Bridal Style Inspiration Blog for Sun*Kissed Designs

Sun*Kissed Designs Displays Vintage Glamour at The Red Carpet Bridal Tour Howard County!

10/29/2013

"Meadow" Wedding Gown. Sun*Kissed Designs. Model~Alex. This image is property of Sun*Kissed Designs and L.A. Birdie Photography.

On Monday October 21, 2013, Sun*Kissed Designs participated in the Red Carpet Bridal Tour Howard County! The Red Carpet Bridal Tour is a 4 venue experience where brides-to-be visit 4 different event locations where vendors are present to provide services, demonstrations, tastings and shows, to help them plan their wedding. The Gathering Place, an event venue located in Clarksville, MD, was the 3rd stop on the tour where Sun*Kissed Designs shared the runway with custom menswear designer Christopher Schafer Clothier! Brides-to-be were treated to a runway experience where all of the fashions displayed were couture designs. Below are images from the runway! For the remaining runway images, visit the Facebook Page for Sun*Kissed Designs. For more information about The Red Carpet Bridal Tour visit www.redcarpetbridaltours.com. Beautiful hair and make-up designs for each model were created by Bridal Beauty Associates, and all of the images from the bridal tour were provided by L.A. Birdie Photography!

Gowns and Accessories~ Sun*Kissed Designs
Menswear~ Christopher Schafer Clothier
Hair and Make-Up~ Bridal Beauty Associates
Photography~ L.A. Birdie Photography
Models~ Loney Nguyen, Alex Hall, Camaree Barr, Deja Thai, Malak Soussi, Katrina Prieur, Ry Laurenroth, Andrew McCleer, Sean Lathe.

"Loved" Wedding Gown. Sun*Kissed Designs. Model~ Malak. This image is property of Sun*Kissed Designs and L.A. Birdie Photography.

"Light As Air" Wedding Gown. Sun*Kissed Designs. Model~ Camaree. This image is property of Sun*Kissed Designs and L.A. Birdie Photography.

"Something Wonderful" Wedding Gown. Sun*Kissed Designs. Menswear~ Christopher Schafer Clothier. Model~ Deja Thai. This image is property of Sun*Kissed Designs and L.A. Birdie Photography.

"Fair Lady" Bridesmaid Dress. Sun*Kissed Designs. Menswear~ Christopher Schafer Clothier. Model~ Loney. This image is property of Sun*Kissed Designs and L.A. Birdie Photography.

"Love" Wedding Gown. Sun*Kissed Designs. Menswear~ Christopher Schafer Clothier. Model~ Katrina. This image is property of Sun*Kissed Designs and L.A. Birdie Photopgraphy.

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We've been published!!

10/28/2013

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It is official! The photo shoot conceptualized by Ashley Stubbs of d Kin Photography, featuring the "Loved" Wedding Gown by Sun*Kissed Designs, has been published!

On October 23, 2013, Hey Wedding Lady published the photo shoot as "Blushing Beauty Bridal Portraits by D Kin Photography". The author gives a picturesque description of the photo shoot and even includes her favorite element...the mini horse, Peanut! (You must check out the full photo shoot album on the Facebook Page! The cuteness of a mini horse is not to be missed! :) )

Hey Wedding Lady is an amazing publication that showcases real weddings, styled photo shoots and provides readers with inspiration boards and countless visual tools to plan their big day! The author is a California native that shares and displays her inspiration nationwide.

Check out the article here!!! Hey Wedding Lady

"Loved" Wedding Gown. Sun*Kissed Designs. This image is property of Sun*Kissed Designs and d Kin Photography. Venue~ Crow Farm and Vineyard. Model~ Joy Bowman.

Proudly displayed!!

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~Blushing in "Loved"!~

10/28/2013

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"Loved" Wedding Gown. This image is property of Sun*Kissed Designs and dKin Photography.

Recently, Sun*Kissed Designs collaborated with d Kin Photography, as part of the creative vision of photographer Ashley Stubbs, for a photo shoot! The photo shoot took place at Crow Farm and Vineyard in Kennedyville, MD and featured the floral design of Intrigue Design and Decor, make-up artistry by Behind the Compact and Joy Bowman as the beautiful model.

