A Wildly Wonderful Styled Wedding Shoot at Wild Wood Wedding & Event Center

“I can't believe it, you're a dream comin' true.
I can't believe how I have fallen for you.

And I was not looking, was content to remain.
And it's ironic to be back in the game.

You are the one who's led me to the sun.
How could I know that I was lost without you

And I want to tell you, you control my rain
And you should know that you are life in my veins.”- Fallen by Lauren Wood

One of my favorite type sessions as a photographer are the styled shoots. Why you might ask? Because your vendors come out in spades with all the wonderful bling and things. Everything is controlled, very few surprises. This shoot had all those elements, but surprises were definitely the name of the game. Wild Woods Wedding & Event Center hosted the shoot set up by Megan Barbasz Photography. I have never worked with Megan before, but she is super creative and put together many ideas for all sorts of shoots that would challenge and delight a photographer. The long black wedding dress from Frocks and Fashion LLC, was just the thing for my edgy bride, it fit her well and she glowed throughout the day. Her groom was also decked out in quite the attire, changing it from something traditional to something wonderfully cool. Her hair was coifed and styled wonderfully and the makeup was on point all thanks to the stylists’ Dee Sauzo and Alana Webb from Beauty Studio 214. The bouquet, can we talk about this bouquet!! Ponca City has talent! Anytime Flowers are artists with their creations, I was in love!! the ring from Sprays Gifts was out of control! It glimmered no matter where we went, even the cake by Yundts Cottage Bakery had an edginess which worked. Top that with a motorcycle send-off, and I am done! A big thanks to the vendors for giving me so much to work with! I had so much fun!! Make sure to keep these vendors in mind if you have a something special coming up in the future!

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A Twist of Austen with a whole lot of Bennet | Jane Austen Inspired Styled Shoot in Fort Sill, Oklahoma

What separates a normal girl from an Austen Aficionado?  Is it the hair, the dress, the accessories? Nay, I say it's forever and always the story. 

I came to love Jane Austen's books late in life;  not being refined in the nature of my readings. Old books never lured me to open them. Until one day, I was introduced to the BBC version of Pride and Prejudice . The author, the book, the movie all became front and center, and from that moment I knew, I wanted to do a shoot based on those things with a spin of my own.

Pride and Prejudice is based on the inner workings of the Bennet Family, especially the 3 main sisters: Jane, who is oh so beautiful, Elizabeth the oh so witty, and Lydia who is just silly.

The story is set in the English Countryside, at various mansions and amongst many a party. The drama escalates as each character makes choices that effect themselves and their family.   The overall story among sisters is never really told, but you can gather little odds and ends of their feelings through their interactions. 

Enter me. I wanted to showcase a shoot that tells the story of what it might have been like to be a Bennet Sister. In my point of view, these girls were closely connected. like a mixed bouquet of wildflowers, each sister portraying a special personality that was unique on it's own, but accenting each other perfectly when all together.

Jane, our beauty without fortune , is a mother hen to her youngest sisters. She allows herself to get caught up in their silliness at times, and is very close with Elizabeth to whom she is closest in age.

Jane

Elizabeth, a beauty ofher own sorts,  tends to delight in more intellectual conversations. She is witty, and sharp and at times must too watch over her silly sisters Lydia and Kitty. She is not one to be put into a box of ideas and kept there, she counsels with her sister Jane and best friend Charlotte
 

Elizabeth

You couldn’t find more sillier sister than Lydia and Kitty These girls are their own best friends and worst enemies. They tolerate their older sisters mothering, and Mary's disapproval, but when it's a regiment soldier, or dancing, these two girls err on the side of being inappropriate.

Lydia

Kitty

Last but not least, Mary. Painted as a sever character in the book and movies, I opted to soften her somewhat. She is well-read in everything chapter and verse. She has a brilliant mind, and is shocked at Lydia's and Kitty's antics at times. She isn't much to socializing but will do so at her sisters request. She loves "cover-sating" with Elizabeth, as she has a mind that Mary can respect.

