Wildfield Paper Co

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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When to Break the Blogging & Business “Rules”

0 · Feb 26, 2016 ·

Love Letters and Lace | The Day's Design | Wildfield Paper Co | Ashley Slater Photography

Calligraphy: Wildfield Paper Co | Photography: Ashley Slater Photography | Styling: The Day’s Design

What do I have to offer the world today?

A fellow blogger posed this question and it’s been bubbling around on my brain for month’s now. Ever read something that another writer, or even friend, has posted online and wondered why on Earth are you telling me this? I have those moments all the time. Why did the world need to know that?

Something very few people (if anyone) knows about me is that I used to daydream about being a writer. I would write short stories, dream up scripts for plays, novels and had collections of poetry. And I kept a journal. But my journal wasn’t a pretty little notebook with flowery thoughts and aspirations, it was a mass collective of random papers, paragraphs and ideas I’d scribbled down during calculus class or angry letters to ignored crushes. My journal was anywhere I could find a scrap of paper, napkins, post-it notes – you name it, I was resourceful and could then stuff them in my purse or pocket only to be discovered later or perhaps never even relived again. It was this way for me to vent and clear my head and figure out what I was really feeling. And usually they were deep, dark and often angry. Those are the moments I most feel the need to pick up my pen.

The thing about these writings is they were never really meant for an audience. I couldn’t easily share them with anyone and most people don’t even know of their existence. I had a poem or two that I’d read to a boyfriend on very rare occasion, but never my mother, best friend or even an English teacher – they were much too personal and I couldn’t bear the thought of anyone critiquing my work.

Creative writing was always my elective course of choice. I guess you could look at this as sort of a foreshadow of things to come. Never did I think that I would post writings online, I rarely even update my Facebook status because it is simply “none of your business”.

But from what I have read of “successful blogging” is you must be consistent, follow the 3 part story structure and most of all, have something worthwhile to share with the world today. Those are all three things that I really struggle with – and perhaps that’s why my blog isn’t “successful”. Why would anyone want to read what I want to share with the world? However, I mentally turned a little switch and decided to break these rules and no longer look at this as merely an informative wedding blog but rather my journal. My writer’s block has decreased. I feel like I just gave myself some freedom to be myself and write whatever I want – not what you’d want to read on a “wedding blog”. And I’ve actually had a very slight increase in readership.

So, what do I have to offer the world today? This – be yourself. Don’t do something because it seems like that might be the “rule” of business or “the way” things are done. If it don’t feel right, then stop. Simple enough, right? Just be yourself.

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And a little side rant – I hate the word blog. It so harsh and not poetic at all as it rolls off your tongue, it’s like you just spat the word out. Plus it reminds me of Pogs which gives me a little 4^th grade flashback.

The Sand & the Sea

0 · Dec 16, 2015 ·

December’s weather here in Michigan has been a little abnormal, to say the least. The amount of foggy and rain filled days have been unheard of and I’ve hardly had the need to put on my winter coat. This morning, once again, I woke up to a thick of cloud that hung in the air. It’s such a dense and gloomy feeling.

It actually made me think back to this day in May. The temperatures were oddly similar although this spring day was far windier. Ashley Slater and I had been dreaming up a beach shoot. We wanted it to be natural, ethereal and chic all at the same time. We wanted to combine a classic black tux and a streamline wedding gown with driftwood and other neutral touches found on Lake Michigan’s glistening shoreline. We dreamt of a very sun kissed, yet earthy and grounded day with the decor seeming as though it had been washed ashore from a shipwreck.

However, as it so often happens, the weather changed our plans. One of the biggest lessons I have learned it to just roll with it and let the story be a part of your day. Since this was a styled shoot, we had the option to reschedule when the weather was chilly and less than ideal. But we moved forward despite the misty and fog. And one of my favorite outcomes of the day was the moody tone that the beach set. The sky mirrored the muted watercolor lines of Wildfield Paper’s custom paper goodies. The whitecaps and the wind whipping through Caitlin’s hair were perfection. We decided not to fuss with curls, a tie and other formalities. It turned into a wild, barefoot and carefree celebration.

This shoot was also featured on Magnolia Rouge, you can see the post here.

Featured :: Sand & Sea on Magnolia Rouge

0 · Oct 20, 2015 ·

It’s no secret that I love the water. The sound of crashing waves and beautiful beaches are so invigorating. It really is amazing all the beauty that God has put on this earth around us. Beyond the obviously picturesque days, I love those that are a little darker. Moody, overcast skies are so intoxicating. There’s a calmness as the wind rips through your hair, the sound of the sand dancing across the shoreline and then… bam, another giant swell meets it’s ending upon the shore.

This inspiration was born out of those overcast skies. A little bit of mist hung in the air and the sand was chilled with a dampness. It was not a day to fuss with curls in your hair or to bother putting on a tie. It was a wild, carefree and barefoot occasion – come as you are and let love prevail. And today I’m delighted to share it in it’s entirety over on Magnolia Rouge.

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