Tropical Bride
Inspiration comes from many places for me. It could be anything from a song to a photo. I was scrolling through my feed and saw this GORGEOUS bouquet on @utahvalleybride page and it was like a creative light bulb was switched on and I needed to recreate it. It was a gorgeous mixture of orange, fuchsia, and greens and that was something I had never tried. So I went to work! Immediately I fell in love with the arrangement but I couldnt help but compare it to the real one. I felt so discouraged because it didnt look exactly like it. Ha! How ridiculous is that?! I was ready to never post about it and take it apart. Then I felt this sense of calm and then it was clear in my mind. Of course it didnt look like the original arrangement! It was made by two different people using two different mediums. Comparison truly is the thief of joy and man I am so happy that I fought past my initial hesitation.
With a new sense of confidence, I knew I wanted to get this piece in a photo shoot as soon as possible. I reached out to my favorite photographer, Lori Romney (@loriromneyphotography). Its the middle of the summer and I knew she would be so busy, but she made time and found the most gorgeous model (Mollee Armijo) and make up artist (Mykael Bishop). Everyone knows my love for Lori, but just in case you didnt, she is incredible. Her natural talent is obvious and her personality and kindness makes you a better person. I am so incredibly lucky to know her and to work with her. Something just clicks with us and its almost like we feed off each others energy and ideas. That is the best kind of creative friend! If you ever need a photography, you need to reach out to her!
We spent three hours shooting and creating on the spot. My favorite part of the whole morning was when I had an idea to put ferns in Mollee's hair. We tore apart a fern and added pieces from the tip of her braid to the top of her head. Finally finishing the made up "crown" with a gorgeous bougainvillea stem. Mykael did an incredible job matching the eyes and lips to the bouquet. It was already such a powerful color pallet so she made sure Mollee's make up complimented but didnt fight it. Looking at the photo's now, you can really see how well she matched the lip color to the whole look! And goodness, Mollee!! She is incredible. Her ability to stand in front of a camera and pose so effortlessly really amazed me! I was so happy that Lori found a model that not only complimented my work, but helped bring the whole look to a higher level.
I hope you enjoy these photos and I hope it gives you another look at how versitale the paper blooms can be. The real foliage was purchased from Flower Patch and Harmons Grocery Store (!!!) and added to the arrangement the day before the shoot took place. The paper flowers were handcut and handmade by me. I used fine italian crepe paper from Carte Fini Paper @cartefinicrepepaper. This creative life can be so hard but I am loving every single minute. Thank you for reading and for your support. I wouldnt be here without you!