Every once in a while, I start a project that’s just for me, something to feed my soul and keep my creative fires burning.

Anyone that knows me knows that I’m a sucker for anything vintage or antique. I am powerless to resist the nostalgic allure of a bygone era. So it should really come as no surprise that I impulsively bought a beautiful 1970s Gunne Sax gown several sizes too small for me to actually wear. I couldn’t help it! It was just so pretty, and it was practically screaming for a photoshoot.

Time passed, and the gown hung in my closet while I tried to dream up a photoshoot concept. Initially, I had grand visions of a stately Victorian home, lush peonies, and a classic cake. But the longer I waffled on the details, the more daunting the project became. Months turned into a year, life happened, and still, the gown hung unused in my closet.

One year turned into two, and I found myself deep in the throes of a creative rut. I felt stuck and uninspired. And then…then I remembered the dress. I reached out to two very talented women and asked if they could help me bring my vision to life. I decided to keep it simple, and dispensed with the grandiose ideas I had started with. A vintage ladder, some baby’s breath, and some of my very own barnyard critters and boom….we made MAGIC.

Model: Adeline Troutman

Make-up: The Vanity House

With guest appearances by Sokka the dog, Cheese the duck, Cassiopeia the goat, and Torvi the chicken.