Never Letting Go

Title: Never Letting Go
Photographed by: Milli Stephania

Newlyweds, The Burgos, sneak off to soak in all their joy during their wedding reception

Family: Maldonado Christmas

Christmas isn’t a season.It’s a feeling

It’s that wonderful time of the year again. And after the year that we have had, We need all the positivity and enlightening spirit we can get.

This year has made you realize the things that truly matter. It’s not fancy clothes, going out and spending money at the clubs, it’s pending time with love ones and not taking them or their time for granted.

We never really know when it’s going to be the last time we see that favorite cousin, that uncle that always makes you laugh, or your grandmother who spends all her days in the kitchen making your favorite meals.

No matter the age, I’ll always be daddy’s little princess.

Family feeds your soul, they are always there to bluntly tell you the truth even if you don’t wanna hear it, and always be the ones to have your back in public, and then yell at you about in private.

It’s all love.

This session was so heartwarming for me to do, I’ve known my neighbors for almost 20 years, (Damn I’m getting old) And I’ve never seen My neighbor Liz, once show off any family photos.

Which is why this year I told her that nothing would make me happier than gifting her a family session with her family. Her daughter who’s away at college, her teenage son who is almost about to finish high school and her loving husband of many many moons.

They’ve been through so much this year, and if I could bring a little joy into their lives I was going to do that.

As soon as I told her the news she got so excited, and straightaway knew that she wanted everybody in pajamas, at home, all cozied up together. It was perfect.

It was great to see everybody laughing, and enjoying themselves at the session. John and Liz even showed me their last portrait session taken 17 years ago, when the kids were so tiny. It was taken at Sears and it was hung up on the living room wall and you can instantly see the style of the 90’s.

I laughed and joked that it was about damn time!

They both mentioned they couldn’t wait to get their new ones printed and framed to show off to anyone that walks in through the doors.

Once I delivered the gallery, I received messages of praises. This is one of the best feelings that comes with job, making those memories tangible.

I hope you all have a wonderful holiday and cherish the ones you have next to you.

Family: Dear Santa…

Feliz Noche Buena! It’s here guys we officially made it, it’s the holidays! It hasn’t been the easiest year, but it’s time to celebrate, we definitely deserve it.

I have about 3 to 4 years working with Darlene from Suitheelscurves , my favorite blogger. She focuses on everything from lifestyle, family and plus size fashion. She’s so freaking sweet and every time we work together, it’s always fun!

Since we like to work together in batches, let me explain, we take one day, with a whole bunch of outfits, and create content in bulk. So to me I didn’t think it was out of the ordinary to show up and go in one a few concepts today.

Little did I know that’s Arlene, had a pretty nice surprise up her sleeve, or should I say in her belly!

Creating these announcement images for Darlene was such a blessing, I definitely jumped up and down and gave her a huge hug! Now Michaela is going to be a big sister and her excitement is nothing short of enthusiastic.

Dear Santa, this year, a family of 3 will become a family of 4!

House of Roderick Pompadour Winter Fashion Week 2013

House of Roderick Pompadour Winter Fashion Week 2013

I don’t even know where to start, I guess the beginning will be a good choice but I rather start with the thank you’s.

Matt and Cassmodels

Thanks  to Matthew Colon, who at last minute gave me the opportunity to work under his co-partner Cass Jones; founder of VIP Skinz ( a body art shop, both temporary and permanent ).

With this call I was given the chance to work behind the scenes at “The House of Roderick’s Pompadour Winter Fashion Show” for 2013’s Fashion Week that was being hosted at the infamous Empire Hotel Rooftop.

Makeup artist Lady Lexxusmodel: Andrew Nierenburg and Cass Joness
I guess now we can start at the beginning. . .

me painting model: Rodney LozierHouse Of Roderick's jewelry
It was a rough morning. A very ” why out of all days is this happening to me” morning.

I headed out my apartment ready for a busy day, with my roller bag that was a little way too loud once it hit concrete, but it would have to do.

Everything fit perfectly and better yet, I didn’t have to struggle carrying anything. Especially since I was coming from Brooklyn.

paintingcass jones painting Haley Scnieder

Little did I know, and of course I happened to notice on the train ….

That horrible smell, I couldn’t stand it, and it was wickedly concentrated. Thanks to my cat, sarcastic as I could ever be… I failed to noticed that Vandal had taken upon himself to mark his territory on my bag.

And I of course only noticed when I was already on the train, looking at the time every chance I got.

I was running late, already on my way, worried and now I have to deal with the embarrassment of this stench. How professional.

painting the men model OakleyBoycott being sillypainting the back
Problem No.2 – I’ve never been to the Empire Hotel before, yes I’ve been invited many many times, which mostly was an invitation to wear a too tiny mini skirt, and parade around in heels until I got so drunk I wouldn’t be able to say pronounce my name anymore. I always said no.

the guysMatt painting
I take my phone out to the GPS the directions and today, of course my phone decides not to be activated.
And no, not because I didn’t pay it… But bc I share the plan with irresponsible people who I barely see, let alone speak to.

