I have found a gem located in the heart of Denver; The Botanic Gardens. I moved to the Cheeseman Park area about 9 months ago and the Gardens just happen to be in my front yard.  With the close proximity I decided to get a membership, expecting to go every now and then.  Hmmm every now and then turned out to be, every other day; I’m utterly in love with the place!  I have suppers there as often as I can with friends, clients, and definitely by myself.  It feels to me like a large sanctuary; fresh aromas everywhere, thousands of varieties of plants to be utterly “wowed” by, and not to mention the Henry Moore exhibit that is housed in the Gardens this year.  Having a membership has definitely made my summer and has possibly changed my life… (memberships start at $45 for unlimited entry for 1 person) plus it’s where I saw a LIVE fairy flying around.  I am seriously not kidding– I saw it in the rose garden in August of 2007.

Yes, it is indeed a magical place…

Last Tuesday I got together with a few of my girlfriends at the Gardens to celebrate our Dear friend Rachael Brink’s engagement.  It was such a lovely setting as we sat under trees filled with twinkling white lights and ate yummy treats.  Take a peek at how cool the Gardens are– a piece of paradise in Downtonwn.  I hope you’ll get out and visit it at least one; you’ll be very glad you did!

Above photo by the Awesome Stacey Banks.

Congratulations Again Rachael!

Share on Facebook

Related posts:

1. “The Proposal” :: Lincoln and Lindsey, Botanic Gardens 05.10 On May 2, 2010 I had the great privilege...
2. “Beyond Labels” Brunch & Fashion Show, Pomegranate Place :: 06.14.10 Pomegranate Place is a non-profit housed in a 3-story...
3. The First Annual Luce’ Photog Photo Workshop :: Denver, CO Last Saturday, Luce’ hosted it’s first ever photo workshop...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Pomegranate Place is a non-profit housed in a 3-story Victorian located in Capitol Hill.  Pom Place was created to provide a space for women to come as they are + to connect and create with other women who are doing the same.  In late Spring I met with Vaun Swanson, the Founder and Executive Director of Pomegranate Place, to brain storm about ways to create awareness about the Org and how to raise funds.  A bit after we were talking it hit me– a fashion show/brunch!  With my connections in photography and modeling, I offered to recruit designers and models for the first fundraiser for Pom Place.  My tea with Vaun was lovely as I was overflowing with ideas about how our fashion show could be about expanding our perceptions about beauty and creating a space where women can talk openly about their definitions of beauty.  Since a label can never adequately define a woman, we voted to name the event, “Beyond Labels”.

I invited professional model and friend Veronica Stapleton to co-coordinate the fashion show with me while graphic designers Astrid Koch of Astrid Designs and Janae Aasen of White Couch, came up with the branding and design of the brunch and show.  Professional chef, Leah Thompson, stepped up to oversee all the food preparation and service, and Meredith Bishop, an Accenture Executive, coordinated all the volunteers.  There were 4 Designers featured at the Beyond Labels Fashion Show:  Designer Lauri Moore featuring her hand made skirts and vests shown on models Michanda, Colby, & Tina, Designer Jessica Deugan featuring Pom Chic clothing and accessories from area Thrift stores on models Meredith, ZZ, & Melissa,  Designer Carol Mier featuring her unique line of clothing on models Melissa, Aja, & Linda, and Designer, Artist & Writer Jennifer Levine featured her poetry through body paint paired with exotic hairstyles by Linda on models Lori, Veronica, & Rachael.  In all, over 50 women contributed to the event, raising over $4000.

It was such a delightful Saturday morning.  Amazing food, lovely music + a live auction in the warm ambiance and open environment of Pom Place made this event a smash hit.  Check out a few of the images from the show provided by photographers Lynn Townsend of Illumine Photography and Amy Wright of Amy K. Wright Photography + an image or two provided by Designer, Artist and Writer Jennifer Levine.

Model and Artist Colby Creed doing her hair and make-up before the show.

Pomegranate Place is located at 750 Clarkson St. in Denver.

Professional Models Lori Auguste Sullivan (above) and Rachael Brink (below) got up early on that Saturday morning to have their faces and bodies covered in paint by Artist and Designer Jennifer Levine!

The Little Girl below opened the Show by throwing out pieces of paper from her flower basket as she walked through each floor of the 3 Story Victorian. Each piece of paper contained inspiring & beautiful adjectives that created a path that was our runway for the show.

Left to Right: Graphic Designers and Co-Coordinators for the Beyond Labels Brunch Janae Aasen and Astrid Koch.

