In July, I had the pleasure of going to Virginia Creative Collective, an incredible studio for creatives and small business owners of all kinds. From the multiple Photography rooms, clothes closet, props and furniture for any style or need. To the Podcast and Videography spaces, and one of the delightful co-owners being around to assist, it is such a wonderful addition to the Staunton and surrounding communities.

This particular day they were hosting a beautiful jewel toned styled shoot. Pulling together some fabulous local vendors, models, which attracted many and photographers & a videographer for the day.

Upon Walking in, I was greeted by Jo Maheney and Amanda Shrader, co-owners of the studio. They were bubbly and laughing, and are pleasure to be around. They made introductions to the models, who I was happy to see grabbing a quick bite of food provided by Reunion Bakery.

While getting my camera gear ready to shoot, I quickly realized I had a BIG problem when my main lens, my beloved RF 24-70 was BROKEN. Oh lord, the panic set in! Amanda was quick to offer reassurance and help me to remain calm. Taking a deep breath I grabbed my second favorite lens, the 35mm 1.4 and walked into the Grand Hall. There I instantly caught the scent of the DEVINE cake provided by Aimee Johnson. – The Cake Doctor Aimee. Looking at the stunning piece of Cake work, frosted in black, with gold flakes, a cascading jewel stone cut out and topped with macaroons and fruit, my mouth watered.

The props provided by Blushing Gold Bridals added such beautiful statement pieces to the models attire, really turning everything up a notch. Their pieces are actually for sale if you go check them out! www.blushinggoldbrides.com My favorite pieces were the pins. Minimal and sweet, they are something I would use again and again. However, I could NOT ignore the double halo stone piece for the day, it begged for attention. When I placed Condrea near the window and saw the sun glinting off the piece, I knew, this would be magic.

Of course there was no way you could ignore the Greenery on the door, or the many stunning floral bouquets and vases, created by one of my local favorites, Lindsey Zovko of www.liliharpflowers.com

All in all, and despite a broken lens, (no worries, I quickly shipped it off and got it repaired!) It was the calmest atmosphere to create art in. The Theme and Design was so well thought out and put together by Jo, www.photographybyjo.net and I would 1000% recommend any of the vendors, utilizing the Studio for your own sessions, of any kind, and always going to any styled shoot they may have in the future.

Look below to see how beautiful and intricate every little detail and piece for this day was.