My Latest Shoot: Mocha Bride Magazine

So I’ve had a very productive week! Monday was my first bridal magazine shoot. For a while now I’ve longed to do bridal modeling but was never able to usually for two reasons: 1) lack of bridal modeling gigs available 2) gigs that were available were looking for girls 5’9” and taller. Luckily, I came across a posting on Craigslist of all places, asking for models of color for an upcoming bridal magazine. So I attended the casting, met the magazine staff and photographer for the shoot, had them look at my portfolio and booked the shoot!

The bridal shoot was for the first issue of Mocha Bride Magazine, which is set to launch in June of this year. My morning started super early—I had to BE AT the first shoot location at 7:45am! Thankfully there was an entire crew on hand, including two makeup artists and a hair stylist so I had no trouble at all getting up, washing and moisturizing my face, throwing on my clothes, and grabbing my things. The night before I packed some snacks and drinks (with straws to avoid messing up the lipstick), and put together the items I was asked to bring, which included: strapless, nude colored bras, high heels, and thong underwear. Since I knew I would be getting my makeup done I wanted to wear clothes that wouldn’t get in the way. I wore dark blue sweatpants, sneakers, and a white, zip up blouse.

I arrived to the Oakland location about a half hour early and found out we were taking photos at a picturesque mansion that was over 100 years old. The grounds were a popular place for weddings so it really fit the bridal theme to a tee. There were four other female models in addition to me and we all hung out and got to know one another while the photography crew set things up. Here are a few pictures I snapped once things started rolling:

One of the models getting her makeup done:



These are images from the second location at the golf course:

Don't worry, that's not a dead body, just the wedding dresses all bundled up on the table:



Another model going through the makeup process:



I tried on two wedding dresses in the backroom and while they were both nice, we (myself, the stylists and the magazine owners, acting as creative directors—all female) didn’t quite feel like it was “the” dress. Afterwards I went to report for hair and makeup. When the essentials were taken care of, I was called back into the dressing room to get ready. One of the creative directors, reached for a dress that had been overlooked and hadn’t been tried on yet. Soon as I slipped it on and looked in the mirror with my hair and makeup done, we all reached a consensus: this was THE dress!

Now I’ve never been one to be all sappy about weddings or even getting married but when I looked at myself in the mirror, I suddenly realized what the hype was all about and why getting married is such a big deal for so many women. I felt like a goddess and couldn’t wait to shoot! Because the dresses were being borrowed from local bridal shops we had to be extra careful not to get them damaged or dirty. While walking I had to hold my long train or had someone assist me. I did my first set of shots next to a curtained window inside the mansion holding a colorful wedding bouquet and then leaning against a piano. Because there were five models total, there was down time while the photographer worked with each girl. After we all had our solo moments, we did a series of group shots on the front stairs of the mansion. While the morning started off being overcast with showers, the sun managed to take control a few hours later, which helped warm us up. After the group shot, the crew was ready to move on to the second location so three of the models were told they could change into their clothes and take a lunch break and then meet up at the second shoot location, which was a golf course that also hosts weddings, and was located about 10 minutes away. Another model and I were asked to stay behind for additional shooting. They shot the first girl on a really cool stone bench and then she was sent to lunch. I was moved to this really cool spot underneath a tree in a grassy area. I was given a sun umbrella to pose with and then a white wedding bouquet. After that I was moved to the last location, which was my favorite. I stood in front of a wall of bamboo trees in a wooded area. The background of browns and greens looked great in contrast to my ivory wedding dress. When we were done there, the first shoot location was officially wrapped. I changed into my regular clothes, ate my snacks and drove over to the golf course.

Once I arrived, I met up with one of the models while we waited for everyone else to show up. The facility let us set up shop in the tent they use for weddings, and the creative director and stylist began setting out what dresses we’d be wearing for the shoot. I got to wear a white, poufy wedding dress that was so long and overflowing, I couldn’t carry it by myself. I got to pose with a “groom,” who turned out to be the husband of one of the magazine owners. He was really nice. We posed together as a happy couple underneath a gazebo and then I got to pose solo in the middle of the gazebo entrance. After that was done, it was a wrap for me so I thanked everyone, passed out a few business cards, received a few business cards and made my way home.

I was so happy to be a part of that shoot and I can’t wait to see what the finished issue looks like when Mocha Bride comes out in June. Even more exciting is waiting to find out if I made the cover of the first issue. I have a good feeling about it but I don’t want to jinx myself so for now I’ll just cross my fingers and hope for the best!

I contacted the photographer and thanked him for his great work. He managed to leak five images to me but since I don’t want to step on anyone’s toes and show images that I’m sure they don’t want the public to see before the magazine comes out, I’m only going to show you one but it’s my favorite so far. The photographer said all of my images came out great and we’re planning on working together on other projects in the near future. Here you go: