Category Archives: Wedding

A Meaningful Wedding Series

I have a sweet spot for some traditions, but I truly love when a couple can create a day that is reflective of new ideas & some reinvented decor.
This styled shoot is full of vintage flavored style & yummy vegan eats!

A few months ago, I came across some vintage blue ice skates on Etsy, and I couldn’t pass them up. I e-mailed Caitlin, of Simply Photography & we knew we had to set up a styled shoot around them. After many e-mails & lots of prep, I’m so proud to share this collaboration. Katrina & Justin are engaged, {and he plays hockey}, so they were a perfect fit for this shoot! Keep in mind the high for this day was 23 degrees, so our “models” were incredible for looking so effortlessly gorgeous in the cold!

We were so honored to have The Look Dayton supply the wardrobe for Katrina. They are a charming vintage shop located on Brown Street in the University of Dayton Shops area. They carry an assortment of authentic vintage styles from the 30’s to the 80’s, as well as shoes & accessories. We were quite distracted when we met with them. Their three rooms brimming with vintage pieces could keep me occupied for hours! They have vintage jewelry, hats, shoes, purses, belts, scarves, hankies, etc. and a good selection of vintage designer wear for both men and women.

Caitlin & I were really inspired by rustic touches mixed with vintage elegance. She made this beautiful pine cone bouquet & it was so appropriate because it stood up to the freezing temperatures & wind better than fragile flowers! Amanda, from the lovely blog Ruffled, recommends using “non-floral alternatives in the Winter” and has some genius ideas in this post.

I give Caitlin huge props because she took care of the wardrobes from head to toe & they both look phenomenal! She even handmade his bow tie, boutineer, Katrina’s veil & all the fabric flowers!

We were so lucky to have the Bombshell Bake Shop make us some delicious vegan goodies. I used Katie’s Triple Threat Chocolate Cookies with a baby clothespin & brown bag as a favor. So easy, requires no penchant for art whatsoever! They were addicting, I’m surprised they lasted long enough to be photographed 😀

This cupcake shelf DIY was so fun, easy, and inexpensive! I covered two very cheap Walmart black floating shelves with burlap. I wrapped them like presents with the burlap & hot glued it into place. Rocky hung them from the tree, and I loved the effect. You could easily substitute a piece of wood for the shelves.

Katie from Bombshell Bake Shop, also supplied some Rockin Red Velvet & Plain Jane Cupcakes… they were moist, sweet, & very luxurious!

I actually made these pinwheels at Christmas time to go over my fireplace. La Belle Bride, a gorgeous blog written by Chantale, featured a DIY tutorial on how to make them by one of my favorites, Sophia of Brancoprata! You can see just how easy it is here. I fell in love with them and couldn’t bear to get rid of them. They became a big part of this whimsical winter inspiration. I made them using leftover wrapping paper. What you see probably cost less than a $1 to make! Some wrapping paper had writing or designs, so I just used the back of it for the pinwheels.

These Vegan Chocolate Coffee Patron Truffles were delicious & easy to make! Find the recipe & more of my photographs on a previous post here. You can easily substitute Kahlua & non-vegan ingredients to make them for Valentine’s Day. The bowl is from My Sweet & Saucy Supply!

For a centerpiece idea, I decided to use sticks from my yard held together with floral wire. I made pine cone frames {inspired by Martha Stewart ornaments} for guests to write well wishes. The idea is that even though this is not a traditional Christmas wedding, the couple would be able to use them as Christmas ornaments in the future. If you’d rather not have guests “sign” them with written words, you could always designate a friend to take pictures or use photo booth pictures to put inside the frames. Either way, awesome keepsakes!

Here is a link to the Martha Stewart Pinecone Frame Tutorial. It is very inexpensive and a beautiful winter DIY project! A few years ago I bought some glittered pine cones from Target, and they came in useful for our shoot. I dismantled a few of the gold pine cones to make frames & loved the results. I am kind of excited to see glitter & sparkles making a comeback 😉

These burlap bags were simple to make & obviously inspired from my Minnesota bride Sarah. I just hot glued the edges, then used some twine to tie them shut. They are favor bags for an Oatmeal Confetti send off. The idea presented itself at breakfast one day when Kevin (my four year old) threw his uncooked oatmeal in the air and called it confetti. I thought it was a genius idea for this friendly-green-shoot! The book boxes the burlap favor bags are sitting in resemble some you might find at Anthropologie, but I found them on clearance at Marshall’s {under $10 each}!

