The love is real; the wedding is pretend. Meet Sara and Skiven, old high school friends of mine, together for 13 years. They’re pictured here enjoying a bit of “dress-up” for a styled shoot event dreamed up by my long-term colleague, Whitney (@wparkhurstphotography). The fun collaboration brought together some of THE BEST local vendors and creatives to highlight everyone’s good taste and exceptional skills. Sara’s sparkly blue dress is something out of a fairy tale, but it can actually be rented (@rent_from_lael). But lest we think this couple too froufrou, pink hair, Vans sneakers, and exposed tattoos keep it clear that they are down-to-earth-with-a-wild-side.
The venue is a gorgeous new wedding venue in Santa Fe called The Barn at Willowynn. The chapel is still in the works, but the huge property is already a photog’s dream: soaring ceilings, classic white lines, and giant chandeliers meant for dancing under. No detail has gone unnoticed; there’s an enclosed courtyard where kids can play safely, and the restrooms are even pretty enough to justify the stereotype “girls always go in groups.” Seriously… girl, you’ve gotta come see this bathroom (in person, though… I didn’t take pictures, lol).
What could be better than a double (pretend) wedding?!
Another couple helped out to lend a romantic, vintage-vibe to our blush-and-blue theme. Meet not-yet-married Rene and Katherine (we’re calling this their dress-rehearsal). Rene and Katherine are good friends with Whitney. In addition to being adorably picture-perfect, they stepped in when our florist fell through to arrange bouquets and help me with the floral arch; the arch, by the way, is also rentable (@parkhurst_designs). Both our couples made the best models we could have hoped for, looking so natural you’d never know there were five photographers hovering around and directing the scenes. A shout-out is also in order to our hair and makeup specialist, Liz (@lizthecatsmeow).
Of course, as a guest, there’s always a little lag time during the wedding reception… that moment when your not-so-favorite song comes on, your phone battery is almost dead, and you need a sugary pick-me-up. That’s the time when the details mean the most. It’s their time to shine- the beautiful handwriting on your place card (@laurenligondesigns), the opulent table settings, and those beautifully-arrayed treats. The table display we used for the shoot is by Oliver and Penelope Vintage — they have a plethora of antique couches, tables, and dinnerware. It’s not surprising that it’s another fellow photographer who assembled this gorgeous collection. The cake pops and yummy bars were not only baked and delivered, but also arranged by Alchemy Bake Lab. Trust me, they were as delicious as they were visually stunning. They also dovetailed perfectly in style with this iconic multi-tiered wedding cake, provided by Bivens Baking. I can’t wait to encounter this venue again, and all these amazing vendors, at the big (actual) weddings I photograph in the future! I can vouch for the collaborative spirit of all these can-do companies. Weddings are always so uplifting; I hope you’ll get an invitation in the mail soon (@invitationsbywhitney).
