Advice for those planning:

Spring/summer wedding This is definitely a spring and/or summer wedding as butterflies respond much better to warm weather, also be sure to order butterflies native to where you're getting married. We used fake butterflies ordered from a small company on Etsy that were made from recycled materials. I highly recommend this unless you can get butterflies locally so as to avoid any cruel treatment towards the butterfly in cross country shipping. Thrift give We thrifted a few background pieces where we could like pillows, throws and shoes adding into the sustainability of the shoot. I highly recommend thrifting for little decor and accent pieces not only is it good for the environment but it can cut down on costs and help you get unique pieces. Of course this is easier to do if you give yourself plenty of time leading up to your special day. Hiring an event planner can help you organize all of this and help you get your vision nailed down from day one.

All of our vendors were absolutely amazing and contributed so much. RTFaith Photography is POC owned and her beautiful photography lended to the soft and romantic feel while capturing the models strength. She also handled all of the details with perfect precision, from dress details, to table and cake setup. Her vision behind her film camera brought the shoot to life. Her cues and precision with the models brought chills to the room and we couldn't be happier with how it turned out.

Easton Broad was the venue we chose, this female owned venue has urban appeal that gave us a modern twist that helped emphasize the strength behind the shoot. Finding a venue that fits your vision and will work with you towards your wedding is so important. Stephanie Mai is a POC Bridal designer which as it stands is hard to find and her work is absolutely ethereal. She helped us choose the dresses that would help bring both a modern and romantic feel on our Brides. Our florist was Knot and Fern, she pulled together a strong arch of feminine florals that perfectly framed our Brides.

Our models Shantel, Decontee, Mikaela and Karrin were all chosen for their strength during these trying times and their own unique beauty as Black women. Decontee told me that despite being a successful model even having walked in NY Fashion week she had never been asked to model as a bride and never expected to have this opportunity again because of the color of her skin. Our models had their natural beauty accentuated by Shantilly Artistry overseen by Shantel Dix with Hair and Makeup by Marissa Nwerem who is a multitalented Black Cosmetologist. They went for a rosey look to compliment the setting and bring out that Bridal flush. Vintage Meets Modern was kind enough to add in her sophisticated rental pieces that helped complete the overall aesthetic. This is a BIPOC owned company. Fat Cupcake created a sleek and modern all white cake with a white chocolate drip, white roses and white pearls. Those pearls matched the gorgeous gold earring accented with freshwater pearls from Amaree and Reese Jewelry a WOC owned jeweler. Adding into our sustainability we also enlisted Emma Brooke Jewelry who creates beautiful, modern pieces including the rings and necklaces from vintage or damaged pieces. Our crown and hair pieces were from Stem and Stone and Taimani Emerald Creative. Coordination by WOC owned Shantilly Gatherings.

From the florist... In a quest to expand my community I have been involving myself + my business in various collaborations with other wedding industry vendors. I met Rithy of RT Faith Photography while working on a styled shoot last year. We instantly connected and kept each other in mind for future projects, so I was delighted that she reached out to me to about working on a collaborative shoot based on a vision of make-up artist Shantel of Shantilly Make Up Artistry. I had not yet met Shantel but was excited to bring flowers to a photoshoot with butterflies as the main inspiration. So dreamy! During planning the photoshoot direction went through its own metamorphosis as the world around us was changing daily. This sweet and feminine photoshoot that would include a veil of butterflies became something much more profound, and Empowerment Bridal shoot. An opportunity to highlight some amazing Portland local BIPOC owned businesses while showing Portland a more diverse bride.

The day of the shoot was similar to the set-up of many other shoots I’ve been to. Everyone set up their hair and make-up tools, we began to set the scene by setting the table with gorgeous flatware and glassware, fun music played in the background and I started to build the floral installation that would be the backdrop. Golden hour was approaching and there was a clear moment that, in my opinion, set this shoot apart from others I have participated in. The energy pivoted, and everyone’s chemistry aligned. As we were finding perfect lighting and Rithy began to position the models she asked them to close their eyes, directing each model to embody a different vibe. She counted to three and these beautiful women opened their eyes with the some truly fierce looks. We all stopped and commented on how bold + beautiful it was. We all got the feels, jaws dropping, looking at one another and truly feeling the MAGIC. Shantel, Decontee, Mikaela and Karrin all posed with such confidence and poise. Their bold looks were just as beautiful as their smiles.

I am truly grateful that I was invited to collaborate with these women and proud of the images that came from this day. The message comes across so authentically in Rithy’s images, not only because of her talent but because the women shown in the images are truly beautiful Black empowered individuals.