Wedding Tiaras - Photo Shoot

Last week was probably one of the most eventful weeks I've ever had.  I started the week by passing my driving test.  I'm 33 so I decided it was time to learn to drive so people would stop looking at me like I'm a weirdo.

This however was an non event compared to what was to come mid week with my first ever professional photo shoot for Wedding And Gems.  Usually I do my own photography but I find trying to capture the sparkle of Swarovski crystal really difficult. Plus I wanted to be able to show people what my creations look like when they're being worn. So I contacted Luke from Luke Richards Photography and he arrange for the lovely Carla Monaco to model. 

I intended to take my own camera to the shoot to show you some behind the scenes photos but I actually forgot the camera. Duhhh! 

I know we've probably all caught the odd episode of America's Top Model and have a rough idea of how photographers and models work together to create amazing images, but to see that close up and to actually have some input was pretty awesome. I really did feel honoured to be part of that creative process. 

Seeing my handmade bridal accessories being worn (and worn so well) really made me see my creations in a brand new light.  Normally I just see them as an object, nothing more than the raw materials and invested time but on the model, they became something else, something that I could be really proud of.

I'm still looking through the hundreds of photos I received from Luke and a week later I'm still looking at them in awe.  I really couldn't have found a better photographer or model.  I think I declared things as "perfect" a number of times and it was one of those days that I'll look back on in years to come and still have a big silly grin plastered to my face.

Carla is really as beautiful as she looks. She's really down to earth, friendly and easy to chat to. It was a pleasure to meet her. I've focused a lot on Carla in this blog post but Luke deserves a mention too. He was easy and fun to work with. No hidden extras and no fuss. I don't have a photo of Luke to share, so I'll link to his website instead. Luke Richards Photography

So who am I?

Since is my very first post on this blog I thought I better introduce myself.

My name is Kerrie Giles or as many refer to me; Kerrie G. I have a wonderful husband and two beautiful children.


I'm the main designer for a bridal accessories company - Weddings and Gems. It's a job love because I get to work closely with brides and I get the opportunity to make their visions come true.

You can also see some of my work on sites such as; Etsy, Waleno and Luulla (as well as the main site - Wedding And Gems).

Not only do I just design jewellery, I love paper crafts (but really struggle with it) and digital design so you'll find me on zazzle too.

Get around don't I?

I'm woman who tends to craft first, housework second.  I get much more enjoyment creating something, than cleaning something, I'm sure you can sympathise.

So you might be wondering what I'm going to talk about on my new blog?

Well I'm probably going to ramble a lot, go off on a random tangent, share my crafting successes and failures with you.  Let you know what drives my need to create, share my favourite things to work with and basically anything that pops into my mind.

If you've found yourself here you've probably come because of my role at Wedding And Gems so of course, I'll show you my latest designs from drawn design to the actual creation and packaging.

Stay tuned - I'll be back soon...