It’s not everyday you get to take pictures in a place that you grew up! I love Patiot Park, however it wasn’t always called that. When I was a kid, we called it the “The Municipal Complex” or, as us kids referred to it as – “The Pit”. Thats right. It was a giant hole. We were told it would be an ice skating rink one day. That idea obviouslly fell through, but today its beautiful. There is a gorgeous lake that is stocked with fish for families to come together and do some relaxing, kick back and teach your kids how to fish. It’s a beautiful place with benches to honor your loved ones who have passed. They even have a K9 memorial, which always takes my breath away. Not only that, but the playground is right there, and back in my day (dusts the shoulder off) it was a WOOD playground. Now it’s really awesome, has super bright colors, it’s just a greay place for family!

So on this particular day, I got to photo a beautiful family, (with a super smart Mom!) Yep, she was the winner in my “Guess what is it contest!”. I shot a ring on something that noone could guess! I had guesses like an ice cube, a water filled zip lock bag. Nope – all wrong. She was the ONLY one who guessed a gazing ball! So, she got a free session!

So here it is! She has SUCH a perfect family! Enjoy!

I am SO excited about this summer’s boudoir marathon! Back in January we had an amazing marathon at the Chelsea Hotel in Atlantic City. I went ahead and got a suite for the night and it was PERFECT! Having the extra space to get hair and makeup done, while keeping the bed area clean and uncluttered for photos was amazing! Now, it’s summertime and what a better idea than to have a boudoir session at one of the most amazing suites ever? If you don’t know about the House of Blues Suite you are truly missing out! It’s pretty pricey but totally worth it! It has a very eclectic feel and its just perfect for a boudoir marathon! We will have pink champagne, munchies, girly music and a lot of fun! I can’t wait, it’s only in a few weeks, but its going to be EPIC!

If you’ve thought about having a boudoir session done, THIS is the time to do it! I only offer these two times a year (one winter, and one summer)!

They make the PERFECT gift for your husband, boyfriend, fiancé, or partner! (Even if you’re single, they’re super empowering and an super fun night out with friends!)

To book, email Lauren@bokehlovephotography.net

xoxo,
Lauren
Bokeh Love Photography

A huge part of why I am a successful wedding photographer is because I LOVE what I do. The rest of it, it from studying in a dark room, learning my camera, and connecting with fellow photographers. I love this industry that I am in. I can’t say that enough. The people I have run into and made friends with is one of my favorite aspects of it. I meet tons of vendors from cake designers to event planners. Today, I decided that I wanted to share a vendor with you all. This vendor is a friend and one heck of a florist! Her name is Karen, and she is the owner of Karen Fowler Floral Design. She is based out of Cape May, New Jersey and has her own studio. All of her flowers are special ordered from all over the world and during the summer months she also uses flowers grown locally!

BLP: Hi Karen! Thank you so much for taking the time to speak with me. I’d love to ask you some questions about your business. Let’s start with what year you became a florist?
KFFD: I started in January 1999 at a small flower shop in Philadelphia
BLP: Wow that’s wonderful! When was Karen fowler floral design established? 
KFFD: It was established in 2012.
BLP: What made you want to open your own studio?
KFFD: I wanted to be part of the brides special day … I wanted the ability to get to know them personally instead of just From a file that someone handed me at work
BLP: I love that, being personal is so important.
KFFD: Yes it is!! I love adding my special touch after getting to know them
BLP: This year I am seeing a lot of pink ombré dresses on Pinterest, is that something that you’re seeing with flowers? Pinks and whites?
KFFD: Yes and no … I’m seeing a lot of vintage everything pinks peaches silvers gold’s whites
BLP: Do you have any projections for what will be “in” for 2015?
KFFD: If its anything like this summer is going to be than it will be amazing!! I’m booked full most weekends until October
BLP: That’s fabulous! Also this year you won Best of The Knot, didn’t you? How has that helped your business?
KFFD: It has made it crazy good!!! People love that fact!
BLP: It’s definitely an honor to be proud of! Now you are engaged yourself, will you be designing your own bouquet and wedding flowers?
KFFD: Omg yes!! I have dreamed for years about my own wedding I will be having two different bouquets one for the ceremony and one for the reception
BLP: That’s amazing! I’ve never even thought about that!

KFFD: For my cousins wedding she did all white bouquet for her ceremony and she told me she was walking into her reception to “walking on sunshine ” and I made her a all yellow bouquet with roses and sunflowers and a brooch that said candy corn rocks! It was a fall wedding and loved candy corn, again personal touches; I love to do when getting to know my brides!
BLP: That is so creative! I bet you have a lot of fun with each bouquet you design because they are all so different! Being a wedding photographer that has also been married, allows me to reach my brides on that level of understanding. How is planning your own wedding, helping you with your current brides?
KFFD: I completely understand all there struggles now! I understand their budget more now! I know it’s all very expensive! Every vendo, I can sympathize more now
BLP: Same here! Can you tell us how Brides can reach you, see your work on the internet, etc.? I’d love to share your work with them!
KFFD:
I’m on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KarenFowlerFloralDesign
Website: www.capemayweddingflowers.com
Email: capemayweddingflowers@yahoo.com
Cell Phone: (call or text): 609.334.3568
BLP: One more question before I go, what is YOUR favorite bridal flower for 2014?
KFFD: Ranunculus!

(image provided by Karen Folwer Floral Design)

BLP: They are gorgeous!!! Thank you SO MUCH for your time, Karen! I wish you best of luck in the 2014 AND 2015 wedding season!

Karen Fowler Floral Design is such an amazing business and I couldn’t reccomend her more! She is definitly someone who makes you laugh, helps you create your vision, and becomes your friend throughout the process! Here are a few photos of flowers that Karen did while collaborating together on a styled bridal shoot! Karen’s work speaks for itself and definitely stands out! These bouquets were definitely jaw droppers! I cannot wait to work with Karen again and see what her imagination comes up with! She – is – FABULOUS!

XOXO,
Lauren
Bokeh Love Photography

 

We all have hopes, dreams, aspirations, and desires. One of my biggest, most passionate dreams in life is to be able to grow old with my husband. I always joke with him about how we are going to one day have a beautiful porch with rocking chairs, and we will rock all day long holding hands, and that will be the highlight of every single day. To have him by my side is the most amazing thing I could have ever dreamt of, and I cannot wait for the day we renew our vows. (And yes, we JUST got married in September of 2013, but I will love him until the end of my days).

Today, I had the honor and privilege to photograph a 40th anniversary, vow renewal in Cape May – ON THE BEACH. It was such a beautiful day! I honestly could not have asked for a better day than today. All last night it was raining (with the occasional thunder and lightening). It was enough to scare our kids, and enough to have me begging for sunshine. My begging must have worked because today, we had clear blue sky’s, 60’s, and sunny! It was gorgeous!

I cannot tell you how much this made my dreams run rapid in my head. They have been together for 40 years and their love shines through like no other! Their kiss made my heart beat and I was so proud to be able to capture this beautiful event in their lives. It just goes to show you, a legacy is not something to forget. Thank you Frank and Peggy for allowing me to capture your legacy! I wish you the best of everything for you both and your every growing family!

XOXO,
Lauren
Bokeh Love Photography