Models: Patrick Shannon& Andrew Nierenburg

But that’s a whole other story. No phone. No directions. I head to Columbus Circle because that’s the best my memory lets me get to and ask my way around, asking anybody and everybody where this hotel may be at.

mejewelry

It’s 10:20 am and I only wish I could reverse time by 20 minutes. I swear, I’m always late. I panic and make my way to the rooftop where I was told everyone ( body painters, constructors, models,  and Roderick himself will be. )
female modelsLady Lexxus doing makeup

Empty. If I was in the wrong place, I was screwed. With no way to contact anybody ( phone less) I asked around while I dragged around my stinky bag.

cassModel: Haley Scneider
I met Freddy, the hotel’s engineer for 12 years and very sweet man who assured me I was in the right place. I was just the first to arrive. He offers me a bottle of water from the bar and tells me to just sit and wait.
me paintingbackstage

Before I even do that I hide my bag across the room as far as I possible can. No one needs to be drenched in that.

model: Cierra Brooksmodel: Janice Picconi
I meet two ladies who happen to be event coordinators, and ask to borrow their phone. I call Cass at her shop and she assures me she’ll be there in an hour.  At least I’m not the one who’s late. A relief off of my shoulders.

me and Miss NY

The models arrive and Roderick does shortly after. I offer to help glue rhinestones on his flyers for the time being to keep myself busy and useful while the girls start to rehearse. Once I see two horns appear through the door I head downstairs to help Matt and Cass unpack all the supplies from the car.

models line up!Roderick himself putting on Jewlery
I haven’t had the chance to use an airbrush machine and I was eager to get the chance to learn tonight. It doesn’t look too difficult anyway.

matt adjusting jewelrycass getting her makeup done by lady lexxus
There was a lot of time in between actually starting to paint, but once we started I was excited to finally begin.

and the show begins model: Jessica Moore
We started with the 4 men who were to be positioned at the the end of the runway. Painted as roman/Greek statues.

model/dancer: Patrick Shannonmodel: janice Picconi

We airbrushed for a little while until the machine broke down and refused to work, which let us to our last minute plan B solution.

model: upamodel: Leona Chiaki Wilkes
We watered down some acrylic paint and some airbrush paint and started to sponge the guys down.  I had some guys screaming at how cold the water was, but all I could do was laugh.  I was titled “the evil one” all night.

model: Oakley Boycottmodel : Haley Scnieder
When it came to the women the concept was simply this: 12 women, half in real lingerie, the other half in fake lingerie.

end of the runwayend of the runway

That’s where we came in.

We, as in Cass, Matt and I painted stockings, garter belts, corsets, and bras.

It looked, what can I say… I personally think we did really well. Not to mention, that we finished RIGHT on time.

end of the runwayCass Jones
The show was already starting, cocktail hour had begun an hour ago, it was now 9pm and the models needed to be out.

Me
Roderick placed all the jewels on the models and they looked great.
That man really knows jewelry! Hey, that’s what we were all there for.

Bodyartist: me, Cass Jones, Matt Colon
Karen Gravano from Mob Wives was the guest emcee and the music soon began.

Thew group
Cass, Matt and I didn’t even have time to go and change… So we did the only thing we could do…

greek godsfreddy

We stripped down and threw on our fancy cocktail attire, all while covered in paint ( good thing I bring baby wipes ) we all got dressed in less than two minutes….

Cass Haley meMatt

And hey, we’ve been seeing boobs and spreading buttcheeks ( while we painted, pervs! ) all day, so I doubt we made any difference in all that behind the scenes action.
I ran out to catch the best glimpse of the show that I possibly could. After all this hard work, I definitely wanted to enjoy the end result.

Marl, Chris, Matt, Colon brothers rooftop
Everyone seemed to love it.
Once the dancer, ( Phillip did great ) and the models finished with their walks, it was time for the Crew to walk the runway.
I have never had so many flashes come at me at the same time. I had people screaming ” I’m from _____ magazine, look over here !” Or ” this way, this way_____ press”
It was , how can I say… Exhilarating.

Credits:

Concept and Show director: Roderick A. Gunsell

Emcee: Kathy Polston- Dalton- Mrs. New York Globe

Guest Emcee: Mrs KarenGravano- VH1 Mob Wives

Hair and Makeup: Lady Lexxus

Creative Body Concept : Cass Jones, Minxinx and Matt Colon

Models: Cierra Brooks, Oakley Boycott, Jessica Moore, Tanisha Weir, Amanda Uduka, Upa, Leona Chiaki Wilkes,

Janice Picconi, Patrick Shannon, Rodney Lozier, Andrew Nierenburg, Haley Scnieder, Hannah

All Photos on this blog, by me.