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
24 Comments
24 Responses to “When I Grow Up, I Want To Be A Stylist!”
-
Aharon Hill Says:
July 26th, 2011 at 8:36 amLar, 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![Reply]
-
Windsor Grace Says:
July 26th, 2011 at 9:24 amGreat job, Lar! It looks awesome! I’m super impressed.
[Reply]
-
Shannon Says:
July 26th, 2011 at 9:44 amGorgeous Lauren!! I love the inspiration and the photos are beautiful!
[Reply]
-
Pamela Says:
July 26th, 2011 at 9:52 amThis “Out of Africa” girl adores these images. Grandeur. Maybe when we both grow up you can style a grand party for me in Africa.
[Reply]
-
Emily Hauck Says:
July 26th, 2011 at 11:07 amLove it! You will be the best stylist ever when you grow up!
[Reply]
-
Style with Benefits Says:
July 26th, 2011 at 11:14 amAh I love this! What a great movie to draw inspiration from… you nailed it. Such beautiful photos!
xx, becs
[Reply]
-
Sally Says:
July 26th, 2011 at 11:19 amLar, you’ve got the knack, for sure! Looks amazing.
[Reply]
-
Dabay Says:
July 26th, 2011 at 11:24 amIt’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[Reply]
-
anh Says:
July 26th, 2011 at 1:46 pmawesome!!!!! 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!
[Reply]
-
Andrea Says:
July 26th, 2011 at 4:20 pmI 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
[Reply]
-
couturecoco Says:
July 26th, 2011 at 4:32 pmYou’re nearer to your dream than you thought! I love it, fantastic job well done.
[Reply]
-
olivia Says:
July 26th, 2011 at 9:20 pmOhhhhh that looks fantastic! Nice job!!
[Reply]
-
Katy Says:
July 26th, 2011 at 9:43 pmSo impressed, Lar! You hit it right on without looking kitch or costumey – great job!
[Reply]
-
photo shoot – early 20th century safari sophisticated. » gardenia floral design – blogging about wedding flowers. Says:
July 27th, 2011 at 1:00 pm[...] Hill this past weekend. Check out the flowers that we did for the shoot here on her blog & on The Asian Cajun’s blog, too. Just beautiful. (If I could, I’d post the soundtrack for your enjoyment – it [...]
-
June Shin Says:
July 27th, 2011 at 3:23 pmLar, you did such a fantastic job! I would totally hire you to style me and any future photoshoots!
[Reply]
AsianCajuns (Lar) Reply:
July 28th, 2011 at 2:18 pmThanks 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
).[Reply]
-
Jacqueline Says:
July 27th, 2011 at 7:02 pmI love the inspiration and can definitely see it peaking through in the shoot. The lamps in the trees are so romantic. Very impressive.
[Reply]
-
Katie Says:
July 28th, 2011 at 9:48 amWOW!!! 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!!!
[Reply]
-
Cameron Says:
July 28th, 2011 at 5:33 pmLooking forward to your Scottish-themed stylings!
[Reply]
-
Liv Says:
July 28th, 2011 at 8:44 pmcute 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!
[Reply]
-
BSTW vol. 16 « Knit in Public Says:
July 29th, 2011 at 9:45 am[...] {source} [...]
-
Asian Cajuns Says:
August 2nd, 2011 at 8:13 pm[...] Wren’s Nest (you know how much we love that place – our latest adventure there was my Out of Africa inspired wedding photo shoot). The West End is Atlanta’s oldest suburb (originally a white affluent ‘burb) and is [...]
-
Asian Cajuns Says:
September 28th, 2011 at 5:16 pm[...] Time): I can’t believe I almost forgot! Do you remember that wedding inspiration shoot I styled for photographer Aharon Hill this past July? Well it also made it onto Style Me Pretty – the [...]
