Last September I was contacted by Kristy Rice from Momental Design. Apparently social media does work, because the talented (and nationally recognized!) Kristy found me online, so that's pretty rad to begin with. Kristy's business focuses on creative and artful invitation suites, menus, and general wedding paper goods. Utilizing her antique inspired and floral heavy watercolor techniques she has created some of the most gorgeous invitations I have ever laid eyes on. Not to mention she did the opulent invitations for Jessica Simpson's Wedding (except I just did).
Anyhow I was definitely surprised to hear from her, but also totally thrilled when I discovered the reason. Kirsty, who is working on a book titled The Painters Wedding (due out this year I believe), asked if I might be interested in lending my own creative talents to a styled shoot in and inspired by Yellowstone National Park! She and a group of incredible and renowned vendors were set to travel all the way out to our perfect little corner of the world for a bridal photoshoot that would emphasis the majestic beautify of our beloved national park . If you don't know what my answer was, you don't know me at all... Um, yes. A thousand times yes.
Participating in styled shoots is something I am constantly being asked to do. 50% of the time I am super jazzed about the concept and 50% of the time I'm either too busy to take on extra work, or not terribly inspired by the vision for the shoot. In this case it was 100% inspiration and the added bonus of being featured in a real live book!
Being that she and the other vendors participating where traveling from out of state, and therefor somewhat disconnected from Yellowstone and what it means to those who have grown up nearby, I felt it was necessary for me to convey a local Montanan's take on Yellowstone. To me it is a place of clear wildfire pools and sulfuric sand, but more importantly a wildlife sanctuary for wolves, elk, buffalo, and more. I am also eternally inspired and fascinated by Montana's native plant life, so you can bet that came into the mix.
What emerged was a two tiered cake painted as my own abstract interpretation of the layered, jewel toned hot springs, and a set of edible sugar cookie place-cards painted with individual names, flora, and fauna.
I was fully expecting to wait for the book to come out before I could share the resulting images from this gorgeous photoshoot but as luck would have it the photos where just too fantastic to be contained, and the shoot is now a 6 page feature in Destination I Do Magazine!
And so, with Kirsty's blessing, I am excited to present the stunning results of her beautiful concept as well as my own offerings to the Spirit of Yellowstone: May she continue to protect our miriad creatures, geological miracles, and bountiful plant life... and also keep the monster volcano at bay. Amen.
I just have to say how much I love this model, Terasina. There is something completely captivating and unique about her features, and the way she carries herself. Plus she has tattoos which you just don't see enough of in bridal photoshoots...
Charles the Elk, Sophie the Sage Brush, Celeste the Indian Paintbrush, and Ezra the Wolf: If that does sound like a Yellowstone party, I don't know what does...
collaborators
Photography @JohnCainSargent // Venues @mtundercanvas, @yellowstonenps // Styling, Stationery, Design @Momental // Design and Planning @emilyclarkeevents // Floral @Intrigue_Designs // Gowns @ClairePettibone, @TaraLaTour // Calligraphy @designsgirl // Cake, Cookies @whippedreams // Model @terasinabonanini // Rentals @poshcouturerentals // Linens