Image by Marisa Findlay

Last February I had the opportunity to style for an island friends maternity/boudoir shoot. This was my first time working professionally with another friend, photographer Marisa Findlay. I have admired Marisa’s work for a long time, just look at this incredible Zambian wedding she shot recently! She has a real way of capturing people looking natural, genuine. It’s evident she loves photographing women, especially within boudoir, so I was looking forward to capturing our oh-so -pretty and oh-so-pregnant Kate!

Kate and mother Victoria still life

I offered to use my house as our location, which feels a bit like cheating as a stylist because you already are familiar with all the attractive angles and available props:) I knew it would work well for our intentions and hoped it would put Kate and Marisa at ease. For most women it is a big challenge to get nude or nearly nude with extra eyes on you. Big kudos to Kate and her luscious bump for handling it with grace and style! I am sure you and your hubby will cherish these images forever, thanks for asking me to be a part of capturing your expectant loveliness!

Image by Marisa Findlay

Painting Inspirations

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Periwinkle Painting inspiration board

Last February I met with potential clients at Amazing Grace Villa who had viewed my painting featured in the dining room and wanted to commission a custom artwork. Here are a couple of inspiration boards I created for the clients to get a sense of the color direction they preferred.

Aqua Painting Inspiration Board

Here is a detail of the of the work in progress.

detail

Rock My Wedding blog image by Brilliant Studios

Image by Brilliant via Rock My Wedding

Thrilled to have our Bohemian shoot featured on Rock My Wedding! Love that site, and their UK team who knows how to bring on the pretty party!! Please pay their beautiful blog a visit and be sure to check out our feature Beach Bohemia!

All images by Chanelle Segerius-Bruce of www.brilliant.tc

The “Bajacu Bohemian” styled shoot, as the name suggests, was very much inspired by the incredible venue. The elevated oceanside villa, and its designer, world famous architect Marco Aldaco, have been featured in many substantial books and such noteworthy publications as Architectural Digest. Bajacu literally “rising sun” in the native Caribbean Taino tongue, is apparent from the moment one sets eyes on the burnt orange exterior, set far above the surrounds on one of the highest perches on the island of Providenciales. The view, especially from the crescent shaped infinity pool which wraps around the giant central palapa, is made that much more spectacular by the 11 surrounding acres of lush tropical gardens thick with frangipani, jasmine, and countless coconut trees. Antique furnishings from Africa, Indonesia, and Asia create a warm ambiance. The global influences in the art, decor, and details give guests a taste of the world and so we wanted to incorporate that free spirited love of travel and all things rich in color into our concept.

Bajacu Bohemian Turkish Tea Station

Bajacu Bohemian Ceremony, infinity pool to ocean views

Bajacu lush gardens

Bajacu Bohemian canopied Daybed

Bajacu bride with amazing ocean views

Our color scheme was richly saturated; pomegranate, watermelon, tangerine, golden yellow, and the infamous Bajacu burnt orange (and just about everything in between). Dozens of dark metal Moroccan and glass lanterns in various shapes and sizes dotted the walkway to the sea and clustered around the ceremony site for a dramatic, exotic feel. Bright gypsy inspired patchwork flag strands were hung to flap and flutter against the pure blue sky. A kaleidoscope of patterned pillows made the canopied daybed extra plush and inviting as a newlywed nook. Bright yellow fan corals and citrus slices adorned the fountains and footbaths.

Bajacu Bohemian color scheme

Bajacu Bohemian Daybed Newlywed Nook

Bajacu Bohemian bright blooms and sea fans

Bajacu Bohemian bride and groom in front of water wall fountain

Local florist extraordinaire Environmental Arts Pomegranate Proteas and and lime cymbidium orchids were the focal flowers of the bouquet and decor. Tangerine, peach, and fuscia carnations were used to create Indian inspired floral garlands which were draped in long strands. The grooms lime green and fuscia centered cymbidium orchid boutonniere popped against his midnight blue blazer. A festive crown of colorful carnations and bright blue and purple orchid blooms was the perfect head to toe touch for our boho bride. Single stems of all of the above and local lantana, which both looks and smells as sweet as candy, were centered in brightly colored glass vases for the tablescape.