"Loved" Wedding Gown is a sneak peak of the new Coastal Collection by Sun*Kissed Designs! It is a peach chiffon and rayon dress that features a completely hand beaded strap with individual seed beads and alternating pink, blush and dusty rose tulle and organza hand beaded flowers that overflow from the second strap, throughout the chiffon bodice. The skirt base is a flowing rayon that has alternating cathedral pick-ups and gathers. "Loved" was designed with the sunset in mind! As a wedding gown that breaks through traditional design concepts and colors, it was created to accent an outdoor scene, while remaining inviting and classic. When partnered with the beautiful location of Crow Farm and Vineyard, the cascading details of the floral bouquet by Intrigue Design and Decor, the flawless artistry of Behind the Scenes, the effortless beauty of Joy Bowman and the incomparable vision and technique of dKin Photography, it is no wonder that the photo shoot left many blushing with fascination!

Here is the synopsis of the photo shoot by photographer Ashley Stubbs of dKin Photography.

"I wanted to assemble a shoot where we used local artists and contributors to showcase our work. The styled shoot revolved around a handmade dress from Sun*Kissed Designs. The design was custom made, which uses a peach chiffon bodice and peach rayon skirt. There are alternating cathedral gatherings throughout the skirt. The bodice features handmade tulle and organza flowers and florets that creep up one of the straps. The flowers are centered with beautiful hand beaded pistils and stamens. The other strap is adorned with beads that were hand sewn into the dress.

Behind the Compact did both hair and makeup for our shoot. Sara wanted to incorporate the model's ombre hair coloring into her design. She meticulously hid every bobby pin, too! Also, the makeup was flawless. She was able to give the illusion of airbrush makeup, but with no airbrush at all!

Crow Farm is a locally owned and operated farm that raises angus beef. The farm is also a vineyard that boasts award-winning wine! Crow Farm is home to a bed and breakfast. It will encompass over 10 acres of grapes, which can make several bottles of wine :)!

Intrigue Design and Decor assembled a gorgeous arrangement of roses and orchids. It literally was breathtakingly beautiful.

Joy Bowman was our model for the session. I have worked with Joy on previous shoots, and she has been one of the most gracious models I have ever met. She takes direction and criticism incredibly well. I look forward to seeing BIG things from her."

Check out images from the photo shoot below and the entire album on the Facebook Page for Sun*Kissed Designs.

"Loved" Wedding Gown. Sun*Kissed Designs. This image is property of Sun*Kissed Designs and d Kin Photography. Model~Joy Bowman Hair and Make-up~Behind the Compact.

"Loved" Wedding Gown. Sun*Kissed Designs. This image is property of Sun*Kissed Designs and d Kin Photography. Venue~ Crow Farm and Vineyard. Model~ Joy Bowman.

"Loved" Wedding Gown. Sun*Kissed Designs. This image is property of Sun*Kissed Designs and d Kin Photography. Floral Bouquet~ Intrigue Design and Decor. Model~ Joy Bowman.

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Creating the ~Vintage Winter Sparkle~ Photo Shoot!

11/17/2012

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Developing a concept like "Vintage Winter Sparkle" was easy for me! Think of the pretty things I would like to see at a winter wedding. But I wanted to take the concept a step further by choosing artisans that were passionate about their crafts and put their heart and soul in their work. I knew just who to ask!!

Jen Reilly Hattenbach Reilly-Graves~ Jen Reilly Photography/ P Square Studios

Jen and I met at a bridal show and have collaborated on a photo shoot in the past. So working with her was an idea I didn't have to think twice about! What most people don't know is that in addition to being an amazing photographer, Jen creates photo books of the images with her own graphic elements, that can personalize any collection of memories!

Tenisha Dotstry~ Peggy Jay Jewelry

I had the pleasure of meeting and collaborating with Tenisha during a bridal fashion show where I was first introduced to her amazing jewelry! Beautiful and timeless pieces that compliment any gown. And crystal jeweled shoes that can be custom jeweled!!!! (She applies each jewel one by one!) I've fell in love with her work and will not look back!

