working on more Lens & learn events with the B&G Clubs so more inspiration can happen. Love your post...
March 23, 2010 - 1:52 pmMonty Jessop - Dang Girl your making me cry all over again...........
It would not have been the same without you there Chelsea.
Thank you for sharing your images! Love ya girl!
March 23, 2010 - 12:46 pmEmily - I was so glad to have you there, you are so happy and cheery! We need to hang out more often, miss you!
March 23, 2010 - 11:38 amscott anderson - Thank you for ALL you do Chelsea!
March 22, 2010 - 2:27 pmchels - Sarah: That's awesome! This was a smaller scale event with a select group of photogs. But Pictage is always finding different ways of giving back and has also done larger events open to anyone who wants to get involved. You should come out to PartnerCon: http://pro.pictage.com/community/ppc/neworleans this November! Last year they held a charity event for Katrina Families. :-)
Also, here's some great charity organizations to look into: Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep, Flashes of Hope, and The Portrait House.
March 22, 2010 - 7:04 amSarah - Chelsea - how amazing! I am currently on a quest to find my niche to give back. Finding something like this would be incredible. Does Pictage only offer events like this every blue moon? Please tell me know if/how I can get plugged in :)
March 22, 2010 - 12:15 ams h e r r y - Oh wow. That is amazing. What an awesome thing you guys did!! (That group picture while the camera is in the air- incredible).
March 21, 2010 - 12:29 pmRyan Koral - awesome. great vid, Ron... and great job photogs - what a gift you've given!
As you probably already know, I have a very big crush on a certain ultra stylish wedding website (Style Me Pretty). Abby, Elaine and all the girls at SMP are my kind of people – also obsessed with details and pretty things. So I was absolutely delighted to be a part of their new feature called the “Inspiration to Reality Challenge.” I love the whole concept and how it works! Each region puts together a team of fantastic wedding vendors, then they choose an inspiration board designed by one of SMP’s readers and put their creative juices together to bring it all to life.
I’m beyond excited to share some photos from the Inspiration to Reality shoot that our Las Vegas team put together – and that it’s a 4-part feature on the front page of Style Me Pretty this weekend!
Our shoot took place at one of my FAVORITE ceremony and reception locations here Vegas, the gorgeous Springs Preserve! I loved how the blues popped against the warm desert backdrop. And our model bride, Gabi looked stunning with hair & makeup all done up by Allyson, Lauren & Monet at Las Vegas Style Sirens.
I first saw this dress on Gabi a couple weeks before the shoot. A bunch of us girls were hanging out in the bridal salon while Dawn was trying different dresses on Gabi. It was too funny because it was almost as if we were her bridesmaids. When she came out with this gown on there was one big synchronized “Oohh!” It was definitely THE ONE.
The ensemble was topped off by Stella & Dot Jewelry from stylist Carrie Hogan and a fantastic blue veil from MUMO hair accessories.
Jesus (our groom – who also happens to be the Catering Manager at Springs Preserve) was looking pretty darn sharp as well.
Details, details, details – I was definitely lovin’ all the eye candy! From the amazing feather bouquet by Emplume, the totally unique cakelets by Kristen at Gimme Some Sugar (SO love this idea to have multiple smaller cakes rather than one main one, or in addition to the main one), signature drink by Dress the Drink, peacock chair decor by Wildflower Linens, beautiful centerpiece by Randi at Naakiti Floral, the invitations that arrive in a vintage steamer trunk by Tifany at Gourmet Invitations, and so much more!
Be sure to hit up Style Me Pretty to see a ton more images in the 4-part feature! Here’s the links:
October 19, 2010 - 4:30 pmSidd Rishi - Stunning photos :) Love it!!
April 29, 2010 - 7:08 pmShannon Stuno - Love the lighting, colors & everything! Gorgeous!
March 23, 2010 - 11:36 pmTerrence Lighten - Just saw the photos, they are amazing, goes along with the amazing video...
March 20, 2010 - 8:26 pmE.N. - ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL! Everything about it - fantastic detail shots and definitely one of the best videos I've seen. Great work everyone involved!
March 20, 2010 - 10:44 amEmily - OH. MY. WORD. These are PERFECT!!!! I'm am just spinning - I love these so much and the video is absolutely amazing! All around great job!
March 19, 2010 - 3:14 pmSuzi Lighten - I've been meaning to comment. Wow, you two! Wow! You and Jayse are a not only adorable together as a couple but a great match for working behind your lenses together. That video rocked!
March 19, 2010 - 10:07 amSusan - These are all perfectly stunning, Chelsea, but that second image took my breath away! The color is amazing.
March 12, 2010 - 7:28 amCherie Hogan - Hi Chelsea! It's Cherie from WPPI. Ive been trying to figure out why the picture of the bride with the blue sky behind her is so stunning and I think I figured it out, the color of the sky matches the blue hair piece she's wearing! Did you do that on purpose? I might have to try that!
Anyways, love your work! So glad I got to meet you! Hopefully I'll see you at a PUG meeting! Remember to email me if you need assistance at your next wedding!
March 5, 2010 - 11:55 pmWendhy - LOVE it! AMAZING photos & video!
March 5, 2010 - 2:49 pmDennise - The beauty you all were able to capture is just unbelievable... Chelsea, your images are out of this world! If someone needs ideas for a wedding, here they are! And Jayse, you just bring such life through your videos!! Awesome you two!
March 1, 2010 - 12:11 amJuliet Douglas - So beautiful! And I finally got the chance to view the video and it's amazing!! Good job Chelsea, Jayse, Tracey, and the entire team!
February 28, 2010 - 5:32 pmTracey Kumer-Moore - Just an unbelievable, inspiring day from the board to everyone involved and perfectly captured by the fab Chelsea & Jayse!
