The Green Shoot highlights sculptural wedding design, using unique foliage and flowers to push the limits of what we think about “simple greenery”. You can view the entire lookbook by clicking here!

I’m continually inspired by the Garfield Park Conservatory, more specifically the fern room. Walking through this area is humid, balmy, and smells like fresh earth - like walking through a forest after the rain (that same soothing smell of opening a fresh bag of potting soil). Pillowy patches of mood moss and selaginella add a bed of softness throughout the room, stretching out and filling in space between plants naturally. The various ferns are always in a state of flux - unfurling, opening, and curling upward - searching for light. I wanted to highlight the different stages of ferns growing, and the textures of a busy greenhouse.

I’ve played parts in styled shoots before, but this was my first time organizing details from start to finish. I was intentional with every step, gathering my own ceramics (yes, I’m still making! - more on that later), borrowing ceramics from Jess at Little Fire Ceramics, sourcing tableware and linens, foraging certain floral ingredients, etc.

Choosing Charcoal Factory Loft was a no brainer considering their ambient natural light, which reflects light like a glass greenhouse. The greenery in our arrangements reflected onto the walls, creating a cool shading effect throughout the imagery. I wanted to detail the pink-ish hues in the crumbling masonry, so I foraged champagne smokebush throughout the city! I love how the pinks and greens seamlessly work together, creating a romantic undertone in such a vintage space.

Our photographer, Mark Trela, was the only photographer that came to mind for the project. I love his photographs for how true they feel to real life, highlighting the intimate moments the way a photojournalist would capture romance. He was incredibly easy to work with and I had total trust in the quality that would come from the final album; the photographs speak for themselves.

Honey Bridal made the wardrobe styling so easy for me, and this was truly one of the most overwhelming bits for me to finalize. I showed them my lookbook for the shoot, and the girls pulled two dresses and sets of earrings for the model - all of which were stunning. They couldn’t have made it easier for me, and I loved that they took the lead on something that felt daunting to me.

It was my first time working with a hair stylist and make up artist, and I was SO excited to book Emily Rae Bridal Hair and Alyssa Diana Make Up. They clearly work so well next to each other and brought such a calming and fun atmosphere to the getting-ready part before the shoot started. I wanted the model’s look to be natural, romantic, and clean. Emily tamed the model’s long wavy hair into a luxurious braid, weaving in bits of smokebush and ferns. Alyssa gave her a thicker brow, subtle cheek color, and a deeper shadow to make her eyes pop. I cannot stress how effortless the final look came out; Emily and Alyssa are a force together.

My model Callie was an old floral coworker from a previous job. Knowing she’s had some previous experience being behind a camera and understands me as an artist, I felt so relieved when she agreed to be a part of this shoot! I knew she would do a great job and also that she was excited to be there, which is a big guarantee that everything’s gonna go great. Shooting took about 4-5 hours, and she worked so hard through multiple outfit and location changes, taking direction and making suggestions throughout the day. I trusted her to do her thing, and I’m so impressed with the final look!

Lastly, my great pal Krissy of Krissy ETC Art Services pulled through with the sweetest and most thoughtful mock invitations and menus. Everything was handwritten, drawn, and assembled by her, and also read like how she would talk. Not sure if this makes sense, but it made the final product extra sweet to me!

Including details for this shoot was really important for me, so I wanted to make sure we had bespoke tableware and jewel details. The ceramics were designed by Jess of Little Fire Ceramics, who helped me choose colors based on the custom glazes she makes. The emerald ring was deigned by Mikaela Workman (owner of the Mae Jewels), who actually designed my own engagement ring! She’s a long time cheerleader and supporter for my flowers and I had been dying to work with her on something since our aesthetics mesh so well.

Last but not least, my freelance right hand Karen simply makes me feel at ease when working together. She takes loose direction well and understands my floral style; and she’s fast as hell. There isn’t really anything Karen can’t do in the plant world, but her help on this photoshoot was immeasurable. She designed the fireplace installation after I gave her some ingredients and gave her a drawing of what I was thinking. Thank you, Karen! <3