All-American Love

This past weekend a team of dear friends joined together to create an engagement shoot centered around nautical inspiration. Now, if you don't know...I live in the desert of Phoenix, AZ. I've always loved New England since that's where my extended family lives, and I consider my style to reflect that of a preppy Bostonian. So, obviously, this shoot was definitely fun to style!

Hannah and Steve Wright are an amazing couple that attend my church. They also happen to be down right gorgeous together!

Gina Meola is a good friend of mine, and a FANtastic photographer. We're practically neighbors in downtown Phoenix, and we've definitely done some great bonding since meeting at Melissa Jill's doggie birthday part (yes, we go to doggie bday parties!).

Sarah Hubbell did Hannah's hair for the shoot. Sarah has already had her turn in front for the camera for sequin shoot with Michelle Herrick. Sarah recommended her friend Jessica Mangieri for makeup, and she sure did rock it!

Okay, so down the nitty gritty of the clothes...Obviously, we focused on a patriotic color scheme of red, white and blue. We created two looks for Hannah and Steve. The first look was casual and playful - perfect for their pedal boat ride at Tempe Town Lake (BEST date night place).  The second look was a bit more dressy, and was photographed in a picnic setting. I incorporated little details of a boat rope headband, a bandana scarf and floppy hats. Details always bring a photo shoot to life!!!

I think this is SUCH a fun concept for couples and families that are planning to get their pictures taken this summer. If you love the water, the all-American spirit and look great in red, white and blue...This is for YOU! It's really easy to recreate. Heck, if we can do it in a desert, you can do it ANYWHERE!

Jayna Jordan

I'd like to introduce all of you to a rising star, Miss Jayna Jordan.

This beautiful high school gal can act, play the guitar AND sing!

You can spot her showing off her acting chops in the popular Disney TV movie Lemonade Mouth.

With the teamwork of Session Nine Photography, myself and Jayna, we came up with a photo shoot concept that shows off her romantic, whimsy, bohemian personality.

Jayna is a bookworm and an old soul at heart. At home she surrounds herself with good reads, her journals and pens to write her poetry, lyrics and thoughts. So, we created a scene with books, papers and sunlight inside of a historic house in downtown Phoenix.

She's a coffee lover, so of course, we had to throw in a coffee mug.

We kept Jayna's hair and makeup very simple, and chose natural, bohemian clothing to keep a soft, feminine and approachable presence. Jayna always sings with bare feet, so we avoided shoes for most of the shoot.

Side note: If you're planning a portrait or family photo session, really take the time to come up with a story or setting that suits your family. It is SO much fun to create something you would find in a movie or magazine, AND it helps communicate your personality further.

We also photographed Jayna outside a downtown Phoenix coffee shop called Lola. It's my all time favorite cafe to hang out in, and was perfect for the shoot.

I hope you love the photos, and go check out Jayna's pipes. Click here to listen.

So Vain

The definition of vanity is, "to be excessively concerned about one's own appearance, qualities or achievements. So, let me just spit it out once and for all...I'm vain and I don't like it. Heck, my job is all about being concerned with people's appearances, BUT when things become "excessive" or I find myself thinking I'm not as beautiful or stylish if my hair isn't styled OR even worried about people's judgements of my style and talent if I'm not dressed to impressed every day, there's a problem. Granted, my style is a huge marketing tactic, but if I'm thinking terrible things in my mind simply because I'm having a bad hair day - I need a reality check STAT!

This past April, I came to this realization after leaving my blow dryer at our vacation home a couple hours away. Knowing I wouldn't be able to grab it for another month, I had a bit of a freak out moment. I quickly contemplated driving back for it the next day, realized that wouldn't work, then texted my hairstylist to see if she had an extra to borrow (she didn't) and then finally almost jumped in my car to spend $100 JUST SO I could have "perfect" hair for a month.

You may be thinking, "WOW! This girl is shallow, conceited..blah blah blah. However, I'm not blogging this to publicly embarrass myself. I'm sharing this because I realized I know a lot of people that won't venture out of the house without a full face of makeup, their hair coiffed perfectly or their shoes matching their outfit...This is NOT good people!

So, back to the story about the hair dryer...I did NOT go buy one. Instead I challenged myself and spent A MONTH with only air dried hair. This was hard for me, but in the moments of negative self talk I was able to challenge lies with the TRUTH - that my worth and value doesn't come from perfection or beauty! I believe my worth and value comes from God - my Creator - who says I'm beautifully and wonderfully made. You may not share the same religious views, but regardless, no man or woman should EVER find added value in textiles, face paint or aerosol cans! NONE! Zero! Zilch! Nada!

So, if you're reading this and finding yourself relating to my words, take something away from your routine and get uncomfortable. Purposely mismatch your socks for a week, stop using eye shadow for a month or don't blow dry your hair. Then replace your insecurities with truth.

It's okay to enjoy fashion and express your style through hair, makeup and clothing (duh!). Just don't find yourself thinking your Armani suit adds value to who you are.

Rebirth of Your Style - Tukee AZ

I had the chance to talk about style after motherhood for the May issue of Tukee AZ Magazine. Now, I'm not a mom, so this was a bit of a challenge. However, after talking with some of you mommies out there, I feel like I was able to come up with a few ideas on how to maintain your style. I hope you enjoy it! Click here to read.

Lights. Camera. Action!

Photographers: Ryan Young & Michelle Herrick • Make-up: Kristy Brown • Hair: Louise McEwen • Wardrobe: Alex Evjen • Models: Lexi & Erika (The Agency Arizona)