Does a "First Look" Make Sense For Our Day? from the Jones Victorian Estate (714) 343-1964

 Hi!

Does the "First Look" make sense for our day?

 I have been asked that many times. Let's break it down a bit to offer as many details as possible. 

1. Make sure you have a schedule of events for your bridal party and family that will be part of your "first Look" photo session. If the bridal party and family are included too, then everyone MUST be on time for this pre-wedding photo shoot to work. If anyone is late, it will throw off the completion of the shoot. Suggestion: have everyone carpool or a couple of cars ready to go and make sure snacks are available!

2. If your "first look" is just for the Bride and Groom, give yourselves extra time to arrive at your destination. This will give you a less-stressful beginning to your day. As the finishing touches are being made, have one of your bridal party or family check with the photographer and the coordinator (if you have one) to be sure the location is ready and all props are in place.

3. This first look is precious. Remember to take in each moment and enjoy it.

Do I recommend a first look? Generally no but each situation is unique. I work very hard to make sure that that moment is the best it can be if that is the decision made. Sometimes, it really helps eliminate the wedding jitters if you see each other before hand. 

I prefer the moment when you first see each other for the first time down the aisle. At the Estate, we have the Bride and her father or escort stop at a designated spot so all the guests will rise. The entrance is dramatic and showcases the Bride before the final "approach" to the Alter and allows that eye to eye contact. 

Whatever you decide, make sure it is your decisions not based on the photographer. All due respect, but it is your day and making it easier for them seems silly. If your photographer is organized,  fast (with the cameras today, it is fast!) has an assistant and/or is creative, the photography can be completed after the wedding and still have time to enjoy the day. 

Love.

Michelle

the Jones Victorian Estate - (714) 343-1964

Is That Really A Gate? The Jones Victorian Estate (714) 343-1964

Hi!

During the winter months when the wedding bookings are slow, there are always all kinds of activity at the Jones Victorian Estate. There are engagement photo shoots, anniversary photo shoots, visiting with past Brides and their precious new babies as well as replanting, repairing and redesigning. 

Today is just one of those days!

We transformed our old, white gate into a lovely garden backdrop.

 This particular area 

is our smoking section... away from the crowds. 

With the real large trees in the background accenting the artwork and newly covered bristro sets for comfort and conversation, this area is sure to become a favorite! 

Come see why the Jones Victorian Estate is like no other!

Let's have fun!

Smiles,

Michelle Gregory

the Jones Victoria Estate

A Country Theme With An Elegant Charm! the Jones Victorian Estate (714) 343-1964

Hi!

I haven't received any of the photographs from Sarah and Jeff's wedding yet.  So,  rather than wait, I thought I'd have fun posting these pictures that I took from my camera!

It's a Country Theme with an elegant charm. 

I found this old ladder  and thought it might be just a perfect accent for this wedding. 

I dressed it up with lace,  bouquets, photographs, a love bunting and an old hat and waa laa!!

 It was just what I needed to go in between the real wagon wheel seating display. 

Sarah made cowboy hats and horsehoes out of black paper for the seating cards.
We attached them with twine and added more flowers!

What to do for the Arch for a Country themed wedding?
How about old barn doors?
That's just what we did.
 The door were decorated with two old grape vine wreaths, ivory organza, flowers and a crystal chandelier! 

The Aisles were decorated with vintage white milk pitchers! They doubled as the cocktail table's centerpieces later. 

What's country without a bit of burlap? We added lace to the burlap, flowers, old silver accent pieces and flowers! I had an extra set of "Red-neck Toasting Glasses" that I just had to add to the display. Sarah found the adorable cake topper and cake knife and server!

And... the lucky table numbers! Yes, those are real horseshoes! They were a fun accent to the tables and perfect for our theme!

This special welcome window included ...  yes, a horseshoe too!

I'm hoping to get the "real" pictures soon! I'm sure they will be better than mine...

or I hope so.

Love!

Michelle Gregory

the Jones Victorian Estate

(714) 744-1608

What's your dream?

What About the Bridesmaid's Dresses? the Jones Victorian Estate

Hi!

So, you have found your gown and now you are ready to start the entertaining what the Bridesmaid's will be wearing. 

Do you have a  traditional style?

Do you have a modern flair?

Do you like lots of color? 

There are a lot of questions, but the main question is what do you love? Not like, love?

Anything goes! AND if you really love it, then it REALLY goes!!

Here, Annemarie decided on specific colors for each Bridesmaid. A lot of thought went into how each gown would look on each lady. She chose long dresses for a more formal look.

Here, Kallie went with a floral gown! And, the maid of honor's dress was floor length to set her apart! Fun and Sassy!

Carissa decided on short dresses with a mix of color. The jewel tones were gorgeous! The grey sash along with their shoes were the accent of the day!

