At The Picket Fence with Vanessa Hunt

Where Ideas for your Home Meet Inspiration for your Heart

Better Homes and Gardens comes to Kentucky…behind the scenes of a photo shoot

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This is going to be a long one folks…thanks for indulging me.

It started two months ago with an email.  The irony of it all was that I was on the phone with my mom who had finally got ahold of a copy of our At The Picket Fence feature in Romantic Homes Magazine.  We were discussing how cool the whole thing was, when I happened to glance down at an email that came through on my phone….and I might have screamed a little in the phone…sorry mom.
It went a little something like this:
“….Hi this is Kit from Better Homes and Gardens…I showed your project (kitchen island) to our editor-in-chief, and she would like to feature it (for an I Did It! Feature) in an upcoming issue. To do this, we would like to send a photographer and a photo stylist to your house for a day to photograph you and your island. Would that be possible?”
Would that be possible?! Um….so I screamed and screamed and jumped up and down, and my poor mom was screaming, “what?! what?!” and I couldn’t even breathe…and I might have started crying.  Cause see…I ADORE Better Homes and Gardens, like seriously there has been decades of BHG love in this home.  I keep every issue and have them categorized by year.  In fact, I even get TWO copies of BHG every month because in my enthusiasm subscribed twice this year…haha!
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So after calming down, I replied to Kit’s (assistant editor at BHG) email and welcomed them with open arms into our home.  After an exchange of emails, Kit informed me that it would be late May/early June before they would be traveling to Kentucky. And then I waited, and waited, and tried to guess when they might come.  I piddled a little here and there to finish up some kitchen projects I had been putting off, knowing I had plenty of time. 
Until two weeks ago…when I received an email from Kit stating that the photographer had an opening and was available the 26th/27th of April!! Um, heart attack! She was so sweet and said if it wasn’t convenient they totally understood…but seriously who says “no” to Better Homes and Gardens! Winking smile 
So after panicking for about three hours, I emailed back and said, “come on out to Kentucky!”
I spent the next two weeks completing the kitchen…and about twenty other major projects in the house…I mean c’mon BHG is spending two days here,  of course I wanted everything to be perfect even the parts they weren’t photographing. I walked around with paint down my arms and in my hair and a look of panic in my eyes for these last two weeks and all of my friends were so sweet and understanding and didn’t tell me I was a crazy woman….at least to my face. Winking smile   I also was helping to plan a prom in the middle of all this…just to add a little excitement into the mix.
I want to take a moment to thank a couple of dear friends who came over to help me with a couple of projects I couldn’t complete in this timeframe on my own.  My friend John who is a contractor and came over and added extensions and crown molding to the top of my cabinets. Also, my best friend Robin, who is an incredible seamstress,  for finishing my seat cushion on my window seat.  Both took several hours and I appreciate them so much! I will share more of their gorgeous work in a kitchen update post next week.

Besides working fast and furiously to get the kitchen ready, I also had to get myself ready! ugh! My least favorite part of this whole thing.  I hate to be photographed, especially when I don’t have control of the editing. My sweet friend, kept telling me to “stop fearing man, and what man thinks…and worry about how this can give glory to God” Amen!
I was in contact with Stacey the fabulous photo stylist about what to wear and in what colors, and hit the stores for a whirlwind shopping spree. On Wednesday, I rushed in for a color touch up and cut, where my hair stylist proceeded to pick paint out of my hair!
Wednesday is also when “the boxes” started showing up. Big boxes. Huge Boxes. Boxes marked from “Better Homes and Gardens” eek! This was really happening.
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Stacey arrived first, after a flight into Louisville, lugging in several bags from a stop off at Whole Foods for staging.  We quickly began to unload her bags and the boxes that had arrived full of props.
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My dining room quickly began to look like we were moving.
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The first thing we did was unload my kitchen, all of it. into the living room.  So much for that perfectly cleaned living room. Winking smile

Then Stacey began staging to get a jump start on the morning.  I can’t show you pictures of any of the kitchen too close up  staged for the shoot or anything that looks too much like the final feature, but I was given permission to share lots of behind the scenes shots. 

