The Great Gatsby Inspired Styled Photo Shoot

I decided to host a styled wedding photo shoot for the Eagles Aerie 555 in Akron, Ohio. My friend is the current President of the Ladies Auxiliary Group for the Aerie. The group was planning the 96th Anniversary of their organization, and asked me to assist with planning their event. We decided to hold the photo shoot the day before the Anniversary Party. That way we could use the same decor, and showcase the talents of the vendors involved in both the photo shoot and the party.
We decided on a 1920's, Great Gatsby inspired theme for the photo shoot, with a classic color palate of black, gold, and white. There was a great mix of modern and vintage elements, especially in the fashions and accessories. Our fabulous models were Lauren Simpson, Chula DeJesus, and Brynn Eiffert.

• What People Ate

  We had a fabulous three-tiered Art Deco styled cake, in shades of gold, black and white. White feather plumes and a custom cake topper completed the decadent look. We also had custom designed sugar cookies that captured the feeling of a Roaring 20's party.

• What People Drank

  In the 1920's, Prohibition was in full effect around the USA. For our styled photo shoot, we created a drink menu that included champagne, Gin Rickey, Old Fashioned, and the Sidecar. The Eagles Aerie 555 in Akron, Ohio, offers a full bar for private events.

• Desserts

  We had a fabulous three-tiered Art Deco styled cake, in shades of gold, black and white. White feather plumes and a custom cake topper completed the decadent look. We also had custom designed sugar cookies that captured the feeling of a Roaring 20's party.

• Activities / Games

  After-hours clubs were very popular during the 1920's, and many were very glamorous. We were inspired by such movies as "The Great Gatsby" and "Harlem Nights". We had games of chance set out including blackjack, poker, a money wheel, and several decks of cards for those that did not wish to "gamble".

• Kimberly Lehman - Love, Laughter & Elegance: Wedding & Event Planning

  Wedding & Event Planner

  Kimberly Lehman has been a wedding planner for over 25 years. Located in Canton, Ohio, she serves locally and nationwide. Kimberly loves to work with vendors and clients from all over, and bring creative ideas to life! For this styled shoot, she created the tablescapes, provided the tableware, linens, trio of fabric covered arches, wardrobe, accessories, and decor items. Kimberly has a large and varied inventory of unique clothing, accessories, and decorating items, that may be used by clients for their events.
  www.lovelaughterelegance.wordpress.com

• Sandra Jenkins

  President of the Ladies Auxiliary of Eagles Aerie 555 - Akron, Ohio

  Sandra contacted Kimberly Lehman about planning a party to celebrate a milestone anniversary for the Ladies Auxiliary group. Together, they decided to create the party theme, and the corresponding styled wedding photo shoot. Sandra wanted to collaborate, to show off the venue space for event rentals, and to generate more interest for the services that both the Eagles venue and Kimberly provides as an event planner.
  https://www.facebook.com/akron555/

• Samantha Sunshine - Traveling Petals

  Florist

  Samantha is a relatively new floral designer in Northeast Ohio. When approached about creating the floral pieces for the styled photo shoot, she happily agreed. We gave her the color scheme of black, gold, and white, and the 1920's Era to use for inspiration. She was given free reign in her designs, and she did not disappoint! We were blown away by her creations. She is a very talented designer!
  https://www.facebook.com/travelingpetals

• Carrie Thomas Graham - Inflated Moments by Carrie

  Balloon Artist & Stylist

  Carrie is also a newer balloon artist in Northeast Ohio. When we talked about designing a balloon arch for the backdrop part of our styled wedding, she was all in. She literally went above and beyond with her designs! She created a dramatic balloon display on a large circular arch, adding in a boho silk floral swag for a contrasting accent. She also created a smaller, more traditional balloon swag, that was attached to the top of a trio of fabric covered arches. She can create anything with balloons to enhance any event!
  www.inflatedmomentsbycarrie.com

• Jenette Laub McGiffin - Over the Moon Bridal

  Wedding Veils & Accessories

  Jenette is an incredible bridal veil designer! She has designed several custom pieces for styled wedding photo shoots. She has a shop on Etsy.com full of beautiful, unique designs. For this styled photo shoot, Jenette created a gorgeous sheer black cape veil, that was modeled by Lauren. It went so perfectly with her slinky black evening dress!
  https://www.etsy.com/shop/OverTheMoonBridal

• Heather Kay - Mad Celebrations Planning & PartyFunNalia

  Cookie Artist

  Heather Kay is a woman of many talents! Most often, she will create amazing decorated cookies for a celebration of any size and theme. She has created custom cookies for several styled wedding photo shoots. We gave Heather Kay the theme and colors, and let her imagination run wild! Her sugar cookies were adorable, and very tasty! We received lots of thumbs ups from those that participated in our photo shoot.
  https://www.facebook.com/madcelebrations

• Jules - Limelight Letter Company

  Event Rentals featuring Marquee Letters

  Limelight Letter Company is another relatively new vendor in Northeast Ohio. When the concept of the styled photo shoot was first discussed with Jules, we talked about the speakeasy and after-hours club atmospheres, found in the 1920s era. Her large Marquee style lighted letters were a perfect fit for our photo shoot. She offers 3 and 4 foot high letters, that are great for weddings, showers, proposals, etc. They looked amazing in the photos, and our models had fun posing with them!
  https://www.facebook.com/people/Limelight-Letter-Co/100088714094974/

• Elisabeth Park - Stuffed Pastry

  Bakery and Pastry Artist

  Elisabeth is new Pastry Artist in North Canton, Ohio. Her confections are amazing and delicious! We had Elisabeth provide custom cupcakes for the Ladies Auxiliary Party, and the 3 tiered cake for the styled photo shoot. We gave her the Art Deco theme and color scheme of black, gold and white, and she ran with it! Bold color and style combined with pearl dots, feathers, and our custom cake topper to create a stunning work of art.
  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089337287264

• Terrance Jones - TJones Photography

  Photography

  Terrence Jones is a talented photographer in Northeast Ohio. He took great images that captured the spirit of our styled photo shoot! Great to work with, and a very energetic personality!
  https://www.tjonesphotography.com/

• Lori Fung - Paper Trails to You

  Graphic Design & Printing

  Lori is a gifted graphic designer in Western Pennsylvania. She creates all kinds of digital and printed products, from invitations and signage, to decals and vinyl prints. When we chatted about creating the invitation suite for the styled shoot, Lori asked lots of questions about style, colors, and relevant information needed to print various pieces. She created a custom invitation, response card, another card with wedding details, place cards and menu. These were printed on black card stock with gold trim and gold and white lettering, in a Art Deco style. The overall effect was gorgeous!
  https://www.facebook.com/papertrailstoyou

• Chula DeJesus, Brynn Eiffert, Lauren Simpson

  Models

  Chula and Brynn are a real-life couple! Aren't they too cute together? Chula has modeled for many projects, including styled wedding photo shoots. Brynn has professional model training, and that talent shines through in the photos. Lauren has also modeled several times for styled wedding photo shoots. Chula and Brynn had not met or worked with Lauren before this styled photo shoot, but there was instant chemistry, as seen in the glamorous photos.