How Green is your Photographer?

Our friend, Olivia Brabbs has kindly written a post on the merits of green wedding photography:

{All Images courtesy of Olivia Brabbs}

Year by year more and more couples are bringing a more eco-focused ethos to their wedding planning and it’s absolutely brilliant that there are so many cool suppliers out there that can offer services that are both green and chic. Going green no longer means munching on lentils and wearing sandals - in 2010 eco-chic is where it’s at !!

So you’ve invested in some gorgeous eco stationery, thought about a locally sourced organic menu and perhaps a honeymoon destination that doesn’t rack up thousands of polluting air miles but what about your wedding photography?

By the very nature of the industry there are inherent difficulties in taking a full eco approach - but unlike when green chat first started to become more common on the wedding circuit - it’s no longer enough to just use the “I only shoot with digital” mantra. Yes, of course it’s a step in the right direction over film but photographers can go so much further. You could perhaps think about the location of your photographer to cut car miles - some will travel the length and breadth of the country and in fact the world to shoot a wedding but is there someone on your doorstep that can meet your needs?

Also in terms of location do also ask questions about the source of any album products offered. It’s a real shame that the UK is currently saturated by albums flown in from New Zealand and Australia when there are lovely options created on home turf. Other things to look for include online proofing and green office and business management - perhaps through the use of renewable energy, good recycling policies and use of ethical banking to name a few.

Top of the list though has to be the person behind the lens. Wedding photography is about creating a collection of memories that will last across generations and so choosing someone that fits with your personal ethics and desired vibe for your wedding day is really important.

After all, happy smiley people are the key to relaxed and lovely images...

Olivia x

OLIVIA BRABBS PHOTOGRAPHY http://www.oliviabrabbs.co.uk/

We love to keep up to date with Olivia's diverse range of photo shoots, and you can too by following her blog:
http://www.oliviabrabbsblog.co.uk/

To chat with Olivia about your requirements, give her a call on:
0113 3188381 or 07779 345819

Blooming Marvellous!

This week’s post is a GreenLeaf round up of the best handcrafted paper and fabric blooms. Wonderfully current, these designs are bang on trend for 2010 and simply gorgeous. .
First up are Jude Miller’s wedding flower bands, these stunning floral pieces are works of art! Like ‘botanical sculptures’ as she describes them. They are beautifully intricate, life like and elegant and amazingly created out of crepe paper of all things! See more at www.judemiller.com

Photograph selection from Jude Miller

‘EmersonMade’ is a real favourite here at GreenLeaf Press with a modest chic style and beautiful blush tones their hand dyed and hand stitched blooms are by far the most contemporary of our selection. The website is must see not only brides to be but for any girl who likes to express her femininity smartly. With a collection that goes far beyond what you see here and photography that is light, crisp and full of creative quirkiness Emersonmade is just an inspirational one stop shop for sophisticated occasional accessories!

We asked Emerson how they might me considered green here in the UK market their reply was...

“We have used everything from natural spices to mild dyes. We try to use as environmentally friendly products as we can. Our fabric is all natural linen but not 100% organic. We use all local vendors to minimize emissions and support local businesses and use all of our scraps for other projects like stuffing for our mouse and pillows.” Ryan, EmersonMade

They do ship to the UK as I am sure does artist Jude Miller which for some might be stretching the footprint a bit too far but you could easily convince yourself that if your not going to be buying blooms from a UK grower buying from EmersonMade or Jude Miller is at least equal too and probably even less of a footprint than buying real cut flowers from abroad, especially when you consider that...

‘Over two-thirds of flowers on sale in Britain come from abroad. The country we import the most from is Holland, with large quantities also coming from Kenya, Colombia and Israel. But you might well find proteas from South Africa, anthuriums from the Caribbean, carnations from Morocco and roses from India in a bouquet from your local florist… As with food, a greater distance from the country of origin to the UK does not necessarily equate to a higher carbon footprint for cut flowers. A study conducted by Cranfield University found that 12,000 rose stems grown in Kenya incurred a carbon footprint of 2,200kg CO2, while the equivalent supply from Holland generated 35,000kg CO2’ Carolyn Fry guardian.co.uk,

You will have to let your own green conscience be the judge. We just think they are too lovely and noteworthy to leave out.

Photographs courtesy of Emersonmade 2010

Martha Stewart of course never fails to indulge us with her ‘pretty pretty’ styled images and this peaches and cream selection of paper and fabric flowers are no exception. The huge paper ‘dahlia pom pom’ decorations look extraordinary and would no doubt have the same light and bouncy effect in any colour scheme set when set against a white backdrop. You could easily make your own but it you’re not the hands on type you can buy pom poms here in the UK try http://paperpompom.co.uk. The ribbon bouquet and boutonniere are just lovely and we just love the exquisite detailing. If you’re the creative type go to the Martha Stewart website for DIY instructions on how to make them.

Photograph Selection from Martha Stewart

Gentle elegance is something I often learn from Jemma here at Greenleaf. We so often approach designing in completely different ways. I burst with a riot of colour and pattern and Jemma almost always begins with quiet contemplative, subtle hues and beautiful drawings. Combine this however with a similar eclectic taste and a fertile eye for great design, our distinctive mix is really what makes collaboration at GreenLeaf Press so dynamic and exciting.

I pay homage to Jemma in this last photo montage and present you with a beautiful simple palette of cream, white and a little antique tea. Nothing is lost! I don’t miss the colour because here the beauty is held within layers of texture, shape and a delicate interplay of gloss and matt surfaces.

Photographs courtesy of Chanel, Not Mass produced, Martha Stewart, Landbaby,

Dc Bouquets, Minna and French Blue & Co. 2010

From top right to left: the paper flower column is from Chanel Spring 2008 Haute Couture; found recorded on many blogs you can read more starting here at ‘Oh so beautiful’, the decoration of floor to ceiling and stairwells with paper flowers is something to behold. Next, the felt flower corsage makes a very bold sculptural statement in this soft fabric and can be found at www.notmassproduced.com. A very cute paper hair band from Martha Stewart and yet another vintage classic corsage from Liverpool’s very own Landbaby (see previous post). Bottom right to left: a small snippet from a green fashion label favourite ‘Minna’ an exquisite eco-conscious clothing and accessories range by Finnish designer Minna Hepburn. All made in the UK, the collection is a must see and can be bought online at www.minna.co.uk. Featured here is ‘The Kristiina necklace’ made using recycled fabrics, lace, vintage buttons and leftover fabrics. The paper flower cabinet is from the curious and eccentric www.frenchblueandco.com. close up these are fine examples of the variety of shapes that can be made with the simplest of material. Finally we are very excited to have found Sheffield based ‘DC Bouquets’ who creates these wonderful button bouquets here in the UK, see www.dcbouquets.co.uk. All in all a fabulous eco-conscious selection of alternative flower designs to consider for your green wedding.