Bridal Inspiration / Where the Wildflowers Grow

A few weeks ago, we were invited to creatively direct and style a few photoshoots for Donny Zavala’s workshop and his attendees.  For the next few days, and next week, I’m so excited to finally be able to share what we created and what was captured. Waking up to the catch the sunrise on the most gorgeous beach in Oahu, Hawaii, will be a moment I will never forget. Can we do this again please?! From Carol Hannah’s overflowing gown, Heart of Gold Design’s delicate crowns, Susie Saltzman’s stunning ring, Hikari‘s beautiful makeup and hair, the stunning Angelei who would be our bride, to the dramatic flowers created by Catalina Neal – everything was beautifully created.

“Like a wild flower; she spent her days, allowing herself to grow, not many knew of her struggle, but eventually all; knew of her light.” – Nikki Rowe 

Inspired by this quote, the entire shoot was concepted from these words.

The Mood: raw, overgrowth, abundant, magical, imperfect, discovery

The Color Story: dusty mauve, corals, lilac, fern, charcoal

From every shoot that I’ve creatively directed, I always start with asking myself the hard questions. What is that human struggle that triumphs that we all go through? What is the story that needs to be told? What could I bring out from the model, the stylist, location, light, the photographer so that we can all collectively and creatively give birth to this story? From there the entire shoot becomes a journey of discovery. With open hands, and surrendering to the creative process, everything falls into place in a raw and organic manner that is more beautiful than I could ever imagine.

PHOTOGRAPHER & INSTRUCTOR Donny Zavala | CREATIVE DIRECTOR & STYLIST Utterly Engaged | FLORAL DESIGNER & STYLIST Catalina Neal | MAKEUP ARTIST & HAIR STYLIST Hikari Murakami | CREATIVE ASSISTANT Caroline Cervantes | SPONSOR Mastin Labs | FILM LAB Photovision | WEDDING GOWNS Carol Hannah | HEADPIECE HEART OF GOLD DESIGNS | CALLIGRAPHY Sarah Ingram | WEDDING RINGS Susie Saltzman | SILK RIBBONS tono & co. | MODEL Angelei Shulman