French Flare in the Ozark Mountains

This all started with the dress. In January, I walked by a bridal resale booth from a tiny shop in Hardy, AR. I saw this pink floral gown and literally stopped mid step to gaze up at it. It was everything. One minute and I could see the potential in it. I envisioned an entire dream around it. I left that day without buying it. It was too much money and my little vision wasn't going to pay my bills. Bam. Dream dead. How many times does this happen to us? How can an artist afford to let this happen? As I creep up on 30, I am finding that it is sooo rare to be inspired anymore. I am so many things. Being a wife, mom, daughter, business owner, and so many more things, does not leave any kind of time to be inspired. Stop and smell the roses they say. Who the heck has time for that? Not me!

But, this wouldn't leave me. This idea behind the gown. I called the owner in April to see if she by some chance still had the dress. Yes, she did. But, she just sold it to a bride. I was so sad. The owner called me a couple months later and said that the bride backed out of the sale and that it's mine if I want it. WHAT? Yes! God cares about the little things, too. It felt like such a fated moment.

Back to life. I have to do life things. I have no time to plan this. At another shoot, a dear friend of mine asked if I would do her a favor and have coffee with an up and coming wedding planner. I love meeting new people. Done. I meet this chick and almost fall over. She looks like a princess from a Disney movie. I immediately thought that she might break out into song. Not kidding. Long story short, Kimmie mentioned wanted to meet new vendors and I said a great way to do that is to help with a style shoot. From there, she took this wisp of an idea and turned into the dream it became.

I really hope that these images capture a piece of you. There was so much work and heart that went into every detail. Each vendor put their own spin on it. Collaborating with artists can be a little scary because you have no idea how each person will envision the scene. All I can say is WOW, this area of the world has the most talent I have ever seen. It is a true joy to work with 417 vendors.

THANK YOUS:

Kristin Williams for always planning these elaborate shoots with me and answering the 100 calls per day. Lauren Hughes for offering up her venue time and time again. Huge shoutout to her husband for building the greenhouse just for our shoot.

Kimmie, thank you for the planning and even more for the friendship.

Lucile, thank you for sacrificing your day to come hang out with us and paint the dream.

Misty and Karl, thank you for hanging out with me at shows and having quality items.

Diamonds and Dos and Beauty by Jasmine rocked Hannah's hair and makeup! Beyond what I had in mind!

Justice Jewelers, thank you for trusting us with the most beautiful jewelry.

Kendra, you put out THE most beautiful and delicious charcuterie spread. The girl works magic.

Something Borrowed continues to have lovely unique items that fits every shoot. Thank you Jackie for waking up early to help!

Terre Boyer made the lavender soaps. She had never made them with florals inside and went out of her way to accommodate us.

Charity Fent is the real MVP. We had planned to do something totally different for our dessert area but when it fell through, she was right there to help us last minute.

European Cafe still has the best macarons I have ever had.

Maxim Creative, thank you for the prettiest little invitation suite. It's the little things that bring it all together.

Last but not least, Rebecca. Our floral artist for the shoot was handpicked for her attention to detail and ability to create pure magic. Thank you so much for all you do.

Host Photographers: Shelby Chante' Photography and Kristin Williams Photography
Coordinator: Kimmie Ann Events
Venue: Hope Springs Farm LLC
Florist: Rebecca's Garden Studio
Tux: Karl's Tuxedo
Hair: Diamonds and Dos
Makeup: Hair by Jasmine
Rings: Justice Jewelers
Charcuterie: Lavish Grazing
Rentals: Something Borrowed 417
Model: Hannah McClelland and Fiance'
Favors: Terre Boyer
Cake: Charity Fent Cake Design
Macarons: European Cafe'
Invitation Suite: Maxim Creative

Blog Post Style Shoot Hope Springs

Shelby Chanté

Photographer

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