I had a blast working with everyone and the two of you from the spark of brilliance in my office when we found "OUR Inspiration" to the shoot day and beyond!
Can't wait to do this again. You two ROCK! Let's go celebrate some awesome work.
T.
February 28, 2010 - 12:42 pmohana photographers - that's the stuff right there!!! love that second shot! love.
April 22, 2010 - 4:18 pmHappy Earth Day! » Chelsea Nicole – Alternative Style Wedding Photography - [...] - The Springs Preserve: This 180-acre environment-centered preservation is tucked away in the middle of the city, just 10mins outside of the busy Vegas strip. Whether you’re looking for something a bit different for your Vegas wedding or just looking for a place to explore and have a little fun while in town, the Springs Preserve is wonderful. For weddings images from here, check out a few of my recent features on Style Me Pretty - Whitney & John’s Wedding and the Vegas Inspiration to Reality. [...]
I’m so excited to announce that I’m now offering fusion coverage! Below is an example of what could be played at the wedding or sent as video-invites. Kory and Trent are awesome musicians so we convinced them to bring their gear out to the desert for their engagement session. We had such a blast and this was the Fusion Video Jayse put together for them:
“What would we want for our ultimate wedding photography coverage?”
Jayse and I start many local-pub conversations this way. Of course we talk with our mouths half-full of way-too-fattening-nachos (extra jalapenos for me, extra olives for Jayse please).
“What would we want for our ultimate wedding?” It’s a guideline for everything I do and all of my product offerings. Over the past six months these conversations have led to one missing component from our ultimate wedding coverage: Video.
But, wait! I’m not talking about your typical hour-long all-encompassing video. While there’s definitely a place for that (and I would be happy to recommend some really cool local videographers if that’s what you’re looking for), Jayse and I agreed that the kind of video we LOVE and wanted for our couples is a short-n-sweet, stylized piece from the day.
Jayse is no stranger to film. While I am editing photos, Jayse is usually across the desk from me designing and creating neat visual effects shots for big blockbuster films like Wolverine or 2012. In fact he’s currently working on Oliver Stone’s sequel to Wall Street. We both love great cinematography and we love great stories. And we knew if something more like the films we loved could be captured, edited, color-toned and rendered into our eager little hands – we’d have something we’d be proud to show off – or share it on our iPhones – or upload to our Facebook page – or watch on a big-screen.
And thus, we are very excited to announce:
Fusion: photography style video
Fusion has been officially added to my new 2010 wedding catalog! Contact me for more details. Or, click here to find out a bit more about fusion and how it works!
So – Fusion – there you have it. Hope you like it as much as we do!
*****
UPDATE: Kory and Trent’s engagement session has been featured on Rock and Roll Bride! Click here to check out the feature which also includes lots of extra images.
March 30, 2010 - 4:35 pmRowena - awesome!! love it! u 2 are a fantastic duo!
March 20, 2010 - 6:13 pmSergio - Awesome video - really first-class work you are putting out
March 1, 2010 - 5:12 amDennise - lol, I'm sorry Chelsea! I couldn't help myself! I think this is a perfect example of when curiosity kills the cat, lol. And again, you two are incredible! =oD
February 28, 2010 - 10:05 amchels - You cheater! You peeked! lol.. I figured you might find it before I got the chance to blog it. ;-) I'm so happy you love it hun, and how sweet that your mom cried!
February 28, 2010 - 9:49 amDennise - Jayse!!! I found the video you were talking about!! Oh my goodness, I don't even know how many times I've seen it already!! It made my mom cry =oP
February 27, 2010 - 9:59 amjayse - Thanks everyone! And Dennise there might be a compilation video of you in the middle of Time Square floating around here somewhere I think... ;-)
February 27, 2010 - 9:19 amMandy Holben - so blown away by this! I love it!
February 26, 2010 - 6:32 pmDennise - I can not WAIT to see more videos!! Chelsea and Jayse, you are officially the Dynamic Duo!! Awesomeness is your middle name!
February 26, 2010 - 10:31 amWendhy Jeffers - The video ROCKS! Amazing work Chels!
February 26, 2010 - 7:18 amMatt H - HOLY - this is soooo great! Best engagement shoot ever!
February 25, 2010 - 8:27 pmJayse - ps - E.N. - neither of us really use actions or presets. It's much more fun to create something from scratch - albeit slightly more time-consuming.
February 25, 2010 - 8:21 pmJayse - Thanks to everyone who's commented here and on Facebook! Now maybe I get to share in all the fun that Chels has! ;-)
February 25, 2010 - 6:42 pmAngelica McDonnell - WOW is all I can say. You guys rocked that video and the couple was gorgeous. It makes me want to get married all over again and get this!
February 25, 2010 - 4:01 pmE.N. - ps - how do you guys get such fantastic colors? Presets? Actions? Do tell!
February 25, 2010 - 4:00 pmE.N. - I don't know how you keep surprising me with awesomeness - but you do! STUNNING work from both of you!
February 25, 2010 - 3:56 pmShannon Progar - Chelsea - I am sooo blown away by this! How completely and totally awesome. FABULOUS!
February 25, 2010 - 3:27 pmRachel Garcia - Awesome! I love it!
February 25, 2010 - 3:26 pmBrandi - Chels this ROCKS!! I'm sure it will do very, very well.
February 25, 2010 - 3:24 pmTerrence Lighten - That was really cool! Very well done and artistic. I'm excited for you guys.
February 25, 2010 - 2:55 pmJuliet Douglas - I'm so excited this is finally here for you! What a hot looking video and couple!
February 25, 2010 - 2:28 pmMike T - WOW! That video is @#*ing FANTASTIC!! What a perfect match with your imagery Chelsea. I think this will really take off. Congrats!
by chels
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