Woodland-Fairy Inspired Bridal | Editorial

After spending several weeks glued to my office chair prepping to launch my site (so glad you're here!), I was craving a creative shoot. So on a Tuesday whim, I messaged a girl who'd commented on one of my model call posts and asked if she could model that Saturday. In three days, I pulled together a mood board, cruised by the craft store for pearl stickers and tulle, and stumbled on the *perfect* thrifted dress for... get this...eight dollars! I'd planned to use an ~okay~ gown I had at home, but this matched my vision (and the tulle) so much better.

Come Saturday morning, my experience as a bridal hairstylist came in handy and I tossed her curls into an effortless updo to highlight the tulle sleeves and her delicate bone structure. I was worried the tulle sleeves might look tacky since I'd only seen it work in my head, but I giggled out loud when I tied the bows and they felt so effortlessly ethereal.

We drove to a pond just a few minutes from my house. Despite the chilly weather (I have nothing but respect for models looking fabulous in the cold), all the elements began to harmonize beautifully. The tall grass whispered in the cool air; the delicate lace details on the dress felt light and airy, and the tulle added the perfect touch of whimsy. Celeste was as graceful and elegant as they come. I came up with the story of a woodland fairy taking a thoughtful walk alone, dancing with the birds and thoughtfully observing the creatures in the water; and the story came to life as we found delightful pockets of inspiration at the waterside and through the wakening forest. Who knows, maybe some of the fairies and woodland creatures were watching, happy to have their home immortalized through art. ;)

I'm like a little girl, I TRULY feel sparkly joy when the story I start with develops real character and a tangible essence throughout the shoot. Do you feel the magic in these photos?