styled shoot

Featured :: If a Florist Wed on Trendy Bride

0 · Mar 13, 2018 ·

Imagine a quiet morning, the dew is still on the grass and the birds have just started to sing. There’s an anticipation in the air as guests will mingle and celebrate in the countryside, as one woman and one man will pledge their love eternally to one another.

But before the celebration comes the preparation. So in the dawn of the day, final arrangements are being made. She’s a florist, who’s been a part of hundreds of weddings days. She’s seen too many stressed brides and is committed to focusing only on the things that really matter.

An arbor of foraged greens is constructed in the woods as the backdrop for their vows. Local lilacs are inserted into her bridal bouquet. And a wide brimmed hat is worn to keep the sun off her face as she gathers her last minute blooms.

Potted plants lined the long table at which her closest friends and family will gather. Simple placecards and candles add to the no-fuss vibe. But she’s forever tempted to play the hostess, serving wine and cake to her guests and making the day just as unforgettable to them as it will be to her and her groom.

Last spring Kelly Sweet and I created with this imaginary vision with these thoughts in mind, and today you can see the entire feature on Trendy Bride.

Shoot Simply

0 · Apr 17, 2017 ·

Mark your calendars, May 20^th I’m going to be a part of a really awesome event with Emilee Mae Photography and want to invite all of my lovely photographer friends (old, new & those who I haven’t met yet!) to be a part. Shoot Simply is a one day workshop/styled shoot opened to photographers of all skill levels looking to enhance their portfolios.

I’ll be creating two gorgeous tabletop concepts to photograph along with a custom floral installation. Also included in the shoot will be cakes and sweets from Coco Renee, invitations and paper products from Lana’s Lettering, plus a gorgeous bride and groom model who will be decked out in attire from Ali Nicole Bridal with hair and makeup done by Makeup by Jackie Green.

If you’ve ever wanted to plan a styled shoot but aren’t quite sure how to plan one on your own, then register.

If you want to practice styling details and attempting new poses but never seem to have time to experiment with new things on an actual wedding day, then register.

If you’d like to network with others in the wedding industry and gain a new perspective on photography and the type of photos that other vendors hope you’ll share with them, then register.

I’ll be onsite all day to assist in all your floral, planning and styling questions and Emilee of Emilee Mae Photography will be there to answer all questions photography related. Two Hats Ranch, a rustically elegant hunting lodge and nature retreat (just 50 minutes north of Grand Rapids) will be playing host and providing picturesque woodland backdrops. Lunch by the lodge’s gourmet chef (and my hubby!) and sweet nibbles from Coco Renee Specialty Baking will also be provided for all who attend.

Two Hats Ranch Wedding | The Day's Design | Emilee Mae Photography

Seats are limited and early bird pricing ends May 1st. To register, head to Emilee Mae’s page, here.

REDISCOVER your passion for photography
REVAMP your brand and portfolio
RELAX and make new friends and photograph pretty things

Hope you see you there!

A Winter Glamour Shoot

0 · Dec 9, 2016 ·

The reasons behind creating a piece of art vary from time to time. Sometimes it’s to stifle a creative itch. Sometimes its the cure for boredom. At times, it’s simply to experiment with a new flower or design. And at times, it’s just for beauty’s sake.

During the slow winter months, dreams of miraculous blooms dance in my mind. I long to touch petals and play with the green of leaves. I eagerly wait in anticipation for that first little pop of chartreuse to appear on the grey trees. And I always forget how overcome with busyness I was in the previous summer season.

There was a moment of quiet last winter. A moment when I was asked to contribute to a glamour shoot happening at Kellie Hetler’s studio. She has the biggest heart and was seeking to pay it forward, offering a free glamour session, complete with hair and makeup, to a few deserving women. We also brought in a bridal model to stand in front of a simple backdrop I fashioned with a few winter vines.

I met some really amazing women, all with their own stories to tell that day. It just reminds one of how precious life is, how unique we all are. And how we should never take life for granted.

Photography: Hetler Photography | Floral Design & Styling: The Day’s Design | Makeup: Beauty by Katy | Hair: Diane of Cutting Edge Hair Studio | Sequin Dress: Badgley Mischka via Rent the Runway

Have a safe & warm weekend!!