This next simple project was Caitlin’s idea- Vegan Hot Cocoa Mason Jar Favors! She put the ingredients together in these mini mason jars & I dressed them up with my pinwheel & paper lace obsessed favorites. It was fun to mix masculine & feminine touches.

This necklace can also be found at The Look Dayton.

We tried to incorporate a lot of DIY inspiration & ideas, but Katrina & Justin were so sweet too! I love photographing couples who look at each other like they do.

I hope you have enjoyed this intimate take on a winter wedding that we styled! As a wedding photographer, I am constantly exposed to fashion forward wedding design & reawakened trends. Through styled shoots like this, I want to inspire brides. If there is just one tip or DIY project that resonates with you, then I will be a happy woman!

Katrina’s Wardrobe: The Look Dayton *Check out more selections on their Facebook page & “Like” them for future updates!

Wedding Dress: 1980s Victor Costa

Ice Skates: Etsy.com

Cupcakes & Cookies: Bombshell Bake Shop *She ships her goodies! They are handmade from scratch in small batches… and DELICIOUS!

Truffle Bowl: My Sweet & Saucy Supply

Location: Dayton at Riverscape & my in-laws’ yard (Thanks Grandma & Grandpa!)

The font I used is Nelly Script, you can purchase it at MyFonts.com

You can find the wood doily coasters I made into ornaments on Etsy by the seller Uncommon


Justin & Katrina- Thank you both for coming down & standing in the cold for us! You were both so awesome to endure a cold Ohio wintry day!

To see more ideas, and a beautiful Garter that matches the headpiece, visit Caitlin’s blog here. It was so awesome to see our ideas grow & to work with someone who is just as enthusiastic about vintage blue ice skates as I am. Thank you so much for everything Caitlin, can’t wait to work with you again!!!

Finally, I must thank our husbands! Matt & Rocky put up with disheveled homes during our crafty obsessions & always watched our kiddos while we worked. Thanks for putting up with hot glue, glitter, & chaos! ♥

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  • alli - February 1, 2011 - 7:36 pm

    Wow, this is so inspiring! So much creative talent here!

  • Giedre - February 1, 2011 - 11:02 pm

    LoveLOVE the photos! Such gorgeous details – especially the pine cone bouquet! 🙂
    -giedre

  • Michelle - February 2, 2011 - 7:26 am

    This is absolutely gorgeous! You guys did a wonderful job! :o) I wish it snowed in Miami, so I could do these kind of winter shoots. I have so many ideas!

  • Rebecca "Sneaky Cat" Rowley - February 2, 2011 - 10:31 am

    This is wonderful. The choices, the colors, the photography, the bakery … the concept from beginning to end … wonderful! As always … and once again … Proud to be a Daytonian …

  • Ashley McCormick Photography - February 2, 2011 - 12:14 pm

    This is so gorgeous Andrea!! I just love the theme, color palette and the couple is adorable. Congratulations on a beautiful shoot!

  • Kristi - February 3, 2011 - 11:02 am

    Andrea this is just FABULOUSNESS!!! Everything is just perfection – the colrs, the styling, the details, and of course the photography – all of it! I am in a little bit of heaven right now! What an AMAZING job!!! Thank you for inspiring me ;-)))

    xoxo
    kristi

  • […] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Michigan Bride, Andrea Dozier. Andrea Dozier said: A shoot inspired by vintage blue ice skates: http://j.mp/fHD4ku […]

  • Anna @ IHOD - February 10, 2011 - 7:38 am

    Oh my gosh I am dying over here!! I don’t know which I love more….the details or the outfits!! incredibly inspiring. Off to share…

  • Anna @ IHOD - February 10, 2011 - 7:39 am

    Oh%20my%20gosh%20I%20am%20dying%20over%20here!!%20I%20don’t%20know%20which%20I%20love%20more….the%20details%20or%20the%20outfits!!%20incredibly%20inspiring.%20Off%20to%20share…

  • Liesl - February 23, 2011 - 5:45 pm

    This is just beautiful and I love the winter feel and look to the pictures! So pretty!

    Liesl 🙂

  • Liesl - February 23, 2011 - 5:45 pm

    Love the winter look you gave to all the pictures…so pretty!

    Liesl 🙂

  • Rachel J - February 24, 2011 - 4:20 pm

    You are so cute!!! I love your blog!! Keep up the great work and I cant wait til out pictures!!!! xoxox

  • Christine - May 22, 2011 - 8:46 pm

    *This* is why I’ve always wished I live somewhere it snowed!
    Amazing photographs, amazing decor and an amazing couple. That last photograph is just incredible!