Brianna loved the mix of the pink and the mauve. With all matching shoes, the look was playful yet elegant.

Brandi dressed all her ladies in ivory to go with her vintage design. 

Rachell loved yellow so it was her first choice on Bridesmaid's dresses. 

Sara loved the tiffany touch! Her ladies were dressed in a short version for a warm day!

Kristen, with her Hallowedding theme, let her ladies decide on their own dresses.

Whatever you choose, remember, if you love it... it will be perfect!

Love

Michelle Gregory

the Jones Victorian Estate

THE JONES VICTORIAN ESTATE IS COMPLETELY UNIQUE! LOVE LOVE THESE PHOTOS!

Hi!

I was looking through my picture file and realized that this is the perfect time to post these photos. 

They are fresh, beautiful and the joy is infectious. And,

just the inspiration we all need for the new wedding planning year. 

Proof! It's going to be a blast!!!

Join me on this new adventure and let's find out just what your style is!

It doesn't have to be pink to be you!

Call us today and let's start your planning at the Jones Victorian Estate.

The most unique and private site in Orange County.

Love

Michelle Gregory

the Jones Victorian Estate

714.744.1608

Shoes! A Wedding Favorite!

Hi!

One of the favorite accessory to any gown are the shoes!

Whether they are strappy, or flats, or decorated with rosettes, or Jimmy's, or with bows on top,

the shoes you wear will help you celebrate your day.

So, for really happy feet, find two pairs of shoes that you love...

One for show,

and one for go!

Your feet will thank you!

Happy Wedding Day!

Love,

Michelle Gregory

the Jones Victorian Estate

Thank You from Brett and April Weekley!

Hi!

It's a great day! I just received a thank you from Brett and April Weekley and it made my day!

I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!!!

"Michelle,
Words cannot begin to express my gratitude to you and your staff. The reception was breathtaking! It was more perfect than I could have ever imagined. You made the entire planning process so fun and easy. My mom and I had so much fun working with you and we are both sad it is over. Thank you again for your hard work!
<3 and="" april="" brett="" i="" weekley="">

Are you planning a wedding and reception and just can't find the right location?
Come see the Jones Victorian Estate and let's have fun!!
Love
Michelle Gregory
the Jones Victorian Estate
714) 744-1608

Erin and Greg Wright! The pictures are in!

Hi!

Here's Erin and Greg! 

Congratulations!

This blog allows me the special pleasure of enjoying the day once again. 

It was amazing!

I loved your woodsy style and creativity!!!

Enjoy!

I love this photo! Her playful personality was a blast!

This is the first of more postings to come.

Thank you to Marcella Treybig Photography for the photos!

Love,

Michelle Gregory

the Jones Victorian Estate

Another Favorite!

Hi!

A couple of days ago, I posted my favorite picture from Greg and Erin Wright's wedding

 but I stand corrected!

I love two or three or ... gosh, they are wonderful. 

A big shout out to Marcella Treybig Photography for supplying me with "my favorite" precious photos. (more on the next post)

This is my favorite, really I mean it! It looks like it should be on a magazine cover! Right?!

 I sent it off the image to the "Vows Magazine" to see what they think! 

This really is a great shot! Erin and Greg look amazing AND the dogs are perfect! The dogs each are wearing their floral wreaths, they are looking right at the camera and if you look really close, 

they are smiling for the camera!

This is a keeper!

G  R  E  A  T      J  O  B Marcella!!

More to come....

Love,

Michelle Gregory

the Jones Victorian Estate

Love!

Hi!

Are you looking for something fun and well, just adorable as a special accent piece?

I found a photograph of a heart and thought how perfect it would be to be cut out of a wooden crate! It's just a special rustic creation for any wedding!

I just love it and although it was taken by my camera, I can hardly wait

for the professional ones. 

I enjoy the little details that when added up, they create a whole look that is precious!

Enjoy the process!

From my heart to yours!

Love,

Michelle Gregory

the Jones Victorian Estate

My Favorite Shot! the Jones Victorian Estate (714) 343-1964

Hi!

It's that time again when I go through the photos from a wedding and pick out my favorite!

Here it is from Carissa and Lee Artavia's wedding!

Why is this my favorite?

This is the first time any photographer has captured the Bride and her Father as they enter the ceremony site  from this angle.

I have the Pastor asked everyone to please  remain seated until the Mother of the Bride stands for the Bride. 

And it worked!

The guests are seated as she enters the courtyard, so Lee is able to be the first to see his Bride!

The guests turn and wait until Carissa and her father reach the designated spot, and then everyone stands!

It's all about the presentation!!!

I simply love this shot!

Thank you again to Gina and Ryan Photography. Well done!

Love,

Michelle Gregory

the Jones Victorian Estate