Alice's Adventures in Wonderland | Wedding Styled Shoot | Boone, NC Photographer

I reach a certain point in the depths of winter when I find myself feeling a little despondent. There's not as much going on because folks are hibernating. The gaps between my weddings and photoshoots feels unusually elongated which causes my creativity to take a hit. That's why I was thrilled when Andi and I decided to collaborate and create a wedding styled shoot before the busy season really begins!

This Alice in Wonderland Wedding Inspiration Shoot was the extra oomph I needed to get my foggy brain back into photographer mode where I wanted it to be! Having the opportunity to create for the joy of creating was something that I relished, especially with such a crazy cluster of characters like these Boone, NC wedding vendors!

This enchanted and eclectic shoot that took place in the backwoods at Camp Sky Ranch was inspired by a mash-up of Disney's Alice in Wonderland and Tim Burton's take on the beloved tale, and the wedding photos that were captured was an attempt to take the stimulus in those movies and manufacture something that sparked our collective creativity through the use of unique and colorful accouterments.

Here's what the other organizers had to say about participating in this wedding inspiration shoot.

Andi Gelsthorpe, said, “ I love making a vision come to life and thought that I had a lot to add to the visual aspect of this shoot with our inventory from Miss Match Rental. I also thought it sounded like a good challenge and the product would be really visually intriguing to me.”

Desi Parker, said, “With my degree and background in Theatre and Film, I find myself gravitating more toward 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. When Andi asked me to come on-board, I knew right away this was something I wanted my hands in! [...]”

Closely working with these two talented laydehs to produce this styled wedding shoot was such a blast and I'm thankful to have been the photographer to document it all!

The shoot started with some adorableness supplied by Hank and Ruby, our ring bearer and flower girl! Hank is Andi's little man and Ruby is Desi's pretty princess. Aren't they precious?! Hank thought it was so hilarious to turn his back toward me as I was shooting and poke his butt out while shouting, “TOOT! TOOT!” hahaha It was pretty comical but Ruby wasn't nearly as amused as the adults were.

'Did Someone Say Party' provided the perfect attire for "Alice" and Zach both. Caitlin looked adorable in this dainty dress. I loved the lacy, flower detail and the fluffy tulle! The wrap she is wearing on the left was supplied by Andi. It didn't do much for keeping her warm but it did tie the whole ensemble together nicely. 

Many thanks to our cute couple, Caitlin and Zach, for being such troopers! It was freezing (35 degrees or so) on the day of our shoot but they endured and modeled for us like champs!

Andi & Desi did such an amazing job designing the 24-foot long table using pieces from Miss Match Rentals' massive collection of vintage treasures along with floral and plant arrangements and an assortment of items too long to list from Desi's private stock.

The beautiful barn wood tables were graciously supplied by Upper Barn here in Boone, NC.

Succulents are some of my favorite plants, so I was delighted to shoot the stunning wedding bouquet and other floral/plant decor that Desi's Floral and Design Studio concocted. Isn't this succulent centerpiece / "living book" magnificent?!

I also loved working with Marion Edwards from Beautiful Bride On Location because she made Caitlin look amazing! Marion knows how to bring the glamorous out of every bride, such a talented laydeh!

Desi created many of the costume pieces and props herself. The Mini Top Hat Fascinator Caitlin wore was adorable! She also made The Mad Hatter's Bow Tie with her remarkable crafting skills. You can see Zach wearing it in a photo if you scroll back up! 

If you'd like to read more details about this shoot, check out this BEHIND-THE-SCENES look with lots of information that I didn't share in this post. CLICK HERE »http://bit.ly/1otIWxy«

I think that I was most excited about the food photography! Wendy, from the Gamekeeper Restaurant & Catering, contributed tea cakes & mini cupcakes that looked so delicious and gorgeous. It took every ounce of restraint I had to not sneak a sweet treat after I saw her putting the finishing touches on these tidbits.

Desi was responsible for making the red velvet cupcakes & Andi made the hand-pressed mints (pictured toward the end of this post).

I immediately started shooting the table décor once our models were done for the day. There was little time to work with before the sun started to set so I had to get shots of all the fascinating details as quickly as I could before we began losing light!

While I loved everything about the table & secretary set-up, my favorite vignette had to be the birdcage in the center of our table that was bursting with blossoms and succulents.