Sara Lawrence~ Up Do's for I Do's

It was at my very first bridal show that I met Ashley Riddle, the owner of Up Do's for I Do's! She was so nice and had super amazing staff members, I knew that I had to collaborate with her in some way in the future! So while planning the shoot I knew I wanted the best and she and her staff are definitely the best! (Just look at their work and read the reviews and raves!!) She and her team can make any make-up application look natural and can create beautiful hair styles for any occasion! Sara was the perfect beauty expert, so good that this renowned make-up artist, can effortlessly create and maintain any overall look!

Maribel Kalata~ EightTreeSteet

Being a lover of all things pretty and florals was the starting place when choosing a florist for the shoot. Maribel's passion speaks volumes and is seen in every detail of every arrangement, boutonniere...and brooch bouquet!!! I adore brooch bouquets (and had no idea how heavy they are!) And Maribel's bouquets tell a story! You wonder not just what was her inspiration, but why certain pieces were chosen and where they had been before. Her flower arrangements bring elements in from nature that compliment without being an obvious choice. Her work is pleasant to be around!

Rachael Powers~ Cakes by Rachael

Rachael's cakes are amazing. They taste good and look like artwork! What more can you ask for! It takes great skill to show the elegance of simple design. Although much of her work is also ornate, the beautiful cakes made for our shoot, were designed in such a way that effortless beauty was on full display!

The Elkridge Furnace Inn

The Elkridge Furnace Inn is a fine dining restaurant rich in decadent cuisine, vintage elegance and local history. Located on the Patapsco River, this venue that holds weddings, special events and corporate meetings, was the perfect place for this shoot! The interior and the exterior grounds created a special location full of natural elements that could be the perfect backdrop for love in any season. It also has the most professional and kind staff around!

Tia Beverly and Anthony Smith~ Our Lovely Models!

What can I say Tia and Anthony are just beautiful! And from start to finish very professional and accommodating. I knew that they had the look I was going for for the shoot, and after working with them, I know they have the talent as the perfect models as well!

Visit the highlighted links above for more information about each vendor! Take a look of some of the behind the scenes shots during the photo shoot! For the entire collection of images click here-------> Sun*Kissed Designs

This image is property of Sun*Kissed Designs.

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~Vintage Winter Sparkle~

11/17/2012

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On November 11, 2012, Sun*Kissed Designs joined an amazing group of vendors to bring to life my vision for some Vintage Winter Sparkle!

We came together and created a photo shoot that was held at the lovely Elkridge Furnace Inn! I knew coming together with such talented artisans would produce something beautiful, but I had no idea that I was in for something simply lovely!! Check out the images below and visit these amazing vendors on their websites and Facebook pages for more updates and information! To see the complete collection of images from the photo shoot click here-------> Sun*Kissed Designs

~Participating Vendors~

Styled Wedding Photo Shoot Concept: Sun*Kissed Designs/Chantél F. Fielder

Photographer: P Squared Studios-Jen Reilly Photography/ Jen Reilly-Graves

Florist: Eight Tree Street/ Maribel Kalata

Jewelry: Peggy Jay Jewelry/Tenisha Dotstry

Gown, Ruffle Collar, Shawl and Fascinator: Sun*Kissed Designs/Chantél F. Fielder

Cake: Cakes by Rachael/Rachael Powers

Make-up and Hair: Up Do's for I Do's/Sara Lawrence

Models: Tia Beverly and Anthony Smith

Venue: The Elkridge Furnace Inn

Date of Shoot: November 11, 2012

This image is property of Jen Reilly Photography/P Square Studios and Sun*Kissed Designs.

Florals by EightTreeStreet. This image is property of Jen Reilly Photography/P Square Studios and Sun*Kissed Designs.

Brooch Bouquet by EightTreeStreet. Jewelry by Peggy Jay Jewelry. This image is property of Jen Reilly Photography/P Square Studios and Sun*Kissed Designs.

Gown, Fascinator and Ruffle Collar by Sun*Kissed Designs. This image is property of Jen Reilly Photography/P Square Studios and Sun*Kissed Designs.

