Personal Thursday

Ok, last Personal Thursday... next week, I will be back on Friday... how sweet is this pic of 2 of my boys - so handsome.  This is at the 2011 bridal show, so maybe some of you saw it?  Daniel totally surprised me by showing up with Wallace - both of them all decked out so nice in their suits and they helped me in the booth that day... yes, I have the best husband in the world... :)

Have a great Christmas and holidays!

Email me at talleyimages@yahoo.com and check out the website at www.addietalley.com

Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner - Columbus MS Photographer

(photograph done by Celeste Staggers)

Meet Jennifer... she was the winner of the Dismals Bridal shoot. She was nominated by her friend Brandy, and here is part of what Brandy said...

My friends name is Jennifer hebert she is... a awesome mother to 2 boys her and her husband Jamie have been married going on 11 yrs which is awesome in this day and time. Let me tell you a little about Jenni she has been my best friend for 20 yrs and would do anything for you that is what kind of person she is. when she got married 11 yrs ago they had to use just a family friend to go around and take pics with a regular digital camera because that's all they could afford at the time. I think she deserves this because she has been planning their vow renewal for a yr and wants to have that "dream wedding" that all little girls dream of. Did I also mention that she [recently] lost 50lbs and now she looks awesome I think she needs this so she will have the new woman in a new dress in new pictures... What it boils down to is Jenni is a wonderful person inside and out and I couldnt think of anything more than for her to win this photo shoot from you to make her a very happy girl.

Thank you to Brandy for entering and for Jennifer for being so awesome! Im so, so excited to do this shoot and I know you, my readers, are excited to see the results as well... :)

Why dont you leave a comment sending Jennifer some happy wishes...

Also, I hope this will serve as a reminder... get a professional photographer for your wedding - it will be so worth it, i promise!

The Real Story - Columbus MS Photographer

Dont forget to nominate a woman that you love for FREE PICTURES - Ive received some really good entries, but not hardly enough - I cant believe YOU (yes, you!) havent nominated anyone yet... seriously, dont you know anyone that deserves a fun day of feeling pretty?! Feel free to nominate yourself as well - I know you need it... :)

Today is the day that my center spread comes out in The Real Story paper... Im so excited! Above is the spread - Aimee Shaw did an amazing job with the layout. Probably sometime next week, Ill feature some of the circus pics here on the blog. But go get your copy today... and if anyone has any extras, Id love to have them... :)

Oh, and Im still excited about the Sins show next Saturday.... fun! I cant wait - and I cant wait to see YOU there too!

Email me at talleyimages@yahoo.com - I just had a cancellation for this Saturday - anyone want it?

Link Love - Columbus MS Photographer

Dont forget to enter the contest for FREE BRIDAL PICS - seriously, I cant believe I havent gotten more entries... dont wait!

Yep, its that time again... time for some new links... and I know what you are thinking - argh, why does she keep putting these up? Why, because I love them - and if you would just give it a chance and click on something (seriously, it doesnt take that much effort, right?), you could find some really cool stuff... promise... :)

Ok, so here we go.... :)

This engagement shoot is so rock and roll

The studs on this cake are killing me (love the dark bouquet too!)

Check out the Sareh Nouri bridal collection… classic and gorgeous

And more on that pink dress here

Love these different men’s wedding bands… thinking about that Tron ring for my husband (wishing for a smaller version of that black ring for myself as well)

17 modern bathroom faucets… in love with these – especially affixing an LED light to the faucet to make it look like your water is colored? Way cool!

A chandelier made from old globes… swoon

Make your own super-bling necklace that looks awesome!!!!! And way easier than you think!

One of the most beautiful brides Ive ever seen (I think the hair, makeup and flowers puts it over the top!)

One of the coolest pieces of jewelry Ive ever seen… need!

Wondering the best time for family pictures… this calculator makes it super easy! Email me and lets get your session scheduled - you know you want to!

If you know me at all, you know that I love grey…. So you know I love this styled shoot – especially the simple green and white bouquet and the exquisite cake

I want, I want, I want… these are plush toys that are reversible – so two animals in one… and they are the cutest!!! (click on the pics to see the reverse of each one – the elephant/cat is my favorite)

Who knew ladders could be repurposed for so many different things… some of these are just genius!

Super hero themed tutus!!!!! These so rock and I want a few for myself…. Would that be weird?