  • […] inspiration for weddings, engagements, or bridal showers comes from a collaboration between Andrea Dozier Boutique Photography and Simply Photography, and offers some beautiful images with great ideas and details you can […]

  • Pine Cone Bouquets | bohobride.co.uk - November 13, 2011 - 11:03 pm

    […] Rustic Wedding Chic; Andrea Dozier; Grey Likes Weddings; Hindsight Bride; Intimate […]

  • What We Do Films / A Winter Wedding - November 29, 2011 - 3:30 am

    […] photo by James Christianson. Vegan Hot Chocolate favors by Andrea Dozier Photography and Caitlin of Simply Photography.  Bouquet and table setting by Rachel A Clingen. Tray of pretty […]

  • […] Handmade loveliness by Andrea Dozier: […]

  • Vintage Winter Wedding | Discover Paper - December 21, 2011 - 12:33 pm

    […] recently happened upon this brilliant vintage winter wedding photographed by Andrea Dozier and was in awe of the simple and beautiful paper details. The […]

  • […] activities on my iPad on Pinterest.Made this ornament from leftover pieces from last year’s winter inspiration shoot.On Christmas Eve I woke up to the boys using my shoes & pillows for Angry Bird scenes. Birds […]

  • […] You can see the full vintage winter inspiration session here. […]

  • […] [bridesmaid] [wrap] [wedding gown] [wedding favors] […]

  • […] 1, 2, […]

  • […] To check out the entire shoot go to andreadozier.com/blog […]

  • Top 10 Winter Wedding Favors - January 19, 2014 - 7:48 am

    […] sources (clockwise from top left): 1- Celebrating Everyday Life; 2- Andrea Dozier Boutique Photography via Celebrations at Home; 3- Josh McCullock/Gibson Events via Grey Likes Weddings; 4- […]

Thank you all so much for your support! I was truly amazed by how many retweets, Facebook “shares,” and e-mails you all used to share this giveaway with the ones you know! There were several submissions that came in, but unfortunately, I was already booked for many of them. However, I am so excited that there are four final contestants who have the chance of an all-inclusive wedding photography package!

You will just love them for their huge hearts & sweet stories, I know I do!

Names: Ellen & Benjamin

Location: Fremont/Clyde, Ohio

Ellen & Benjamin have been together since they were fourteen & met at church. They’ve been best friends for the past five years & plan to get married this summer. He will be leaving for his basic training with the Marines very soon after that.

In her own words: “I’m with the man of my dreams and I don’t think God could have picked a better person for me. The Marines will have its up and down’s I’m sure, but this will be one adventure I wouldn’t spend with anyone else.”

Names: Anna & Chris

Location: Bar Harbor Maine

Anna met Chris her senior year of high school when he came home from the Air Force. They dated long distance while they attended college. He asked her to marry him in Bar Harbor during leave from Afghanistan this past July, a special place for them, so it is only fitting they will be getting married there! He just returned home from Afghanistan this December!

In her own words: “While Chris was deployed he befriended stray dogs in Afghanistan, two of which had saved over 50 soldiers lives by alerting the troops of a suicide bomber entering the barracks causing the bomber to detonate too early never making it into the living quarters.  One of the dogs named Target was pregnant and had puppies a few days later after surviving the attack.  Chris fell in love with one of the puppies named Bear, and contacted me seeing if there was any way I could help him get Bear, Target and Rufus home.  It was then that I started a group called Puppy Rescue Mission on Facebook.  To make a long story short, since April I have raised over $110,000 to help soldiers bring their animals home from Afghanistan.  The bond between a soldier and his dog is just incredible, and there is no better therapy out there for these men than a battle buddy.  Puppy Rescue Mission just recently became a non-profit and Chris and I continue our work helping soldiers in Afghanistan bring their animals home.  We get requests almost daily and have brought over 32 dogs home for soldiers nationwide.

Names: Liz & Chris

Location: Bethalto, Illinois

Liz & Chris met only two weeks before he started his basic training for the Army. She really believed he would be “just a friend,” because long distance relationships did not seem real to her.

