Styled Shoot at the Olive Mill | Queen Creek, Arizona

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Last week, I packed up my boys and we headed to Oklahoma to surprise my mom.  My dad and I were planning the trip for 6 weeks.  I think this is the first time I’ve ever kept a secret!  (From my mom anyway!)   It got harder and harder not to say anything!  I made a little video of our trip, which at the end resulted in a very happy grammie!  We had the best week with my parents and though I’d say it was pretty relaxing, my parents would tell you otherwise!  I initially left my camera at home and had zero access to work email (maybe that’s why it was so relaxing!).  So it was a grand surprise when I opened up Facebook to see that Cake and Lace had not only accepted my submission, but had published it as well!

This shoot was absolute perfection.  From the vendors to the photographers and all the details in between.  My absolute favorite part was the stunning ceremony arbor.  A joint effort between Moonchild Floral, Prim Rentals and my mother-in-law (she made the macrame curtain), it was the focal point of the entire shoot.

A close runner up would be the invitation.  It’s the first time I’ve ever designed something like this before.  I included mounted deep matte prints of the Olive Mill in with the invites that act as a little gift sneak peek of the celebration to come.  I could go on and on, but I’ll let the photos speak for themselves.

The amazing vendor team behind this shoot:

Venue/Food: The Olive Mill
Designer: Melodee Lynn Photography
Coordinator: Lovestruck Weddings
Floral: Moonchild Floral
Tables: Scottsdale Farm Tables
Rentals: Prim Rentals
Jewelry: The Silver Loft
Cake: SaraCakes and Cupcakes
Dress: JBridal Boutique
Tux: Top Hat Formal Wear
Videographer: Mandy Woodman Films

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Coup de Tartes | Phoeniz, Arizona

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Anytime a vintage flower truck is involved, you know it’s gonna be a good day.

I’ve passed by Coup de Tartes a few different times and was always captured by the charm of this little venue.  When I saw that this styled shoot was going to take place here, I was even more excited than before.  The tall trees and shrubs in the back create a private and secluded environment making it the perfect setting for intimate events.  On the back patio, a fireplace is set in one corner which as you can see makes this space even more unique.

Can we talk about this vintage floral truck?  The gals of The Local Stem can be found at Farmer’s Markets and are making their way into the wedding scene.  The truck is the cutest and made for some amazing wedding photos.  I always admire florist’s work.  I may have a creative gene, but it stops short at flowers.  I can’t for the life of me arrange a bouquet so anytime I see one I just can’t help get all excited.

The Confetti Studio did it again with her adorable place settings and furniture.  I don’t think there is a style she can’t beat.

Katie from Sift Bakehouse is extremely talented and I am blown away every time I see her work!  I feel so lucky I actually got to see it in person this time!

Suzanne’s Bridal and Celebrity Tux and Tails knock it out of the park every time with their selection they offer.  This dress was stunning on the bride!

Frou Frou Chic and The Family Joolz were styled with simply Lola Lee’s simply perfect invitations.  I love her the level of sophistication she brings to everything she does!

Flourish Handlettering was on point with her beautiful signs.  Not only was her calligraphy can’t-stop-staring-gorgeous, the fact that they it was on glass was simply stunning and added an element of high class sophistication.

It was so fun to watch Tara work her magic while she videoed the whole shoot!  I can’t wait to see her final video!

The was the first time I’ve shot an event that Desert Whim has styled and I am SO impressed with how everything turned out!

As a Phoenix Fashion Blogger, Bethsaira styled the wardrobes for the models and everyone looked so beautiful.  Vanessa did a great job on the girl’s hair!

It was so wonderful being able to capture the hard work and talents of all of these vendors along side so pretty fantastic photographers.  My group consisted of film photographers and I was in awe of how they worked and approached everything!  I absolutely cannot wait to see their work!

Jen, you did such an amazing job coordinating this shoot!  Thank you for giving us all the opportunity to work along side you!

 

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Royal Palms Styled Shoot | Phoenix, Arizona

Royal Palms Styled Shoot

Even though the forecast said rain, I was pretty sure that it wouldn’t rain.  But as the vendors started to come, so did the drops of water.  Both the vendors and the staff at the Royal Palms helped us make a run for it and bring everything inside.  All the while, I kept reminding myself that it was going to turn out even better than I had expected.  While I had dreamed about the table in the middle of the Orange Grove, the salon complimented the style of the shoot perfectly.

The photographers who came were champs and produced amazing work despite the turn of events.  There were 16 photographers with 16 different styles.  Some were dark and moody while others were bright and airy but all of them were just perfect.  It’s one of the reasons I love styled shoots so much.  It’s a chance for you to learn from your peers and refine your skill in a controlled (ha, well somewhat controlled) environment.

The vendors we worked with were out of this world.

