Sophia’s Lounge + The Ivey’s hotel // charlotte, nc

When Harry Styles’ seemingly innocuous Vogue cover ignited yet another heated 2020 discord, we knew we needed to stand for the fluidity of gender expression and affirm these individuals--so we set out to design this shoot.  Charlie, a Tiwanese-American, stole the show by defying gender norms in a stunning fringed number by Loulette Bridal topped with a Varca Bridal pleated coat and five inch stilettos; while his Afganahni-American fiance, Mush, was the perfect complement in his jacquard tuxedo by Geno’s Formal Affair all supplied by Juniper James Bridal.  Floral installations by Meraki Blommor, Art Deco-inspired jewelry from Lassoed Moon and The Antiquarian as well as a masterful cake by August June Desserts were all set against the backdrop of Sophia’s Lounge and The Ivey’s Hotel, a premiere speakeasy-esque lounge and boutique hotel in Charlotte’s Fourth Ward.  The shoot included an intimate “brunch-in-bed” session with the couple and we took to the streets of downtown to showcase the love shared between the two.  In the wake of the Capitol Insurrection, this shoot and collaboration of LGBTQIA+ celebratory vendors was the hope we needed.