Florals by EightTreeStreet. This image is the property of Jen Reilly Photography/ P Square Studios and Sun*Kissed Designs.

Cake by Cakes by Rachael. This image is property of Jen Reilly Photography/ P Square Studios and Sun*Kissed Designs.

Bouquet by EightTreeStreet. This image is property of Jen Reilly Photography/P Square Studios and Sun*Kissed Designs.

This image is property of Jen Reilly Photography/P Square Studios and Sun*Kissed Designs

Jewelry by Peggy Jay Jewelry. Make-up and Hair by Sara Lawrence for Up Do's for I Do's. This image is property of Jen Reilly Photography/ P Square Studios and Sun*Kissed Designs.

Jewelry by Peggy Jay Jewelry. This image is property of Jen Reilly Photography/ P Square Studios and Sun*Kissed Designs.

Jeweled Shoes by Peggy Jay Jewelry. This image is property of Jen Reilly Photography/ P Square Studios and Sun*Kissed Designs.

Gown, Ruffle Collar and Beaded Shawl by Sun*Kissed Designs. Brooch Bouquet by EightTreeStreet. Jewelry by Peggy Jay Jewelry. This image is property of Jen Reilly Photography/ P Square Studios and Sun*Kissed Designs.

This image is property of Jen Reilly Photography/ P Square Studios and Sun*Kissed Designs.

This image is property of Jen Reilly Photography/P Square Studios and Sun*Kissed Designs.

This image is property of Jen Reilly Photography/ P Square Studios and Sun*Kissed Designs.

Hair and Make-up by Sara Lawrence for Up Do's for I Do's. Jewelry by Peggy Jay Jewelry. Gown and Ruffle Collar Sun*Kissed Designs. Boutonnier by EightTreeStreet. This image is property of Jen Reilly Photography/ P Square Studios and Sun*Kissed Designs.

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Fall in Love...All Over Again~

9/11/2012

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New Love, Reconnected Love, Reunited Love...it's all love! Planning a vow renewal or getting married after the first time, is an exciting process. Just because this isn't your first walk down the aisle. doesn't mean that it still can't be spectacular! Here are a few guidelines:

~To thine own self be true~
There's something wonderful about a love that stands the test of time. Love doesn't require that we get it right the first time. There are no rules! Leave the rule book behind and navigate from your soul. Let colors and textures that make you feel beautiful be the starting point for your bridal style inspiration.

~Location, Location, Location!~
Choosing a venue can be as stress free as using your own backyard or as scenic as choosing a coastal landmark! The choice is yours. Exotic locales, meaningful homesteads and eccentric turfs, all bring a touch of character to the theme of your wedding.

~Add Special Touches~
There is a story to tell with vow renewals and re-connections or even marriages for the mature couple. Share that story with your guests! Invite your attendees to walk down memory lane along side of you. Have a slide show that uses sepia and black and white images. Decorate with items that have a natural patina! Tell the story of your love, how you reunited after years of being apart, or how it was you fell in love all together...you could be the inspiration for another couple!

~Enjoy the process!~
Tragically most brides are so focused on everything being perfect and acceptable, that they miss out on enjoying the process! Engage in all of the planning. Choose dishes for the main course that you and your guests will find memorable. Have spontaneous extras during the reception! (Think theme photo booths, bridesmaids vs groomsmen prepared dance-offs, a first dance that includes all of the couples over 50 joining the bride and groom!) Think of ways to make the pictures that will fill your wedding photo album, uniquely yours! Leave in impression so that every time thoughts of your wedding come up, it will have your guests and you and your groom, Fall In Love...All Over Again!

Keep things simple!

Use vintage buckets to hold wedding favors!

Choose memorable locations!

Leave your guests inspired!

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Sun*Kissed Designs SHINED at the T Rose International Bridal Show Northern Va.!!!

8/29/2012

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This image is property of Sun*Kissed Designs and Brittani Gattis Photography.

This past Sunday August 26, 2012, Sun*Kissed Designs attended the T Rose International Bridal Show at the Double Tree By Hilton Crystal City in Arlington, Va! It was an amazing experience with great highlights, giveaways, blushing brides and amazing vendors!

