I usually like being a graphic designer by day and a blogger by night, but sometimes I feel like I live my life by the unnatural glow of a computer screen. I’m sure a lot of you can relate!
The thing is, I miss creating things with my hands (drawings, paintings, props, etc.) and I’ve been yearning to break out of my computer rut for a few years now. I’ve been dreaming of being a stylist (you know like Tim Walker or Annette Joseph). I need to start as a stylist’s lacky – schlepping around furniture and props – and learn how to create an enticing world, communicated in a few photographs.
This past weekend, my uber-talented wedding photographer Aharon Hill asked me to style an inspiration wedding shoot (faux couple, faux wedding). I didn’t want to do the usual rustic charm wedding (barn, chalkboards, bunting, ball jars) – very sweet, but I wanted to try something a bit different. I took my inspiration from one of my all time favorite movies:
We had no budget and only 12 days or so to coordinate an Out of Africa wedding. I started sketching ideas and pulling together props, and Aharon roped some great vendors into helping us. (Below: my props took up a good part of my dining room and the entire interior of my car).
Finding a couple to be our Karen and Dennis was a little tricky, as was making a wedding cake appear, and telling Georgia to look like Kenya (“Less kudzu, more lions in the grass!”), but here are the result (see more photos on Aharon’s blog):
Photography: Aharon Hill
Styling: Lar
Location: The Wren’s Nest, Atlanta, GA
Flowers: Gardenia Floral Design
Paper goods: Calliespondence
Caligraphy: Carol Gray Calligraphy
Wedding cake: Miss Mamie’s Cupcakes, Cakes and Such
Models: Jackelyn and Miguel
Lar, you really know how to intro a styled shoot– this is how my blog post should have read, lol! You are so gifted at styling, and such a consummate pro. I loved working with you, and can’t wait to collaborate on something even more fabulous (if that is even possible) in Scotland, or another amazing European locale after you relocate 😉 xoxo!
Great job, Lar! It looks awesome! I’m super impressed.
Gorgeous Lauren!! I love the inspiration and the photos are beautiful!
This “Out of Africa” girl adores these images. Grandeur. Maybe when we both grow up you can style a grand party for me in Africa.
Love it! You will be the best stylist ever when you grow up! 🙂
Ah I love this! What a great movie to draw inspiration from. you nailed it. Such beautiful photos!
xx, becs
Lar, you’ve got the knack, for sure! Looks amazing.
It’s amazing what people can come up with on a tight (or nonexistent) budget, and a whole lot of creativity. Awesome job, Lar! 🙂
xo
D
awesome!!!!! yea i am also a comp geek and most times i want to get out of it as well. and i spend 90% of my days in front of the comp screen. i would love to be a stylist as well!
I love the whole concept of the shoot! And the whole thing looks amazing for something that had no budget. Nice work!
And I completely know what you mean, I’ve always wanted to be a stylist too. I’m studying to be a Nurse but my passion has always been in fashion. I’m taking baby steps and started a style portfolio. Maybe someday I can make my hobby into a job 🙂
You’re nearer to your dream than you thought! I love it, fantastic job well done.
Ohhhhh that looks fantastic! Nice job!!
So impressed, Lar! You hit it right on without looking kitch or costumey – great job!
Lar, you did such a fantastic job! I would totally hire you to style me and any future photoshoots!
Thanks so much, June!!! I hope I can spread June Shin jewelry all over Scotland and the UK when I go. I’ll miss not seeing your gorgeous wares in local shops (yet ;)).
May have to visit you and we can both spread out the jewelry all over the UK together!
I love the inspiration and can definitely see it peaking through in the shoot. The lamps in the trees are so romantic. Very impressive.
WOW!!! I was blown away not only by this with the awesome creative inspiration but also when I wandered back and found the wedding pics. That has to be hands down the most precious, whimsical, perfect wedding I have ever (not actually) seen. Congrats! And keep styling things because you obviously have a knack!!!
Looking forward to your Scottish-themed stylings!
cute that looks like a lot of fun. hope to see you do more of this.
it’s not easy busting out of what you normally do in your career. I’m trying to do the same right now and it’s a lot of fun experimenting. best of luck!