So Sweet

If you’re anything like me, you melt at the sight of cute kids (or small cuddly animals!). So when our fashion team planned a flower girl photo shoot a few weeks ago, I just had to visit the studio to see these little cuties wearing some of the prettiest flower girl dresses. The little models ranged in age from 4-1/2 to 7 and needless to say, the studio was all a-buzz with these high-spirited, energetic little girls.

Here, Associate Fashion Editor, Alison Rowe, sorts through racks of frilly frocks.

And stylist Drew Felton steams out wrinkles in this two-toned number. (Drew also did double-duty as the official “make ‘em laugh and smile” prompter on set. Thanks, Drew!)

And just like at the “big girl” shoots, lots of accessories are called in. Here, an array of shoes in all sizes and colors are boxed and ready to be selected:

The “flower girls” even have their hair done for every shot. Hair and Makeup Artist, Andy Cambridge, creates some braids for Daniella:

…who seems very happy with her new look:

Tables are covered with every type of hair accessory:

And flower and cookie props add a jolt of color to the room:

Here, Mia and Lily put dibs on some of the goodies they can’t wait to eat right after the shoot:

While Alexa models a charming dress that’s perfect for any type of wedding:

…and Hattie gets ready for her closeup:

On set, a huge cupcake, mini chairs and a table await the little misses:

…who quickly gather and eagerly wait for forks so they can dig right in!

Meanwhile, Photographer Dan Howell gives his models direction in order to get the perfect shot. Dan has worked with Bridal Guide for a number of years and is fantastic with kids. He’s patient, kind and knows how to bring out the best in his little models. They love him and so do we!

Of course, my hats are off to these adorable charmers and their proud moms who also spent a day at the studio to help make sure that everything ran smoothly:

Here, Alexa smiles with her mom, Sylvie:

Daniella embraces her mom, Yelena:

Hattie cozies up to her mom, Jen:

As Lily poses with her mom:

As for Mia, well modeling is hard work after all and she just needs to rest a little before her next on-set call!

It truly was a fun-filled day and I enjoyed every minute at the studio. (In my previous life, I was a Fashion Editor and still love the creative energy and excitement of a photo shoot.) And kudos to those who made it all happen: Fashion Editors, Dana Wagner and Alison Rowe, Art Director Mary Cate Godfrey and BG’s Junior Designer, Morgan Elliott, whose illustrations below inspired the “sweet” theme:

You can see the entire story and a selection of gorgeous dresses for your flower girls in the March/April 2009 issue, which will be on the newsstands in mid-January. (We’ll also have lots of other fashion to show you from the recent Runway Shows in Chicago and NYC. I promise, you will love these new bridal gowns!). By the way, if you have any etiquette questions on how to choose your flower girls and ring bearers, what ages they should be, who pays for their wedding attire, etc., just let me know and I’ll gladly fill you in.

Posted by Diane at 11:05 a.m.