Little did I know that when the idea of a “mothers in business issue” poped into our heads as we were browsing through vanity fair, that it would be a herculean effort to make sure we “pulled it off”. So, in line with the sentiment….HELP…..
Here’s who came running:
David’s Bridal, the ever popular location on Ray road, and their managers along with Vicki, and Tanya (who had never met me and have since decided to run every time I come in the store), were amazingly polite when each one of our mothers came in with daughters to try on their dresses for the photo shoot. Davids Bridal is not just bridal, its for all events and when this one popped up, they jumped in with both feet and worked on our time schedule. Who does that anymore?!
Along with the dresses, there was hair, and makeup. So, Who gonna call? Sean and Debbie, owners of Madison Avenue Spa! With only a few days notice they pulled together their special MAC team (Madison Avenue Creative), to handle 13 mothers and daughters.
Following the direction of Elaine, they worked fast and efficiently with a creative flair to produce a “1940’s look”, and were right on target. The MAC team is a collection of stylists that offer their services to participate for charity, photo shoots, weddings and other events. The dedication is strong and even their leader, Elaine hopped off the plane and raced to the photo shoot in an effort to make sure that Nicki, April, Jessie, Shahin, Megan and Taylor were not being mistreated by me!
And of course, when you have beautiful gowns and hair, you HAVE TO HAVE THE JEWELRY. Again, with just a few days warning, I sauntered into Michael’s Jewelers and as the owner, Chris was ducking out the back door, Emily (with 26 years of service) instructed me that the ONLY jewelry for this type of shoot was PEARLS. Simple, classy, and for both mothers and daughters. As usual, she was right! You’ll find she usually is.
She was smart,and sent Chris with the pearls to the photo shoot, and something I’ve never seen happen, happened, I saw the owner of one of Ahwatukee’s oldest and most respected businesses, choosing the appropriate necklace to go with each dress. He matched color and style with each mother and daughter, and it was perfect. Of course, Kevin handled the “security” part, which included deciding which earrings worked! So, ladies, if you want to have a man’s opinion, just ask Chris, and he WILL KNOW what looks beautiful, or he’ll make it! Of course, next time, he might send Emily. But next time I’m doing something with diamonds!
We’d also like to thank Foothills Golf Club for not only providing a location for a shoot of this magnitude, but for including food and drinks so that each person was comfortable in the length of time we spent shooting. Lori (the events manager) was exceptional in providing all that we needed, whether it was tables, chairs, stands, or meatballs. We were made to feel as though it wasn’t a burden to have two “shoots” going on in their way. So when you’re thinking of events, I guarantee you, Foothills is a location that should be factored into your decision. They are more than golf!
Of course, we can’t EVER leave out our AMAZING Photographer, Art Holeman. He continues to astound us each time he gets behind a camera. Where did we find this guy! I am NEVER LETTING GO! Not only did he arrange the “look”, but he handled all the mothers, daughters, elements, and ME. Of course, he has his standard comment when I’m involved “anyone that is talking, get behind me”….translated that means, “Isabel, I’m in charge now”. Ahahah. Of course, he and Kevin team up against me, and I still WIN!
We had our Fashion Stylist, Alex Evjen of AVE Styles when I first asked her “what do I do”? she answered “pray”. Of course, she didn’t abandon me, and in effect made sure that the dresses were the right color, and each one worked with each woman, and that the “whole look” worked. She made sure each woman was fitted properly, and with the right elements for the shoot. She picked up the dresses, and made sure all the loose ends were tied.
And of course, last but not least, my husband Kevin, who in his infinite wisdom would assist at the most critical of moments, and was always the strength and calm needed to pull this off.
Thank you to all — we can say, we put together a beautiful spread with beautiful women, by beautiful women (and a few men).
