E.J.'s Graduation

Over the weekend I had the pleasure of executing a surprise graduation celebration. The guest of honor was E.J. Henderson, if you remember I planned he and his wife Chenise's wedding reception here. Chenise called me several weeks ago and asked that I help her with the planning. After narrowing down the list of possible venues we decided on the Captain James Landing Crabhouse. The menu was all you can eat crabs, so Chenise knew her guests would be happy.

The crabs were plentiful and the atmosphere lively. I didn't want to overdo it with a cheesy graduation theme, so I kept it simple with the red and blue colorscape. Favors were crab shaped sugar cookies from Jersey Cookie Girl. In lieu of a cake I ordered blue and red cupcakes.

Chenise decided to send an evite to guests in place of a paper invitation. This made my job easier because guests were able to RSVP online making tracking the guest count 1-2-3.

I love Paperless Post! Their electronic designs are easy to customize/personalize and look great!

Special Thanks to Reginald of RL Campbell Photography for the wonderful event pictures.

Source It:

Planning + Design: Onida Cruz Weddings + Events

Photography: RL Campbell Photography

Cookie Favors: Jersey Cookie Girl

Poster Graphics: Party Monkey

Venue + Caterer: Captain James Crabhouse

Evites: Paperless Post

Styled Shoot: Meet the Bridesmaids | Table + Details

Source It:

Creative Concept and Production: Onida Cruz Weddings + Events in partnership with BCG Events

Location: Milton Ridge Chapel + Reception Hall

Photography: Oh! Boudoir Photography + KBobb Photography

Bridesmaid Dresses By: JS Collection

Rentals: BCG Events {Lucite Chairs: Chika Chika Boom Boom}

Vinyl Decal: Summit Signs + Graphics, LLC {Northpoint Flea Market}

Floral, Bouquets and Tablescape Design: BCG Events

Fashion Styling: Ascots and Pearls

Hair Fascinators:  Simply BC Couture Millinery

Lucite Invitation: Lynsey Taulbee of Decadent Designs, LLC

Escort Cards + Menus: Jackie Asta of RSVP Custom Creations

Makeup Artist: Shandy Suzy Make Up Artistry

Hair: Lia Evans

Creative Assistants: Memi Oladapo and Bisi Awolaja of BCG Events

Models: Yetunde Akinmurele, Abby Kusimo, + Sable Frushour

Vintage Cars: VintageLimos.Biz {1955 Rolls Royce Silver Wraith Limo + 1933 Packard Town Car Limo}

Styled Shoot: Meet the Bridesmaids | The Girls

"A bridesmaid, at her most fabulous, transcends the role of practical helper and friend to play an even more extraordinary role in the wedding - an unwavering bridge between the bride's old life and new."

Quote from: The Bridesmaid Guide by Kate Chynoweth, Chronicle Books (2002) 

Onida Cruz Weddings + Events together with BCG Events came up with a concept for  a photo shoot which mixes vintage looks, with modern designs, infused with lush flowers and luxurious details. The Milton Ridge Chapel + Reception Hall in Clarksburg, Maryland,  provided the perfect backdrop for this exclusive shoot. From its quaint chapel with original florentine glass from the 1800s to its bright and airy reception room, the stone grounds and darling bridal cottage all come together to provide authenticity to the look and feel of this shoot. This styled shoot also uses color in a non-traditional way; focusing on hues and appreciating every shade within the chosen spectrum. Together with a group of fabulous wedding vendors, the shoot transcends cultures and offers a new perspective for multicultural wedding parties. 

Source It:

Creative Concept and Production: Onida Cruz Weddings + Events in partnership with BCG Events

Location: Milton Ridge Chapel + Reception Hall

Photography: Oh! Boudoir Photography + KBobb Photography

Bridesmaid Dresses By: JS Collection

Rentals: BCG Events {Lucite Chairs: Chika Chika Boom Boom}

Vinyl Decal: Summit Signs + Graphics, LLC {Northpoint Flea Market}

Floral, Bouquets and Tablescape Design: BCG Events

Fashion Styling: Ascots and Pearls

Hair Fascinators:  Simply BC Couture Millinery

Lucite Invitation: Lynsey Taulbee of Decadent Designs, LLC

Escort Cards + Menus: Jackie Asta of RSVP Custom Creations

Makeup Artist: Shandy Suzy Make Up Artistry

Hair: Lia Evans

Creative Assistants: Memi Oladapo and Bisi Awolaja of BCG Events

Models: Yetunde Akinmurele, Abby Kusimo, + Sable Frushour

Vintage Cars: VintageLimos.Biz {1955 Rolls Royce Silver Wraith Limo + 1933 Packard Town Car Limo}

Styled Shoot: Meet the Bridesmaids Planning

Planning a photo shoot is just as tedious as preparing for an event. It takes countless hours of research and networking to bring all the elements together. I had the pleasure of sharing the role of "creative director" with Addie of BCG Events. We designed and executed a "Meet the Bridesmaids" styled photo shoot. Addie was amazing at procuring several of the vendors we collaborated it. She also created an out of this world tablescape. The images in this post show the inspiration slides we used. 

A Quick and Dirty Guide to Planning a Styled Shoot

1. Location, location, location. Use your resources to secure a location for your shoot. Should be a location with lots of natural light, indoor and outdoor shooting areas, and fully equipped with some basics (These basics are linens, chairs, tables, stem ware, flatware, etc.). Negotiate with the venue to shoot on an off-peak day (usually during the week). Shooting at the selected location should be free, as not to impact your overall budget.
2. Budget. Planning a styled shoot is not cheap, even when working with vendors who willingly barter their services in exchange for professional images. The items that tend to cost the most are flowers. (S/N: I love to do styled shoots instead of bridal shows because I see more return on my investment.)
3. Model behavior. Selecting models for your shoot is oh so important. You want to select models who have experience modeling (it's an added bonus if they have a portfolio). Also, select models that compliment the theme of the shoot. I've always had the pleasure of working with models who don't mind giving up a day to shoot in exchange for professional images.
4. Beauty. Please remember you want to have a professional and polished look for the shoot. Translation hire professional hair and makeup artists. We were fortunate for this shoot to have a fashion stylist on hand. I've never worked with a stylist before, only watched them on tv, and let me tell you for every subsequent shoot I will have one. 
5. Timing. Timing and planning for the unexpected is vital to a successful shoot. This may even mean a last minute change in location. Plan for everything and create a day of schedule that is set in stone. Give everyone participating your schedule and emphasize the importance of time management. I typically do my shoots during the month of February because this is the off season for most wedding vendors and they are more willing to work with me during this time.

 

 

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