I also loved the moss-lined runner and handmade ceramic mushrooms that Desi cleverly crafted...

Andi also did a stellar job with the selection of dinnerware, vintage books, goblets, tea cups, etc.!

The secretary (or hutch) Andi furnished for the dessert station was such an awesome addition. 

Every nook and cranny was brimming with knickknacks and other curiosities outfitted by Desi & Andi! 

Many thanks to the magnificent team who helped to make this happen! I hope you enjoyed this first look at our styled wedding shoot collaboration! Let us know what you think in the comments below!

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

If you'd like to read more details about this shoot, here is a BEHIND-THE-SCENES look with lots of information that I didn't share in this post. CLICK HERE »http://bit.ly/1otIWxy«

COMING SOON! Interviews with Desi & Andi, so be on the lookout for their behind-the-scenes insights! Also, next week I'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!

Stepping Outside My Comfort Zone | Boone, NC Wedding Photographer

If you scour my yearbooks from 6th grade until my senior year in high school, you will only find my photo in two yearbooks. I used to go to great lengths to avoid having my picture taken when I was younger. I remember going to extremes in order to miss picture day, from faking sick to skipping school, I would do anything to get out of it! I hated the way that I looked in photographs.

NOT LIKING IMAGES OF OURSELVES IS UNIVERSAL
I can't tell you how many times I've heard from clients and friends that they “take horrible photos” or that they “never look good in pictures.” It pains me to hear that because I know how that feels all too well. And it's still something I battled with today. Still, no matter how much we despise it, people insist on doing it anyway! You end up submitting only because there's that thought in the back of your mind (maybe subconsciously) that you'll regret not having physical proof of who you are today to look back on.

BLAME IT ON SCIENCE

Come to find out, there may be a perfectly logical explanation for why we don't like seeing ourselves in 2D. Based on something called the Mere-Exposure Effect we like things that are familiar to us. You see, we're used to viewing a mirror reflection of ourselves, and when we are photographed that mental image is then flipped which plays mind-games on our brains. Maybe it's not that we don't like what we see in the image of ourselves, maybe it's just weird because we're not used to seeing ourselves in that way?!

PUSHING MYSELF OUTSIDE MY COMFORT ZONE

Now that you know my secret about going to ridiculous measures in order to avoid having my picture taken, you get that I can sympathize with you because I've been where you are. However, I recently stepped on the other side of the camera to experience firsthand what it's like for my clients. I'll be honest, I felt awkward at first because I had no clue what I was doing even though I direct my clients all the time. Once I was on the receiving end I sort of froze up, and just made a lot of funny faces to make up for my lack of modeling skills! Exposing myself in that way had me feeling extremely vulnerable but it was also a very freeing experience, too.

My lovely assistant/intern/mentee, Raejan, captured these images of me. She is an aspiring photographer so this was new for her, too, but we had a blast, and It wasn't so scary after all!

HOW YOU CAN LOOK YOUR BEST IN PHOTOS

Relax! And act “normal.” In other words, be yourself! You don't have to be a supermodel in order for your photographer to get great shots. Besides, having your photos made is about more than just the way you look. No one is less photogenic because they don't fit the mold of what some folks in society thinks is beautiful. We are all worthy of having our stories told! It's a matter of trusting the person behind the lens to tell yours in a way that is authentic to you. When you're comfortable and having fun your personality naturally shines!

So, tell me, how do you feel about having your picture taken?! Love it? Hate it? Let me know here in the comments or on WW FB page!

If facing your fears and being liberated by an uplifting experience that will leave you feeling like a gazillion bucks sounds like a good time, then you'll love the Limited Edition Celebrate You Sessions I am offering to welcome the awakening of SPRING! The unforgettable experience I'm offering is about CELEBRATING YOU and who you are right now, today. You'll have fun, walk away feeling more confident and beautiful, and you'll also have some gorgeous images of yourself captured that will leave you feeling all warm and fuzzy! 

It's time to redefine self-love. Click here to find out why: 

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Redefining Self-Love w/ Celebrate You Sessions | Boone, NC Photographer

I sought out the definition of self-love recently just because I was curious, and I was astonished to see how it was defined. To give you a quick idea of what I discovered, here are a few synonyms for Self-Love: conceit, narcissism, and vanity.