Mary

This shoot wasn't about the bells and whistles, but more about the relationships. The story behind the story. It's also meant to inspire.

The silly sisters letters

Instead of dressing all in white on your special day, what about throwing some regency era styling to it and being the next chapter of your favorite novel? Even though this wasn't shot along the English Countryside, this was such a fun shoot to do. The Models all are sisters and friends of two different families, and yet that relationship really brings out the unique personalities that translate into the story I am trying to tell. From shoot to a movie in the making, The Bennet Sisters

Big thanks goes to

Katheryn Patterson Adams for Costume Creations and sewing

Erian Stone for Makeup and Hair

Jeanne Covert for location scouting and being my personal assistant

Models

Lizzy Covert as Jane

Erian Stone as Elizabeth

Kaitlyn Covert as Kitty

Sierra Stone as Lydia

Olivia Stone as Mary

Photography, Shoot styling and Creation- Jessica Stone

Polka Dots and Shakes | Vintage Styled Senior Session, Senior Photographer

As a photographer, I travel all over. I had such a time shooting this session with some amazing seniors out of the Dallas /Ft. Worth area.  If I were to entitle this session with a song it would be "Sweet, Sweet the Memories You Gave To Me". A shout out to Hunky's Old Fashioned Hamburgers in Dallas, Tx for allowing us to shoot around their location  along with the Eagle Crest Limousine Company.  Styled Sessions are a passion of mine.  I love when my clients want to do something a little different, it allows my creativity to run wild.  I hope you enjoy a few sneak peaks from this retro vintage session!

Are you ready for Spring?

I don't know about you but here at Buzy Bee Photography it's been, cold, snow, ice, gray, rain and then snow, and ice all over again.  Not the easiest weather to work in, but snow pictures are a favorite of mine.  So without further adieu  I would share my newest shoot called "Mother Natures waits for Spring".  We took a snow laden ed day, clothing and material I had used for plays and past shoots, and created a sweet vintage shoot that warms the soul.  I hope you enjoy it and instead of waiting on weather to do the right thing, why not embrace it for a one of a kind unique shoot?

Lions, Tigers and Natalie oh my!

I love when I have clients who think outside the traditional photo session.  There is nothing at all wrong with doing traditional shoots, but my specialty is in creating story telling sessions that have personality.  So for this shoot I got to put on  my inspiration hat and begin creating a really fun session.   Since Natalie was a born her mother and I have done creative out of the box sessions.  This particular session is all about the Circus, something Natalie  really enjoys.     Before our shoot, she had just been to see a real circus, had read  books about the circus and has a fascination with animals.  Incorporating your child's interests can be a great way to bring some personalization to your child's session and memory book by showcasing what they were interested in say at the age of 3.    So that's just what we did.  Natalie's mom helped gather the props for her shoot, painted an old wash tub and helped me construct our big  top out of two hula hoops and some plastic table cloths.  Add a cute outfit, few animals and rubber bouncy balls and you have a Circus! Simple, easy to set up and clean up .  This just goes to show you don't need a ton of props to create an environment with a  Circus feel.     Without further ado I  would like to introduce the Lion Tamer and Ringleader herself, Miss Natalie!

These are a few of my favorite things...about Burberry

Have you heard the good news? Buzy Bee Photography has been featured in Tidewater And Tulle !  This a fantastic Wedding Blog that is a must read for all things bridal. So I thought in celebration of our publication I  would write about some of my favorite things from the Burberry shoot or as it has lovingly been referred to as  #ProjectBurberry .   With the tune from the Sound of Musics playlist "Favorite Things" I will commence with the count down.  

Fantastic locations with real cool details.

