When the I Do Y’all creative team started working on a bridal fashion spread for our Winter edition of our print magazine, we wanted to do something different. Although we’re kind of known for creating shoots that sometimes go way beyond the normal pretty girls in pretty dresses. (For reference, we’ve done bridal shoots with mermaid styling and super-sized, pink Marie Antoinette wigs in the past.) We wanted more than just the usual size zero models clamped into gowns that will never look the same on a real, southern bride.
After some discussion it was decided that we wanted to showcase the beauty of real women, and not just twenty-something women, but women of different ages, shapes, sizes, and looks. To find these women, we looked towards our own industry, and quickly found a group of creative, professional women who are not only incredibly beautiful, they are all badass babes as well. Here are some of the amazing images of our Steel Magnolias, captured by Patrick Remington Photography on the grounds of the gorgeous Mynelle Gardens in Jackson, Mississippi.
April Epps – Makeup Artist @muaaprilrenee
The very first model we selected was one of our very own, April Epps. One of the best makeup artists in Mississippi, April has become a part of our creative team through her work with the Tracy Branch Agency traveling with us and providing makeup and sometimes hair design for our shoots. She’s been known to jump in to help in just about any capacity, from creating floral arches to carrying gowns and styling sets. Not only is she gorgeous, she is super talented. So much so, that she even did some of the makeup for this shoot before donning her first gown. We think she makes a beautiful bride.
Shalondria Hill – Designer @openinvite
Shalondria is the founder and creative director of Open Invitation Stationery Boutique, a full service paper company that provides the most incredible wedding paper products and designs. This wife and mother entrepreneur crafts custom paper products working closely with engaged couples and planners to create suites that reflect the style and personality of her couples. Oh, and she’s gorgeous.
Sophie Stotland – Model @urphilosophie
The only “real” model in the group, Sophie was newly signed with Lucid Models, an agency founded by photographer Sharon Coker. We love her dark, expressive eyes, her full lips and her gorgeous artwork. We’re pretty sure Sophie’s going to be successful in the modeling business, and we are so happy we got a chance to work with her before she takes off!
Therese Apel – Journalist @thereseaple
The only non-wedding industry insider in this group, Therese is an award winning journalist with WLBT in Jackson, Mississippi. I had the privilege of working with Therese years ago when she was the crime reporter for a Gannett newspaper. All around badass, Therese is one of the most trusted sources for news in the state. Her coverage of breaking news and crime reporting has led to numerous appearances on CNN and other national news outlets, but it is her dedication to telling the story with both empathy and consideration for the dignity of her subjects that has earned her the respect and admiration of her viewers. We think she looks amazing.
Tiffany Strain – Events Manager @tiffany_strain
Full disclosure, Tiffany was once an intern with I Do Y’all, and that is where we fell in love with this gorgeous and hard working young lady. Tiffany spent a semester working with our creative team helping with blogging and photo shoots before going off to work events for a Jackson, MS venue. Her incredible eyes are as captivating as her sweet personality, and it was so fun for our team to have her in front of the camera this time instead of behind the scenes. Isn’t she gorgeous?
Tristan Duplichain – Photographer @tristanduplichain
Tristan is a tiny, firecracker full of personality and talent. We first met Tristan when she was nominated for a Best of Jackson photography award. We asked her to work with us on a styled shoot, and we’ve made sure to keep her close ever since. A talented wedding photographer, Tristan is also an exceptional editorial photographer, and her specialty is fashion. If she had a hard time being in front of the camera instead of working it, you’d never know. This gorgeous mom is stunning enough to be a model any day!
PHOTOGRAPHY | Patrick Remington Photography BRIDAL GOWNS | Mimi’s Bridal & Formalwear Amelia Grace Bridal VENUE | Mynelle Gardens HAIR | Clarissa Elizalde for the Tracy Branch Agency MAKEUP | April Epps & Waverly McSwain for the Tracy Branch Agency