Everyday Editorial – Behind the Scenes of our Stylized Photo Shoot
I loved our editorial shoot … in my opinion the outcome was amazing and stunning. Each person contributed a part, which made for a whole that was simply wonderful. From flowers and decor to staging, fashion and photography, the result captivates me each time I view the results (click here to view them!).
Even though the actual editorial photos do take my breath away, this set of photos makes me smile and fills my heart with thanks and a love for the people that were involved with the shoot. From planning their specific part to showing up for hours the day before and also braving the BAD (again … rain, sleet, snow, hail … crazy day for sure!!) weather to get the end results that we desired.
We all spent two days on the shoot. Our first day entailed sweeping the floor of the ballroom … literally it was covered in paint chips … along with moving metal railings and buckets of water due to the leaky ceiling so that our space could be clear to set up. We did a lot of the heavy setup the day before, and the day of was left for all of the details to be put into place.
I am SO grateful to these people, and I am so happy to share this behind the scenes look at our photo shoot day. A special thanks goes out to Liz Cook of Sincerely, Liz: Photography for capturing everyone hard at work doing what they do best.
Several of our group members had a hand in pulling off the staging of our set. Here Jennifer of La Bella Torta and Linda of Love Is in the Air are conversing. Jennifer provided us with such a stunning cake … it was actually a “dummy” cake, so if you see her at a show, you may be able to get a glimpse of it! Linda and her business partner, Mary, were responsible for our “dummy” food along with the beautiful calligraphy work.
Kate of SPA 4109 did a great job with the hair … notice our “craft services” table in the background with Panera, coffee, hot chocolate, chili and other delectables to keep everyone happy.
Notice something odd? The dress was lovely but HUGE, so we had industrial strength clips to cinch it so that it fit. We tried our best to keep track of them throughout the shoot, but alas, some still needed to be edited out of the final photos.
Kate and Patty of SPA 4109 did an absolutely flawless job with the hair and makeup on our “Josephine” model, Gordana.
It looks as though everyone is waiting on none other than ME to perform a shoe change and fluff the dress!
Here our crew is all in the midst of the shoot … working hard. In the back is Sandra Guelzo of RS Exclusive, who helped to keep track of the overall design aesthetic.
Crystal of Crystal George Studios and Sabrena of S Carter Studios had fun picking being on “jewelry duty” with our fine jewels from Bowen Jewelry Company.
Jeremiah of Stone Blue Productions did an amazing job directing the models, which had such stunning results.
Sabrena of S Carter Studios braved the weather (literally!!) because our generator ran out of gas. She is a photographer by trade, but she proved that she can make beautiful favors along with get gas AND fill up a generator. Who needs a man for these things??
Those are MY shoes!!
Our fearless photographer, Jeremiah, from Stone Blue Productions had no qualms about laying on the dusty floor … whatever it takes to capture those amazing photos!
This is a view from the mezzanine … everyone is working hard!
Our beautiful dining scene against the backdrop of “The Ward Building” on Church Street in downtown Lynchburg. Even though Moyanne of Interiors by Moyanne and her crew are not pictured, I wanted to say a HUGE thanks to them. They brought and took back all of the furniture (along with some of the breakables for the table!). We even had a “mini catastrophe” when we had to switch a scene from the front wall to the back wall since the rainwater was leaking in … not only leaking in but leaking ON a $12,000 rug (along with equally fine drapes!). One quick call to Moyanne’s crew, and they were back and changing our scene for us in no time. They were such a pleasure to work with!!
Brad from Shaking Hands Productions captured our behind the scenes on video as Jeremiah photographed. Me, well … I supervised most of the time (it WAS an important job, and most of my work was in organizing everything it took to get us to our photo shoot day).
I love this shot!!
Even a queen needs coffee (to stay warm … poor thing; it was NOT very warm in there!) and to be connected with the outside world.
We definitely did not want lipstick on the teeth … Patty did a great job making sure everything was in check with the makeup.
Several lights were brought in by Jeremiah to illuminate the set, which was extremely helpful as darkness fell later in the day.
For once we are waiting for the GUY to get his touchups!!
Even Napoleon (Jordan) needed a little fixing here and there throughout the day.
I love this one of Crystal of Crystal George Studios! She was also on shoe duty.
We did have a little fun while we were on hair and makeup check breaks … our group of vendors really did have a wonderful time together!
The guys were hard at work capturing each and every moment.
Brad of Shaking Hands Productions did a great job with the behind the scenes footage! Many thanks also to Sandra for her work in designing the tablescape with such flawless results.
The atmosphere was definitely royal … rich colors, fine furnishings, lit candles … I am so glad that you get a behind the scenes peek!
Our dining scene captured the regal essence perfectly.
I was able to spend the DAY with all of the wonderful people above. Here goes …
Back row: Jennifer England (La Bella Torta), Joellen Perkins (SPA 4109), Sabrena Deal (S Carter Studios), Sandra Guelzo (RS Exclusive), Crystal George (Crystal George Studios), Linda Hall (Love Is in the Air), and Mary Love (Love Is in the Air)
Second row: Kate Pitera (SPA 4109), “Josephine” Gordana Ban, “Napoleon Jordan Sorber, Patty Mattingley (SPA 4109)
Front row: Kelli Sill (Shaking Hands Productions), Liz Cook (Sincerely, Liz: Photography), Jennifer Prince (Hill City Bride), Jeremiah Guelzo (Stone Blue Productions), Brad Bennett (Shaking Hands Productions)
And lastly, this is our Project Management Team … truly from start to finish, this project would have not been complete (or completed!) without them!! From L-R: Liz Cook, Michelle Duncan, Jeremiah Guelzo and Crystal George (and that’s me in the front!). You can see all of their kudos for what they did below, BUT first and foremost these people are all dear friends of mine from different phases of my life. It’s so wonderful to be able to work with friends … creative, talented, smart friends at that! Ok, roll credits …
Project Management Team
Jennifer Prince – Hill City Bride, Project Coordinator/Art Director
Jeremiah Guelzo – Stone Blue Productions, Photographer/Art Director
Crystal George – Crystal George Studios, Artistic Consultant
Michelle Duncan – Church Street Bridal/elle&anne, Style Consultant
Liz Cook – Sincerely, Liz: Photography, Creative Consultant
Hill City Bride Vendors
Bowen Jewelry Company – jewelry
Celebration – tuxedo
Church Street Bridal – gown, headpieces
Michelle Duncan, elle&anne– headpieces
Interiors by Moyanne – drapes, furnishings, rugs
Jennifer England, La Bella Torta – cake artist
Linda Hall and Mary Love, Love Is in the Air – food, calligraphy
Elisha Dudley, Petal Flower Company – bouquet, boutonniere
Sandra Guelzo, RS Exclusive – table design, decor
Sabrena Deal, S Carter Studios – favors
Brad Bennett, Shaking Hands Productions – cinematography
SPA 4109 – Eyelash Extensions (Joellen Perkins), Hair (Kate Pitera), Makeup (Patty Mattingley), Nails (Jeanine Maxwell)
To view more features from our editorial photo shoot, just click here.
These are so great! Liz you did a fabulous job. Luv, luv!
… makes me feel like we are right back there…. what an incredible experience.
BEAUTIFUL job to all of you who participated! Makes me so proud to live and work with this industry …and in Lychburg !!!
Liz great job on the photos. Thanks for capturing all of that for us. It looks so good and seeing it from your lens is even better.
Beautiful shoot! I am looking forward to seeing more. And I would love to help out on the next one too! Great job!