For this styled shoot, Monica Brown Photography and I partnered with several creatives to design and execute our Industrial Spring Styled Shoot. Our bride and groom models, Joel and Maddie Griffith, got married 8 months ago but if you flashback to their beginning, this couple met under pretty unusual circumstances. Joel’s grandfather (Pops) passed away a little over two years ago after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. On the day he went to be with the Lord, Joel was unable to be with him because he was in Ghana for a 6-week long study abroad trip with Miami University. Joel missed the whole family being together, Pop’s last hours, the funeral-everything. He was heart-broken and felt helpless while having minimal contact with his family. He happened to be in the most beautiful place he had ever been, and little did he know, he was sitting next to his future wife. Maddie and Joel had only met a few days prior, and had just started to become friends. After Pops died, she was one of the few new friendships that Joel trusted to open up to. They quickly developed a deep friendship, in large part due to their humbling and heart-changing experience in a place so different from home. This friendship grew into love as they continued to talk about their lives, Jesus, and the people of Ghana. Maddie claims to have known at that point that they would get married. Fast forward two years to the month and Joel looked down at his wrist to see Pops’ watch read 5:30pm, moments before his bride would walk down the aisle toward him. A few weeks before their wedding, Joel’s grandmother gifted him Pop’s favorite, a Heinz original collector’s item, watch. Joel wore that same watch during our styled shoot, showcasing his grandfather’s legacy.

Joel and Maddie were tickled when we approached them about modeling for our shoot and their love and adoration for each other was SO evident. They tenderly held each other, naturally giggled and there were several moments that I genuinely thought they didn’t realize we were in the room. We had a conglomerate of features but two of the main focuses were the colorful flower wall and 4-piece Robert Bullock wedding gown. When planning, Monica and I envisioned a simple, vibrant wall of flowers and Sherwood Florist seamlessly executed our vision. The rich maroons and blues mixed with vivid greens and yellows really had all of us longing for spring. The second focal feature was a stunning 4-piece Robert Bullock gown. The gown itself has the classic, timeless look, but when you add the tulle skirt, lace jacket and beaded belt, it completely transforms. Other unique features that we showcased in our shoot included: frozen fruit ice cubes, jadeite plates and cake stand, agate slice earrings, strawberry cheesecake and lemon macarons (which were scrumptious-highly recommend!), laser cut outs, and one of a kind vintage furniture. But my favorite part, and I may be a little biased here, was my three-year-old golden retriever, Daisy, wrapped in a floral wreath.

In order to put together this shoot, we worked with an AMAZING team of friendors:

Planner/Stylist: Monica Brown Photography
Venue/Stylist: Something Old Dayton
Florist: Sherwood Florist
Hair: Sweetly Pinned Hair
Makeup: Emily Brun
Models: Joel and Maddie Griffith
Cake: Rachel Bakes
Macaroons: Michelle’s Macaroons
Jewelry: Rachel Keppeler Designs
Laser Script: Ever Laser
Boutique: Louise Christine Bridal Boutique
Bridal Gown Designer: Robert Bullock Bride
Shoes: Jimmy Choo
Fragrance: Chanel
Dog Model: Daisy

Again, I’d love to say a HUGE thank you to all of the amazing creatives who participated in this shoot. We couldn’t have done it without you! Also, in case you missed it, we were featured on RUFFLED!