Behind-the-Scenes: Interview w/ Desi's Floral & Design Studio | Boone, NC Wedding Vendor

While most of the weddings I photograph happen off the mountain around North Carolina and beyond, it was a real treat to have the opportunity to work with local wedding vendors here in Boone, NC for our Alice in Wonderland styled shoot. Once Desi came on board she ended up being an integral part of the planning process and her contribution to the photoshoot was more than I could include in one blog post, so I interviewed her for more behind-the-scenes details.  


What was your contribution to the styled shoot?

Floral Design & Styling // Costume & Props: Mini Top Hat Fascinator, Bow Tie, Flower Girl Costume, Wands, Heart Garland, Mushrooms, Living Book, Birdcage, (Red Velvet) Cupcakes // Casting: Models // Hair for Alice

Why did you decide to participate?

With my degree and background in Theatre and Film, I find myself gravitating more and more towards projects and events that fall into the category of "a production." While I have focused mainly on floral and styling of weddings for the past 4 years, I was dying to do something that reminded me of my days working with set design and costume departments in Wilmington and early on the Foothills of NC.  

I had already planned to mentor Caitlin (Alice) with the focus on 2014 design trends and modeling, and when Andi asked me to come on board, I knew right away this was something I wanted my hands in! Timing was perfect! I dove into the project, oohing and ah-hing over all kinds of pinterest post, and even watching both of the well known productions of Alice in Wonderland. I wanted to pull off something not seen, unique to us vendors. 

I found myself wanting to contribute more, as it is in my nature to coordinate and produce, so through suggestion and delegation we ended up with more vendors than I expected. I was thrilled that so many local vendors were able to participate in such a creative project, and to top it off be an advocate for mentoring.

Did you have any hesitations?
None at all! I was all in from the beginning!

What was your favorite part of the whole process?
Ok, this is really hard, from the beer fueled meeting, to the hands-on development, to the sneak preview, I loved every minute of it! I guess if I had to choose, when I saw Caitlin arrive on set, I was like omg, this is freakin' awesome, she looked so good, and so like Alice! It felt good to know that we were able to give this student an opportunity that may in fact fuel her modeling career! I really am all about opportunities for kids, a former high school dropout, who went back to school to double major, work on film sets, work for non profits, all that good stuff on my resume, I know how hard it is to try to survive your teens, and I know what it takes to encourage productive citizenship and creative entrepreneurship! Mentoring is a valuable tool that we all can do once in our lives, and you don't have to have a production set to do it, but if you want one, we can make it happen!

What inspired you the most?
My own fuel for creativity, to make the project about a group of co-workers, friends, members, students and family to come together to produce something unique!

What was your least favorite part of the process?

Cold weather

[ Related Article ] If you'd like to see more images from Alice's Adventures in Wonderland click here » http://bit.ly/1mVA4Ql «

Would you have done anything differently?

Put Ruby's hair up :)

What was your biggest challenge in preparing for the shoot?

Weather

What was the most surprising thing you gained from the experience?

Friendship and networking opportunities.

What advice/tips would you give someone planning or participating in their own styled shoot?
Stay open minded and work together as a team. Be prepared for the weather or other incidents that may arrive. Have a catchy theme with ideas that really captures the audience. Just bring it props blankets, stuff that might fit, if ever you wonder if you can use it or not, just bring it, if you don't use it, then no harm done. You can do all the planning in the world, but it really comes down to creative design and the elements you have to work with on the scene.

On a scale from 1 to 10, how likely are you to participate in another styled shoot?

10

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Yes, but I have to go pick up Stella and go take my monsters to dance and swimming. Thanks for all your hard work, I am so thrilled to have been a part of this!

If you'd like to read more details about this Alice in Wonderland styled shoot, here is a BEHIND-THE-SCENES look with more images and information that wasn't shared here » http://bit.ly/1otIWxy « 

[ V E N D O R S ]

Venue: Camp Sky Ranch

Vintage Rentals: Miss Match Rentals

Florals & Styling: Desi's Floral and Design Studio

Teacakes & Mini-Cupcakes: Gamekeeper Restaurant

Makeup: Beautiful Bride on Location (Marion Edwards)

Hair: Desi Parker of Desi's Floral & Design Studio

Bridal Hair Piece & Groom's Bow Tie: Desi Parker

Wedding Attire: Did Someone Say Party?

Barnwood Tables: Upper Barn

Models/Couple: Caitlin & Zach

Photography: Wayfaring Wanderer

Photography Assistant: Raejan Dunn

[ C O M I N G S O O N ! ] An interview with Andi of Miss Match Rentals, so be on the lookout for her behind-the-scenes insights! Also, we'll be sharing a post with TIPS ON PLANNING A STYLED SHOOT because we learned quite a bit during this experience that we want to share with others! To be notified when new posts are available, sign-up for weekly updates HERE and “LIKE” the Wayfaring Wanderer Facebook page to get connected!