Spellbound

Enchanting. Dazzling. Charismatic.

When four local anchors gathered for a photo shoot on location at the lush, jewel-toned Daxton Hotel in Birmingham, something magical happened.

Sandra Ali (CBS Detroit), Amy Andrews (Fox 2 Detroit), Alicia Smith (WXYZ Detroit) and Rhonda Walker (WDIV-Local 4 News) are each award-winning heavyweight journalists in their own right. Brilliant, quick-witted, genuine and captivating, each is also warm and engaging — and their million-watt smiles are the mesmerizing cherries on top.

But together, they transformed an already exciting photo shoot into a playground of a group of mutually respected colleagues who never get to play together. They lit up the room with energy and excitement.

The best part? By the end of the day, the four were chatting, hugging and exchanging phone numbers like long-lost friends, eager to perpetuate this magical bond.

Read on to see how photographer Aly Darin (who is featured in “Capturing Light” in this issue) captured the day’s radiance, and turn to “Rise & Shine” in this issue to learn more about each anchor.

STYLING FOR SANDRA ALI

Wardrobe Stylist: Merna Makdisi

Dress: Jaus

Hair: Chrissy at Toro, Birmingham

Makeup: Nancy Paterra, Todd’s Room, Birmingham

STYLING FOR ALICIA SMITH

Dress: Theia Couture, Saks Fifth Avenue, Somerset Collection, Troy

Shoes: Jimmy Choo, Somerset Collection, Troy

Hair: Sandy LaBelle, Beauty Collective, Birmingham

Makeup: Elizabeth Arsov, Elizabeth's Head to Toe, Birmingham

Nails: Orsela Mesi, Angel Nails & Spa, Royal Oak

STYLING FOR AMY ANDREWS