Recently this spring, Cactus and Lace Weddings had the marvelous opportunity to collaborate with Gaby Jeters of Gaby J Photography in a wonderful project. Together, during the week of the wonderful WPPI Photographers’ convention, we brought in and hosted 24 amazing photographers at a shootout in the Valley of Fire, Nevada. We created a theme which incorporated our fabulous Southern Nevada desert and called it, the “Natural Moroccan Desert Shootout”.
With subtle hints of arid lands far away, we brought in decor to match our vision. We created a tent of flowing fabrics which billowed in the ever constant desert breezes and set up a feast for the eyes and palette. We included an amazing food detail set up of cheeses, dates, hand burnished wooden accents with the food stylizing by Meggan Blake. And of course, wonderful exotic flower arrangements designed by our marvelous floral arranging friend, Victoria of Flora Pop. Our fantastic models, two of whom were a real life bride and groom couple, the Santana’s. As well as two amazing high school seniors, Casia and Angel, provided by Rey of Light Seniors, which added to our vision and were consistently amazing during a long day of shooting, in their contribution to the overall success of this project. Thanks so very much to you all!
Our very large and special guest, Saheed the camel, was provided by the excellent handlers and caretakers from Roos N More, an educational zoo for children and adults, local to Southern Nevada. We were extremely excited he could attend as a model, and the fact that he could eat an entire 10 pound bag of carrots, well, a beast after our own hearts. We also loved his extremely soft brown eyes, and extremely long eyelashes, sigh.
Our decor palette included various textures and fabrics of whites on whites, as well as the use of metals in lanterns and other pieces in warm coppers and deeper bronzes. Our bride’s lovely jet black hair and dreamy makeup was styled and created by our very own Cora and Monet, of Ruby Finch Salon. A henna pattern was replicated on our models feet, hand drawn by our own Monet of Ruby Finch. Our bride’s flowing, and carefully detailed wedding dress, “the Erin”, was provided by Wear Your Love XO- the free spirited bride, with a fabulous head piece designed Phenomena Jewelry. Our groom wore perfectly stylish suits with great details sewn in, thoughtfully provided by True Gentleman Supply.
Our desert inspired decor picked up soft earthy desert tones in the rugs we used to cover the earth. Our cake, which was so delicious, was also decorated with an intricate pattern of edible henna, exquisitely hand drawn by our very artistic baker Peridot Sweets of Las Vegas. Natural woods on the table and other floral accents of seeded Eucalyptus and green berries rounded out the look. Stephanie B Design added depth to our palette with her hand lettered paper goods and invitations. Many thanks to all of our vendors, including a beyond amazing luncheon of salads and savories, curated and served by Sweet Sauce Coffee, and eaten on an elegant table scape of china and gold.
Adding to the fun and excitement of this shootout were the addition of fun prizes and gift from our sponsors. Millers Lab provided a Signature Album, Jo Totes provided an absolutely lovely pastel leather tote, and to carry all of the goodies for each attendee, a canvas shoulder tote was provided by Cactus and Lace Weddings and Gaby J that was created by Gigraffe Design . The Knot, our favorite wedding inspiration mag, provided a magazine for each attendee. And we so appreciate all of them as well as contributions from, Amanda Jean Creations, B&C Camera, Preservation and Creation and Artifact Uprising. Our very heartfelt thanks to all of you! Together, in collaboration with you all, it made for a simply amazing and exciting day!
