I was looking through old pictures on my archive and found this picture I took in Ankara almost 12 years ago. Well, this was my first wedding photography business card. Not so bad, huh? :)
Waiting for the Rainy Wedding Day.
Hey, it could be a damp and dreary day, but don't let that rain on your parade be decisive: Do not agonize over what you’re going to do about, or how you’re going to cope with, the rain. Decide early on what you want to do if it’s raining and stick to it.
Trust your vendors: You hired professionals who are familiar with your venue, their craft, and the local weather. Trust them to do what they’re good at.
Be prepared: We all know you’ve been looking at the forecast. Go buy matching umbrellas for your wedding party and some cute wellies like, NOW.
Embrace it: Hey! It’s raining on your wedding day! You’re gunna get wet! Have fun with it!
Appreciate it: Some seriously beautiful things happen when it rains on your wedding day…
Thanks to Luckiest Girl Ever
My Clients are the Best!
My clients really are the best! It is so wonderful to get letters and notes like the below. Thank you for making me smile today! Hi Goknur!
This is Sarah Abbott, you shot my husband, Bryce, and my wedding almost 8 years ago on the Eastern Shore of Maryland.
We still cherish the photos and were so happy to have you as our photographer.
For our anniversary this year I was thinking of putting together a pictorial story book featuring shots of me in my wedding dress. We are living in CA and I thought that w/ the new studio in Santa Monica I might be able to book you.
Please let me know if you are interested and have room in your schedule before our anniversary .
Congratulations on all of your recent success!
Sarah Abbott
Nothing like Parisian Elopement!
If you're looking for romance, look no farther than Paris, France, the perfect destination for an unforgettable weddings. This city has something of interest for everyone! Nothing is more romantic than saying your “I dos” under a cherry tree in front of Notre Dame. Paris, offers incredible historical background for a photographer to capture the magical moments as well. If you are inspired by this Paris wedding, check out the post on 5 tips for eloping in Paris.
Well as famous rat said one day "You're in Paris now, baby. My town"-Ratatouille
How to keep your Bridesmaids Happy.
It doesn’t matter whether your Bridesmaids are covered in tattoos or have two left feet. Just make sure they are happy!
10 Rules to Keep Your Bridesmaids Happy!
Rule #1: Keep costs down.
A bride can be a total bummer when she picks out an incredibly unrealistic dress for her bridesmaids to wear. No matter what the lady at the dress salon may tell you, chances are this dress may never be worn again. Keep your bridesmaids happy (and their pocketbooks in check) with a beautiful – albeit realistically-priced – dress selection.
Rule #2: Pick out a flattering dress.
Every bridesmaid’s body shape is different, so the same dress style won’t flatter each girl the same. Instead, consider selecting an alternative dress – like a convertible dress – that can be worn multiple ways in the same shade. Believe me… they’ll be so happy you did. And, convertible dresses are DEFINITELY re-wearable!
Rule #3: Communicate (with Specificity).
If you expect your bridesmaids to tackle certain tasks, be specific. Communicate your wishes in advance and explain what you’d like them to do. For example, you might ask Stephanie and Monica to hand out programs at the ceremony, while Melissa places the aisle runner before the ceremony. Keep the tasks light and simple. Also, print out any info on a 3×5″ card for each bridesmaid just in case.
Rule #4: Select a neutral-toned shoe.
Do you know what color shoes your bridesmaids want to wear? The color shoes she already has. In her closet. Let your bridesmaids use their best judgment with a shoe that’s comfortable for them (and probably is already a favorite pair in their closet). For example, every girl has a pair of black heels (or flats). Keep it simple and tell ‘em to wear any shoe in a color that works with the dress. They’ll be so happy you did.
Rule #5: Nix any wedding talk on girls’ night.
You may have cake tiers and wedding hairstyles on your mind 24/7, but your bridesmaids are likely not obsessing over your big day. So, keep the wedding chatter to a minimum whenever possible – and, nix any and all wedding talk on girls’ night (unless they ask first). It’ll keep you focused on having fun (and keep you sane, too).
Rule #6: Give her a gift she’ll love to use / wear.
A bridesmaid gift is a token of your appreciation and a way to say thank you for being there for you. Giving a gift is a customary way to say thanks and means most when the gift has meaning or is custom-suited to her individual style. As my sister’s Maid of Honor, she gifted me with a pair of gorgeous silver and pearl earrings for special occasions, along with a cute top (suited to my style!) to wear with my favorite pair of jeans. I treasure the earrings and wear them at any chance I get, while my cute top is on constant rotation and became an instant favorite. Case in point: give a gift that she’ll actually use… and give a gift specially selected with her individual style in mind.
Rule #7: Have food available on the day of the wedding.
Some weddings begin at the crack of dawn with mimosas and hair appointments and last well into the night. Keep your bridesmaids happy by keeping them energized with food and drink available throughout the day. My sister – best MOH ever – brought Jimmy John’s sandwiches to the Church for us to snack on before getting ready. Best idea ever!
Rule #8: Give her a wedding-day itinerary ahead of time.
For the wedding festivities, have a plan in writing to keep the timeline organized. Let bridesmaids know where the rehearsal will be held, when, and what is planned afterward (such as dinner or brunch), along with the wedding time and location, a map, and cell phone numbers in case she needs to get in touch with you or a vendor.
