miss tashina

I hope everyone had an amazing end to 2011 and a fantastic start to 2012!  As you can see (from my last blog post) – it’s been a while since I’ve done some much needed blogging! New year, fresh start!

Since I live in sunny southern California where our winters are very mild, and a vast majority of you are bundled up in warm sweaters and sipping hot chocolate – I thought I’d bring you some California sunshine with a shoot I styled (& made the gown) back in August.  Hosted by the superbly talented leaders: Shannon Lee Images and Jeremy Chou Photoworks at the swanky Hotel Maya in Long Beach, California.

I decided to go with a safari theme. Why? Well, because it’s pretty flamboyant and I like to push limits! Besides, the shoot was all in the name of FUN!

I made the gown from a mix of new and vintage fabrics. The body of the gown was made from a vintage “scaled” jersey fabric that I had been saving for the perfect dress. I gave the tiered skirt a short and long ruffle layer and lined the long layer with a zebra print fabric. I also added gold studding at the neckline, gold beading at the top seams of the ruffle layers, and made a gold waistband.  The bride + groom’s makeup and hair was done by the lovely + supremely sweet, Evelyn of Serene Bridal Beauty. The bride’s look was finished off with Jenny Dayco‘s black+gold chain earrings and bangles.

The gorgeous flowers were provided by Flower Child Floral Designs.

For the table details, I wanted to keep the colour palette more neutral: tans, browns, gold and, yes, zebra print! I handmade the vinyl copper + gold studded place-mat, zebra-print napkin (shown under the plates). I also used a vintage woven charger under the dishes (provided by the venue) and topped it off with the menu and a tan leather place marker.

For the dessert table I wanted to mimic the African sunset. I found some awesome ombre fabric to set the backdrop and filled the table lots of neutral texture and safari details. Like the vintage gold giraffes, textured woven fabric under the cake, and palm frawns.  All the delicious sweets were provided by Cake Goodness (how adorable is that zebra print cake?! And the red velvet cake cups – divine! And the cakepops – yes, pretty please!!!)

For the workshop, I also set up a “first toast” shot for all the photographers and used the hotel’s cabana.  I laid down a bunch of neutral fabrics and draped zebra print fabric strips & braided gold fabric rope in the cabana beams.  I also set up the couple’s chilled lambrusco toast on a vintage wooden tray with a palm frawn, vintage ice bucket, hand-carved elephant detail, pretty flower/greens from Flower Child Floral Designs, and glasses wrapped with a ivory braided rope.

Thanks to all involved! Much fun was had by all and we all had a chance to meet some great new photographers! Be sure to check out each of the photographer’s links for more photos of the workshop!

Jeremy Chou Photoworks /// Shannon Lee Images /// Alyssa Armstrong Photography /// Snaps & Scribbles /// Love Janet /// Holt Photography /// Paularoids /// Mitchell Rush /// Alferd Gulpo /// Leo Moranti

Also, a huge THANK YOU to the lovely Libby + Chris Cron for being the adorable lovebirds that they are!

{ xoxo miss tashina }

I am extremely excited to share this shoot! We had an amazingly talented team working with on this project together and the end result turned out to be beyond my wildest dreams! AND… a feature on Green Wedding Shoes!!!!! ELATED!

When the talented Melissa, from The Loveliest Day, contacted me with the idea for this shoot – all I could say is “yes! yes! yes!” My mind was already dreaming up all kinds of dress ideas… then she showed me the location. And all the amazing vendors. YES! YES! YES!

She chose the stunning ranch nestled in the Santa Ana Canyon called Star Ranch. She also rounded up Melissa’s amazing collection of furniture and details from Pow Wow Vintage Rentals. And brought in Megan from Honey and Poppies for the gorgeous colourful flowers! And the amazing husband and wife team of photographers Erin hearts Court. … and custom made bikes from Jeff Leighton! And, of course, much can be accredited to Melissa’s hard work and super styling!

I made this gown and called it “The Wings” gown because of it’s fluttery sleeves. The dress was made from silk satin and sheer vintage fabric and lace detail. I definitely had a blast wearing (& showing off) my creation in such a lovely setting!

The gorgeous dining table with all of Melissa’s styling touches and the super amazing chairs from Pow Wow Vintage!

Then I slipped into another gown I made. It’s a sheer gown (worn with a simple white slip dress) and detailed with vintage lace at the hem and top with antique gold studs. My amazing makeup and hair was done by my friend and amazingly talented artist, Emily Christison of Emily Dawn Artistry. (Thank you for making me look so dreamy!) The jewelry was provided by Sweet Evie (feather jewelry) and Jenny Dayco (ring, stone necklace, tiger stone earrings) – both dear friends of mine!

The amazing cake table!!! Erica O’Brien Cake Design provided us with the lovely cake!

The psychedelic LOVE favours!

The epic “after party” party shot. You know, after we drank all the moonshine and couldn’t stand up anymore…

The love birds and their getaway bike! My “groom-for-the-day”, Jeff Leighton, restores and creates custom bikes! He brought in this gem of a bike – a 1938 Knucklehead!

Much THANKS again to Melissa for putting this together! And Erin & Courtney for the amazing photos (& taking some of my favourite images from the day on film)! All of the talented vendors! And our “wedding party” players: Shannon Lee and Bryan Huber. Thanks for making the day super fun!

{ xoxo miss tashina }