This couple had a wedding themed around random acts of kindness

Leigh and James Clark wanted to do something to give back. (Picture: Miranda Lawson Photography)

When Leigh and James Clark decided to tie then knot this September, they didn't want the wedding to be all about them.

So they added one simple request onto their wedding invites: 'If you are so inclined, please do a random act of kindness sometime between now and the wedding and use the hashtag #kindleigheverafter on social media.'

Leigh told metro.co.uk: 'We wanted our wedding to be very reflective of our personal style.

'I am passionate about Random Acts of Kindness, and I blog about kindness and positivity on the Huffington Post.

'We had talked about James and I doing a random act of kindness in celebration of our wedding, and thought why not involve everyone else?

'There's something so wonderful about doing something kind for others, and we wanted our guests to be able to share in that feeling to celebrate our big day.'

Leigh and James on the big day (Picture: Miranda Lawson Photography)

Leigh and James' friends were up for the challenge, and soon the stories of good deeds started pouring in.

They ranged from small and lovely, like their friend Keegan Leahy, who bought lunch for the person behind them…

(Picture: Courtesy of Leigh and James Clark)

…to big acts involving the whole family. Leigh told us she was truly touched by the actions of her childhood friend Jillian Bhatia.

'Jillian brought her children and gathered supplies to donate to a women's shelter. It warmed out hearts to see her involving her whole family and supporting us.'

(Picture: Courtesy of Leigh and James Clark)

Another friend, Caitlin Blewett, bought frozen yoghurt for the security guard in her office.

(Picture: Courtesy of Leigh and James Clark)

Bridesmaid Emily Schairer and her daughter Chloe took pet supplies to a local animal shelter.

(Picture: Courtesy of Leigh and James Clark)

Michelle Syner, sorority sister of the bride, baked cookies for her local UPS driver.

(Picture: Courtesy of Leigh and James Clark)

Of course, Leigh and James didn't just leave the good deeds to their guests. They decided to spread some joy by delivering flowers from their wedding to local hospitals and nursing homes, as well as handing out decor from their wedding to strangers.

(Picture: Courtesy of Leigh and James Clark)

The random acts of kindness theme spread far outside just the wedding. Leigh says that after sharing the story on Facebook, she's seen loads of people participating who don't even know the couple.

'I was so overjoyed, that after sharing our request on Facebook and extending it to friends who weren't attending the wedding, that people actually participated.

'We feel that the awareness this has brought to acts of kindness, to be the biggest gift we've received.

'We know that the world can seem full of negativity, so to know that kindness has been spread far and wide as a result of what our guests did, it's truly inspiring.

'It has reaffirmed to us how important it is to continue to stand for the power of positivity, and we hope to continue to do things in gratitude for all this kindness that's been bestowed upon us.'

MORE: Bride left devastated after photographer doesn't show up to wedding gets to recreate her big day

MORE: Bride has emotional first dance at wedding with the man who saved her life

MORE: Bride surprises husband with sexy dance routine on wedding day; he has the best reaction

More Weddings

Bride devastated when photographer didn't show at wedding gets amazing surprise

11 creepy wedding cakes for a Gothic themed day

Couple's engagement photoshoot is massively improved by a photobombing horse

Dog and deer become best friends forever, melt our hearts

People with disabilities show they're sexual too in stunning lingerie shoot

A food blogger has been fined £8,000 for their fake review

The Fix More sex. More food. More feelgood. Every weekday.

Breathe life(style) into your inbox…

Sign up Comments
Source: This couple had a wedding themed around random acts of kindness

Photographer recreates wedding day for newlyweds

Photo Gallery View Gallery (28 images)

BAY CITY, Michigan — Matt and Heather Koehler were married in Michigan last month, but their wedding photographer didn't show up to the ceremony. They were upset knowing their special day wouldn't be documented.

"I found out right before I walked down the aisle," Koehler said, "We were bummed, obviously, but we still wanted to enjoy our night."

When photographer Dana Gruszynski, 23, heard the news from her cousin, a guest at the Koehlers' wedding, she was heartbroken, according to CNN affiliate WNEM.

"I instantly broke into tears for her," she said. "Weddings are so important."

The wheels began to turn. She would do a free photo shoot for the couple.

Initially, they set up an intimate shoot for a few weeks later, including just Heather, 27, and Matt, 28. But Gruszynski had different plans.

"I wanted to do something more," she said, "I clicked with Heather. I saw myself in her."

So she started brainstorming — and wedding planning.

She contacted the Koehler's friends and family, she had a local flower shop donate a bouquet, her sister-in-law recreated their wedding cake — she even paid a visit to a craft store to mimic their original decorations.

Gruszynski welcomed the couple to her cousin's home on Sunday, with the song Koehler chose to walk down the aisle, "How Long Will I Love You," by Ellie Goulding.