The coolest tents EVER…. Seriously, these are going to blow your mind

An outdoor library in a vineyard = perfect date

Who knew a water tower could actually be beautiful?

Dip-dyed marshmallows!!!

Rainbow food!!!!

This quote is so true for all the girls of my generation

How cool is this underwater light show device for your pool… and at only $30, Im thinking you would have the reception that everyone was talking about – or the coolest pool party – you decide

So you know all those colored crinoline skirts Ive been pushing… how about wearing one as your skirt itself… this mint green one is a dream

Whew... have I worn you out yet? But in a good way, right? Im going to be seriously disappointed if you visit today and dont click on at least one link.... :)

10 days until the Sin show... so excited... please tell me you are coming!

The Final Countdown - Day 11 - Columbus MS Photographer

Dont forget to enter the contest for FREE BRIDALS, you can enter all this week and a winner will be chosen on Monday, July 9th.... cant wait to read more entries! There have been some really good ones so far!

Speaking of contests.... Go on over to the Hopkins family blog - they are giving away a Kindle fire - how awesome is that... and you know youve been wanting one. And all the money raised goes to bring that sweet little boy in the picture above (which I didnt take) home to his forever family. Isnt he sweet? The Hopkins adopted a little girl from Hong Kong a little bit back (like us!) and now they are going to Europe for a son! And you can be a part of their journey.... its so exciting. And speaking from experience in the adoption world - its hard. Its really hard. But you have no idea how encouraging it is when people support you - even with small amounts - $1, $5, $10 - it may not seem like much in the grand scheme of things, but to that family, I guarantee you, its huge.

And now we are down to Day 11 of the countdown to the Sins show... Im on pins and needles and cant wait.... so much good stuff happening... :)

Email me at talleyimages@yahoo.com - Id love to hear from you!

The Final Countdown - Day 12 - Columbus MS Photographer

Dont forget to enter the contest for FREE BRIDALS - I promise you dont want to miss out... and only a week left... :)

Since Im in the bridal mood, thought I would post some I did of Allison last year... can you believe all of these were done right here in Columbus... love how they turned out... and you know if these were done here in Columbus, imagine what the ones in the Dismals are going to be like!!!

Im so excited.

Also, be sure to check out The Real Story paper this week - I have the centerfold... and its all pics that havent been pictured on the blog... so exciting!

Also, we now start the final countdown to the 7 Sins show. We are at day 12. I have worked on this series for what? 3 months now so I couldnt be more excited for them to finally be coming out... :) The show will be next Saturday, July 7th from 5:30 - 7:30 - free food and drinks are provided and all the artwork is for sale as well. Id love to have everyone come out and see the show! Im definitely looking forward to finally seeing all 7 prints up and together!

Again, dont forget to enter the contest! And Im always still taking portrait sessions - email me at talleyimages@yahoo.com and lets get you set up!

Free Bridals - Columbus MS Photographer

Ok, so up for grabs today is a free bridal shoot at the Dismals. Have you ever been to the Dismals? Its in northern Alabama about 2 hours from Columbus. It is amazing. You walk down the steps into the canyon and its lush and green with waterfalls, moss and creeks running through the whole thing. It looks like you stepped back into time or crossed over into some fairy world. Talk about amazing.... you can view some pictures here.

So here is the deal... Id love to bless a bride with some bridals that maybe she cant afford or couldnt afford. Maybe you eloped and never had the time or money to do real pictures... or maybe your pictures turned out horribly? Everyone deserves to feel beautiful and have some beautiful pictures of themselves to celebrate. Or maybe there is a woman (mom, sister, wife) that needs a pick me up - to feel beautiful for the day.

Even better... I have wedding dresses on hand, in most sizes... so even if you werent able to get a dress or dont want to get yours dirty, you can just borrow one of mine and just have fun.... and trust me, I do have some gorgeous dresses - in all sizes and shapes (including some gorgeous vintage dresses!).... that dress in the picture at the top is one I own as well (yes, Im serious!).

The only catch is that you need to be healthy enough to do alot of walking/hiking, but otherwise this contest is open to anyone and everyone... :)

So how does it work? Send me an email at talleyimages@yahoo.com nominating a woman in your life who could use some beautiful pictures of herself (and yes, feel free to nominate yourself as well!)... Contest will be open for a little over 2 weeks and Ill pick a winner on July 9th.... in the email, please include the woman's name, why she deserves this, a picture, and if possible a dress size (so I can make sure I have something), please put "Dismal Bridals" in the subject line so I dont miss any.

