Kari & Charlie on Martha Stewart Weddings

Kari and Charlie have to be one of the most special couples I have ever worked with in my years of styling. Their love story is one for the history books, and I am so honored that I got to be a part of planning their special day.

Kari found me online a couple of years ago and I was able to style her and Charlie for their engagement photos with Gina Meola (see here). Fast forward to the most gorgeous backyard wedding I have ever seen...It was so beautiful that Martha Stewart Weddings has featured it this week (check it out here).

Kari and Charlie love the ocean. They love it so much they had their engagement photos shot in San Diego. So, they wanted to combine their love of the sea and their love of Arizona and create - a "deserted ocean" theme for their wedding. Blush, mint, tan, gray and pale blue made up the beautiful color palette.

You have GOT to go on over to see all of the details that Gina photographed, the florals, the decor....You can also check out some great images on Gina's blog.

Kari already knew she wanted a blush gown for her wedding dress. Excellent choice! She chose nude Jimmy Choos for her shoes. You just can't go wrong there.  Her sisters were her bridesmaids, and we chose mint as their color to wear. The chiffon fabric was ideal because it added a softness and was also more breathable than taffeta or satin.

I'm so happy for Kari and Charlie, and I seriously could write an essay about how special their wedding means to me. Having their big day and their love featured on Martha Stewart is just icing on the cake.

Photography by Gina Meola Event Design and Planning, Stationery, and Napkins: Alchemy Fine Events & Invitations Flowers, Lighting, & Draping: Arrangements Floral & Party Design Cake: Classic Cakes & Confections Bridesmaids Styling: AVE Styles Music: [string trio] Simply Three; [Flamenco guitarist] Miguel Rodriguez from Jim May Productions Rentals: [furniture] Pacific Event Productions; [linens] La Tavola; [china and glassware] Classic Party Rentals Catering: RendezVous Catering Hair and makeup: TEAM Hair & Makeup

The Rosson House Styled Shoot

Any Downton Abbey fans out there?! I am definitely a fan of the hit T.V. show, and I highly recommend it to anyone that loves period dramas like Mad Men, The Tudors, Game of Thrones, etc.

So, when Whitney from Gold Soul Photographs approached me about doing a styled bridal shoot at the Rosson House in downtown Phoenix I was excited because she wanted it to be a modern take on the styles of the early 1900's. The Rosson House is one of the few historic places in downtown Phoenix that was built during that time considering Arizona didn't become a state until 1912 - exactly 100 years ago. As you can see in the photo above, it's pretty spectacular, and I would say it's the closest to Phoenix's Downton Abbey.

With the house setting the tone, I selected a simple lace gown with an empire waist from Wedding Belles Bridal Boutique. Since it is strapless, it is obviously WAY more modern than what would be acceptable back then, but with just a piece of tulle I created two different looks to add more coverage to the dress. You can see what I mean in the photos above and below.

I found this AMAZING pearl collar necklace at a vintage shop called Antique Sugar. Collar necklaces are very popular right now, so I'm really happy I purchased it. It was from the 1950's, but I thought the intricacy of the necklace and the fact it was made of pearls was very complementary. Plus, the strapless dress was just begging for something to fill in the space.

The hair and makeup really brought the whole look home. It is more reminiscent of the 1920's, but I wouldn't have gone any other way.

For the groom we kept things simple. A black suit with a vest, cufflinks, white shirt and a pocket square. You can't really go wrong when you stay classic.

I would LOVE, LOVE to have a Downton Abbey wedding, but since I'm already married this was the next best thing! Check out Whitney's website for a little video of the shoot.

Hair- Melanie from Curls Gone Wild Salon in Gilbert, AZ. Makeup- Azure from Artistry by Azure Stylist- Alex Evjen from AVE Styles (pearl choker provided by Antique Sugar in Phoenix) Venue- The Rosson House Museum Gown- Natalie from Wedding Belles Bridal Boutique in Gilbert, AZ. Photography- Whitney from Gold Soul Photographs Table styled by- Paula and Brittany Anderson (chairs and dishes provided by Merchant Square Antique Mall in Gilbert) Florals- Tamara from AZ Petal Pushers Paper Goods- Stephanie from Paper INKlinations Models- Rachel Kress and Chris Procopio

Project Update - Hollywood Glam meets Nautical

It has been a while since I posted some of my recent work. All of that has to do with waiting for things to be published. EEK! It is a LONG, exciting process that sure does test your patience, but it's TOTALLY worth it, right? So, because it's killing me inside that I can't share any finished products with you quite yet, I wanted to share some inspiration and cell phone sneak peeks of this bridal shoot I styled last night for Arizona Foothills Magazine. It's basically Hollywood glam meets nautical bridal.

IT WAS SOOOO MUCH FUN, especially since the project was with my good friends Marcus and Gina from Gina Meola Photography, and featured clothing from Saks Fifth Avenue and Mariee. DROOL! I also got spend time with, Ashley Gain who is a wonderful wedding planner in the Valley and modeled for the shoot along with her husband Brad!

WOMENSWEAR:

MENSWEAR:

To see more inspiration from the shoot, check out the Pinterest board!

SNEAK PEEKS (Photo Credit: Gina Meola):

Can't wait to finally reveal the project in November, so check back!

Rock 'n Roll Bride

Rock 'n Roll Bridal Shoot

You guys don't know how LONG I have been waiting to post this photo shoot....SINCE JUNE my friends! But now, I'm SOOOO excited to reveal all of the hard work that took place back in the 100 degree weather of Phoenix, AZ.

I was invited to style this shoot by the very talented photographer Jeanette LeBlanc. I also collaborated with Jeanette on Marie Antoinette, which came after our amazing grass roots rock 'n roll collab.

Jeanette assembled a team consisting of myself, Tina Burnham (hair stylist), Kayrene Kelley (leather designer), Lola Chevelle (model), Ella L from (Classic Cake Designs & Confections) and Patricia Eastwood (Wild Child Floral Designs). We basically knew that we wanted to create an unconventional style for the bride that still let beauty shine through. Leather, of course, was going to play a key role. =)

We hope you guys really like the photos! Let me know what you think!