"She (Koehler) lost it. I lost it. Her family lost it," Gruszynski said.

Heather was overwhelmed.

"I could not stop crying," she said.

Gruszynski has always had a camera in her hand, and a giving heart.

Koehler said, "She's probably the kindest person I've ever met — we couldn't have asked for anybody better."

43.594468 -83.888865
Source: Photographer recreates wedding day for newlyweds

Shea McGrath Estes Park Wedding Photographer Participated in Fall Wedding Showcase Last Weekend

Shea McGrath Estes Park Wedding Photographer Participated in Fall Wedding Showcase Last Weekend

Golden, CO, October 29, 2015 --(PR.com)-- Shea McGrath, renowned Estes Park Wedding Photographer, participated in the Boettcher Mansion's Autumn Wedding Showcase this past weekend. The show was on October 25th, 2015 11am-2pm at Boettcher Mansion, 900 Colorow Road, Golden CO 80401. McGrath noted, "It was a great opportunity to speak with engaged couples about their dreams of the ultimate wedding. A wedding is a very special event and I wish to do my part in making it everything they hoped for."

Admission was free at the wedding showcase. The Autumn Bridal Showcase took place at the Boettcher Mansion on Lookout Mountain in Golden, Colorado. Engaged couples and bridal event planners attended this great bridal event opportunity. This complimentary bridal showcase event offered a chance to meet wedding vendors and wedding event coordinators to help couples plan a dream wedding event in Colorado.

About Shea McGrath Photography:Shea McGrath Photography is developing a reputati on as an intuitive and kinesthetic photographic artist. McGrath is often asked to photograph for personal events, such as weddings, as well as for the health & beauty, and fashion industries. According to McGrath, "What started as a hobby and avocation in college has quickly turned into a passion and profession. Invited to be part of those special moments in people's lives is joyful and allows me to capture happiness. Clients feel comfortable and have a great time when on one of these photo shoots. Many clients have shared they had so much fun during the session, they forgot there was a camera around."

McGrath, has extensively travelled Eastern and Western Europe, including France, Ireland, Germany, and Turkey. McGrath, who is bilingual in Spanish, resided in Madrid, Spain where she started her photography business.

Shea McGrath Photography (www.sheamcgrath.com) is a professional photography company specializing in natural light photography helping people to ce lebrate life events such as weddings, graduations, engagements, and all lifestyle celebrations. Her work style is quickly gaining attention for product, fashion, and beauty photography as well. McGrath is now recognized worldwide as a portrait wedding photographer for over a decade. Follow Shea McGrath Photography on Twitter @shea_mcgrath, like on Facebook at facebook.com/sheamcgrathphotography, or Instagram @sheamcgrathphotography.

Source: Shea McGrath Estes Park Wedding Photographer Participated in Fall Wedding Showcase Last Weekend

Frances Photography Adds Three Associate Photographers in 2015 and Celebrates with a Time-Sensitive Fall Family Special and Holiday Boudoir Special

Frances Photography in Arvada, Colorado, has expanded its team and is offering a Fall Family Special from October 30 to November 5, 2015, and a Holiday Boudoir Special from November 7-16, 2015 to celebrate this milestone.

Denver, CO (PRWEB) October 28, 2015

Frances Photography, a tight-knit team of professional female photographers based near Denver in Arvada, Colorado, has expanded its team and services to serve the growing demand for specialized photography services. To celebrate this milestone, Frances Photography is offering a Fall Family Special from October 30 to November 5, 2015, and a Holiday Boudoir Special from November 7-16, 2015 (details below).

"Increased demand in the Denver area, especially for outdoor boudoir and wedding photography, has taken off this year," said Frances Marron, owner and lead photographer. "Because of this growth, and our unique personalized imaging services, we've expanded our team to ensure customers can count on both images and an experience they'll never forget."

In business over 10 years, Frances Photography has added three new associate photographers during 2015 to focus on Colorado and destination-based weddings. Julie Timmer, Telly Weddon, and Jennifer Winder join Frances Marron, who specializes in outdoor boudoir photography, and Amber Lundberg, the studio business manager. Collectively, the all-female team at Frances Photography offers over 50 years of photography experience.

To celebrate this growth milestone, to give back to many loyal clients, and to welcome new customers, Frances Photography is offering two time-sensitive photography specials.

The first is a Fall Family Special, running October 30 – November 5, 2015, and includes a 30-minute photography sitting for up to five people. Sessions take place at the beautiful Standley Lake in Westminster, Colorado, and include 40 images of digital download proofs and an online gallery for easy viewing and print ordering. Retouching for all photographs is available. This special costs just $350 and must be booked within the dates of the special, listed above.

