In early March I had the amazing opportunity to go see the fabulous Jasmine Star speak in Chicago.   She had so many wonderful things to say about photography but one thing that stuck with me the most was COLLABORATION.  Mainly, to make friends with other photographers and to help each other out rather than to act like each other’s competition. Well, that’s exactly what we did…WE, being the amazing new friends that I have made as a result of that workshop. We’ve given ourselves an official name:  “The Photography Stylistas” because we plan on staying a group and planning more of these fabulous shoots that you are about to see!

Normally people plan styled shoots in weeks, months….but in trying to match up schedules we ended up finding that the only date that worked for most of us was only 2 weeks away!!  We forged ahead and it was incredible to see how everything came together so perfectly.  I have to thank every single one of my fellow stylistas for all of their hard work and talent!  I can’t wait to see what we can pull off when we have even more time!

Our venue of choice was the gorgeous rooftop deck of Lightology.  If you are from Chicago, I highly recommend you check out this wonderful store.  They not only have cool lights for all your personal and business decor needs, but they have an unbelievable rooftop deck.  Thank you Lightology staff for allowing us to use your beautiful place!

So…with all that said…here it is!

How wonderful is this view?!!!

Cake by: Daisy Cake Boutique .   Oh and Nikole…I’m still craving those lemon bars!! 🙂

M&Ms for our bride and groom: Melissa and Mike!

Jewelry provided by Ultra Diamonds!  Check out those canary yellow earrings!!  Hair by: JR Style Chicago  Makeup by: Jenessa Blaine

Mike and Melissa were actually married several years ago but their love still radiated as if they were newlyweds!

Love me some Badgley Mischka shoes!!!

I LOVE these next two shots…they are so West Side Story-ish! 🙂  My favorite musical!!

All of our paper goods: invitations, place cards, labels, etc. were created by the AMAZING and talented Christine Brizendine of Dabble Me This!

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!! Again and again to all of you who made this happen!!  I feel so incredibly blessed to have been able to participate and work with such wonderful people.

Venue: Lightology  | Jewelry: Ultra Diamonds | Paper Goods: Dabble Me This  | Cake: Daisy Cake Boutique | Mini Desserts: Whole Foods Market| Florals: Whole Foods Market| Linens/ Napkins: Freehling Pot and Pan Co., World Market | Hair: JR Style Chicago | Makeup: Jenessa Blaine, Certified Makeup Artist | Dress: Watters Bridal

Photography Stylistas:

Keren Chookaszian: www.kerensarai.com

Christine Brizendine: www.dabblemethis.com

Jenny Chavez: www.hflphotography.com

Nikole Burrell Fasoranti | http://nikolemariephotography.wordpress.com/

Nina Harwick: www.ninaharwick.com

Zipporah Kapambwe: www.zipporahkphotography.com

Robyn Schwab: www.robynphoto.com

Dominique Strom: www.facebook.com/DominiqueStromPhotographyDesign

Jill Tiongco: www.jilltiongco.com