Facing Fears

Apologies for being away for a bit. We have been quite busy with wedding season, as well as our family coping with the loss of our second child, Gabriel, just over a month ago. Early in our pregnancy, to our devastation we learned that Gabriel had major developmental anomalies. It has been the most painful and difficult time of our lives. I'm still trying to process it all, and am sure I will need a lifetime to do so. I carried our sweet boy for as long as my body would allow... just after the 21 week mark I became severely ill and had to be hospitalized. My body was shutting down... a few days later Gabriel was born...our angel. Right now I can't go into more details because it's too much for me and yet still so deeply close to our hearts that we aren't ready to share it all with the world. I have tried my best to keep our personal life, and in particular this difficult journey separate from our business part of life, but it is difficult at times to do that. I've always worn my heart on my sleeve, and I'll admit I was terrified that by sharing our struggles it would harm our business. I feared our clients or those considering us for services would run for the hills, demand their money back and that other businesses in our industry would avoid us as well. The complete opposite has happened and I am so incredibly touched. Instead, our clients old and brand new AND those in the industry have been nothing short of amazing. The patience, compassion, love, the tender thoughts and gestures... I am forever amazed at the human heart. Thank you... Thank you for allowing us to be honest, to be real and to share our difficult journey with you, even though I was so terrified to. We know many of you are wondering more about our story and some of you have been following us every step of the way. Should you want to know more about Gabriel's story you are welcome to read our [button url="http://thewighthouse.tumblr.com/"]FAMILY BLOG[/button] We have found some healing in sharing and will continue to tell it as we take life a day at a time. Thank you for still loving us, for still supporting us and for continuing to invite us to be part of your weddings and special events. Ira & Lucy is such a lifeline for us and we deeply thank you.

"Being a mother means that your heart is no longer yours; it wanders wherever your children do." Jonnathan

Alright, here's my attempt at wiping the tears away and sharing the projects we have had going on. We were pleased to produce the styled shoot featured on the cover and inside the first edition of McCall Wedding and Event Directory, McWED. Sherry, the Editor in Chief, invited us to be part of the creative process with bringing her dream alive. It was quite the exciting journey and it continues! We designed the logo, the branding, including the new website and were part of designing the magazine. It's a fabulous and much needed resource, be sure to check it out! You can [button url="http://issuu.com/mcwed/docs/summer2014"]view the digital issue here[/button]

This shoot was a challenge for me. I was pregnant with Gabriel, unsure if I would miscarry at any time and the onslaught of emotions and grief and dealing with the unpleasantries that pregnancy can offer. However, I was so excited to work with such a great team and it was good for me to have a project to focus on. I was first approached by Kindra, the videographer, at the wedding show in January. She and her dear friend, Ellie, the photographer, had hopes for putting together a cinematic styled shoot. After lots of talking about goals and vision I was thrilled that both Ellie and Kindra handed the reins over to me. After doing quite a few styled shoots, I have found how crucial it is to have a Creative Director/Producer. You get a bunch of "creatives" in the kitchen and boy can it be chaotic :) I know you creatives out there know exactly what I mean ;) We put together the rest of the team and was it a wonder to see it all come together. I will never forget the evening before the shoot. Lindsey (Behrens Artistry) and I went into crisis mode to come up with different bridesmaid dresses. We walked all over this town searching for the right gowns! Lindsey was making sure I was staying hydrated and eating protein bars. We were thrilled to find the gowns at H&M in the perfect Hemlock hue and the blue belts! We planned every single detail and are so pleased how it came together! Great job team! Below are some of my favorites from the shoot and don't miss the beautiful film production by Kindra.

Photos: Ellie Asher Photo Creative Directing: Ira & Lucy Vintage Rentals & Styling Videography: TK Production Films Catering: Open Table Catering Cakes: Stevi Raff Cake Design Gowns: Wedding Gowns by Daci at LaNeige Bridal and Heartfelt Bridal Hair and Make Up: Behrens Artistry Invitations: Paperie + Pen Venue: Blackhawk On The River Vintage Rentals: Ira and Lucy Floral Design: Flora

models: Kelsie Fields , Conner Skeen , Jayde Jones, Devyn LaRee' Lish and Rachel Culver ( TMTV Talent & Modeling, LLC.)