Instead of a traditional fashion show, we decided to have an Informal Fashion show where models followed the intention path through the many rooms of the 3 story Victorian.   Each room was hosted by a group.  At the end of the show, the women in the rooms were able to talk openly with the models and designers about their perceptions of beauty.  Conversations were inspiring and emotional.

Professional Model and Co-Coordinator of the first Beyond Labels Fashion Show, Ms. Veronica Stapleton.  Veronica plans to save the world through modeling.

Left to Right:  Model Michanda Lindsay, Professional Model Tina Ryan, Designer Laurie Moore, and Model and Artist Colby Creed.

From Left to Right:  Actress ZZ Moor, Designer Jessica Deugan, Professional Model Meredith Karre, and Actress Melissa Scher.

From Left to Right:  Designer Carol Mier, Model Melissa Fox, Model and Stylist Linda, Model for Carol Mier, and Professional Model Aja Duniven.

And the Finale!  From Left to Right:  Stylist Linda, Professional Model and Co-Coordinator of the show Veronica Stapleton, Professional Model Lori Auguste Sullivan, Founder and Executive Driector of Pomegranate Place Vaun Swanson, Professional Model Rachael Brink and Designer, Artist, and Writer Jennifer Levine.

Pomegranate Place is a wonderful place to relax, get connected and to create.  You can sign up for their newsletter featuring inspiring messages and women by clicking here.

Many thanks to all the woman who contributed their time and talent to the Event.  It was a great success!

We hope to see you next year!

oxo

j~

Share on Facebook

Related posts:

1. Mutts and Models, “The Wizard of Paws” Fashion Show :: 05.10 The 10th Annual Mutts and Models is Denver’s original...
2. The Pomegranate Place, Denver :: 03.10 Recently I’ve been shooting Interiors to a.) expand my...
3. Your Daily Dose of Awesomeness. In my journey to express the fullness of who...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

The 10th Annual Mutts and Models is Denver’s original & premiere canine and celebrity fashion show.  On May 15th guests delighted in watching a unique fashion show featuring local philanthropists and local celebrities modeling with their dogs. All proceeds benefit Harrison Memorial Animal Hospital, Colorado’s largest not- for -profit veterinary hospital.  Attendees had the opportunity to bid  in the live and silent auctions and were able raise money for the animals in need of veterinary care at Harrison Memorial Animal Hospital.

Check out a few of my favorite images, especially the finale… Dorothy and the Cowardly Lion.

Share on Facebook

Related posts:

1. “Beyond Labels” Brunch & Fashion Show, Pomegranate Place :: 06.14.10 Pomegranate Place is a non-profit housed in a 3-story...
2. 12.09 :: Luce’ Weddings on “Style Me Pretty” + Berlin Germany’s Fashion Bridal Site :: Yes, it’s me again.  I know it’s been a...
3. The Botanic Gardens of Denver I have found a gem located in the heart...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Kahlo, the ever so fashionable Blonde Chihuahua of LoHi, is the daughter of model and stylist Veronica Stapleton.  Named after the famous Mexican female painter, Kahlo enjoys stimulating political conversations, sexual experimentation and lamb medallions. 

Without further adieu…

xoxo, Aunt Jenny

Share on Facebook

Related posts:

1. Isaac, 8 months :: Howard Sokol Studio, 03.10 Meet Isaac at 8 months. The above pic is...
2. Lori Auguste Sullivan, Howard Sokol Studio :: 04.10 Lori Auguste Sullivan is HOT! Early in April we...
3. The First Annual Luce’ Photog Photo Workshop :: Denver, CO Last Saturday, Luce’ hosted it’s first ever photo workshop...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

It’s 2010, wow.

I had such a lovely holiday, one that was restful and rejuvinating.� Now that 2010 is here, I feel I’m in a new space in my life; I’m quite sure that I’ve experienced some sort of shift.  My days whether simple or complex are spent resting in and delighting in the simple pleasures of life.  Whether it’s a unique moment, a texture, or an ordinary place illuminated in a new way, I am moved and feel so honored that I was chosen to experience the (extra)ordinary.  This year I began a journal where I write down simply spectacular things that arouse delight in me.  I’d like to share a few with you, and hopefully share the joy.