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Featured :: Cinderella’s Proposal on The Wedding Chicks

0 · Jul 19, 2016 ·

There’s nothing more exciting to me than creating something beautiful and yet functional. Creating something that celebrates real life the that moments that happen within it. I think we need to vanquish the idea of the empty table. No more heartless styled shoots. We need to celebrate life as it happens.

My little sister is getting married. That’s exciting new all on it’s own accord. But in addition, as I was schemeing about yet another “boring” styled shoot, I caught wind that this all important question was about to be popped. That’s where my inspiration came from. The story suddenly fell into place and I had the honor of working along side her now fiance, to help create the fairytale proposal we all dream of. And then it was featured on The Wedding Chicks.

You can see the feature here. You can read about the inspiration and romance. And I’ll certainly be sharing a few more of the behind the scences of being part of such a momentous occassion at at later date.

Cinderella's Proposal | The Day's Design | Samantha James Photography

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Bloom the Workshop

0 · Jul 11, 2016 ·

I am almost certain I’ve been living in a time warp. The days are flying by so quickly, I can’t seem to keep up on life, much less this journal. There so many events that I want to share, so much to talk about and in the blink of an eye, I’m posting content that’s well over a year old. Like this.

Last May (May 2015 that is), I was once again honored to be a part of Bloom the Workshop. There’s something special that happens in a workshop setting. There’s the collaborating and combining of artistic forces that one would see in any styled shoot, but there’s an extra energy. There’s excitement from all the attendees eager to learn and soak up every little piece of knowledge and beauty from the day. This workshop is, by all means, special.

This portion of the day took place within an apple orchard. We had hoped to catch a few lingering blossoms, but the trees had shed their petals the week before, leaving only lush greens behind. I’m a fan on greenery, so this wasn’t a huge disappointment on my end. The emerald backdrop allowed our shimmering gold and blush blooms to be the full center of attention. I adore the way the graywashed round table added just the right amount of “rusticness” against the gilded dessert, clean white plates and golden candlesticks.

Next week, Bloom is hosting another local workshop at The Felt Mansion. I will be there, along with two other amazing florists, creating a total of 3 different styled shoots all at one workshop. I can hardly contain my excitement, just dreaming of the beautiful flowers that I have headed my way for the day. Rumor has it, that there are still 2 tickets remaining so if you’re thinking of attending, don’t miss out!

This shoot was also featured on Inspired by This early last fall.

Featured :: Styled Boudoir Editorial on 100 Layer Cake

0 · Jun 10, 2016 ·

The sensual side of being a woman. That’s what I’d really like to entitle this project. It’s not about raunchy, racy photos of women in the nude but a reminder that we’re all beautiful and our own kind of sexy. It’s about the lingering glance behind long lashes. It’s the she simplicity of timeless lace. It’s the flower in your hand that so desperately wants to be held.

Today women get so focused on power and not being left behind in a man’s shadow. We’re out to prove that we’re strong and capable. And while there’s nothing wrong with that, we also need to remember what makes us unique. There’s a reason that we are different from men. We get to do things and experience the world in a way that will forever remain a mystery to the male population.

This project with Ashley Slater reminds us of that. It reminds us to embrace our inner and outer beauty. We are feminine, classy and romantic beings. And today you can see it through our feature over on 100 Layer Cake.

Bridal Boudoir | The Day's Design | Ashley Slater Photography

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Graceful Wedding Ideas :: A Collaboration of Artistic Forces with Team Flower Workshop

0 · Sep 9, 2014 ·

The first time I decided to collaborate with another planner on a project the feedback I received was less than positive. I was asked questions about why, how things would work and who would receive the credit. Many times we create these new works of art for the possibility of them being submitted to large blog or publications therefore gaining ourselves some publicity and secondly proving something – often to ourselves and also to the general public. When collaborating with another in the same business, there is possibility of confusion.

There’s also the possibility of seeing things in a new light and finding new ways of doing things. In all reality, collaboration shows teamwork, how one can feed and thrive off of each other’s ideas inspiring even more magical creations to be born.

Other than carrying a few boxes of plates and placing a couple spoons on the tabletop, for this creative masterpiece I can take no credit. This was the brainchild of another flower friend with imagination and visions that captive me to the point of no words. Everything about the Team Flower Workshop was beyond belief and I find myself giddy with excitement every time I see another glimpse of the day in my inbox.

My Team Flower friends made this happen, along with many other talented hands, and now I am simply lucky enough to be able to help share the results (which were also featured over on Once Wed last month).