The second is a Holiday Boudoir Special, available November 7 – 16, 2015, for only $250. This 30-minute photography session is available for one selected outfit, and all images are included. Session must be booked within the dates of the Holiday Boudoir Special listed above.

The expert team of female photographers at Frances Photography is available for weddings, portraits, outdoor boudoir, event, and fashion photography. Services include image captures, studio production, lighting, design, processing, editing, and studio management. Whether in the photography studio in Arvada, in the Rocky Mountains or on location at a far-away venue, photography services are available with price points for all range of customer and need.

Learn more about Frances Photography, the professional team, and services at http://www.francesphotography.com or contact them at (303) 424-3800.

For the original version on PRWeb visit: http://www.prweb.com/releases/FrancesPhotographyOffers/BoudoirWeddingFamilyPhoto/prweb13047847.htm

Source: Frances Photography Adds Three Associate Photographers in 2015 and Celebrates with a Time-Sensitive Fall Family Special and Holiday Boudoir Special

Jeff Wasserman: Creating Delectable Stock Food Photography

All images by Jeff Wasserman. Used with permission.

Photographer Jeff Wasserman's day job is being the Photography and Multimedia Editor for the Canadian newspaper the National Post. When he's not sorting through the images of other photographers, he is a stock food photographer represented by Stocksy United.

Jeff started out as a commercial and wedding photographer then moved over to photojournalism where he later climbed the ladder to a desk job. The problem: Jeff missed shooting daily. "Food photography proved to be a great creative outlet for me," Jeff says.

So it only makes sense that he combined it with his passion for cooking.

Phoblographer: Talk to us about how you got into photography.

Jeff: I have been involved with photography most of my life. My brother bought a Pentax camera and a darkroom kit when we were teenagers. He quickly lost interest in it, and I picked it up and never looked back. I eventually began shooting weddings and then commercial assignments. A friend working as a photojournalist convinced me to give photojournalism a try and I have never looked back!

Phoblographer: What made you get into food photography?

Jeff: Cooking has always been a passion of mine, even before photography. When my photojournalism career moved to an inside management position, I eventually found myself missing the creative outlet of daily shooting and felt I was getting out of touch with hands-on photography. I realized stock photography would be a way back into shooting, since I could schedule shoots to fit my free time.

At first, I shot very contrived lifestyle photos, which I now look back on with some embarrassment. I did not really understand what modern stock photography entailed. Retrenching a couple of years ago, I focused on food photography, and was fortunate to receive an invitation to Stocksy United, a stock photography coop founded by Bruce Livingston and Brianna Wettlaufer (who also founded iStock Photos).

At Stocky, creativity and individual styles are nurtured, and I have been able to grow with the agency. It is a great agency to be working with. As well, I am a Getty Images contributor, where I have rights managed content.

Phoblographer: As the Photo and Multimedia Editor for the National Post, do you feel that any of the work that you see inspired you or influenced you in any way at all?

Jeff: I am exposed to thousands of incredible images every day from all over the world. The influence this has on me cannot be understated. It opens your eyes to the breadth of humanity and conditions, both bad and good. I am continually inspired by the drama captured in daily life and conflict, photographers' powerful use of light, timing and perseverance.

It's almost always a case of tons of preparation and a bit of luck. (Ever wonder why the same photographers seem to always be lucky?) Food photography, like most good photography, requires a lot of thought and planning before you pick up a skillet or camera.

Phoblographer: Food is very personal to each and every different ethnicity but for some odd reason food photography seems to be very universal in that the way images are perceived are all pretty much the same with the way that they look like a dinner table with natural window light. Why do you feel this is?

Jeff: For years food was styled and photographed in a very artificial manner. It still is to some extent, mostly for food packaging art. People grew tired of looking at food photos that did not represent any type of real lifestyle and grew wise to the tricks of plumped up, shellacked food that did not represent what they were eating. Styles have now moved to the more realistic settings of dinner tables that people can relate to. I hate to use the work authentic – but this is what I strive for, because people are drawn in by it. Perhaps "contrived-authentic" would be closer to the truth.

Food bloggers really led the way to opening up food photography to a more spontaneous style. As people became accustomed to seeing Instagram photos of food, they began to expect this casually styled photography from pros as well.

Phoblographer: Where do you get the inspiration and creative ideas for your images?

Jeff: I read a ton of magazines and newspapers every month and as well as viewing a ton of online content. Art, film and TV are also in the mix. Keeping up on current trends is very important. On top of that, I view several thousand news and lifestyle photos every workday. Ideas come from all these sources as well as from just walking around the city, shopping and observing daily life. Sometimes ideas come in the middle of the night and I send myself a quick email to remind me. I am a big believer in lists and always have lists of ideas for shoots.

Phoblographer: Not only do you shoot, but you also style your own images. What are some of the most common things you do to make the food look better?