• Mrs. Meyers Clean Day Hand Soap- the scent is out of this world!  I hate hand washing dishes, yet because I love the scent so much I found myself washing dishes at 2 am.  I now look forward to deep cleaning!
• The sunrise on fresh snow looks like someone poured glitter on the earth.
• On that note, I love the sound of falling snow.
• Black Pepper and Coconut Glutten Free pancakes.
• Swinging.
• Walking around!  It’s amazing what you miss while driving; details in architecture,  the sound of trees, small businesses, conversations with proselytizers on street corners.
• The Library.  I mean come on!  Classes, movies galore, books on any topic you could want~ and it’s all free and with easy access!  Why have I abandoned you for so long o’ library?
• My bike- the orange cruiser of joy (that also has a super cute basket.)  When we ride by, Pam and I, (Pam is my bike) she literally inspires delight in so many.  I heart it.
• The creaking of hardwood floors; for whatever reason it makes me feel cool.  I don’t know it’s like I’m European and a part of history.
• Making holiday decor from everyday objects. Ex.)  Our Xmas tree was from an old wooden ladder, made by adding lights and ornaments.
• Skype.
• A well-sharpened wooden pencil.
• Kambucha.  (how you spell?) Regardless of how it’s spelled, it makes you feel brand new.
• Cloves on Chocolate Ice Cream; taste explosion.
• My hair touching mid back.  I love that feeling.
• I love tasting food on the back of my tongue/at the very end of my mouth, just underneath my tongue.  That’s how you know something is really good.
• Hearing Scott’s German accent.
• Sigur Ros.
• Glass Door knobs.
• Painting murals and sketches on the walls.
• Saying the word “peculiar.”
• Veronica Stapleton and her Blonde Chihuhaha Kohla wearing her green and blue hand knit sweater.
• Creating with Darrin Harris Frisby.
• Being able to read the bus route. Bus 10 bab-E!
• Having an art cabinet full of random, creative supplies that I may, or may not use.
• “Nell” by Sally Case.
• Walking to the grocery store and selecting the exact items I need.
• Clarity.
• “Odetta” by Jessica Deugan and her back up birds.
• Watching a tea light candle flame move around in circles.  Flames are beautiful.
• Sleeping with the windows open when it’s cold.
• Movie popcorn mixed with all the movie candy you buy.  It’s a nice mix of sweet and salty.
• Space and time to myself.
• Having a simple, organic beauty regimine.  Less is more and it makes me feel even more beautiful because it’s so humble.
• Looking through old photos.
• The gravy at Watercourse in Denver: out- of- this- world.
• Unexpected, rich conversation with strangers,  old connections.
• Remembering laughing.

I could go on and on, and some could argue that I already have.  Regardless, delight begets delight, so if nothing else, I hope it brings up the simple pleasures that bring you joy as well.

peace.

(new work coming soon.)

Share on Facebook

Related posts:

1. Luce’ PhotoG is on Flickr.com You know its really hard to share a good...
2. Your Daily Dose of Awesomeness. In my journey to express the fullness of who...
3. “Beyond Labels” Brunch & Fashion Show, Pomegranate Place :: 06.14.10 Pomegranate Place is a non-profit housed in a 3-story...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Rachael

+ V

Both are repped by Donna Baldwin model + talent agency here in Denver.  We all met last year through our agency and formed a ‘triple threat’ team. Seriously these two November babies are two of my favorite people on the planet.  Beautiful, compassionate, intelligent, and feisty as hell, they’re delightful power house to say the least.  Rach and V, along with the infamous male model, international cyclist, and man about town, Brett Linstrom paired up with Luce’ photo photogs in October for our annual photo extravaganza.  Here’s a bit of what I captured in the last sesh of our day.

So how Did we get the magic to happen? …. Brett!

Thanks to M. Scott, Paige, Em, Em, Sal, Brett, Rach, V, Andrea, the Elin Palmer band for making the first annual Luce’ Photog Photo Extravaganza workshop a smokin’ success. Next year’s workshop will be in Nawlens.  Stay tuned y’all!

Share on Facebook

Related posts:

1. The First Annual Luce’ Photog Photo Workshop :: Denver, CO Last Saturday, Luce’ hosted it’s first ever photo workshop...
2. Elin Palmer + Band :: 10.24.09 Meet the Elin Palmer Band. Last month my 4...
3. Girls Inc., Denver :: Annual Fundraiser :: October 9th, 2009 Girl’s Inc. hosted its annual Fundraiser on October 9th,...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Last Saturday, Luce’ hosted it’s first ever photo workshop in Downtown Denver.  Luce’ photogs from L.A., Nawlens, and Chi town, plus a couple of local Denverites came to the workshop to a.) have fun (and see me), b.) to meet the diverse Luce’ team of photogs + designers, and c.) to capture some great shots for their portfolios.  I think they’re all leaning very heavily towards “a” though, just my opinion….