Our shoot took place at the New Kent Winery. From the recycled bricks to well laid out grounds. The owners of New Kent spared no expense to create this amazing winery and some award winning wines.  If you get a chance, go take a tour!

beautiful roses and swags that have long tails.

Catherine Gustafson with Distinctive Floral Designs created this gorgeous swag and wedding bouquets for our bridesmaids and decor that tied in perfectly with our equestrian Burberry theme.  I loved it!

A cream colored cake decorated with leather and metal links..these are a few of my  favorite things..

Anna Lily with Bella Cakes created a 5 layered masterpiece that tied in the equestrian portion of our Burberry shoot.  Between the leather, metal bit details and colors she used this cake was simple yet elegant.

Little Boleros and plaid vests with leather...

Dutch with RicLamar Clothing  was a true artist creating masterpieces from scratch and with some of my unique finds. I am always amazed at what he comes up with.

Creative graphics used in banners and seating, little note cards and invites that made our themed shoot sing.

Tricia  with Labyrinth Productions brought our shoot together with her creative flair with graphics.  The  addition of plaid to all of her creations was perfect!.

Tables that are laid out with goodies and teas..these are a few of my favorite things.

Amber and her mom of Inspirations Event Planning worked with me to create these talkative tables.  I loved the layout of all the florals, teas and English inspired sweets. The equestrian accents and quirky table runners were a sweet touch as well.

Hair dos that are tosseled  in loose braids and styled hair. Trimmed beards and side burns, crazy curls  that were pinned everywhere.

Kim of Hair by Kim was an artist at creating these updos and tousled looks for our models.  I love how beautifully her hair styles looked with the tailored clothing.  Opposites definitely attract!

Makeup that made our bride glow in the spring!! These are a few of my favorite things!!!

Keren with Makeup by MUA LLC brought a  European Vogue type feel to our shoot. Armed with two assistants Harmony and Niah , they enhanced our models beauty and helped create unity with all the looks.  Well done ladies!

Before I go, I want to thank Kim Scott Pike for her wonderful Equestrian  prop additions along with Caitlyn of Caitlyn Gerres Photography as my second shooter.  All our models (Corey Swann,Taylor Sites, Sierra Stone, Keren Robinson, Sam and Zach Keller) that braved the cold and made it look effortless.  It truly takes a village to make an amazing idea come to life.What once was a scarf and a notebook of scribbles became a colorful quirky beautiful shoot!  I hope you have enjoyed the list of My favorite things and consider using one, some or all of these talented people and venues to help you create some of yours!

Leaving a Paper Trail...

A big "hello" and "how do you do to you today?".  It's windy and cold outside, but its full of warmth and great tips inside.  As we countdown to #ProjectBurberry ,our guest blogger for today, Tricia Duncan from Labyrinth Productions (http://www.labyrinthproductionsva.com) is here to share with you her experience know how when it comes to "custom paperie" for your special day.  I hope you enjoy and remember an event is all about the details.

      If you really want your wedding to pop, and want to do it stress free, considering finding a graphic designer to work with for your wedding. I have the advantage of being a graphic designer long, long before I became a photographer. There is nothing I love more then creating custom items for my Brides and Grooms.

Invitations can be printed on normal gloss card stock or if you want a softer touch linen papers. I offer a custom line of very thick linen stock that really makes invitations blow away the people receiving them. Your designer can customize these further with things like custom designed seals and envelope inserts.

I love taking it a step farther and creating beautiful custom seating charts, guest book albums to sign and even amazing wedding banners which you will see in the upcoming shoot. Don’t forget the small things. Sure you can buy pre made table markers, menu cards and food labels at places that carry stationary, but why not match it to your wedding?

One of my favorite things to design are custom wine labels or wine tags. Even a converting your favorite beer into a one just for you day is easy with a custom designed label.