The show started with excitement as brides-to-be were invited to take a tour of the top level ballrooms where they could enjoy a great view of the Potomac. This was followed by vendor interactions and hourly giveaways, including a hand beaded veil by Sun*Kissed Designs and a $200.00 gift certificate from Sun*Kissed Designs! A fashion show by another amazing vendor showed great gown options!

Candy bar! Cupcakes! Wedding Cake samples!! What more can I say! Make-up by Traci Rosales and hair and make-up by Circe Aveda Salon and Spa provided beautiful tutorials as well as provided hair and make-up for the models for the fashion show.

Some of the vendors that Sun*Kissed Designs loves were also in attendance as well! Peggy Jay Jewelry makes stunning jewelry and jeweled shoes and accessories! Weddings By Sandy is a spectacular wedding officiant and Mimi's Mocha Treats makes delicious cupcakes!

New vendors that are quickly becoming favorites are Sweet Creations Cakes, Circe Salon, Brittani Gattis Photography and many more! Enjoy a few of the pictures below and for the entire photo album and the official T Rose International Bridal Show photo album of the event visit the Facebook Page for Sun*Kissed Designs!

This image is property of Sun*Kissed Designs.

Giveaway Veil! This image is property of Sun*Kissed Designs.

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Join Sun*Kissed Designs at the T Rose International Bridal Show N. Va!!

8/25/2012

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On Sunday August 26th, 2012 from 12pm-4pm, Sun*Kissed Designs will be at the T Rose International Bridal Show at the Double Tree by Hilton Crystal City!! There will be amazing vendors and great giveaways! This is a great time to meet local vendors that will help you plan the wedding for your dreams! For tickets and more information visit http://trosebridalshow2012nova.eventbrite.com/ and enter Sun Kissed Designs for a free ticket! See you there!!

Directions

Directions from: North (Baltimore, Philadelphia, Wilmington, NY, NJ)

Follow I-95 South to 495 Beltway in the direction of Richmond, VA. I-85 splits at the Capital Beltway; continue to follow signs for I-95 South. Follow I-95 South across the Woodrow Wilson Bridge into Virginia. Take the first exit off the Woodrow Wilson Bridge in Alexandria, VA. to Route 1 North. Stay on Route 1 North (which is also called Jefferson Davis Highway) for approximately 6 miles. Stay on Route 1 North until you get to 23rd Street in Crystal City. Make a left onto 23rd street; go one block and make a right onto Eads Street. Take Eads Street to Army Navy Drive (about 10 blocks). Make a right turn onto Army Navy Drive. The hotel is on the right side.

From South: (Richmond, VA Beach, North and South Carolina)

Take I-95 North to 395 North. From 395 North take the Pentagon City/Crystal City Exit. Then turn left onto Army Navy Drive. The hotel will be on the right hand side 3 blocks down.

From Washington D.C. (14th street bridge)

From Washington D.C. you need to exit to the 14th street bridge which will take you over the Potomac River from Washington D.C. to Crystal City, VA. On the 14th street Bridge you will need to be in the far left lane (14th street becomes Route 1 South) which will take you into Crystal City, VA. Your first exit once inside Crystal City will be the 15th Street. Take the 15th Street Exit, and go one block and make a right. This will be Eads Street. Make a right onto Eads Street. Go 3 blocks onto Eads Street and this will take you to Army Navy Drive. Make a right onto Army Navy Drive and the hotel is on your right.

From Maryland (Rockville, Gaithersburg..) I-270 North PA, OH

From I-270 North take I-495 South into Virginia. Exit on the George Washington Parkway in Virginia. Travel about 10 miles South and exit at Reagan National Airport in Arlington, VA. At the airport stay on your right side and follow the sign to Crystal City, VA and then exit Crystal Drive. Take Crystal Drive North for approximately 1 mile Crystal Drive will turn left into 12th street: go under the overpass and make a right onto Army Navy Drive. The hotel is located on the right hand side.

