I remember the first time I saw her collection. I was stalking one of my favorite photographer's blogs and had found that she photographed Tara LaTour's first couture bridal collections. I was immediately intrigued at the fact that not only were her gowns meticulously hand crafted, but I was emerged in the fact that all of the dresses were in colour. I admit it. I was smitten with Tara.
Over the years I have been lucky enough to get to know Tara on a professional and personal level and I have to tell you that as a woman in the industry and for all the woman power in this world, I admire Tara on so many levels. She is kind and hilarious, vivacious and talented beyond words. She has the best stories, gives the best hugs, and rocks a bun like no one's business. The amount of love and time that Tara devotes to her collections, the clients, and the business side of TLT is profound and although she has been making a name for herself for some time, I see only big and beautiful things in her future.
When Tara asked me to style and coordinate L'Art De Le Couture, I was completely blown away. She could have asked anyone. Truly, she knows the best in Minneapolis. But she put her faith in me in helping to introduce (or re-introduce) her newest collection to a fashion forward Minneapolis crowd at L'atelier Couture and the night was completely flawless. From styling to food, flowers to photographs, music to vignettes, everything was absolutely picture perfect.
The highlight of the night was not seeing the dresses or the waves of people that attended, but rather to see Tara's family filled with love and pride for her and her work. It warmed my heart to hear the members of her family call each dress by name as each model took the runway and just how happy her grandma was to sit front row and see Tara's collection for the first time. It's a memory that will be in my heart for some time.
I have to say this may have been my favorite vignette to style. Likely because it is such a balance of tones and masculinity in such a beautiful, soft space.
This was my favorite set of props. Seriously I just could not stop with all of the brass and blues.
Just delicious.
I have to say when I saw this hand drawn seating card, my palms started to sweat. Liz Banfield was one of the first photographers work I ever fell in love with on the pages of Martha Stewart years ago and it was on my bucket list to someday meet her. I barely got two words out, but it was amazing to meet her.
Tara debuted this dress, Sheila, named after her aunt. The crowd went gasping wild for it.
The best moment.
This film from Sky Focus Films is just...too lovely for words.
This film from Sky Focus Films is just...too lovely for words.
A huge thank you goes out to all of the talents that made this day happen:
Ryan Stadler of Rivets and Roses:: Photography
Chris Martin of Sky Focus Films:: Videography
On Solid Ground Vintage Rentals :: Rental furniture and props (AMAZING!)
Ashley Fox Designs :: Floral Design
Gateaux, Inc. :: Confections
Patissiere 46 :: Catering
Bent Paddle Beer
Flow Event Group :: Entertainment
Haus Salon :: Hair & Makeup
Markus D
Paperista
Velvet Raptor
L'atelier Couture
MSP Magazine
and, of course,
