Did you know that I have a STYLING business?! It was my original side hustle many, many, many years ago. Shortly after college I moved to Los Angeles where I worked in marketing as an event planner for the Wedding Channel and The Knot. Later, I pursued a career in the athletic apparel industry working for Under Armour, where I started as an Event Planner. Ultimately, I evolved to manage their Outdoor Marketing Division where I still am today.  Through this time, I started my own event planning business on the side and that quickly evolved into a styling business for clients both near and far. Most recently my projects involve styling engagement sessions, family photos, bridal/baby showers, client’s holiday décor and attire, several features for Towson Lifestyle Magazine, and styled photo shoots.

I of course love all my projects, but I must say, the styled shoots have become a favorite! From brainstorming to creating and collaborating with others is what it’s all about for me! It is a way to express my never-ending creativity and to partner with some amazing folks along the way. All with the bonus of creating beautiful and inspirational content to share with others.

My latest collaboration was a bit out of everyone’s comfort zone but WOW! And, I mean WOW! Everyone involved nailed it!

This particular project’s inspiration started one evening over the summer when Spencer was in the kitchen cooking dinner.  Kade and I were in the family room.  He was playing while I was flipping through the channels looking for something to watch. I say “watch” loosely because we don’t watch TV very often but we usually have music or cartoons on in the background in the evenings.  While I don’t spend a lot of time watching TV, I do enjoy watching movies. So, I went to Netflix and selected the Disney movie CoCo. I hadn’t heard much about it, but figured it’d be a decent Kade-friendly background movie to have on. It wasn’t too long after it started that Spencer, Kade and I were all on the couch engulfed in this movie! We paused for dinner and then went straight back to watching it (while playing here and there). The movie ended up being REALLY good!  If you haven’t watched it yet please do! You won’t be disappointed.  I may have even shed a tear or two!

I have always found the Day of the Dead holiday to be fascinating. Not to get all doom and gloom but I think most of us would agree death is sad and scary. Most areas throughout Mexico celebrate Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead. Their beliefs run deep in the tradition that every October 31 – November 2 the living is able to be reunited with those family members who have passed. And they celebrate this time with colorful parades, parties, festive attire, food… tons of food…and the traditional Day of the Dead skulls and skeletons. CoCo isn’t completely about the Day of the Dead but the story and message kind of stuck with me. It got me thinking it would be a cool costume idea for Halloween. I was all about it for a while but eventually came to the conclusion that Kade was probably a bit too young to sit still, have his face painted all over, and then expect him not touch his face throughout the evening.

In a conversation with April, from April Davidson Bly Photography, I had asked if she and her kiddos had seen CoCo and mentioned that I would love for us to dress in Day of the Dead themed costumes for Halloween. After chatting a bit, we decided we should create a Day of the Dead moody couples shoot. Our minds started racing with excitement and the planning began! We were going to keep it relatively small in terms of production. I started with a Pinterest board and outlined which businesses would be necessary to pull this off. We brought together an amazing group of talented businesses to execute this gorgeous shoot. Lana from Fleur de Lis created the beautiful floral arrangements, Eventful Beauty artists styled my hair and our makeup, and Savage Mill offered the backdrop. Spencer wore a classic grey suit from Mens Wearhouse and I was styled in a sexy Venus sheer body suit, asymmetrical tulle skirt and rocker chic booties. The finishing touch was a nod to the Leather Jacket Bridal trend. Kimberly George Art hand painted this absolutely perfect leather jacket! On the back you will see the classic wedding vow phrase “Till Death Do Us Part”.

 We are so happy with how these photos turned out! And I hope you enjoy them too!  It’s interesting to reflect on cultural differences while we here in America head out this evening for ghoulish fun and candy collecting, other cultures are prepping to honor their loved ones who have passed.  Whichever you will be celebrating today I wish you a wonderful and safe evening! I would love to hear all about your thoughts about Halloween or Dead of the Dead fun. And if you are dressing up tonight please tag me in your photos!  I would love to share them!  And if you ever need styling for a party, event, or family photo shoot, I would love to work with you!  Just click here and send me a message!