With the launch of Arizona Weddings Magazine's 2018/2019 edition, I am finally able to share with you guys all the breath-taking images our editorial team created for this one-of-a-kind publication! The first shoot I'd like to share with you is the Earth Goddess Shoot, shot at the Scottsdale Resort at McCormick Ranch. And yes! This shoot will be gracing the COVER of the magazine on the February/March edition, early next year :) - picture me jumping for joy here :D Click any of the images in this post to pop over to the AWM's digital version of the mag!
The upscale Boho theme of the shoot was one I haven’t tried before. My photographic style has a dramatic, editorial, fashion feel to it, so I’ve shied away from the soft, muted concept of "Boho" until now. Assembling a team for a shoot of this magnitude is crucial. Just like assembling your wedding vendor team! In working with Erin, our fabulous florist and owner of Root & Anther, we came up with the idea to use succulents and strong pops of color along with the soft ivory tones of the Lover’s Society gown (which can be found at Lovely Bride Phoenix) to create a dramatic take on this bohemian theme. The Glamour and Woods rentals all fit beautifully into this concept, as the accent pillows were saturated jewel tones and the fur seat of the Cassidy accent chairs and gnarled wood of the Amos Teak grand coffee table all felt very natural and earthy.
The table settings, provided by the Confetti Studio, added more deep jewel tones and metallic accents. The rings, provided by Shane Co., were at once timeless and modern, with rose gold settings and a perfectly minimalistic design. I was able to compose wonderful backgrounds for the jewels using the watercolor stationary, created by the one and only Kerri Sydell at Nora Belle Designs.
When we explained our concept to Naomi, at Sugar Petals Custom Cakes, she created an epic stain glass cake for us, topped with her signature florals, made entirely out of sugar! The pops of color she added to all of her dainty treats helped bring a couture feel to the Boho theme.
I'd envisioned the couple having their ceremony in front of the iron gate on the Paradise Lawn, but we need to add in just a bit more greenery to the mix, so we called on our friends at Dei Zinz Fresh Studio to use their leaf wall as a backdrop for the gate!
My muse for the entire feel of this shoot was our female model, Kahara. She has such a unique and stunning look that was finished to perfection by the make-up and hair wonder-workers at Pucci Salon. We finished her look with accent earrings, provided by Kendra Scott.
Walking through a venue is always the first creative process step for me prior to a shoot, and in walking the Scottsdale at McCormick ranch, the climbing vines, the cacti garden, and the floral tunnel at the front entrance all stuck me as a beautiful contrast against the hard, monochromatic, cream-toned architecture. I loved the idea of nature taking over man made structures. This evolved into an image of Kahara as an earth goddess, walking through the columns, with blooms and succulents popping up under the ground as he feet touched it. The Grecian/Roman pillars of the resort made me think of gladiators and battles, so the groom became a gladiator who won the earth goddess as his bride! Devin Hill, our male model, was decked out in a light grey suit from Celebrity Tux and tails. I loved the stone gray of this suit. With his chiseled jaw and dazzling light eyes, it really made my gladiator vibe come to life!
"Thank you," can not express the gratitude I have for every one on my teammates who helped create this epic editorial. It is such a wonderful feeling to see your artistic vision come to life and I couldn't have done it without every single one of you. Thank you for all your dedication and artistry! Look what we made!!!!
Looking to up your editing game? My friends at Shotdotedit fell in love with the images for this shoot and asked me to share some of their "how-to" tips on photo editing with you guys. So here you go! Check out this rather comprehensive guide for post processing wedding images here.