Secret Garden Wedding Styled Shoot at Montpelier in Orange, Virginia
In September, I teamed up with my best friend Emaleigh to conceptualize a literary, romantic, whimsical styled shoot. Today, that shoot was published on Green Wedding Shoes!
After developing the concept of "The Secret Garden" and sending a cold-call email to the good people at James Madison's Montpelier asking them to host us, we got rolling! We were so lucky that Liz of Mug of Love Weddings jumped in to help with all things logistical, while Leann of Whimsical Floral Design created what can only be described as floral masterpieces. The rest of the team was comprised of Abby Farson Pratt of Blue Stocking Calligraphy, who made name cards for the table setting using only names of famous feminists; Jen Siomacco of A Pocket Novel, who hand-drew an amazing map of the garden; Valli from Gourmet Cookies by Valli, who made the most adorable petit fours for the dessert table; Marylou at River Design Vintage Rentals, who gave us access to a treasure trove of vintage accents as well as the buffet seen below; Kay Adams, who provided the AMAZING necklace worn by model Kerensa Davenport; Jessica McGuinn at BHLDN who supplied the gowns and hair accessories; Mia Flanagan at Ledbury who helped model Charlie Glenn look fly as hell; and Rachel Duke and Shannon Harrison for providing picture-perfect hair and makeup.
We couldn't have made this vision a reality without your help and we are so appreciative! Hope you love the feature!
introducing: catalyst wedding company!
Over the summer, I met a brand-new friend who I can only describe as a soul sister. Liz Susong, owner of Mug of Love Weddings, is a DC-based planner and author of one of the best essays I've ever read about being a feminist who had a wedding. She basically rocks.
After lots of amazing brainstorming sessions, we created a project that combines our love of event planning, education, weddings, feminism, and writing: CATALYST WEDDING CO.
We started with the idea of building a community for professionals who work in the wedding industry but outside the Wedding Industrial Complex; people who are game-changers in the wedding world, and who push back against tradition. We decided to set up a workshop, styled shoot, and networking dinner (called (un)convention) for vendors who do things "differently" and set our goal at 14 attendees. We envisioned the day as a collaborative opportunity to share ideas, make connections, and enjoy some mimosas. We picked a date (Nov 8), signed on some amazing sponsor/partners, including the incredible Paisley & Jade, Amanda Burnette, and Urban Set Bride, and invited everyone we knew.
Two weeks later, we sold out with twice our goal of participants!
But (un)convention is only the beginning. We're planning to take the photos from the shoot, along with interviews, advice, and stories from progressive wedding vendors across the country, and turn it into a magazine for game-changing couples, Catalyst Wedding Magazine (think Sassy Magazine but for weddings). Have an idea for something that should be in the first issue? Submit your ideas here!
I'm so excited to be working on this project with Liz, as we try to bring the conversation about weddings away from Pinterest-fueled consumerism-and-tradition-land and towards thoughtful, meaningful, equality-embracing celebrations of love.
If you want to learn more, check out our website or go "like" us on facebook!
PS. Don't worry, I'm still doing photography too!
Marriage Equality comes to VA!
If you're in the VA Beach/Norfolk/Newport News/Hampton Roads area and are ready to get married on Thursday, the first day that VA will issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples, join me and the superheroes of Cherry Blossom Weddings for some complimentary photography, cupcakes, and flowers! Click here for facebook event.
sneak peek: on the road elopement styled shoot
I wish I could share more of these but we're crossing all our fingers that they'll be published soon! Sincerest thanks go out to Machine Dance Vintage, Vogue Flowers, and our fabulous models Ryan and Eileen for being so wonderful and putting so much love into this shoot!