In her own words: “Every day passed throughout those two weeks and our feelings grew more and more for one another. He is the most respectful and loyal person I have ever met in my life. Two days before he left home we made it official that we were going to see where this relationship will take us. February on until May that year we learned about each others lives and fell crazy in love through hand written letters. We wrote to each other everyday it seemed. Finally that summer came and I made multiple ten hour car rides to see him. To this day it is still the hardest thing in the world to say goodbye and I am sure every girl in my position knows that pain. Our entire relationship has been long distance. We just hit our two year anniversary on January 19! The last day I saw him in April 2010 before he left for his first tour in Afghanistan he said this to me; “I’m not asking you, I am telling you that we are getting married when I get home next Spring!” and we are! I could not be more thrilled to finally start my life with my best friend. He has decided to make the Army a career and I am prepared to handle anything after these last two years! This is the life I have always pictured having!”

Names: Kim & Josh

Location: Hamburg, NY

Kim & Josh met at Rite Aid, where she was a pharmacy technician & he was the store security guard. They had plans to marry, but the birth of their daughter & the course of military duty pushed back their dream wedding. They eloped before he left, but since he has been deployed for a year, the wedding they are planning will be extra special!

In her own words: “What made him intriguing to me was that he was in the Army National Guard , I always loved the idea of being with someone in uniform. We eloped at town hall so I would have insurance coverage to have the baby. So after our daughter was born we had started to make plans for a 2010 wedding when he was activated for deployment to Afghanistan for a year. So now I have my dress sitting in my closet… He returns in Winter 2011 and we plan on have a “real” wedding in 2011 at the Avanti Mansion in Hamburg,NY. The opportunity you are giving a lucky couple of your services is more than gracious but just to have my husband home is more than I would ever want over a wedding anytime.


Thank you for reading these lovely stories!

Here’s how the voting works:

  • I will post all the submissions on my Facebook Page in an album titled “ 2011 Military Wedding Submissions.”
  • In order to be eligible to vote, please visit my Facebook Page & “Like” it. Then you may vote for your favorite couples by “Liking” your favorite contestants’ photograph. Photo comments are awesome, but will not count as part of the official vote tally. You may vote for more than one couple, but each one only once.

Voting will begin Tuesday February 1st
Voting will close Sunday February 13th

The winning couple will be announced on February 14th!

I’m glad that I don’t have to pick one, because all of these couples are so sweet & deserving… thank you for sharing your stories & embracing military life so openly!
The men you love are better because of the strong women who stand behind them ♥


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  • Cheri Michaud - February 1, 2011 - 7:56 am

    My vote is for Chris and Anna!

  • Jill Conces - February 1, 2011 - 8:51 am

    GO CHRIS & ANNA…AND PUPPIES! Your are truly making a difference and deserve all of the happiness coming your way. Hope you win!

  • Kim - February 1, 2011 - 9:48 am

    Anna and Chris get my vote!

  • Krista Hunt - February 1, 2011 - 9:49 am

    Anna and Chris!!

  • Desiree - February 1, 2011 - 11:11 am

    Vote for Kim and Josh!

  • Andrea - February 1, 2011 - 11:16 am

    Thank you all for your support & enthusiasm! The votes here will not count, please go to my Facebook page & “Like” my page, then “Like” your favorite couple(s). Thank you! -Andrea

  • Angela Bliss - February 1, 2011 - 1:16 pm

    I vote for Ellen and Benjamin

  • Barb - February 1, 2011 - 2:46 pm

    I vote for Liz and Chris!

  • Susan Krantz - February 2, 2011 - 6:50 am

    My vote is Josh and Kim Krantz

  • Michelle - February 2, 2011 - 7:23 am

    My vote is for Chris and Anna! 🙂 I love what they’re doing for all the soldiers. Amazing!

  • […] Military Wedding Contest voting is still open until February 13 at midnight! I will tally the “Likes” & […]

  • Hannah L - February 13, 2011 - 9:22 am

    Voting for Chris and Anna!!!!! For everything that you two do, you def. deserve this!!!

  • Cessie Chiasson - February 13, 2011 - 9:45 am

    Hey Look PMR’s ANNA. Not even a year old yet and FB’s Puppy Rescue Mission made THE NY POST!!! Let’s get these 4 legged confidants home for their Soldiers, Marines, Airmen and Sailors who have given so much for their Country!!!
    Anna is all about the big picture!!! ANNA and CHRIS ROCK!!

This past weekend I got my hands on my first printed wedding feature…

Sarah handcrafted a wedding that was full of DIY details & her own artistic vision. I am so happy that her lovely ideas are being shared with so many other brides!

Thank you Sarah & Joe for asking us to photograph your wedding! You can see more of their wedding on my blog, here.

For all kinds of wedding inspiration, advice, and ideas, please visit www.theknot.com!

