As the sun began its gentle descent over the lush landscape of Longwood Gardens, Pennsylvania, a team of wedding professionals gathered to embark on a creative journey that would redefine the essence of bridal elegance. This passion project, undertaken in the midst of the wedding season, was a celebration of beauty, grace, and strength, all embodied by the remarkable woman at its center.

I, a dedicated editorial photographer specializing in destination weddings, had the privilege of designing and photographing this extraordinary editorial. Alongside me was my dear friend and talented photographer, Ashley Eagleson, hailing from the picturesque North Carolina. With our lenses poised to capture the magic, we set out to create something beautiful and unforgettable.

The heart of this vision was our stunning model, Karla. With a blend of softness and strength that mirrored the natural beauty of Longwood Gardens, she embodied the very essence of our concept. In her hands, we sought to showcase the power of femininity, where strength met grace.

Karla graced the gardens in two exquisite gowns, each highlighting a distinct facet of her beauty. The first, a tea-length French blue creation, flowed elegantly around her frame. Crowned by a grand boat-style hat adorned with delicate white hydrangeas, she looked like a living, breathing masterpiece.

For her second look, Karla slipped into a long, tiered couture gown in a soft mauve hue. The gown whispered of romance and opulence, perfectly complementing the enchanting backdrop of Longwood Gardens. With each step she took, the dress seemed to dance with the wind, a visual symphony of grace and poise.

Every detail of this editorial was curated with care and precision. Vintage accessories, meticulously sourced from Zandra & Chloe in Manhattan, NY, and Maejean Vintage in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, adorned our model with timeless elegance. Handmade hair accessories by the talented Erin Rhyne added a touch of unique charm to Karla’s look. Bella Belle provided the exquisite shoes that completed her ensemble, ensuring every step she took was filled with confidence and grace.

The botanical magic of Longwood Gardens served as the perfect canvas for our vision. Nature’s vibrant colors and textures blended seamlessly with our concept, creating an atmosphere of enchantment. Kristiana Enya of Wild Indigo, the gifted florist behind our editorial, contributed a stunning floral collar and a magnificent bouquet that embraced the essence of the surroundings.

As the day unfolded, we captured behind-the-scenes moments that would serve as a testament to the passion and dedication poured into this project. Ashley Eagleson, with her North Carolina charm, expertly documented the magic happening on and off camera, preserving the energy and enthusiasm of our team.

In the midst of the mid-wedding season chaos, this editorial photoshoot at Longwood Gardens emerged as a labor of love. It was a testament to the idea that a woman is a harmonious blend of strength and softness, a captivating paradox that makes her truly beautiful. Our team of wedding professionals poured their hearts into this endeavor, and the result was nothing short of breathtaking.

Longwood Gardens, with its timeless allure, provided the perfect backdrop for our celebration of femininity, grace, and the enduring strength that resides within every woman. In this enchanting setting, our model Karla blossomed, embodying the very essence of the concept. This editorial was not just a photoshoot; it was a symphony of creativity and a celebration of the beauty that lies within us all.

The Team:

Planning/Stylist/Photographer : @aprilandmikeraymond | Muse: @karlaalara | BTS: @ashleyeaglesonphotography | Floral Designer: @wild.indigo_ | Rings: @maejeanvintage | Gown 1: @anthropology | Gown 2: @clairdelune.sf | Accessories: @erinrhyne @zandraandchloe | Shoes: @bellabelleshoes | Beauty: @lionel_makeup @revolve.atelier 

xx, April Raymond