From Annapolis, MD (Route 50) and the Eastern Shore

Take Route 50 West towards the direction of Washington D.C. Follow Route 50 which becomes New York Avenue. Take New York Avenue to 14th Street and the 14th Street Bridge. on the 14th Street Bridge you need to be in the far left lane. (14th street becomes Route 1 South) which will bring you into Crystal City, VA. Your first exit once inside Crystal City will be 15th Street. Make a right onto 15th Street; go one block and make a right onto Eads Street. Take Eads to Army Navy Drive. When you get to Army Navy Drive make a right. The hotel is on the right side.

From Route 66 (Northern Virginia) Fairfax, McLean, Tyson's Corner

Take 66 East towards Washington D.C. Take the exit for 110 South. Stay in the center lane and 110 becomes Route 1 South, which will bring you into Crystal City, VA. On Route 1 make a right onto 20th street. Go one block and make a right onto Eads Street. Eads will take you to Army Navy Drive. When you reach Army Navy Drive make a right, and the hotel is on the right side.

Walking Directions from Pentagon City Metro:

When you exit the Pentagon City Metro --walk to Army Navy Drive (towards 395 & the Pentagon) -- make a right on Army Navy Drive and go 3 blocks. The DoubleTree will on the right side (once you cross over S. Eads Street).

This is about a 10-12 minute walk.

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Champagne and Cupcakes! Presented by Sun*Kissed Designs and Ellicott City Weddings and Events!

8/20/2012

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This image is property of Sun*Kissed Designs.

This past Thursday, Sun*Kissed Designs partnered with Ellicott City Weddings and Events to create "Champagne and Cupcakes" as part of the Ellicott City Main Street Girl's Night Out 3rd Thursdays!! Local patrons enjoyed live music, giveaways and amazing merchants and venues! Ellicott City Weddings and Events was the partner location for the gowns and accessories of Sun*Kissed Designs! This venue is a great facility for weddings and receptions as well as corporate events and personal gatherings. The space is sophisticated and charming with modern decor accenting a vintage restored building. It is utterly lovely and the gowns and accessories felt right at home there!!

Below are a few pictures of the gowns on display! To view the entire album visit the company Facebook Page Sun*Kissed Designs!!

This image is property of Sun*Kissed Designs.

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Sun*Kissed Designs Displays Vintage Glamour at The Red Carpet Bridal Tour Howard County!

Gowns and Accessories~ Sun*Kissed Designs
Menswear~ Christopher Schafer Clothier
Hair and Make-Up~ Bridal Beauty Associates
Photography~ L.A. Birdie Photography
Models~ Loney Nguyen, Alex Hall, Camaree Barr, Deja Thai, Malak Soussi, Katrina Prieur, Ry Laurenroth, Andrew McCleer, Sean Lathe.

We've been published!!

~Blushing in "Loved"!~

Creating the ~Vintage Winter Sparkle~ Photo Shoot!

~Vintage Winter Sparkle~

Fall in Love...All Over Again~

Sun*Kissed Designs SHINED at the T Rose International Bridal Show Northern Va.!!!

Join Sun*Kissed Designs at the T Rose International Bridal Show N. Va!!

Champagne and Cupcakes! Presented by Sun*Kissed Designs and Ellicott City Weddings and Events!

About Me...

Archives

Categories

Gowns and Accessories~ Sun*Kissed DesignsMenswear~ Christopher Schafer ClothierHair and Make-Up~ Bridal Beauty AssociatesPhotography~ L.A. Birdie PhotographyModels~ Loney Nguyen, Alex Hall, Camaree Barr, Deja Thai, Malak Soussi, Katrina Prieur, Ry Laurenroth, Andrew McCleer, Sean Lathe.

About Me...

Archives

Categories

Gowns and Accessories~ Sun*Kissed Designs
Menswear~ Christopher Schafer Clothier
Hair and Make-Up~ Bridal Beauty Associates
Photography~ L.A. Birdie Photography
Models~ Loney Nguyen, Alex Hall, Camaree Barr, Deja Thai, Malak Soussi, Katrina Prieur, Ry Laurenroth, Andrew McCleer, Sean Lathe.