Better late than never, Styled Shoot Part 1

So way back in November of last year, I got together with a dress maker, a photographer, a stylist and some lovely models at Leach Botanical Gardens (which is a lovely place and wedding venue).  The idea was to showcase some of our recent work and create some lovely and inspirational images.

 Nice Owl Designs provided this lovely menu and name cards.

So this was my first official stylize shoot. I had so much fun and was so inspired to do more. The flowers came from Sauvie's Island, Peterkort Roses, and from some various secret spots of mine. Seasonal local flowers are ALWAYS the best!  I compare these flowers to gourmet food just as you would want the freshest and best ingredients that didn't come from a freezer the same goes for your flowers and greenery.

Dresses and Adornments by Isa Designs, Photos by Shannon Hannon, Flowers by Woodlawn Floral Studio, Food Styling by Kristin Normansen

The birth of an artist

Flowers that will blow your mind!

After working with flowers for weddings for the last 7 years I have gained a huge appreciation for the great artist of the floral world. It really takes a great talent to make this art-form look amazing. 

Like a beautiful painting of a naked body, flowers have long been immortalized in paintings. This painting below is magical to me.



 Floral Still Life, 1700

 I have a grandmother and a great-grandmother that are oil painters. Growing up I always admired their work and would be so excited to be at my grandma's house and see what she was working on at her easel.  They both had a great talent for landscape and floral still life paintings. So in carrying on this family tradition I have been dabbling in painting and various other arts like photography and collage over the years. Not until this last year did I realize and gain a huge respect for the art of flowers, it is a beautiful medium that is similar to a beautiful temporary art instillation. This new found respect began when I ran across The Green Dandelion and this photo or her work.

The Green Dandelion

This blew my mind! 

I had never seen flowers used this way before; the texture, contrast, color, asymmetry was like a perfect painting. Effortless yet so skilled. I have been hooked and obsessed with this style ever since. 

Of course like anything this is a work in progress and clients (brides) are not always in line with this nontraditional look. I predict this style which is more popular in New York and San Francisco will slowly make it's way into the minds of future brides here in Portland. 

Portland I am coming for you and I want to be a part of this style revolution!

Woodlawn Floral Designs Styled Shoot
Photo By Shannon Hannon