The theme of our summer issue was Blue Urchin, and we live nowhere near an ocean. So, on an early Chicago summer afternoon, we drew our deep blue cover from the waters of Lake Michigan.
It was our regular motley crew of Reverie Fair players. Nikki volunteered to take the plunge as model this time. Sasha was production stylist, performer of prop magic to realize Carly’s vision for the cover. And, since the other experienced photographer was going to be in front of the camera, senior editor Laura stepped in as photo assistant – also self-appointed ladder spotter for Carly, who is pregnant this summer.
The forecast predicted storms but we decided that if it rained, we would work with it. We packed Carly’s SUV with all things ocean; strings of shells and pearls, nets, driftwood, starfish, and a bag with all the waterproof makeup we had. The dress was a dark blue taffeta gown. Knowing the dress would not survive the day, we resolved to make its last wearing memorable.
Fred and Rosemary Braun loaned us a room in their home, formerly the Dunes Shore Inn. As we prepped for the shoot, it felt a bit like coming home. All of us have spent weekends at the DSI over the decades, and Fred and Rosemary are like family. If not for their hospitality, we would have been doing wardrobe, makeup and hair in the car.
After pinning Nikki into the dress and draping her from head to toe in sea treasure, Carly applied shadow around her eyes in dramatic blues and greens. We thought it looked perfect, but Car wasn’t done yet.
Reverie Fair / July. 2015 16