Recently caught up with my forever friends at Gilded Bridal to work on updating some store photos and to grab some headshots of Susan’s new girls, Jensen and Makenzie. It’s no secret that Gilded is one of my favorite places to photograph not only because it is ALWAYS FUN to photograph fancy dresses, but because Susan is a ridiculously fun person. This is quite evident in everything she does, but also evident in how happy her staff is. Everyone is relaxed and incredibly silly, and they all make my job easy just by being themselves. I had already worked with Jensen at another shoot, so I was aware that she’s a super chill and funny person, but I hadn’t yet met Makenzie until this shoot, and SURPRISE: she is also a super chill and funny person. I don’t think Susan would hire anyone who wasn’t, but still. I love how much I always love her staff. I don’t work at Gilded but I kinda wish I did because look at them!
Linda comes to me by way of Kristen Lee and is just awesome (with the added awesomeness of having a South African accent). Linda and Kristen knew each other from their days in New York City, but are still friends here in the south while running dog-based businesses. Kristen recommended me to Linda because, in addition to Linda’s dog business, she’s also a Chief Risk Officer and Audit Executive (!) who was looking for more than the standard headshot. She wanted a bit of personality incorporated into her portraits, as well as the ability to put her hobbies and background on display, all while maintaining a professional aura that could still be used to represent her at board meetings and for public speaking events. And Linda has a ton of interesting hobbies! She’s been riding motorcycles since she was a teenager, and also knits, does cross-fit, and has a husband, kids, dogs, cats, and a parrot. She spends a lot of days at board meetings and is a pro at negotiation and conflict management. She’s an incredible woman and I absolutely loved getting to know her and learn more about South Africa, parrots, and motorcycles! Hair Creds: Synquis at @kawaiistyles_u. Makeup Creds: Shatara at @justfaceitmua
We’re so happy to bring you part two of my shoot with Gilded Bridal! Here’s part one, in case you missed it. Part two’s mission was to photograph the interior of Gilded Bridal, the new wedding gown boutique in downtown Raleigh, and to take some headshots of my beloved wedding client Susan as she’s now become a successful business owner! So proud of her and her BEAUTIFUL space that she and her Dad designed and constructed. It is truly a fantastic addition to downtown Raleigh and to the local wedding industry. She is open now and taking appointments for wedding dress clients! Visit her website, Instagram,Twitter, and Facebook to learn more. If you’re looking for something fabulous, Susan has it. There’s no guarantee that she’ll be dressed up in as many veils and belts and tulle as I made her wear, but I promise she’s amazing either way.
