Author: DG

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Sarena of Sarena Floral Designs | Wedding Flowers

So my March cool woman in business is Sarena of Sarena Floral Designs!!  I had never known another Sarena expect for Samantha’s sister on Bewitched- so definitely cool in my book already! I knew I liked this girl from the moment I met her! She is incredibly talented and I have worked with her on many collective projects!! Sarena not only does wedding flowers, but flowers for other occasions as well!! One of my favorite shoots that we worked on together was a Rockabilly inspired shoot. I have included a few photos of that bouquet. The inspiration for that bouquet came from a tattoo! Also, check out her styling of the Historic Rockland! Below is some more information about Sarena and photos of her artwork.

DG: What led you into the floral design business?
SB: When I was a girl, my mother took me to fashion shows. I would sculpt flowers out of playdough while I was there. After that, everything was about flowers. In college, I painted and drew flowers!

DG: Pick three words to describe your work:
SB: Whimsical—Textural—Thoughtful

DG: What kinds of things do you like to do outside of your career/work?
SB: I play soccer mom. And walking, water walks or wood walks…and shopping, shopping for shoes and handbags. (here the conversation went into a shoe shopping digression)

DG: What is your favorite place that you have been?
SB: Oh my gosh, really, this is hard. Greece…or New York City…wait, it would be Greece. It was beautiful. The islands, the white buildings and the donkeys—and then there were the rolling hills and yellow flowers!

DG: What is something that inspires you?
SB: I get so inspired by quotes.

DG: What was the last book you read?
SB: The Four Agreements

DG: If you could give one piece of advice to your younger self what would it be?
SB: Have a little more faith in yourself. Trust your intuition! I think people forget to do that; it is so important.

DG: What is it that you want your work/art to do?
SB: When I am working on pieces, I am very aware about the energy I am putting into the work as I am creating. I want my art to give aesthetic pleasure and to create a nice space.

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Wedding at the Villa | Virginia Wedding Photographer

Michelle and Willie were married at The Villa at the beginning of March! Or should I say Wonder Woman and Superman were married! I just love when couples put their own twists and turns on their wedding day!!! Michelle and Willie are big comic book fans and they incorporated this into their day!! Check out that signing frame and cake topper, also the pins on the flowers- super cute. It was a very chilly day- but we thought warm thoughts and had a wonderful first look at Brookside Gardens! After the first look, we did some portraits right in the spot where Willie proposed!! It was a beautiful day and we were truly honored to be there!!

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Fingers In Ink- Wedding Stationery and much more

So this year, I am chatting with cool women that are business owners. And really you should get to know all these women!! Nicole and I met at a networking event- and I knew I liked her vibe right away!! She came to the studio yesterday for a headshot and to show me her beautiful work- and then we found out- WE HAVE THE SAME BIRTHDAY!! Yes, we pisces are cool people; ) If you ever need any stationery or invitations for events, please check out Nicole’s business Fingers In Ink !!

Here is a little more about Nicole, my birthday buddy-

DG: What led you into graphic design/stationery business?
NF: I was an electrical engineer by trade and I designed my wedding invitation and then my brother’s invitation. When people received the invitations, the response was so positive and I loved creating them. I decided that was what I wanted to do! One thing that I really enjoy about my business is getting to work with people at such happy times in their lives.

DG: Pick three words to describe your work:
NF: Innovative, passionate, fun. I really love working with different materials to create unique pieces!

DG: What kinds of things do you like to do outside of your career/work?
NF: I love to read, books and magazines. I get a lot of inspiration from magazines, actually if I stuck creatively I will sit down and flip through a magazine and the ideas start flowing. Also, I am a wine enthusiast. Oh, and I am a big hockey fan!

DG: What was the last book you read?
NF: The Year of Yes – I totally recommend this book!!

DG: What is something that inspires you? (People, quotes, books)
NF: My parents. They never gave me boundaries. They always said I could do anything I put my mind to—and they meant it. Even now, with my success in my business, they still tell me I should push myself to see what else I can accomplish.

DG: If you could give one piece of advice to your younger self what would it be?
NF: Just one? (and lets out a giggle) I would have told my self to take business classes… you may be the owner of a business one day! And…travel more!! You can’t get that time back; you know, when you’re young the bills are NOT serious yet.

DG: What is it that you want your work/art to do?
NF: Make people smile and be excited!!

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Steam Punk Fashion | Manassas Portrait Photographer

How I love creating/styling shoots like this!! I just love steam punk and this color palette! I could have almost sold my chair at this shoot- two ladies came walking by and said- “Hey, are you selling that chair?” It is a great chair – and it was a super find at a thrift store a few years back- so no can’t sell it to you: )

If you ever want to have a styled shoot like this reach out! I will create the look and have professional hair and makeup for you – all you have to do is show up and be ready to have some fun!!

Thanks:

Model: Savanna
Hair and Makeup: Yisell

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Stella York Wedding Dresses | Bridal Portraits

Okay- I just want to say right here- I LOVE Stella York designs! So, beautifully elegant. When Amy of Amy’s Bridal in Manassas showed me a few of the new wedding gowns. I said – I MUST shoot these dresses!! And it was fun to shoot in the new studio, working the light and angles of my new space. Please check out these lovelies!! The beautiful Shamece was our model! Enjoy!!

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