Also, please share this on facebook, blogs and through email... I definitely want everyone to hear about this one!

Super easy contest with some great odds... and an amazing prize! I cant wait to hear from you!

Sneak Peek - Columbus Ms Photographer

Just a quick sneek peek of some of the amazing-ness that was Menuka and Anil's session that is upcoming this week... stay tuned... :)

Crazy Week - Columbus MS Photographer

(click on pic to view larger)

So did anyone/everyone see the bridal insert in the Columbus and Starkville papers this past Sunday? Did you catch my ad? What did you think? I was advised by quite a few people not to use this particular ad because it wasnt very traditional, but I had to stay true to myself. And I love it. No reason why my alternative brides out there cant have a place and wedding photographer willing to see their dreams come to life as well... :)

If anyone has an extra copy, Id love to have it... I always try to give a copy to my brides who are featured and I am one short.... can anyone help a girl out? Email me at talleyimages@yahoo.com

I dont know who decided to make this week so crazy, but they did a good job. I have coopers closet all this week - including Saturday... also Sunday, I have the big Premiere Bridal show in Tupelo ($3 discount on tickets if you go to the website)- which includes set up on Saturday.... not sure if youre not involved, if you ever really realize how much prep work, set up, booth work and take down there really is - for both shows... so Sunday will be busy, busy... so no break this weekend for me... I guess its a good thing I love what I do... and I cant wait to meet all my new brides!

Yall come out to the show on Sunday - Im giving away a big discount and alot of fun prizes so it would be worth your while to come see me.... plus, they are giving out a prize for best booth so everyone at the show needs to vote, vote, vote for me!

Im going to try to keep posting all this week, but I appreciate everyone understanding that it really is a busy week... Im doing my best! I love all of yall!

Email me at talleyimages@yahoo.com - March is filling up really quickly - all my Saturdays are already gone, but I do have a few Sundays left and some weekday afternoons... Id love to hear from you!

Columbus MS Wedding Photographer

Ok, we all know that the holiday season is really engagment time, and I cant wait to see all the new brides - and all the new wedding dresses! So for all of you, get ready, Im about to blow your minds!

The wedding dress is one of the most important things about the wedding and usually what the rest of the wedding revolves around, but they are so expensive... like a couple thousand dollars expensive!!! Which, if you are like the rest of us, we dont really have that kind of money to spend on one dress for one day... but who wants a dress straight off the rack (that other brides probably have), but you cant afford anything custom?

Until now!

Introducing Simply Bridal.... I was just introduced to them this week and their wedding dresses are stunning. And get this... they are all custom, hand-made to order. Thats right - you get a one of a kind wedding dress that is all yours - made to fit your body - no alterations needed... and if that wasnt enough...
- free shipping on all dresses
- a 30 day money-back guarantee
- ready in about 35 days
- and get this, if you do happen to need alterations when it gets to you, then they will pay for up to $75 of the alterations.

Are you getting this?

You want even better news? They are having a HUGE sale on most of their wedding dresses right now - like up to 75% off kind of sale (none of that 20% off stuff here - lets go big!)

Think this is too good and they probably dont have anything good... I just went online and picked out a few of my favorites...

*quick note about these pictures - I have written permission by the owner to post them here, please do not steal them... also, these were all taken (not by me!) in the Simply Bridal studio, so these are the real deal - none of that imitation stuff that you see on ebay.

This is Camilla – less than $150 (this would be so flattering on so many body types!)
http://shop.simplybridal.com/silhouette/camilla-gown.html

This is Lucy – less than $90 - perfect for a modern bride!
http://shop.simplybridal.com/silhouette/lucy-gown.html

This is Jocelyn – less than $150 - the back of this one just gets me every time
http://shop.simplybridal.com/silhouette/jocelyn-gown.html

This is Penelope – less than $165 - Im all about some color on a dress!
http://shop.simplybridal.com/silhouette/penelope-gown.html

This is Evelyn – less than $325 - yall, I cant even tell you how much a dress like this would cost retail - look at all those ruffles!
http://shop.simplybridal.com/silhouette/a-line/evelyn-gown.html

This is Dany – less than $180
http://shop.simplybridal.com/silhouette/empire/dany.html
Did I mention that if you use the code "bridal" (no quotes), then you can get 10% off your order? Yeah, good stuff!