Edmund Barr (the photographer of many, many amazing BHG features) came breezing in from Los Angeles a few hours after Stacey,   looking hip and cool, but so down to earth and fun and funny. I couldn’t have asked for nicer, kinder, people to spend two days with.  We laughed, and joked and just hung out.  They made me feel so comfortable and relaxed and for that I thank them so much!

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Edmund dragged in several bags of equipment, it’s amazing what they have to bring with them!  He began to set up for the shoot the next day.

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We went over my wardrobe and discussed what outfits to start out with.
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I steered them to a great little Mexican restaurant nearby and then they left for the evening, around 7:30 pm. 

It was a miracle that I slept that night.

The next morning the sun rose bright and early, and so did I!

Stacey and Edmund showed up to the house at 8:30 am and got busy right away.  My friend and former student, Allie, arrived to take these behind the scenes photos for me (thank you Allie!). I on the other hand sat. and sat. and sat. I truly had no idea how much preparation went into setting up a room for a shoot.  Everything had to be just perfect.

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Edmund worked on getting his equipment situated and spent over an hour on just the lighting, this takes setting up a shot to a whole other level! It’s serious business, and makes my little blog photo shoots look like child’s play!
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Stacey worked on getting the food and plants prepped for the photo shoot.
 
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I sat and visited with my best friend, Robin. And I drank coffee. And she fixed my hair for me, with Zoe at my side..

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And we drank some more coffee. And listened to Edmund and Stacey swap stories about all of the different jobs they had worked on and showing us which recent features they had done in BHG…and we were in awe. and drank more coffee.
My sweet mom-in-love had prepared a wonderful brunch and then a delicious lunch of chicken salad sandwiches for us, and Stacey and Edmund were so appreciative!

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We were informed that doesn’t happen very often, but hey we’re in the south and that calls for some good ole’ southern hospitality!

When everything was just perfect it was time for me to jump in the shots. 

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I was so nervous but Edmund and Stacey helped me to relax. Edmund loved to say things like, “Hi America!” “Hi everyone in my doctor’s office!” I told him that wasn’t helping my nervousness. ha!
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They would occasionally stop to make a quick text or phone call with BHG Headquarters, to get instructions or to run different shots or ideas by them.
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Stacey and Edmund would pause to view the photos in this cool big picture viewing thing..

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Of course, the best way to enjoy this whole process…is to not take yourself too seriously!

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After taking several different shots I changed clothes and my sweet puppy Zoe showed up at my side.  My daughter suggested we should include Zoe in the photos if we wanted them to be realistic since Zoe never leaves me.  Edmund and Stacey thought that would be a great idea, so we did several shots with Zoe….and in my opinion those were the best ones! 

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I sure hope she shows up in the feature, that would make it just perfect!

After hundreds of photos and a few hours, we were done! It became a whirlwind of activity, since Edmund and Stacey were flying out that afternoon.

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We all chipped in and worked hard to get them packed up…there was even some sillinness at the end, I think we were all a little tired.
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Stacey taped up all of the boxes and left them for Fed Ex pickup and then after chatting a little, a hug goodbye…

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…and a quick picture together…they were gone.

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My special day was over, but I have so many amazing memories.  Edmund and Stacey were a dream to work with, and it was a dream day for me.  I feel so honored to have had this opportunity and now it’s just a matter of waiting now to see the results in print.  Because we don’t have a definitive month yet, I will just say for now that it will most likely be fall before it’s out.

I want to thank Better Homes and Gardens for such an amazing opportunity and for their professionalism from beginning to end.

Thank you for allowing me to share this special moment in my life with you all, my friends here At The Picket Fence. This is an opportunity that any one of you talented women and men could have, so if this is something you dream of…keep putting yourself and your hard work out there, you never know who’s watching and paying attention!
Thanks for meeting me today…and Better Homes and Gardens…at the picket fence!
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Don’t forget we have a great giveaway going on right now from My Memories!
Also, we’re in the middle of our fabulous Derby Day Series this week hosted by the gals at The 2 Seasons. Today they are sharing the most important feature of the Kentucky Derby…the hat of course!

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    Comments

    2. Oh wow, it looks so exciting! Thanks for the sneak peek behind the scenes photos, it’s crazy how much work goes into it! And how sweet of your mum in love to provide a lunch.
      Can’t wait to see the final photos when the magazine comes out.
      The shot of you and Zoe is so cute!