Not what I expected AT ALL! I was somewhat irked by my findings because self-love is something that I struggle with in my life (or so I thought), and it was unsettling to think that the actual meaning of self-love is contradictory to what I truly desire.

I've since decided to redefine self-love because embodying that state-of-being is not tied to what the dictionary tells me to believe. How do you define self-love?!

Celebrate You Session Coming April 1st, 2014

Here's what I know: everyone suffers from self-image issues. Me. You. Your next door neighbor. Your colleagues. EVERYONE!

I've come to the conclusion that the difference between self-image issues and an abundance of self-love is confidence. There comes a time when we need to ignore our inner critic, that menacing voice inside our head that whispers, “You're not good enough.”

Confidence can be a fragile thing. 

It can come flooding in one moment and stripped from you with a well-intentioned but hate-laced comment the next. I'm continually amazed at how quickly that can be destroyed if I'm not mindful enough to combat such thoughts. 

While it can be damaging in some cases, it's all part of life's many struggles. Our challenges are what help us grow and evolve into better versions of ourselves. Otherwise, we stay the same and stagnate.

Something to remember while you're on this journey is that you are worth far more than the opinion of others. Don't let others define you. And don't get caught up in their definitions of what's beautiful and what's not. A healthy self-image starts within.

Ask yourself: “Are these thoughts, self-doubts, criticisms, etc. really true?” Look that devil straight in the eye and face those demons because you have to make the decision to not let those trolls take over whether they're internal or external. Little by little, you release the power that it has over you and your flaws become your strengths.

Choose to be happy with who you are, really own it so that you can experience what it feels like to be vulnerable in all its glory. Have the courage to let yourself be seen. Leave your insecurities at the door. Have fun!

Raejan on the Greenway Trail in Boone, NC

If facing your fears and being liberated by an uplifting experience that will leave you feeling like a gazillion bucks sounds like a good time, then you'll love the Limited Edition Celebrate You Sessions I am offering to welcome the awakening of SPRING! 

Who's ready to start fresh?!

The unforgettable experience I'm offering is about CELEBRATING YOU and who you are right now, today. You'll have fun, walk away feeling more confident and beautiful, and you'll also have some gorgeous images of yourself captured that will leave you feeling all warm and fuzzy!

Celebrate You Sessions include: 

• 1-hour session for 1 person on-location in Boone, NC 
• up to 10 hi-resolution digital downloads w/ printing rights
• a website and smartphone app to quickly and easily share images with friends and family 
• ALL for $299 + tax.

If you're interested in booking your exclusive Celebrate You Session or for more details, simply send me an email at wayfaringwanderer@gmail.com and I'll get you on the schedule! | www.wayfaringwanderer.com

If you know a Mother, Wife, BFF, Sister, Mentor, etc. who could benefit from a life-changing experience such as this, please help spread the word by sharing with them! Thank you! 

Can you share your thoughts on this new offering? Does it sound like something you want to do? I'd love to get your feedback here in the comments or on the WW Facebook page!

Behind-the-Scenes: Adventures in a Wooded Wonderland | Boone, NC Photographer

“You know, falling from anything higher than 6-ft. is considered a DEATH FALL, right?!,” Jack, the owner of Camp Sky Ranch, said. Suddenly, that 8-ft. tall ladder I was staring at leaned up against the wall looked more like a skyscraper to me. “Did you seriously just use the word DEATH FALL?!,” I exclaimed, as I quickly laughed it off. I only entertained the thought of a DEATH FALL for a second or so before deciding to bring it to the shoot despite his friendly warning. There was no way I was going to let my unfounded anxiety about heights deter my desire to shoot from above! After all, I had a vision and I was on a mission!

CREATIVES GO CUCKOO FOR A QUIRKY COLLABORATION

From the moment I introduced the idea of doing an Alice in Wonderland wedding themed shoot to Andi of Miss Match Rentals, we began planning with reckless abandon! I've been hording all sorts of Alice in Wonderland inspiration on a Pinterest board for the past few years which helped move things along swiftly. By the time Andi asked Desi of Desi's Floral and Design Studio to join us, a whirlwind of wacky ideas started to storm in and a foundation was soon forged.

