Every spring, Carly Cooke of Flux Jewelry Studio and Anika Wilson of Bad Rabbit Flowers, both based in Westbrook, begin brainstorming photo ideas. They develop a loose theme, usually communicated via an inspirational Pinterest board, and reach out to their favorite local hair and makeup artists along with a group of friends who participate as models. Carly and Anika tap a different photographer each year to bring life to their shoot—usually, they connect with a professional wedding photographer who’s excited to spend a day in fashion and portraiture.
The real magic happens on the day of the shoot, when the group finally gathers in person and everyone brings their own personality and artistic vision to the project. Hosted at Anika’s gorgeous flower farm, the day begins with hugs, snacks, and catching up, but quickly transforms into a flurry of makeup, jewelry, elaborate flower crowns, costumes, wild hairdos, and, usually, cake. More often than not, everyone is “winging it,” which creates a casual and often hilarious atmosphere that makes the event something everyone involved looks forward to year after year.
Though it’s difficult to find a setting more beautiful than Anika’s flower farm, one of the group’s favorite shoots was a tradition-breaking Marie Antoinette-themed party at an abandoned mansion in Peabody, Massachusetts. Owned by the city at the time, the gorgeous Victorian residence had been neglected for years and was in a state of intriguing and artistic decay. The original stained glass windows and crown molding were intact, but the paint was peeling and creeping vines had made their way inside. The photoshoot participants were granted access to the property and completely took over: they brought in luxury rented furniture, wildflowers and greenery from Wilson’s property, pearl jewelry, wigs, dresses, and mountains of sweets. The dilapidated mansion evolved into the perfect setting for a dreamy tea party for just one day before the group packed everything up and left the home as they found it. The property has since been renovated and is now the Bell Inn and Tavern, a boutique inn, restaurant, tavern, and basement bar on the North Shore.
Carly and Anika’s photoshoots have grown rapidly since the first in 2018, from painting nails while doing hair and makeup around the dining room table to a full-blown production. Word of mouth and Instagram searches have led to a core group of participants, but with so many talented creatives in Maine, there is a revolving door of artists who share their vision each year. Every individual photographer brings their own style to the table, eager to capture the jewelry and floral art that is central to each shoot. Once the photo gallery is complete, each participant has full rights to use the photos on their website, on social media, or in print. The team has an agreement in place: everyone involved benefits from cross-promotion and must credit the whole team when sharing photos. It’s an agreement that’s easy to honor, as the artists have an abundance of mutual respect and are eager to share each other’s work!
About the Organizers
Carly Cooke of Flux Jewelry Studio creates heirloom-quality jewelry using sustainably sourced precious gemstones and metals. With a nod to antique design and techniques, Carly specializes in filigree, engraved details, and all things fancy. Wedding jewelry, custom pieces, and fun cocktail rings are Flux signatures.
Anika Wilson of Bad Rabbit Flowers creates gorgeous flower installations, bouquets, and decor for weddings and special events. Utilizing blooms and foliage from her own garden and local sources whenever possible, Anika has a distinctively bold and unique style.
If you’re into mermaids, follow Anika and Carly on Instagram (@badrabbitflowers and @fluxjewelrystudio, respectively) to see what they cooked up this summer… it’s the most fabulous production yet!
Participating Artists:
Concept/planning/jewelry: Carly Cooke, Flux Jewelry Studio
Concept/planning/florals: Anika Wilson, Bad Rabbit Flowers
Photography: Misha Barker, Cody James Barry, Natalia Paliyenko
Hair: Rebecca Libby, Posh and Pinned
Desserts: Autumn Nomad
Rentals: Kadeema Rentals
Makeup: Rilee Elliot, Katherine Veayo
Models: Oronde Cruger, Michaela McVetty, Emily Phillips, Michal Mangan, Aimee Veneau, Sultana Khan