The possibilities are endless and I am excited to be able to work with Jessica on this project even though I was booked to shoot a wedding the day of the upcoming shoot. I hope you are all as excited as I am. - Tricia Duncan

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow

Being from the South, Snow can be something that's rare.  Ice and wind are the elements of choice when it get's cold.  In Virginia, you can get it all, but where I am located, snow isn't always on the weather map for us.  The further inland you go, the more weather you get :) . Well this week we have been doused, and doused again with snow.  It's cold..I mean 8 degrees is no joke! A tradition we have at my house when we get such weather is to go outside, no matter the temp and get a beautiful picture.  I have done so with each of my daughters, and there is something about the purity of snow, the soft flakes falling, and their dancing eyes that make me love keeping that tradition alive.  You may not get but a dusting of snow, it might be a sea full of leaves, get outside and  be apart of the world you live in.  Get out of the house, shake off the dust, thrown on some lips and get outside and take those pictures.  That will be the most precious moment your loved ones could ask for.

Steam Punk with a Jessica Stone twist

Greetings from the cold tundra of Virginia! It's a whopping 17 degrees outside but without wind it's bearable :). This fall I have been venturing in a new direction; one I think that defines me and my personality.  My love of film, theatre, the details all rolled into one. I   how you will be able to connect with this new direction too!   Stylized sessions are a way of putting a unique spin and presentation on traditional pictures.  For this shoot, I was inspired by the Steam Punk style.  I loved the blending of Victorian fashion with modern quirky twists.  Once I nailed down my theme the next was to bring together the team.  This team included an amazing makeup artist, Keren Robinson with Makeup by MUA, hairstylist extraordinaire, Lisa Hampton with VanGar the Salon, and last but not least the Boxwood Inn for a unique location. Tricia and Marcus Duncan were our "Bride and Groom", and what a couple they make.  Tricia is a local photographer, graphic designer, everything rolled into one, and Marcus is the perfect fit.   Now if you would like to see more pictures and read up on their story check out " Tidewater and Tulle" that recently as of today published our shoot!   I have many more stylized shoots that will be upcoming.  I am wrapping one right as we speak, and prepping to shoot the next in March.  I will be posting an DIY on some of the projects I tackled on this Steam Punk shoot. If you would be interested in doing a Stylized shoot for your family, your friends, your spouse or with your child let me know.  I am all about putting the magic into each and every shoot!  

Hair Stylist: Lisa Hampton  with VanGar the Salon

https://www.facebook.com/pages/VanGar-the-Salon/122185082807

Makeup Artist: Keren Robinson with Makeup by MUA LLC

https://www.facebook.com/UnveiledHeart

Location: Boxwood Inn

https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Boxwood-Inn/226503401685

Invitations and graphic design: Tricia Duncan with Labyrinth Productions  https://www.facebook.com/LabyrinthProductionsVA

"A new dawn, a new day and a new year, and it's lookin' good "

Helloo to all my family, friends and fans :). Currently along side taking pictures of  beautiful families, seniors, babies you name it this past year,  I have been working on specialty sessions that allow me to show my  theatrical, artistic side with the goal of  getting published.  We have had success and will be sharing our first published work towards the end of January.  I thought it would be fun to involve my colleagues on the blog, so that they can share a little about what they do, and some great tips you could take with you. Be sure to keep an eye out on Thursdays for the blog because the gold nuggets of info we will be giving you are definitely note worthy. With that said, I thought it would be fun to start the new year off with a mystery as to what I am going to be shooting this upcoming spring.  Now I  love me some mysteries!  I grew up on Perry Mason, Murder She Wrote,Hercule Poirot and Mrs. Marple. You never know, I may want to have another job on the side, I have the camera and a quizzical mind :) .   Now every week up to the shoot I am going to leave you a photo clue.  These will be hints at what I will be shooting in March.  The shoot is entitled:  #Project Burberry and here is your first photo clue  ( please note this is not the actual location but more an example to the kind of shoot I will be doing.)  Have a great week and don't forget to check back on Thursdays for the next clue !