Anywho, meet Emily Bradof, Chi town’s finest South Carolina girl.  Note: her camera is built into her glasses.

Meet Sally Case, SNL’s next big thing + Luce’s So Cal point person.  She loves long walks on the beach, photography, Jenn (that’s me) and McFlurr-Aaays!

Meet Emily McCorkle, aka “McCorkle”.  Officially a Nawlens native, Em is on the forefront of green building, loves to travel to Denver (LOL), has been a contestant on “Elimi-date”, + is Luce’s Nawlens point person.

Meet Paige Nykole Damiano. When she’s not starting businesses, planning a wedding, or just being cute cruisin’ D-town on her vespa, she photogs with me.

And together!… they are trouble.  See pics below– not right now in the blog– but after the models.  Trust me this is the best place for these shots to be– in the outtake section of this blog structure.

K, Enter models.  Andrea Ball was the first model of the day.  (Yes she is THE Andrea Ball that has a fabulous track on the event section of my site, among other dazzling accolades.) Hot and sassy as ever, Andrea gave us some poses that blew us away.  (see Sal’s face below.) See my full blog on our sesh in the coming week, but for now, see if you can handle This!

“Oh my Word,” says Sally Case as she stares into the dashingly radiant face of Andrea Ball, rock SUPA’ star.

And a special thanks to Art Heffron for coming out to photograph Ms. Ball as well!

Shortly after, along came Elin Palmer with her Denver band. (And yes, yes- Elin’s song is also in the event section of my site.….And! coming soon– a new song made specifically for Luce’ by Elin & the fancy McLean men in my life.)  K, small detour, but anyway- we met up in Civic Center park for some ice skating with the crew. It was great fun to play with the lines of the group + the open white space of the empty fountain, as well as the surrounding columns in the park.   More shots to come soon in another blog.  But just so you can visualize, here you go.

And last, but certainly not least– V, Rachael, and Biggidy B (Brett LinstrOm)collaboratin’ (while playa’ hatin) to create smokin’ hot shots, that are also a bit haunting as well. hmmmm…. I dunno, the composition just came to me as the photog gals went outside to capture the ghost mobile that was cruisin’ Denver with their packs on trying to catch zombies. (no seriously, I couldn’t make this up.)  Well without further adieu, here are a few shots that I’d like to share– a full blog will be coming out later this week.

Okay, in closing, here are a few outtakes from our fun day.  No shots from Beatrice & Woodsleys or McDonalds afterwards… a tear I shed. Oh well.

All up in yo’ face- yeah…

Next year’s gathering will be in Nawlens.  Can- you- even- handle- it? try.

Share on Facebook

Related posts:

1. V, Rach, & Brett :: October 24, 2009 Rachael + V Both are repped by Donna Baldwin...
2. Luce’ PhotoG is on Flickr.com You know its really hard to share a good...
3. Elin Palmer + Band :: 10.24.09 Meet the Elin Palmer Band. Last month my 4...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Donna Baldwin Talent is not only THE place in Denver for beauty and talent, but also for friendship (much to my surprise!)  Models are given a bad rap– ditzy, superficial, uninvolved, and self-absorbed.  While this can be true for a few, this is not the case with the women I’ve befriended at the agency.  Since signing 2 years ago I’ve had the privilege of meeting some of the most beautiful, influential and soulful women I’ve ever met.  Meet 2 of them now. 

Rachael is a femme fatal that looks a lot like Uma Thurman, without the yellow suit.  She’s also pretty frickin’ smart–I can’t keep up with all the letters behind her name. 

Meet Rachael Brink, PT, DPT, LMNOPQRSTU, V. 

Meet V, she’s kinda a big deal.  When she’s not gracing Denver’s social scene with her glorious presence, she’s speaking French and Spanish and savoring the finer things in life.  My favorite is when she’s pissed and begins to curse someone out in one of her languages.  Ahhh V, always a treat!

And together, they are the Dynamic Duo!  

A very special thanks to my lovely assistant Paige Wolf Damiano, Andrew Levine stylist extraordinaire, and my lovely Scotty Mike for letting us shoot in his loft. 

Share on Facebook

Related posts:

1. V, Rach, & Brett :: October 24, 2009 Rachael + V Both are repped by Donna Baldwin...
2. The First Annual Luce’ Photog Photo Workshop :: Denver, CO Last Saturday, Luce’ hosted it’s first ever photo workshop...
3. Luce’ PhotoG is on Flickr.com You know its really hard to share a good...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.