These are just a few of the wedding dresses... you owe it to yourself to go look and see what they have and fall in love... I promise you will. Oh, and for all of you California people - they have a showroom in L.A. where you can go try on wedding dresses and make sure you get the exact one you are looking for - how sweet is that?!!!

Ok, let me speak to you that are already married for just a minute.... do you like your wedding pictures? Are they really you? Are you happy to show them off to everyone? If not, let me suggest that you redo your wedding pictures and make them into something that you love. Rent a tux for your guy and get yourself a dress - one that you like this time and that fits right, and have your wedding pictures done the way that you wanted them done the first time - without worrying if the dress is getting dirty... this is the perfect anniversary present (guys are you listening?) and how cool that you could involve your kids as well, if you wanted.

And nope, Simply Bridal did not pay or compensate me in anyway... I actually contacted them and asked if I could feature them because I wanted to pass on the awesomeness to all of you.... thats what Im here for. :)

lthough... I would love to do some more vendor reviews or giveaways here on the blog... they need to be wedding/photography related, but thats a pretty broad category if you think about it... :) Id love to talk to you and see what we can do. Email me at talleyimages@yahoo.com!

Tips for the Non-Traditional Bride

Hi, its me... Addie.... I have a wedding upcoming to post later this week, but wanted to have something new up here....

And since I am an internet/blog/etsy diva who loves searching for stuff.... which includes wedding-related items... I thought I would post a few of my recent finds.

These are mostly for my totally non-traditional brides... sometimes its hard to find things that are totally unique and different... where the un-normal is accepted and celebrated, so I thought I would offer up a few ideas.

http://www.offbeatbride.com/ - this is a wedding site dedicated to offbeat weddings... I adore it... most of the brides dont wear white and they have fun new decorations. This is a great site for finding cute ideas on the cheap.... be forewarned though, it does feature alternative weddings and cursing, so if you are easily offended, you might want to skip this one.... my favorite wedding so far is this Alice in Wonderland inspired one - the bride has pink hair and has a pink dress, her bridesmaids wear pettiskirts and dont even get me started on the reception - pure bliss! (if anyone is thinking of doing a wedding like this, please, please, please hire me as your photographer!)


http://www.thevintagebride.com/ - if you love vintage (like I do!), then this is the shop for your wedding gown.... its all vintage gowns - and most of them are under $1,000 - which is cheap by wedding standards.... I love the poofy chiffon ones.... and it offers free shipping! (I heard a tip that although most of these are in smaller sizes, the extra fabric from under layers or train can provide enough to do alterations with)

http://www.stelladot.com/sites/tvaranini - jewelry... and its totally unique, and beautiful, and not half as expensive as alot of others Ive seen... and this is totally real stuff that you can keep and wear way past your wedding

Ok, and I must admit that I am an etsy-aholic..... love it.... LOVE IT.... love it... my latest favorite feature is the time machine.... cannot get enough!

Here are a few of my favorite (sort of) wedding-related shops
http://www.etsy.com/shop/RedLightStudio - the cutest custom cake toppers.... adore the birds! I love that these can be totally used as a decoration in your home later.... and for something so custom, they dont break the bank!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/runwildhorses - bridesmaids gifts! These are amazing little quirky pieces of art disguising themselves at jewelry.... and so affordable! Love these! There is nothing like giving someone a gift that has them written all over it.... these are perfect for that!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/amymiwen - a most excellent groom's gift.... lets face it, guys are hard to shop for - they want something that they already have (but honestly you are ready for them to just throw it away).... here is something that is totally custom, and so totally rad! I cannot imagine a groom getting these and not thinking you were the most awesome bride ever - like you totally get him! And then he will want to buy you that piece of jewelry that youve had your eye one..... or maybe not... but he will still think you are awesome!

Ok... thats all Ive got for now.... none of these stores/shops/websites paid me... or even know I exist... I just love their stuff and thought you might too! I would love to hear the shops you love - leave a comment here or email me at talleyimages@yahoo.com and keep looking for that wedding!


Oh, and just wanted to remind everyone that all of my photography profits right now are going towards our adoption... so you can feel good about getting some great pictures, making a new friend (that would be me), and also knowing that your money is going towards bringing a little one home to their family. For everyone that has supported me so far, thank you is not enough, but its all I have right now... so thank you!