Jeff: Mostly I use lighting and arrangement to enhance the food. Getting the proper highlights and shadows, is what makes the food come alive. I use very little other enhancement, aside for the occasional brush of olive oil to increase the glisten factor and a light water spray on some fresh fruit and vegetables. I find the more you meddle with the food, the more artificial the food looks.

Phoblographer: Considering that you also style your own photos, what do you think is the biggest discovery that you've made in the past year is when it comes to styling images?

Jeff: Styling is incredibly difficult and it's really a separate profession from photography. I am slowly learning to be a better stylist. I think most people don't realize just how important the styling of a food shoot is and just how much meticulous work and creativity goes into the styling.

Phoblographer: What gear do you use and how do you light your images?

Jeff: I use Nikon D800e bodies and have a wide variety of Nikon lenses, but my go-to lens is the Nikon 105mm f2.8. If I am shooting overhead and want a lot of texture detail I will use the 24-70 2.8 zoom, since this gives me a lot of cropping control with the zoom. If I am looking for a narrow depth of field, I always use prime lenses, which are sharper wide open. For lighting I use Elinchrom D-Lite strobes with various soft boxes and grids.

I mostly use one head aimed through a large, Westcott two-stop white flat to achieve a more natural light source and use a lot of black and white cards and reflectors and flats to control the light. As well, I use a Camranger which transmits a basic jpeg to my iPad so I can better view the image, which allows me to work on the composition and styling.

I can also use it to remote focus and fire the camera if I have it mounted in a difficult to view place, such as above the set. Occasionally, I do shoot available light, but I like the predictability of strobe lighting, and given my shooting schedule I cannot depend on sunlight to do the trick for me.

Phoblographer: Where do you see yourself as a photographer in the next year, and do you plan on getting to that stage?

Jeff: I am very lucky to have two great careers that I love. My work at the National Post is both demanding and rewarding and will continue to be the main focus of my working life. Food photography is really like therapy for me. There is no "breaking news" in food photography! My goal for next year is to produce larger shoots involving people and food, concentrating more on the social aspect of food and drink. This will require some tricky time management on my part, and likely the help of an assistant and perhaps a stylist or chef.

Source: Jeff Wasserman: Creating Delectable Stock Food Photography

Breaking the ‘Bridal Rules’! Beauty Boudoir, Charis Hair & AO Photography’s STUNNING New Shoot

The brains behind AO Photography, Beauty Boudoir & Charis Hair joined forces once again to create a perfect bridal hair & makeup look book; but this time they were joined by GroomInspiration, providing something for the guys.

Their last collaboration was a hit – click here if you missed it – one of the images of Imelda is in our top 10 most liked photos on Instagram EVER!

Today's shoot showcases different ways of wearing your hair and makeup uniquely as a modern bride/bride-to-be, while matching your groom/groom to be.

For the hair, Tola says,

"The hairstyles were inspired by vintage timeless updos infused with modern creative curls, giving that perfect classic style with a modern twist (stepping out of the norm)."

Imelda broke the 'bridal rules' with the makeup,

"Everyone thinks bridal makeup should be nude and subtle but there are no rules against having colour infusions or bold looks to contrast nicely with the white wedding dress. For instance, adding a hint of blue eyeliner can be your "something blue" or even opting for a classic red lip to make that walk down the aisle have and even bigger impact."

Here are a few looks put together by the team, covering the pre-wedding to the white wedding.

Be inspired!

***

'Pre-Wedding' Images White Wedding Looks

CreditsPhotography: Abi Oshodi of AO Photography | www.AO-photography.co.uk | email: info@ao_photography.co.uk | Instagram: @ao_photographyHair & hair Jewelry: Tola Olayanju of Charis Hair | www.charishair.com | email: info@mycharishair.com | Instagram: @charishairMakeup: Imelda Ladebo of Beauty Boudoir | www.beauty-boudoir.net | email: info@beauty-boudoir.net | Instagram: @beautyboudoir_LTiara, Earrings & Necklaces: Elsie Joy Bridal | email: info@elsiejoy.com | Instagram: @elsiejoybridalBrown Sports Jacket: Mark Stephen designed by Mark Marengo

We love weddings as much as you do – get in touch!

Click Here for Real BN Weddings:http://www.bellanaija.com/tag/real-weddings/

For all wedding articles: http://www.bellanaija.com/weddings/

E-mail: weddings (at) bellanaija.com | E-mail for #AsoEbiBella: asoebibella (at) gmail.com

Instagram: BellaNaijaWeddings | Instagram for #AsoEbiBella: AsoEbiBellaTwitter: BellaNaijaWedFB: BellaNaijaWeddingsPinterest: BellaNaijaWedGoogle +

Source: Breaking the 'Bridal Rules'! Beauty Boudoir, Charis Hair & AO Photography's STUNNING New Shoot