Rule #9: Say thank you. Many, many times.
Simple as that.
Rule #10: Never, ever, ever be a bridezilla…
… because lunatic isn’t a shade that looks good on anyone. Also, being happy is contagious and a happy bride equals happy bridesmaids.
*rules listed by emmalinebride.com
West Virginia Wedding from Eleven Hearts Studios.
If you’re looking for classic tented wedding in a hot August weekend you are in the right spot. I find fabulous little details that look like they had to have been fairly simple to create. So when I come across a wedding like this my heart immediately follows to all the pretty. There is something so wonderfully romantic about this gorgeous flowers. Plain and simple. Thanks to Kremp Florist, West Virginia flower shop to create a beautiful bridal bouquet. They are one of the finest florists in West Virginia for sure and we love working with them!
Bridal Photo Session Round Up!
Have we mentioned that we love inspiration shoots after the wedding? Especially ones with vintage details. This is how we call elegant love fest!! You should most definitely get to pinning. This beauty at Eleven Hearts Studios is the definition of perfection. With lovely hints of tradition and glamour, gorgeous light, and too many other things to list you take a peek and you’ll see why we are the avid fan of talented Gigi!
Introducing Grace!
Seemingly effortless beauty is a disposition to be generous, love bestowed freely on people. There is little more beautiful than a bride captured in that state. This moment is the perfect example. The delicate gown, and lovely surroundings give this image an utterly romantic mood. Her pictures are breathtaking and I can relive the love and beauty of the day just by looking at them! I wanted to capture the essence of the day. Her grace was the answer!
Formal Portrait Session with Kids.
I love everything about smiling little girls at formal portrait session. As a photographer you need to be very patient while photographing kids on a wedding day. There are so many distractions around for them. You have to be ready all the time for perfect moment cause they usually have their own thoughts on their mind. The best way is not to assume that they will listen your directions and follow your instructions exactly. You should adapt to their natural behavior. You never know what is going to happen. The more flexible you are, the better results you’ll have. Patience is the key while photographing kids. Photography: Gigi Goknur Olguner | Ceremony and Reception Venue: Athenaeum Northern Virginia Fine Arts Association| Floral Design: fantasticfloralevents | Event Coordination: | Invitations: Shine Invitation |Bride’s Shoes: Christian Louboutin | Bridesmaids’ Dresses + Groomsmen Jackets: Rent the Runway
New Logo Design for Eleven Hearts Studios
We love our new logo and business identity! -by 41N. (http://www.behance.net/orhank)
Henna, weddings and Turkish Coffee.
Turkish weddings are my favorite. There are so many gorgeous details, it's like the henna on the brides hand.
Weddings at Canakkale.
Seeing a wedding through the lens of Gigi is always a treat. She's treating us to a gorgeous wedding at Canakkale where every image is simply frame-worthy, We miss you Gigi, come back soon!
In retrospect, what are the moments, or memories that you love the most about your wedding?
Eleven Hearts Photography is Wedding Wire Rated in 2012.
We are excited to announce that Eleven Hearts Photography is WeddingWire Rated in 2012 for Photography. WeddingWire Rated is the annual ratings program that recognizes wedding professionals across the country for their commitment to service and is the most recognized and trusted brand among engaged couples, as they start their search for local wedding businesses. The ratings program is based on hundreds of thousands of recent newlywed reviews of over 200,000 wedding professionals in the US and Canada, across 20 different service categories. We have all of our newlywed clients to thank for our WeddingWire Rated 2012 recognition.
Christian Louboutin Cinderella Glass Shoes.
After much anticipation, they're finally here! Meet the Christian Louboutin Cinderella glass shoes!The shoes were revealed in Paris during Couture Fashion Week. It is a modern take on the classic princess shoe. Would you wear them?
For more detail here is the Vogue article.
Try our edible photographs as a unique wedding favor!
We love using Philadelphia based confectionery for our edible products. They produces artisan chocolate bars that are printed with edible ‘Polaroid-style photo’ paper. These charming confections are completely custom, printed with any photograph, logo, or image of your choosing. They are available in different flavors: milk, white, dark or organic dark chocolate.
Contact us for more information.
Tangerine and Turquoise styled Baltimore Wedding.
A modern design and bold color of tangerine and turquoise styled wedding. Welcome to the Baltimore wedding of Kaley and Matt. Photographed by Gigi.
Amy and Robert's Beautiful B&W Wedding at Omni Sharom Hotel in Washington, DC.
Sneak Peek of Amy and Robert's beautiful B&W wedding.
Ideas for bridesmaids gifts and accessorizes from Yapy Design.
Giving a bridesmaids gift for all they have done for you over the years and with your wedding planning is a must. A bracelet, necklace, shawl, umbrella or handbag are all great options that would last long beyond your wedding day. And don’t forget to get pair of flip flops for your beach wedding or late night comfort for your tired feet. For many more accessories and wedding day flip flops check out yapydesing.com and get ready to ‘Wow’ on your wedding day!
Exceptional Violinist Najin Kim plays at Opera House at Kennedy Center
This lovely little session was photographed in Eleven Hearts Studio in Capitol Hill. I can’t believe it’s been 2 years since my lovely and inspiring experience at the portrait session with Najin Kim. Time has flown...