I love how Tara from The Confetti Studio started out just by simply collecting cake stands.  And now you can find her at the finest venues in Phoenix displaying her collection!
The girls from Prim have a selection of furniture that creates endless possibilities!  I can’t wait to use their pieces in my next shoot!
Heather from Sugar Lane Bakery is one talented little lady.  When she’s not making, baking and doing dishes, she teaches workshops and supports small shops!
Geri Pearson is extremely reliable and is so easy to work with.  I can’t tell you what a huge blessing it was having such gorgeous pieces from Chloe + Isabel!
Celebrity Tux and Tails made it all the way from Glendale to fit our groom.  Measurements over the phone just wouldn’t do.  The tux they provided for Jonathan was first class.
Brilliant Bridal treated us like we were brides ourselves.  They had dresses picked out upon our arrival and even had a play area for my boys to play in.  Kelsey was there the whole time during the shoot making sure the dress stayed in pristine condition!
Dortha from Set the Mood Floral blew.me.away.  I don’t think there’s another way to describe it.  The lush florals were spot on.
And can we talk about Jenna Davis for a minute?  That Welcome sign?  One of my favorites!!  With the florals on top, I just about died.
Kaydee from Smoregasboard is probably the sweetest.  And no pun intended.  She and I met beforehand and she custom tailored her smores bar to fit the style of our shoot.  Who would have thought a smores bar could be so high end!
Stephanie from Decadent Macaron seriously makes some decadent macarons!  I may have even seen some cookie dough macarons coming up soon…but if you can’t wait until your next event to have her goods, then go get some at Sweetz Cold Brew in Gilbert.
Cristina Diaz did Janelle’s hair and make-up and she nailed the light and delicate look on her!  While she met us on site, she has her own salon in Gilbert!
Jonathan and Janelle were AMAZING models.  Their love and cuteness just radiated through the whole afternoon.
And Sari?  Well Sari is amazing.  No really.  I was probably crazy a few times.  But she let me be.  And then she’d ever so gently, bring me back around to reality.  When she’s not working on styled shoots, you can find her at the Elegant Barn.
Ashley Haxby was a great sounding board.  She gave ideas and opinions like nobodies business.  She’s a great decision maker and I was happy to have her in my corner the day of the shoot!

This list wouldn’t be complete without a huge cudos to the Royal Palms.  It’s by far one of my new favorite places.  Nestled at the base of Camelback Mountain in the heart of Arcadia, the hallways, venues and fountains create a little world all of it’s own that you’ll never want to leave.  I worked with Emily on this shoot and was absolutely amazing.  Because of the rain, she helped us secure a last minute venue in which the entire staff was extremely patient and accommodating.  The next time I go back, it will be to stay in one of their luxurious rooms and to dine at T. Cook’s.  If you’ve never been to the Royal Palms, add it to the top of your list.

Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU for making this shoot such a beautiful success!

This shoot was featured on Wedding Colors in March and will be on Borrowed and Blue in May!

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Burgundy Styled Shoot – Phoenix, Arizona

Burgundy Styled Shoot

Happy New Year!

I don’t think that I can quite describe the butterflies I feel right now! I’m excited for what 2017 holds but man alive I’m nervous!  I spent all of 2016 focusing on laying a foundation to my business and this year I am continuing to build on it. Later this month, I’ll be launching a whole new Senior Collection designed around Senior Girls…which is giving me more butterflies than anything!

At the beginning of 2016, and even into the summer, I was too intimidated to attend a styled shoot. I remember having the conversation with Katrina Amburgey at my first Tuesday’s Together and of course she, the queen of styled shoots, asked me, “why?” At that point I was so intimidated to be around other photographers. One sniff and they’d know I was an imposter. She, of course, encouraged me to attend one, and even after I walked away, called after me to talk more about them. We stood there for another 20 minutes and she let me pick her brain about styled shoots and wedding day procedures. Katrina, you may not remember, but I won’t ever forget our conversation. It was a huge confidence booster and the first time I started to feel a part of a community.

I think it’s fitting that my first post for 2017 is this styled shoot that I attended at the end of 2016. It’s a reminder to me where I’ve been, where I’ve come and that it can only get better from here. You can’t expect to pick up a camera and get it right the first time. It takes investing in time, education, community and yes, even gear.  What was amazing was that I was surrounded by 15 other photographers and we all saw the shot differently. Everyone positioned the models differently, used different lenses and stood at different angles. The same couple, the same background yet the outcome was endless.

If you’re just starting out in photography or feeling a little discouraged, my one piece of advice to you would be to remember that you have a God given talent that is yours and no one else’s. You have your own set of eyes, your own set of ears. Your pictures will not look like theirs, they will look like yours.

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VENDORS

Event Coordinator- Samantha Turman
http://instagram.com/sjphoto_
https://m.facebook.com/samanthajeanphotos/

Wedding dress- Ivory Row Bridal
http://instagram.com/ivoryrowbridal
https://www.facebook.com/ivoryrowbridal/

Table- Scottsdale Farm Tables
http://instagram.com/scottsdalefarmtable
https://www.facebook.com/scottsdalefarmtables/

Floral- Karen’s Kouture
http://www.facebook.com/karenskouture

Stationaries- Lolalee Invitations
http://instagram.com/lolaleeinvitations

Cake- Suzy B’z homemade goodies
https://www.facebook.com/SuzyBzGoodies/
http://instagram.com/suzybz_goodies

Hair- Carissa Mott
http://instagram.com/hair_motty

Makeup- Rosie Reed
https://www.facebook.com/rosiereedbeauty/
http://instagram.com/rosiereedbeauty

Jewelry- Geri’s Gems – A Chloe + Isabel Boutique
https://www.facebook.com/gerisgemscandi/
http://instagram.com/gerisgemscandi

Tux- Celebrity Tux & Tails
http://instagram.com/celebtuxntails