As the sun began to set in Nelson, Nevada, we weren’t quite ready to hit the road. For our final look, photographer Lisa Devlin knew just how to perk us up when she pulled out a few packs of colored smoke bombs. As Kat lamented, “Turns out Nevada state law is slightly cray-cray about fireworks. In fact, Lisa and Amy had to add an hour to their drive up from LA to visit a town called Pahrump —apparently one of the only towns in Southwest America where you can legally buy them!”

Smoke bombs from a distance look super rad but when they’re being let off in multiples in front of you, a good amount of watery eyes, smoke inhalation and in turn, lack of composure are bound to happen! Kat and Gala’s smoke bombs went off without a hitch but mine fizzled out every time. Sad!

Shortly after this shot, I jumped out of the frame with tears streaming down my face.

I Wore:

Silver dress, Camilla & Marc
Sequin mouse ears, Disneyland
Tights, H&M
Boots, Ai for Matiko

Kat Wore:

Custom-made Gown, Charlotte Balbier Tutti Frutti

Melissa Lady Dragon shoes, Vivienne Westwood

Skull Ring, Butler & Wilson

Gala Wore:

Shirt, Betsey Johnson

Feather Dress, Betsey Johnson

Bedazzled glasses, Tequila Star

Star headband, Janine Basil

Shoes, Chinese Laundry

If Kat was an ice skater, this would be her drama-filled finale.

Obviously, one of Elton John’s backup singers got dropped in the desert on her way to Disneyland! I sure wouldn’t pick that creep up. 😉

Credits:

Photography: David McNeil Photography & Lisa Devlin Photography
Assisted by: Amy Bartlam
Hair & Make Up: Your Beauty Call 
Florals: Enchanted Florists
Location: Nelson, Nevada

As the sun went down, we got some final group shots on the road out of town. Desert sunsets are the best. I think we were all a little sad for such an epic day to end. Refreshingly, our best time in Vegas was nowhere near The Strip or a shopping mall or the internet. I think we’re all a little obsessed with ghost towns now.

After our Airstream adventures at Circus Circus, Kat, Gala and I hopped in our rental car and hit the open road. We drove and drove and drove, further into the barren desert towards Nelson, Nevada. Long, dusty roads opened to what can only be described as a ghost town bathed in golden light. We hadn’t seen anyone for miles but surprisingly, the town was hopping with action, packed with buses of onlookers and brides and grooms.

The desert sun was fading fast so we stumbled through the rocky landscape, striking poses in a wave of tulle and sequins. I’d set aside a special yet bizarre dress that reminded me of the scales of a goldfish. Slipping into its structured casing felt like otherworldly armor. Changing in the parking lot was our only option and the dress got stuck on my hairdo and wouldn’t budge. I stood there in an awkward state of undress until Kat stepped in to help. Neither of the girls could stop laughing at what appeared to be a headless sequined monster.

Originally settled as a mining town, the remnants feel more like an old western movie set. The town is like an obstacle course of awesomeness, dotted with decaying barns, burned-out cars and vintage signs at every turn. Gala, Kat and I would be perfectly content moving in for a short while and setting up a homestead…except I don’t think there’s a Wifi signal for miles!

Even with its dark history, the current incarnation of Nelson is pretty idyllic. We felt right at home.

It should be known that Gala is like Spiderman in heels. She’s never, ever content to stay on the ground. I’ve watched her scale huge ladders in New York and hang from slippery monkey bars in Paris. I have a feeling she was a stuntwoman in a past life.

I Wore:

Half Moon Pailette Dress, ASOS
Tights, H&M
Belt, Forever 21
Romeo & Juliet clutch, Kate Spade
Marbled silk heels, Dries van Noten

Gala Wore:

1950s purple prom dress, Vintage
Sparkly bunny ears, Janine Basil
Star Earrings, Im Your Present
Starburst ‘Polly’ shoes, Betsey Johnson

Kat Wore:

1940s mint green vintage dress, Frock and Roll Vintage

Aurora Borealis necklace, Topshop

Custom pink Swarovski Crystal Rhiana shoes, Benjamin Adams

Vivien headpiece, DC Bouquets

Once this shoot wrapped, we had one more trick up our sleeves. Tune back in on Monday to see our final look!

Credits:

Photography: David McNeil Photography & Lisa Devlin Photography
Assisted by: Amy Bartlam
Hair & Make Up: Your Beauty Call 
Florals: Enchanted Florists
Location: Nelson, Nevada

The first of our three-part photo series from a whirlwind trip to Vegas last month is finally here!

Circus Circus is one of those classic Las Vegas landmarks that conjures up images of a bygone era. Opened in 1968 and the size of a spacious compound, it features a famous indoor carnival midway stuffed to the brim with kid’s games but Kat, Gala and I were there for a lesser-known attraction: the RV park. Of course, this being Vegas, the RV park had an extra special attraction — Airstream trailers!!!

Behind the scenes, this photo shoot took months of planning with constant emails flying back and forth between me in Portland, Gala in New York, wedding photographer Lisa Devlin and Kat in the U.K. and wedding photographer David McNeil, who happened to be in India at the time. Somehow though, it came together beautifully as the crew showed up at 9 a.m. sharp to our suite at The Cosmopolitan in late February.

To be completely honest, this is the first time I’d been on a shoot of this size and had both my hair and makeup professionally done. Your Beauty Call fixed the three of us up in record time and whatever magic the makeup artist LaVey used is beyond me — 10 hours later, our faces were still in place, even after frolicking through a windswept desert. And, my backcombed ‘do lasted for four days afterward. Trust me, with this heavy mop of hair, that’s a world record. These girls can handle Paris Hilton and The Kardashians so surely they have a few tricks up their sleeves!

I Wore:

Neoprene Dress, Asos
Tights, H&M
Boots, Camilla Skovgaard

Kat Wore:

1950s pink vintage dress, Frock and Roll Vintage
Neon pink petticoat, borrowed from Gala
Shoes, Irregular Choice Patty
Hair Bow, Chubby Bunny

Gala Wore:

Bedazzled Mickey Mouse ears, xo Erika Marie
$20 purple dress
Belt, Betsey Johnson
Shoes, Chinese Laundry

Thanks to everyone for a day I’ll never forget. It all feels very far away now but the photos bring back all the memories of one of the best twelve hour stretches of my life. The magic of Vegas really comes alive when you’re surrounded by a great group of people.

Credits:

Photography: David McNeil Photography & Lisa Devlin Photography
Assisted by: Amy Bartlam
Hair & Make Up: Your Beauty Call 
Florals: Enchanted Florists
Location: Circus Circus RV Park, Las Vegas