Bajacu Bohemian gypsy style Ceremony

Bajacu Bohemian Pineapple and Protea tablescape

Bajacu Bohemian Bride with floral crown at footbath

Bajacu Bohemian Indian inspired flower strands

Bajacu Bohemian driftwood “skull” with Environmental Arts floral crown

Our Turkish tea station, an antique chest draped in many patterned peregrine fabrics and florals, made a vibrant welcome for our boho wedding. Gold detailed Morroccan teacups, antique silver, bronze, and gold teapots, and blooms galore surrounded our mouthwatering cake by Diane Guess. Loose wild rosettes in a watercolor wash down the three tiers mimicked the many shades of the “Bajacu” rising sun.

Bajacu Bohemian Turkish Tea Trunk

Watercolor Wash Sunset Cake by Cakes to Di For

Our gorgeous watercolor wash paper goods were provided by Artcadia

Bajacu Bohemian pineapple and protea tablescape

Bajacu Bohemian paper goods by Artcadia

The fabric flag strands were created using materials from the local thrift shop; skirts, shirts, and sundresses were cut into squares and alternated down the line with a few long strips to act as streamers in between. Mother Nature made the unbelievable driftwood “skull” which I adorned with a vivid turquoise and gold necklace to give a desert chic feel to the ceremony. A traditional gift of Caribbean welcome is the pineapple so the exotic fruit acted as table card stands. A few pillow covers were made from the same thrift store fabrics as the flags for the canopied daybed.

Bajacu Bohemian gypsy flag strands

We wanted our bride to convey a sense of mystery in her beauty look, smokey eyes and windswept hair. Ann Clift Northcote of Beauty and the Beach created our make-up looks and Geraldine Burtschi of Salon Maxime styled the hair.

Bajacu Bohemian Bride and Groom

Bajacu Bohemian bridal make-up by Beauty and the Beach, gowns by Luella’s Boutique

Our three gorgeous gowns were provided by Luella’s Boudoir. Each exhibited a different take on bohemian; the plunging neckline dramatic floor length beaded gown, the metallic beaded sheath, and the satin cap sleeve long dress with draped back detail. (Details from Rachel) Our groom wore a midnight blue suit and crisp white dress shirt provided by Mr. Tux. Accessories for a boho bride make all the difference! The most elegant gown can be given an edgy twist with a little accessory finesse, which is exactly what we did with our three bridal looks. The sophisticated Great Gatsby-esque gown was already dripping with detail so we wanted to keep the accessories minimal to let the dress do it’s own shining. A bronze wrap around feather cuff bracelet, a long gold medalion necklace, and large but lightweight filigree drop earrings polished the look. The intricate sheath gown with silver, gold, and bronze beading was paired with dangling filigree gold earrings, a necklace (chanelle details), and chunky gold, silver, and vintage bronze bangle bracelet. Our sleek satin gown was paired with a pearl headdress (Rachel details) and oxidized silver necklace. Our groom was accessorized with a woven red earth colored tribal scarf. As one would expect with a gypsy inspired wedding, our bohemian bride and groom were barefoot!

Bajacu Bohemian great Gatsby-esque gown

Bohemian Bridal Beaded Sheath gown from Luella’s Boutique

Bajacu Bohemian Satin Gown from Luella’s Boutique

m in navy suit from Mr Tux

When choosing a venue take note of all the little details you love, perhaps a pair of potted plants in antique urns or an amazing velvet fainting sofa. With Bajacu there were so many details already part of the villa which were shifted around to add style to the overall look and feel; the Moroccan lanterns, the wooden leaning ladder for the ceremony, the glorious blue and white china for the tablescape just to name a few. Inquire with the venue management about those details you love. Can they be moved to your ceremony spot, can they grace your reception tables? Geting creative with what is already available is a nice way add drama without a dramatic increase in budget.

Chanelle and I had such fun with this concept, lots of laughs having to help one another up from the floor set tablescape due to our heavily pregnant bellies at the time. Big thanks to all the vendors who participated, you all made our punchy-colored-gypsy-vibe vision come true! Turks and Caicos really has the most vivid turquoise sea, come see for yourselves!

Stacie Steensland

Category Archives: Creative Work

Kate’s Maternity Shoot with Marisa Findlay

Painting Inspirations

An Exclusive Evening of Art at the Amanyara

Bajacu Bohemian featured on Rock My Wedding

New Neutral Abstract