REAL LOVE

Over a year and half ago I styled a model for a styled shoot for Ale Vidal around Shakespeare's, Romeo & Juliet. We have never shared the photos until now, and I thought these photos would be a great visual to share my thoughts and feelings about love, after all Valentine's Day is only days away.

Reading the words of Romeo, "See how she leans upon her hand! O that I were a glove upon that hand, that I might touch that cheek," makes me swoon. What woman doesn't dream of a man falling head over heels like that? I always thought that was what love looked like - a man completely smitten and infatuated with me, a man that would always think I am the most beautiful woman God ever created for all eternity, a man that calls me the "sun," and never wanting to part from me. 

Love was something I only understood as emotion and a feeling. Now that I have been married for almost 9 years this May, I have come to understand that great, true love is choosing to love even when you don't have all of the "feelings" behind it.

It's knowing that Ryan loves me at my ugliest rather than at my prettiest. Sure, he tells me that I am beautiful, special and wonderful from time to time, but when he says, "I love you," after a big fight I know that we have something great and special. 

Sometimes I miss all of the emotions that come when you just begin to date, but even writing this blog post reminds me how much more special it is to experience true love in the day to day hustle and bustle of life when I don't look my prettiest and I'm not always saying the right thing.

Photos by Ale Vidal
Makeup by SN Makeup Artist
Hair by Jessica Gallegos
Styling by Alex Evjen, AVE Styles
Dress from Mariee Bridal
Flowers by Posies Floral
Veil from Mignonne Handmade
Model Agency AZ

The Rosson House Styled Shoot

Any Downton Abbey fans out there?! I am definitely a fan of the hit T.V. show, and I highly recommend it to anyone that loves period dramas like Mad Men, The Tudors, Game of Thrones, etc.

So, when Whitney from Gold Soul Photographs approached me about doing a styled bridal shoot at the Rosson House in downtown Phoenix I was excited because she wanted it to be a modern take on the styles of the early 1900's. The Rosson House is one of the few historic places in downtown Phoenix that was built during that time considering Arizona didn't become a state until 1912 - exactly 100 years ago. As you can see in the photo above, it's pretty spectacular, and I would say it's the closest to Phoenix's Downton Abbey.

With the house setting the tone, I selected a simple lace gown with an empire waist from Wedding Belles Bridal Boutique. Since it is strapless, it is obviously WAY more modern than what would be acceptable back then, but with just a piece of tulle I created two different looks to add more coverage to the dress. You can see what I mean in the photos above and below.

I found this AMAZING pearl collar necklace at a vintage shop called Antique Sugar. Collar necklaces are very popular right now, so I'm really happy I purchased it. It was from the 1950's, but I thought the intricacy of the necklace and the fact it was made of pearls was very complementary. Plus, the strapless dress was just begging for something to fill in the space.

The hair and makeup really brought the whole look home. It is more reminiscent of the 1920's, but I wouldn't have gone any other way.

For the groom we kept things simple. A black suit with a vest, cufflinks, white shirt and a pocket square. You can't really go wrong when you stay classic.

I would LOVE, LOVE to have a Downton Abbey wedding, but since I'm already married this was the next best thing! Check out Whitney's website for a little video of the shoot.

Hair- Melanie from Curls Gone Wild Salon in Gilbert, AZ. Makeup- Azure from Artistry by Azure Stylist- Alex Evjen from AVE Styles (pearl choker provided by Antique Sugar in Phoenix) Venue- The Rosson House Museum Gown- Natalie from Wedding Belles Bridal Boutique in Gilbert, AZ. Photography- Whitney from Gold Soul Photographs Table styled by- Paula and Brittany Anderson (chairs and dishes provided by Merchant Square Antique Mall in Gilbert) Florals- Tamara from AZ Petal Pushers Paper Goods- Stephanie from Paper INKlinations Models- Rachel Kress and Chris Procopio

Designer to Watch - Jenny Packham

jennypackhamapparel5Heard of Jenny Packham? No!? She is an incredibly creative designer that celebrities have fallen in love with. She has also has a bridal collection, which is superb! If I were a bride with an unlimited budget I'd check out her designs! Packham brings past eras of fashion trends back to life with contemporary twists. She graduated from Central Saint Martins College of Art in London. Below are some designs I enjoy. What do you think?

READY TO WEAR

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BRIDAL

jennypackhambridalJENNY HACKHAM BRIDAL MARKET 2007 NY 10/20/07JENNY HACKHAM BRIDAL MARKET 2007 NY 10/20/07jennypackhambridal5JENNY PACKHAM NY Bridal Market 10-18-08