And finally, a big thank you to my husband, Rock Dozier, for traveling to Duluth, MN & shooting this wedding with me.
I am always so excited when we can work together!

It is such an honor to be included in the Spring/Summer issue of The Knot MN! I love to travel, so feel free to invite me back 🙂

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  • Brancoprata - January 25, 2011 - 5:37 pm

    Congratulations! You deserve it!! 😉

  • Kristi - January 28, 2011 - 7:43 pm

    Oh my goodness!!!!! Absolutely fabulous my dear!!! So thrilled for you. I can only imagine how happy you are ;-)))) So deserved – congrats!!!!

    xoxo
    Kristi

  • Michelle - February 2, 2011 - 7:27 am

    Congrats!!! The first of the many, I’m sure!

Do you remember Mike & Libby? They chose Franklin Park Conservatory for their retro, vintage inspired Columbus wedding! It’s a versatile venue with many options for large & small weddings. Inside The Palm House, there is a mix of magnificent greenery & stunning Dale Chihuly glass art chandeliers.

She looked like a dream wearing this elegant, beaded, v-neck gown… don’t you agree?

Mike & Libby did a First Look in order to have more time to interact with their guests who traveled from all over the country to join them. We always want to make it special for couples & give them a little privacy since it is such a special moment.

I love how they incorporated elements from both of their faiths in their ceremony.

The reception was held inside The Palm House. Having your wedding & reception in the same venue is a clever way to add more time to your wedding day!

Just before sunset we snuck away to photograph some portraits at the Bride’s Garden on the other side of the Franklin Conservatory.

I love toasts… especially between sisters.

I was captivated by this ever changing Dale Chihuly glass artwork into the evening as well! I saw his work at the Dayton Art Institute years ago and fell in love!

Dale Chihuly Glass Illuminated

All the best {many hugs} to Libby & Mike! ♥

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  • Brancoprata - January 14, 2011 - 7:36 am

    Oh wow!!!!

  • Alessandra - January 21, 2011 - 1:05 pm

    that dress is sooooo cute!and the location?!?great!!!simply great!

When my in-laws were cleaning out their garage, I was really inspired by an old red bike they considered giving away. I promised that we would use it for a photo session… and true to my word, a whole story evolved from that bike!

For this shoot, I teamed up with stylist & photographer Caitlin Buck of Simply Photography. I actually met her at Ashley & Jimmy’s wedding last May. Shortly after she introduced herself, she said something about shooing with a Nikon as well and I liked her! She makes a lot of her own props & headpieces for her clients! She is incredible! We bounced ideas back & forth, then she brought so much creativity & enthusiasm to this set.

We set up the shoot (Caitlin and I arrived with two very full SUVs of props) at Brumbaugh Fruit and Fun Farm. They are located just outside of Arcanum, Ohio and have a large apple orchard as well as fun games for the kids and treats. You’ll probably remember our newlyweds, Ashley & Jimmy from here. They brought their adorable pups, Marino (Golden Retriever) & Lucca (Pomeranian)!

It was Ashley’s birthday weekend, so I baked a cake with a rustic bunting top!

A golf cart went by at just the right time to create a really beautiful haze of dust in the background. I want to bring one to every shoot now.

Isn’t she lovely?

Mini Apple Cider doughnuts from Tim Hortons. I have an addiction to their hot chocolate with whipped cream.

Caitlin hollowed out the apples to make little cups… so cute!

Caitlin also made headpieces for the pups… I LOVED this idea! I also love when clients bring their “kids!”

This vintage Love Story was also featured on the beautiful blog, Postcards & Pretties!

Yesterday I hinted on my Facebook page that there will be an announcement on here, please check back tomorrow for all the details! ♥

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  • Diana - January 10, 2011 - 9:15 am

    Ok the cuteness never stops and I love it!! The puppies, the bike with the basket, her little dress and boots, the adorable couple sitting together on the blanket!! <3 Beautiful shots!

  • Lane Dittoe - January 15, 2011 - 4:50 pm

    This is awesome!! great job…..

  • j. lee - June 2, 2011 - 7:35 pm

    what brand is this dress?!

  • Sahar - July 31, 2011 - 9:48 pm

    I’d love to know what kind of puppies those are! Any idea?

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  • Anastasia - Wedding Photographer - January 6, 2013 - 3:53 pm

    Sexy indeed, she looks like a diva. An expressive couple, a wonderful work with this shooting. I must say that you give us a new ways of shooting photos like this