Welcome to the mountains of North Carolina…

Design, Styling & Florals by Team Flower: Accents Floral Design, Andraya Northrup, Aunt Willie’s Wildflowers, Dimauro Originals, Jonica Moore Studio, Kennedy Occasions, Mary Margaret Powitz, Springvine Design, RiverOaks Charleston, Simone Gebsattel Design, Stone House Creative, The Day’s Design, Wild Green Yonder / Photography: Heather Payne Photography / Venue: White Fence Farm / Model: Ariana Claire / Heather Rogers of Haircut 101 / Dress: Grossamer / Stationary & Paper Goods: Brown Linen / Ribbon: Silk & Willow / Additional Contributors: Kathryn Goodwin & Goldmine Journal

This project was part of the spring 2014 Team Flower Workshop hosted by Kelly Perry of Philosophy Flowers.

A Blank Canvas

0 · Jun 17, 2014 ·

We just sold our huge dining room set. It was a solid maple Ethan Allen table which easily expanded to seat 10 people, along with a huge matching hutch. It was pretty – but it wasn’t right for me. It was so nice that I was scared to touch it and would panic every time guests came to dinner. Considering Hubby is a chef and we love to host dinner parties, this is pretty ridiculous, right?

It’s funny how having an empty dining room is a huge weight off my shoulders. It seems so airy and bright, open to new possibilities and full of freshness.

So what’s next? Well that’s the thing, I don’t have to have it all figured out just yet. Possibly a new office space which could then easily be turned dining room when the occasional presents itself? Or maybe a better place to craft, put together awesome event details and florals? I don’t know.

My previous visions of a new creative space for me aren’t falling into place exactly as planned. There are some hiccups in the scheming of the basement remodel. As a planner, this is sometimes hard to swallow. Sometimes it’s hard to admit that I don’t have a plan or my plans changed. But here’s what I’ve come to realize – first off, it’s a woman’s prerogative to change her mind. And secondly, I plan ALL THE TIME, it’s just what I do. I don’t think there’s ever a moment in time where some sort of creative vision isn’t floating through my head. But I don’t bring them all to life. That doesn’t make me a failure and I’m still awesome with my craft. It just makes me human.

I was reminded of this last Friday as I sat in a room with about 35 other woman who are just trying to figure out their craft, hone their visions and find the right fit and purpose for them. They don’t have it all figured out yet, some are searching for website and social media answers while some are still trying to figure out what they were put on this earth to accomplish. Just because they haven’t figured it out yet doesn’t mean that I don’t respect them or think of them as less of a person or business woman. It just reminded me that this is a constant journey for everyone and I don’t have to feel 100% on top of my game every single moment in time. I should probably cut myself some slack.

For the moment I have a big blank canvas in front of me. And I love it.

Just a little sneak peek from Ashley Slater Photography of Bloom the Workshop last Friday — the styled shoot portion was so much fun, I loved creating these florals for Michaela’s beautiful tabletop.

Extra! Extra! Read all about it – The Day’s Design Shop

0 · Dec 9, 2013 ·

Drumroll please!! Huge day over here… my Etsy shop just opened!!! What? You have an Etsy shop? That’s right loves!! I’ve been teasing you with little bits about accessories, new things in the New Year and pictures of some gorgeous models and today is the day that I finally reveal what all this is about!

I started making hats and hairpieces, quite by accident really – a hidden talent I never knew I possessed, until one day I was roaming the aisles of Hobby Lobby (as I frequently do) and saw a giant, oversized artificial flower and thought “that’s not a flower, that’s a hat!” And so my journey began. I have found myself surrounded with even more tulle, lace and ribbon that usual and amazing people with breathtaking hairpieces along the way. Now these pieces will be available to you!

Each piece is completely unique and handmade by yours truly. The shop will feature lovely designs that I have dreamt up for your special occasion, but I’m always open to custom orders and ideas that are specific to your needs and events. Of course, I couldn’t just start making hats, I also had to throw a party!! So here’s just a little sample from my “Hats Off to the New Year” shoot put together with Hetler Photography and I promise to blog more about the whole celebration a little later. You can also see the feature over on Oh Lovely Day TODAY, eep!!

A huge thank you to Cheeky Strut for the perfectly glam hairstyles and to Jennifer Houseman for her amazing make-up talents!!

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