Backstage Bridal Pro Scholarship 2012: A Flash Mob Styled Shoot

As we continue to showcase the entries for the Annual Backstage Bridal Pro Academy Scholarship Contest. Wedding Pros from across the United States submitted entries for a chance to win a full scholarship to Backstage Bridal Pro Academy this September at  Terranea Resort in Rancho Palos Verde , California where they will join other wedding professionals in elevating their wedding planning business at THE best educational experience around. (no passport required).

The second the three shoots today is an exciting and unique shoot that transforms a raw space into something fun and glam. Brandi Dunagan of Country Sugar Events in San Antonio, Texas, was inspired by the couture bride. Brandi shows how brides can still be mindful of the environment and remain resourceful but enjoy a celebration that is still filled with glitz and glam. Be sure to leave your comments if you are in love with Brandi's entry. Your votes can help her get to Backstage Bridal Pro Academy!

Brandi describes in awesome detail how she created her idea of Fabulous and Graceful: "We at Country Sugar Events pride ourselves on the connection with the client and the ability to produce what we like to call “personality-infused” events. Without being able to speak directly to Tami and Lisa directly, I looked for key words of inspiration within the guidelines of the contest. A few key things resonated with me:
1. fabulous – When I thought of fabulous glitz and glam automatically came to mind. Fabulous is a feeling and a state of mind…something that can often be enhanced by your surroundings.
2. graceful – Effortless and ladylike. Graceful is the word that inspired me to have my neutral as a bright crisp white.
3. “near and dear to our hearts” – I honestly was drawn to the word heart within the opening explanation of the challenge. I wanted to go glam but still stay very youthful and playful with the design. Incorporating hearts was such a fun way to fuse what I was going for in the look.
4. sparkle – This was such an exciting addition. Early on in the design process I knew my “sparkle” was going to be gold glitter…it’s my 2012 obsession."

"I wanted a bride to see what could be done with a raw space. This is a major reason why I chose the location I did. A small alleyway in Buda, Texas, just south of Austin. We jokingly coined the term “flash mob styled shoot” that day as we overtook what usually is a place where leaves collect, and crowds pass without a second thought. Maybe a bride has chosen a venue because she has to find an affordable option that still fits all her guests or lets her choose her own caterer. This shoot was for her. Maybe a bride wants a blank canvas and wants to transform a raw space into a creation of her own. This shoot was for her."

"The texture of the linen also added tons of dimension to the table and design. The chivari “ice” chairs were a perfect fit to the look. The juxtaposition of the chairs, linen, and
alleyway was the perfect fusing of fab and raw."

"When it came to the small touches I went for a middle ground with DIY. Brides today want to do small projects but don’t have the time with full time jobs and full lives to Martha their entire soiree. Here’s a little breakdown:

"Gold glitter runway – The runway consisted of one roll of gold glittered wrapping paper, white paper hearts from the children’s craft section, and gold scroll flourishes from the scrapbook section. All pieces were held secure with re-usable sticky tack dot adhesives. Gold mercury glass votives were added in for dimension and a depth."

"I chose the clear “take-out” box to reflect the same feel as the chivari “ice” chairs. Inside
the box were a classic red velvet cupcake with cream cheese icing. Don’t fabulous brides eat red velvet? The heart shaped gold glitter flakes were from the baking section of the craft store and sprinkled in each box. A letter representing the first name of the bride and groom was affixed to the front of the box to bring it all together."

"The number 4 was also a craft store find. Gold flourishes, like those on the gold glitter runway, were added to tie in the design."

"This guest book is actually a scrapbook with blank pages. The “a” is a sticker from the same set we used for the favor boxes and represents the couple’s last name."

"From the red carpet to the wedding aisle, brides want to feel like a couture bride. As wedding industry professionals we do have to think bigger. Why did vintage start to pop up and trend so heavily? Yes, of course the design elements are romantic, quirky, and unique…but more than that it’s creativity working at high octane in a down economy. This is not the Great Depression, but it’s also definitely not the Golden Years. Brides are being resourceful and mindful of the environment and these are two things that are going to stick around. We may see the return of glam, but it’s going to be done differently…still tons of DIY and vintage touches will remain as brides incorporate heirlooms and bargain finds."

The following vendors contributed to Brandi's photo shoot:

Photographer  -  Al Gawlik Photography   |   Rentals (chairs, linen, napkins)  -  Great Events Full Service Rentals   | 
Cake  -   2tarts Bakery & Catering   |  Floral Stand  -  Statue of Design   |  China  -   To Have & Hold  |  Model, shoes, dress  -  Ashley Greene  |  Hair and Makeup  -  Belle Marie Artistry  | 

Total shoot cost= $111.41


Thank you everyone for your comments! Your comments may have helped Brandi get to Backstage Bridal Pro Academy!

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