Behind the Scenes – A Johnny Cash Wedding with Paloma’s Nest and Friends

There are moment when your life shifts.  Usually these are small moments when big change is least expected but most likely.  Saying yes to an idea or just being in the moment with an welcoming mind can open doors to so much good.

I’ve said it before. One of the great joys of this business are the people.  Our couples, the artists I share each day with and the fellow industry talents I call friends.  This story is about those friends.

In November of 2009 I hopped a flight to join Lara Casey and team in celebration of Southern Weddings V2.  In an innocent car ride to dinner after meeting up with then twitter friend Caroline of Paloma’s Nest, an idea found its voice.  A certain song came on the radio…the deep, dark, velvety sound of Johnny Cash’s voice filled the space and in a moment Caroline said, “we need to do a Walk the Line shoot”.  Oh yes.

The plan immediately took shape and soon after the launch party we were both back in our studios with shoot plans well underway.  Caroline and I with different aesthetics found a way to work together that was both energizing and enlightening.  Soon I was buying plane tickets for a week-long trip to Austin last March.

Over the next few days I will be sharing more about our collaboration which we lovingly called the “Walk the Line Shoot”.   This experience quickly became so much more than staging stunning wedding details…it became more about reaching out of the box of daily life to find kindred spirits.  It was about making art together and offering up smart ideas to couples that are truly accessible in so many ways.

Sharing the details has been a long time coming.  This industry certainly teaches patience First up is a look at the inspiration board that started it all!

Hymnal, Johnny Cash, Chandelier in Garden, Dress, Carnival Glass, Cabin, Flowers

Concept sketch

The labor of love this shoot became was recently featured in Southern Weddings Magazine V3.  So many more goodies to come in my series of posts including never-before-seen shots!  Can’t wait to see more?  Check out Caroline’s interview of the Etsy blog OR read more about my time in Austin here!

Engage!10 The Breakers – The Speakers, Sketched

Last week had the honor of attending Engage!10 at The Breakers in West Palm Beach.  Read more here about my love of these wedding industry symposiums…
Rebecca and Kathryn asked me this time around to sketch each speaker…Many know that my way of experiencing the day and plethora of information shared is to sketch while I take notes.  It is easy to find inspiration since everyone is dressed always beautifully and emits the most creative energy imaginable…

Here is my look at some favorites from the nearly 40 speaker sketches I created! Later this week I will share the live sketches!

Loved Rebecca’s wrap blouse it intense fuchsia…so fun to sketch…

Lara Casey from Southern Weddings is always lovely and dressed impeccably.

Marilyn from Inside Weddings looks fab in green!  Carley and David from The Knot getting some cuddle time.

Randy Fenoli and Sylvia Weinstock have a special relationship at Engage.  They can usually be found together on the dance floor!

I got to know Bernadette (who is a innovator in the same sex wedding market) from 14 Stories a bit better this time around.  The same goes for Susan from Destination Weddings and Honeymoons…after several quick meetings we finally had the chance to connect!

Brian Rafanelli mezmerized the room with his no nonsense approach and inspiring stories.  Abby Larson from Style Me Pretty is incredibly kind in person, we all love her, right?

And lastly, Brooke Thomas from Weddings Unveiled Magazine’s cover sketch!!!  See what fun can happen when a headshot cannot be found??!!

Out and About – Southern Weddings Launch Party

Several weeks ago I had the privilege of attending the Southern Weddings Launch Party at Bridal Bar Atlanta.  Take a look here at our feature in the new magazine. I must say I am becoming quite a traveler and admittedly loving every minute!  I hopped on a plane early Friday morning and was heading home by early Saturday morning; a whirlwind trip – yes, but so worth it!

The Smilebooth by Our Labor of Love was clearly a hit!

I stayed at the W Perimiter Hotel and although spent very little time in my room, was quite impressed with the modern styling and luxurious comforts.  The down comforter and sumptuous pillow were certainly welcomed gratefully when it was finally time to sleep!

Finally having the chance to meet the Mammoth Men in person was a thrill and the After Party impromptu Dance Party was no less exciting.  Believe me, these guys are talented photographers and have rhythm – who knew?

My good friend Sharon created this sweet masterpiece for the evening.  Red velvet was the flavor of course in traditional southern style.  I savored every bite – delicious!

A big thanks to Jeannine Favor (who just launched a very cool new blog) and Eliana of By Your Side Events for the very warm welcomes!  Jeannine and Eliana chauffered me around town this making my stay quite a bit more comfortable and affordable!  Thanks ladies – you rock!

Momental in Southern Weddings!

I am a big believer in people and the power of accomplishments born of smarts and passion.  Lara Casey and her team at Southern Weddings are the perfect example of what I speak of.  I am sure most of you read the iconic Southern Weddings blog that offers up daily real wedding inspiration.  “Southern” may be in their name but the inspiration speaks to brides in all regions everywhere.  We too have fallen in love with the southern charm,  down to earth and extremely personal approach the Southern Weddings gals have brought to the world of weddings.

Since the launch of their first magazine I dreamed of being a part of their next.   I was elated when I received the call to create custom signs for this amazing shoot by Jory Cordy.  A few simple photos and color swatches were all I needed to get to work on this project.  The color palette of soft blue, pinks and creams gave a wealth of design opportunity.

Stunning calligraphy headers by Kathryn Murray were just one of the artistic details present throughout the magazine.

I created a large wedding sign featuring pencil sketches of peonies flooded with lush watercolor shades of pink, yellow and green.  A border crafted of vintage fabrics added that special touch of texture.

The bride and groom signs incorporated similar artwork but with a clean ivory border and torn edges.  A huge thanks to Steph who I recently titled the MacGyver of the studio for her expertise and advice with this project!

Southern Weddings is on newsstands now or you can order a copy here!  Once your copy is in hand I dare you to put it down, seriously!