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    3. You should never have apologized for the length of this one, it was great! Thanks for sharing your wonderful experience with us!

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    4. Sooo Exciting. You Look Great, Heather. What a FuN DaY. Thanks for sharing the Details of this Day. I am anxiously awaiting to see all of the pics of your Southern Kitchen. Love to You, my dear friend… xOxOxO
      CheryL

      Reply

    7. What a wonderful experience for you! Thanks for sharing what you could. I’m anxiously awaiting the “rest of the story” when it arrives IN PRINT! xo

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    8. Heather – How exciting!!! Do you know what issue you will be in? I had a similar experience early April when Kit emailed me about being chosen for an I DId It feature for my home office. I think I had your same reaction. I read the first sentence and started jumping up and down. I couldn’t believe how much camera equipment they had. No wonder my photos never turn our as good as the ones in magazines – I don’t have 3 huge light sources! I was also amazed at how a few accessories from the stylist took the room to a whole new level. There is so much work that goes into one photo. Congrats again! I can’t wait to see your feature.

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    9. You must be on cloud 9. You (and Zoe) are definitely ready for the spotlight – you look amazing!

      Can’t wait to pour over the magazine and tell everyone “I knew her when”!!

      Congrats!
      Kelly

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    10. I am so excited for you. I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy of the issue. What a total honor!! You so deserve it. You are super talented.

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    13. 🙂 🙂 🙂 YAY! I’m soooo happy and excited for you! Amazing post, it really took me through everything you were feeling and experiencing! <3 Congrats again!

      -Evey

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    17. I am crying! Seriously…what in the world is wrong with me! What a dream come true! I have loved home magazines since I was a kid…when I was 15, I collaged an entire wall in my bedroom of the home I wanted to live in one day. My friends thought I was a total spaz. But, reading this makes me realize that if we dream big, big things can happen. Love ya Heather!

      Basking in your glory…

      Jessica

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    21. Heather, You look beautiful! What a fun few days for you, so happy for you to have a dream come true! You deserve it! 🙂 Loved seeing the behind the scenes stuff, thanks for sharing with all of us!

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    23. I am so excited to see it Heather. You looked great! It is so much fun and such a wonderful experience, you truly will never forget. Congrats girl!

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    24. What a wonderful post. So fun to get a peek. Great photos with you guys at the end. I can’t wait to get this one!!!! My husband will have to look too. This is so exciting. I can’t imagine!! You and Zoe looked great!!!! You friends helping, your MIL cooking… all so fabulous =)

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    26. Awesome…you go girl!!! Wow what a dream come true! So funny because as I was reading about you going around with your paint can sprucing things up, I was thinking to myself that I would be doing the exact same thing, so I don’t think you are crazy at all. That is unless I am crazy too! LOL!! Can’t wait to see your spread in BHG…be sure to keep us posted! Have a wonderful week Heather and congratulations!!!

      (And thanks for sharing!)

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    31. I just had to pipe up and say again how proud I am of you Heather!! You’ve worked so hard on your kitchen (and the rest of your home!) and have inspired me to attempt things in my own home I never would have otherwise. I love you so much and can’t imagine anyone more deserving of being celebrated like this!
      Your sis,
      V

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    32. Hi Heather! Oh, how wonderful this must have been. Love seeing your snaps and I just can’t imagine going through all of this. What an honor! You are just an amazing young woman and your work will go down in history! 🙂
      I hope your sweet little fuzzy face gets in the shots too.
      Can’t wait til the issue comes out.
      Be a sweetie,
      shelia 😉

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    35. Heather- Congratulations~ You are just beautiful…inside and out. I am so proud that someone recognized all your talents out there. How wonderful is that! I think you know I worked in TV many, many years ago…it is hard to believe all that goes on behind the scenes if you are on the outside of it all. Magazine shoots are the same way. Exhausting, isn’t it? Love to you, sweet girl! xo Diana ps…pop by and see my pink polka-dot bike if you get a chance-I know it will make you smile!;>)

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    41. That’s amazing–Congratulations!!! They couldn’t have picked a more beautiful and well loved home, it sounds like!! You look gorgeous in the pics you put up here.
      Being from the Bluegrass myself, I understand just how big of a deal this must have been for you. I can’t wait to see the pictures of your home!
      Blessings,
      Leslie

      Reply

    42. Congratulations! What a great experience for you – I’m sure the photos of your kitchen and you will be beautiful. Can’t wait to see the finished issue!

