Friday, September 5, 2014

{Featured Friday} Magazine Editorial Shoot at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort

 
What an honor it was to be asked to Coordinate & Design another Cover (cover to hit the newsstands in February!) and 4 Page Spread for Arizona's Finest Wedding Sites Magazine.  
 
Can I just take a moment to talk about the lovely ladies of this publication....
 
Ashley Lopez (Publishing Assistant) ... not only talented and kind, she could also easily have modeled for this shoot, wow so striking...Renea Johnson-Liggett (Director of Sales) is ever so lovely and charming...and has a natural gift of making anyone around her feel welcomed and appreciated...and Teri Ambrose (Publisher/Creative Director) has really become a professional mentor to me...her expertise is truly inspiring, I so appreciate her ability to see a layout in her mind before adding in the all the elements.  Teri's personal elegance and grace transcends into her magazine.
  
 When I found out the shoot would be held at the stunning JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa I was thrilled! Teri had explained to me that they wanted to do something with his location "outside of the box"...you see, not only does the JW Marriott Desert Ridge have stunning indoor/more traditional wedding reception ballrooms, they also have some amazing outdoor hidden gem locations. 
 
I loved having the opportunity to meet and work with the professional yet very personable Natalie Hall (Senior Catering Sales Executive).  Early on, Natalie toured our team of vendors around the massive grounds of the JW Marriott Desert Ridge....showing all the different options we had available for our shoot. 
 
And that's the moment Megan Carollo (Owner and Lead Designer of "Flower Bar") and I totally *clicked*.  We were both drawn towards the idea of holding the shoot primarily in the resort's lush Organic Herb Garden.  A few weeks later I met up with Megan in her studio (which by the way if you have the opportunity to visit, this space is fantastic...I could easily curl up there every morning with a cup of coffee and become inspired.  Megan (and her team) had ideas that were completely "out of the box"  she loved the idea of really playing up mixed metals, fun pops of colors....
 
Thus..." A Modern Organic Affair" was born....
 
 
The next step was choosing the linens to best enhance this look.  I naturally sought out the help of Laurie Southwick (Owner of Southwick Linens).  Laurie instinctively knew that the "bronze coil overlay" would be the perfect addition to the sweetheart table, along with the royal blue napkins set out on our "Farm to Dining" table. 
 
To add some personal touches to our shoot Paper Crown Designs created the place cards (complete with fresh herbs attached!) menu cards, bar and party favor signs. 
 
 
In addition to our "Modern Organic Look" I desired to (in true J.Starr form) bring in some elements of Hollywood glam/Rock in Roll style.  In doing so,  I selected an elegant, fashion-forward strapless gown with a detachable peplum for our model to wear from Suzanne's Bridal Boutique.  I encouraged Rolfs (our Hair and Make Up team) to go "dramatic."  And to complete her look, I enlisted in the help of Melissa Jonovich (Independent Stylist for Stella & Dot) to add in some sparkle.
 
  And what a joy it was to meet and work with Brooke Stevens-Patrick. (Owner of Brooke Photography) Brooke's easy going nature made this photo shoot fun, and her images turned out stunning....don't you agree?  Wow. 
 
 I'd also like to give a special shout out  to Renata Hodl my Production Assistant on this shoot.  Thank you my dear friend....your muscles and great insights were so appreciated!
 
Lastly, if you'd like to read the full article I encourage you to purchase your copy of Arizona's Finest Wedding Sites Magazines, available in most stores here in the valley.  This spread is featured on pages 104, 105, 106 & 107....and like I said, stay tuned for the COVER to be released in February!
 
 
VENDOR TEAM:
 
Event Design/Coordination: J.Starr Stylized Weddings
Venue, Drinks & Desserts: JW Marriott Ridge Resort & Spa
Floral Design: Flower Bar
Photography: Brooke Photography
Paper Details: Paper Crown Designs
Hair & Make Up: Rolfs
Groom's Attire: Mr. Formal 
 
 
 

 
 
**  VIEW Last Year's J.Starr Magazine Editorial Shoot at the Hotel Valley Ho**

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