From left to right: Raejan: Diverse Accomplice & Finger Fire Fighter // Rob: King of the Handsome Lemmy & Hardworking American // Andi: Psychedelic Queen & Plate Peddler // Jessica: High Ladder Climber & Soulful Image Collector  // Jack: Maple Tree Syrup Tapper & Chief Camp Ranger // Desi: Handmade Prop Goddess & Freestyle Florist // Wendy: Sugar Whisperer & Master Snow Globe Maker

IDEAS OVERFLOW WHEN YOU JOIN FORCES W/ KINDRED SPIRITS

Andi, Desi, and I had a beer-infused brainstorming session at the Appalachian Mountain Brewery here in Boone a month or so before the shoot to get our creative juices flowing and to solidify our intentions. The frenzy of inspiration resulted in an intoxicating exchange. Ideas were the easy part. Corralling our concepts was the biggest challenge! Getting other vendors involved who were as elated as we were required a lot less effort than I thought thanks to the awesome network of wedding vendors here in Boone, NC. We gained momentum pretty rapidly after that.

Location scouting for Alice in Wonderland Styled Shoot @ Camp Sky Ranch

ECLECTIC MEETS ENCHANTED

While scouting locations at Camp Sky Ranch we wanted something that felt magical and mesmerizing for our backdrop, so when Jack took us up to this special spot that was once an apple orchard, we were enraptured by the beauty of the bare forest and windy, gravel road. The woodland scene he shuttled us to was more perfect than we could have imagined, we thought that it would set the whole tone for the shoot nicely. I'll admit, it was a HUGE pain in the butt to get everyone and everything to our secret hideaway because it required a 4x4 vehicle to access, but it was definitely worth it for this secluded spread!

Raejan, Photography Assistant Extraordinaire 

Paparazzi getting their shots in before we lose light!

ADVENTURE AWAITS ON SHOOT DAY

Once our barn wood table(s) were delivered and put into place, everything started taking shape. It was impressive to witness a big ol' pile of stuff transform into a storybook scene from one of my/our favorite childhood fantasies. The thoughtfully decorated 24-foot table(s) supplied by Upper Barn were situated in the middle of the road to act as the center-stage for the entire production. It took nearly 3-hours to put all of the details in place before the set was perfected and photo-ready.

Everything starting to transform @ the Alice in Wonderland Wedding Inspiration Shoot (iPhone Pics)

I had, roughly, two hours—not including the many warm up breaks our freezing models needed—to shoot everything before we started losing light. Things ran smoothly due to some extensive pre-planning, thankfully, only a few hiccups were encountered throughout the day. I knew from my experience as a wedding photographer that not everything would go according to plan, but we managed just fine no matter what was flung our way!

The 24-foot table getting set-up on the day of the shoot (iPhone Pics)

THE FREEDOM TO EXERCISE OUR OFF-BEAT CREATIVITY

To say that everyone took this theme and ran with it would be an understatement. We all had our “jobs to do” but it was the group effort that made this shoot run so seamlessly from idea to conception! With every meeting, email, text, and phone call our plans morphed and cemented with great ease. Before we knew it the time flashed by as we feverishly neared the finish line.

One thing that made this whole production a success was that everyone was eager to see what we envisioned come to fruition. We were all chomping at the bit to unleash our creativity and bring this shoot to life! What an incredible experience it was to have the opportunity to work with some of the most esteemed professionals in the wedding industry here in (and around) Boone, NC. 

I spy Wayfaring Wanderer!

I am so honored and grateful to have been a part of this styled shoot. Thank you for taking a look at this behind-the-scenes peek at our Alice in Wonderland Wedding Inspiration collaboration. I'll be sharing the actual images from the shoot soon so stay tuned! 

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Photographer: Wayfaring Wanderer // Rentals: Miss Match Rentals // Florals + Styling: Desi's Floral and Design Studio // Venue: Camp Sky Ranch Events // Teacakes & Mini-cupcakes:The Gamekeeper Restaurant and Bar // Farm Tables: Upper Barn// Make up: Beautiful Bride on Location (Marion Edwards) // Dress: Did Someone Say Party? // Model: Caitlin Lovell // Photography Assistant: Raejan Danger Dunn

Want to see more of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland? Be sure to "like" the Wayfaring Wanderer FB page to get connected! I would also encourage you to visit the pages of the other vendors listed above and show them some love, too!