Sheldon Church Ruins

The Sheldon Church Ruins are one of my favorite abandoned places in the world. I’ve had the pleasure of visiting a bunch of rickety old places in my time- and this has always remained in my top 5.

Known also as the Sheldon Church or Old Sheldon Church, the building was originally known as Prince William's Parish Church. It was originally built between 1745 and 1753 in the middle of nowhere, South Carolina.

The story goes that the building was originally known as Prince William’s Parish Church. It was first built between 1745 and 1753 in Beaufort, SC. The Church was first burned by the British Troops during the Revolutionary War in 1779. Undeterred, the parishioners rebuilt the church in 1826 once the war was over and times were prosperous again. However, General Sherman came along on his destructive “March to the Sea” and burnt the damn thing down again. Now the bones sit, 1 mile down a dirt road off Savannah Highway. It’s about an hour drive from Charleston, and well worth the trip at sunset. As the light sets and the remaining rays of sun filter through the Spanish oaks- you can easily imagine the sounds of the old south.

Rumor has it that its haunted, but most places in the south collect ghost stories if they’ve existed for more than 100 years. I’ve been out here at the Ruins at all hours of the day In the last 10 years- and I haven’t been spooked yet. Do you want to go and find out?

While I was in Charleston last year, I connected with one of my favorite photographers to create this editorial contrast of glam against the Ruins. I also enlisted the talents of Mariah Williamson for makeup. She is the owner of an amazing bridal beauty team in Charleston called Pampered and Pretty. I knew that this dress from Phuong Nguyen aka Dream Dresses by PMN would be a perfect fit with the abandoned bricks. I love how it turned out!

Photography by Carrie Elizabeth Photo
Hair by Alise 
Makeup by Mariah from Pampered and Pretty
Dress by Dream Dresses by PMN

Love On Top

You know when you meet someone, and you instantly are low-key obsessed with them? Elena S of Pearl Photography by Elena is definitely one of those ladies. Her spirit, creativity and work ethic has placed her on my list of top photographers I love working with her. I’m not the only one, she is in high demand and has worth multiple awards for her amazing photos. I slid into her DM’s a couple years ago and offered my services to her, and it’s been a fun partnership ever since! She likes me because I am always willing to get up suuuuper early to get beauty done and I can style hair that survives the outdoor elements.

When she approached me with this concept/idea, I was absolutely in! I still am not sure how she got a piano to the top of a mountain, but if anyone could do it- it would be her.

As always, I had to get up super early to be a part of the shoot. I had the model come to my apartment at 3am so I could style her hair and get her on the road in time to catch the sunrise. I chose a style for her that worked with her naturally curly texture, and would hold up well despite the wind and rain forecasted. I knew her look had to be both glam, and unfussy. It also had to last 12 hours!! I refined some of her curls with a wand, and then used Kevin Murphy Easy Rider anti frizz cream to calm her frizzy bits. Then I gathered all her hair into a relaxed low chignon. I finished her style with anti humidity spray- which helps combat frizz with moisture in the air. It’s one of my favorite products!

Here are the results of all of their hard work, and I was thrilled to play a small role in the day!

Photography Pearl Photography by Elena

Hairstylist: Alisé Buckner 

Makeup Artist Beauty by Polina Rose 

Florist Dream Wedding Design 

Dress Dream Dresses by PMN 

Refreshing + Modern Tuscan Elopement-- Italy!

Ciao Bella! Italy has a special place in my heart and I genuinely believe Tuscany is one of the most romantic regions in the world. I've been to this region several times and it never gets old!  Today I'm drooling over this supremely elegant, ravishingly organic Tuscan editorial from the lens of Justina Bilodeau and styled by very talented Silke Helcher of Weddings by Silke. I  love how our team used traditional Italian elements, mixed with creative and masterful modern styling, to embody the contemporary Italian wedding in today's world. Lots of fresh greenery, a loosely tousled coiffure, and a stunning gown by Italian designer Anna Fuca.... YES.

About the hair: I wanted to create an effortless and organic hairstyle that would last throughout the long day. I paired some clip in extensions with carefully weaving of  hair to make a low, gathered style that hid a dark neck tattoo. I topped her style with a handmade, porcelain hairpiece from an Italian bridal designer. I love the end result! I knew the moment Justina asked me to be a part of the shoot I had to do it!

From the photographer, Justina Bilodeau: "For this inspiration shoot, our team wanted to convey not just a destination wedding, but some of the aspects of the Italian lifestyle that are such a draw to couples planning their events in Italy; so much of what is attractive about Italy to many people is the country's timelessly organic lifestyle - the unique architecture, serene landscapes, the robust flavors. We captured some beautiful boudoir shots of the bride during her getting ready, then take some pensive, private moments to write their vows before meeting on a hilltop to exchange them. Later they stroll through the village, treasuring the new feeling of being husband and wife. Finally, the couple adjourns to their celebration table, lovingly decorated with locally foraged florals, sumptuous linens and of course, overlooking the enchanting rolling slopes and valleys of Tuscany. After their intimate nuptials, our couple is shown spending time exploring an ancient Tuscan hill town with their market finds before returning to their cozy villa to prepare and enjoy a fresh meal together."

Monteverdi is a hotel on a hilltop, in a medieval village without paved roads or sidewalks. A hotel rich in history and character, it is set among sweeping views of sunflowers and vineyards.  I truly relished my experience working with this team and this charming hotel and spa! 

Photography: Justina Bilodeau | Styling: Weddings by Silke | Venue: Monteverdi | Gown: Anna Fuca | Florals: Copihue | Jewelry: Del Brenna | Hair: Alise Buckner | Makeup: Daniela Cioara  | Cake: Sugarcups Cake Design | Stationery: Lazywood Lane | Headpiece: Taala

 

 

 

 

 

 

St George Utah Travel Session

I really love travel.. I know this is not an original statement. I mean, who doesn't actually like going new places? I made it my mission this year to say "YES" to every opportunity that came my way, and this led me to St. George Utah. St. George is a gateway to Utah's gorgeous landscape and HBO filmed many scenes of Westworld here! Seattle based photographer Courtney Bowlden snapped the photos of Leia Beila Jewelry on our model. Her jewelry is designed for the modern gypsy. I love the end result!