I have never ever been stressed in my career as a designer at Headpiece.com. I love what I do. I think ahead to make sure every deadline is met comfortably and every detail is perfect so there are no worries. It is different when your daughter is the bride!
This weekend I drove down to Richmond with Chappy, my assistant designer pup, at the crack of dawn. Our schedule was set and full. This weekend we would work on guest seating, music, hair and makeup trials, formal bridal portraits, and the final meeting with our venue and caterer.
Brielle is much like me. She likes to do her own, create what's in her mind, and stand out from what has been seen and copied. She had a vision for her guests to find their way at her reception. Hand scripting was a must for her. The display was all her own. She found Tom Culpepper on Thumbtack. They clicked and their collaborative effort will be seen on October Fourteenth.
Tom has been doing carpentry work in the Richmond area for the past 30 years . TACulpepper Company specializes in carpentry and home improvements. Tom's Facebook page shows the extent of his work from decking to handmade furniture. I wish he lived in NJ!
When I think about it, how could our next task even be considered to be a check off on the bridal prep list? Brielle asked if I would join her to meet their musicians for the wedding ceremony. After meeting Anastasia and Tom, from James River Duo, I felt like I should have been charged for admittance.
I could have stayed the entire day to listen to their beautiful notes of love and life. Their musical talent is incredible! When you add in the harmony of their eleven year marriage I felt the notes they played for us had never been heard before.
Anastasia and Tom knew every song Brielle wanted to hear. They suggested music as well. It amazed me that Tom knew exactly where to find a particular piece of music in the correct key amongst his bookcase of sheet music. They also played several songs together never having played them before. Brielle teared up. I had chills. This is going to be amazing! Maybe even with a little surprise mixed in.
Our next stop was at Avenue 42 in downtown Richmond for Brielle's hair and makeup trial.
Avenue 42's location is fantasitc. Their decor makes me want to move in.
I love to take photos of a creative's home base. It not only tells you of the depth of their ability but also gives you a sense of where they have been.
Brielle's makeup artist, Krista, made Brielle's eyes even more beautiful and offered a color palette that was perfect for both the bride and the camera. Krista enjoys many forms of art and artistic expression. She has a love for floral design, jewelry making, and showcasing her makeup artistry in the fashion world. I would love to collaborate with her in the future.
Anyone who knows Brielle, knows that she is a planner. She scheduled her hair and makeup trial on the same day as her formal bridal portraits. This was a fabulous idea! However, this meant her wedding gown had to be perfect...and her accessory designs had to be finished! For me, this day was my wedding day design deadline and not October Fourteenth. I was so excited to finally meet their wedding photographer Allison Kuhn.
First, Brielle and I needed to create a bouquet. Her wedding day florist is located in Virginia Beach so it wasn't practical to have them make a bouquet for the portrait session. I looked at it like another moment to spend with Brielle while creating something beautiful for her.
We traveled to the breathtaking Tuckahoe Plantation to meet Allison and ready ourselves for an incredible afternoon of beauty and wedding fashion as seen through the lens of a gifted photographer.
Allison's talent was evident from the start. In my early years as a fit development designer for International Playtex, I worked on commercial and packaging shoots with top agencies. My job was to pay attention to every stitch and crease of fabric to make sure the photos were as perfect as possible. Keep in mind years ago there were no editing tools. Allison was in step with every crease and flair while performing her talent with precision.
Brielle left a bit of her heart in Charleston after living there for one year. It is one of her favorite cities and Charleston was the mark on the map for her bachelorette weekend.
I love this pic of Brielle. It is classic...maybe a touch of Marilyn Monroe, a bit of Grace Kelly, with a little flair of Audrey Hepburn. It is timeless!
One month from today Brielle's wedding style will be revealed. There are quite a few blogs ahead on the "Fourteenth". We hope you will continue to follow us and enjoy the wedding day of Mr. and Mrs. Alex Maffett.
Next month on the Fourteenth:
Here Comes The Bride *
* Posted at the end of Mr. and Mrs. Maffett's reception
