Here is part two of this great blog post that originated on Events By Show Stopper’s website and blog. Watch for Part 3 that covers the exciting Dia de Los Muertos event that was occurring simultaneously at Tlaquuepaque during the Frida Kahlo inspired shoot.
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There is more to this celebration than you know. It was actually very special that Patricia and Scott had this opportunity to renew their marriage vows. ( See part one ) They told me that when they met on South Beach in Miami, it was love at first sight and a whirlwind romance with a ceremony on the beach. They never had the opportunity to have an actual wedding ceremony in the traditional sense of the word. Although the ceremony I styled was not exactly what they would have imagined, it was very real to them. They were the perfect fit and soaked it up like a sponge. Ken and I could not have been more thrilled knowing this little bit of background about our charming couple and how it played into our vision. Now for part two of our adventure.
After a quick wardrobe change, we changed the tone of the shoot to something more sensual.
Ken designed this sumptuous calla lily bouquet that is so sensual and gorgeous against the black corset and fringed shawl. It took shot after shot to get the rosary to hang just the right way.
These romantic intimate shots are simply stunning in the glow of the candlelight.
The candles were strategically placed on the floor to get the perfect artistic effect.
The glow of the candlelight is so beautiful in these romantic images. We love how these images turned out.
In a playful moment, Patricia tugs at Scott’s bow tie.
We wanted a few sensual, intimate and sexy moments. Did this image ever fit the bill. Fabulous composition. This image simply would not be the same in color.
With the ceremony portion of the shoot concluded and after some private moments had been documented, Kevin and Tina of Sierra Blanco Photography, wanted to venture out among the Tlaquepaque grounds for some celebration shots before the crowds got too big. Of course there were Mariachis.
Scott and Patricia danced among the flowers and, sure enough, the crowds began to gather, drawn by great traditional Mexican music and curiosity of what was happening. Many people that were in the crowd outside the Chapel during the ceremony followed to see more of what we were doing.
Dozens of cameras started to flash and everyone celebrated, whether they knew the couple or not.
The Mariachi musicians really belted it out. They were so good!
Our wonderful models and friends were having a ball, as were all of us behind the scenes.
I just could not help myself. Even I had to have a dance with my gorgeous model.
It was now time to venture out around the exquisite Tlaquepaque property to get more great images. No problem with people walking around or getting in the way while the shoot progressed. We love this artistic black and white shot of the fully decorated Patio del Norte fountain with our stationary models surrounded by people milling about. Really nice. We love the sharp focus of our skeleton bride and groom mural ( all the way at the back of this image ) and the way it contrasts with the blurred look of people in motion. They almost look like spirits. It was Dia de los Muertos, after all. Very cleaver photography.
Many of you know that Ken and I have a second store, called Nectar Design, in Tlaquepaque where we sell Native American Jewelry and arrange weddings ( of course ). The next two images stunned us with their artistic approach.
We could not believe this image when we saw it. All of us at Show Stoppers were literally gathered around the computer screen and gasping when we saw it for the first time. Others heard all the commotion and came in to see these splendid images. The image is a reflection in the glass looking into our Tlaquepaque store. Notice how cleverly our models face appears as if it is the catrina’s face ( the ceramic skeleton woman). Even the vertebrae on her neck morphs into the image. The hat looks like it is actually on Patricia’s head. Just incredible imagery.
Here is another breathtaking image made with reflections. Ken and I wanted artistic, romantic, sexy and edgy photography. Sierra Blanco Photography really hit it out of the park.
This cool shot was taken outside our display windows with the models inside the store.
Talk about being in the right place at the right time. Everything just clicked during this shoot. Spontaneous moments like this just cannot be planned. When I saw a woman in the crowd with this gorgeous Cockatoo on her shoulder, we dropped everything and made a bee line to see if she would let us incorporate this magnificent animal into the shoot. One thing all of us have in common ( including the late Frida Kahlo ) is our mutual love for animals. So often one sees exotic birds and monkeys in Frida Kahlo paintings. It was almost as if she was there guiding us.
The crowd went absolutely wild. Really. Patricia’s image must have gone around the world. The patio looked as if rock stars had just come on stage with all the camera flashes going off. We love the highlights on the Navajo pearls and especially the light reflecting off the heart on the earrings. Even Patricia’s eyelashes are visible against the backlight. Patricia really worked it.
Our custom lighting made the decor jump out of the dark. Samyo Shannon, Show Stoppers’ designer, lighting and decor expert designed the lighting perfectly.
Our models look like ballroom dancers in this image. Even the model’s toes and boots were in character. They look as if they are doing the Tango on the edge of the fountain.
Love it!
You can almost hear the water in this romantic image.
Earlier in the day the photographers took the opportunity to document the fantastic cake designed by, who else but Sedona Cake Couture. The colors were wonderful and even the sugar skulls were perfect for the theme.
Later in the evening, the cake was photographed again with the glowing amber windows and dangling ribbon streamers we hung in the courtyard tree. The ribbons and colors worked perfectly with the decor we had created in the Chapel, just a few steps away.
PORTRAITS OF THE BRIDE
Here she is. Our model, Patricia Vega “became” Frida in this sultry, glorious image.
Patricia’s skin tone was flawless in this stunning portrait.
Again, black and white imagery can be just, if not more effective, as color. We were super excited about the images from Sierra Blanco Photography.
The color in this image can only be described as rich. Notice the color of the sky at the blue hour and how it plays with the blue purple shawl and highlights of the feathered umbrella. I love this dark, sensual, mysterious style.
Ken was blown away by this image. We all were. You can practically see the model walking and her earring glistening in the moon light. This image has to be one of our very favorites in the entire collection.