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    43. Congratulations Heather! I have been reading your blog for several months and I am NOT surprised that BHG has recognized your talent. I see a lot more success in your future.

      Debbie

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    47. An experience of a lifetime…a pie in the sky dream for many and You grabbed that pie and threw it in the wagon and hitched it to a star!!….So, so incredibly excited for you…two magazine features in the same year?…How incredibly wonderful!!!

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    48. Congrats on the feature and the opportunity to show off your beautiful home in an amazing magazine! You really deserved the chance to display all of your hard work! And you really look so great in the pictures. All the best! Emily

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    52. Congratulations on this momentos occasion! I’m thrilled for you. I subscribe to that magazine, so I will be sure to look for your feature. The teaser shots are great. I am amazed at how much goes into a photo shoot! Thanks for sharing your special day with all of us and we can now say, “We knew you when”. Ha!

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    53. Heather, wow, you look wonderful in the photos. You are SO photogenic and I love your hair!! I didn’t realize how much went into all this, so glad you had such great people to work with. Can’t wait to see the feature. I’m like you, BHG is a magazine that I’ve subscribed to for about 30 years.

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    54. Heather this is so much fun!!! Thank you for letting us all in on this amazing experience. I can’t wait for the issue to come out too! Wow, what an incredible experience you had. Thank you so much for sharing. -K

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    64. i had NO IDEA how much work goes into those photo shoots! it makes me feel SO MUCH BETTER about my own home and how imperfect it is nearly all of the time!

      I’m so excited for you, and so glad you got to have such an incredible few days! can’t wait to see you in BHG!

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    67. Oh, boy! How exciting!! Heather, I would have screamed into the phone, too–and probably peed in my pants! Sorry–that sounds terrible, but BH&G?? How I love that magazine! I’ve been reading it since I was 10 years old and loved my mom’s subscription! Such a wonderful, wonderful magazine. I feel like I’ve known the editors over the years. It’s such a REAL person magazine, and yet it’s so well done. You should be very proud. I look forward to seeing you and your kitchen in print!

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    68. What an amazing experience! I’m so happy that it exceeded your dreams:) Thanks for sharing, Heather! Can’t wait to for when the magazine comes out, and I can show everyone:)

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    69. So, so happy for you, Heather!! I can’t wait to see the magazine with your article! You know I’ve loved that island forever!! BH&G has great tastes!! Too, too cool!!

      {HUGS},
      kristi

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    70. BHG!!!!! You should have called, I would have picked them up and delivered them to you! 🙂 Seriously, major honor and well-deserved! I’ll be looking for this.

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    71. congratulations to you! it couldn’t have happened to a nicer person and blogger!! thanks for sharing the behind the scenes info…it was fascinating to read!

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    72. Oh my goodness. So much to say. Such a little comment box. I’m so excited for this, especially since BHG has been a part of my life for decades too! We’ll be looking for your feature in every issue until we see it. Yes, I know you said it would be fall, but we’re sort of obsessive like that. I think you should have an autographed copy give away. I loved how you had all that work done and they staged it anyway. With my luck, they would have brought a prop Debbie to stage as well. (Nah. Strike that. With my luck, they would make me wear a big blue costume and a hair net.)

      Congratulations, Heather! This is so fun.

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    80. Heather! That is so stinkin exciting and wonderful and amazing for you. You totally deserve it and you and your home looked completely gorgeous in all of the photos. Big Time Girl!
      xxx
      Kim

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    81. How wonderful Heather – so happy for you. I subscribe to BHG, so I will get to see it soon! That’s one of the things on my “to do” list – get my home featured in a few magazines. I have been clicking some items off this year – so hopefully I will be able to get this clicked off as well.

      Can’t wait to see it!!!

      Linda

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    83. Oh, WOW! Heather this is so exciting. I realize I’m a little late with my congratulations, (You know… new grandbabies have a way of changing a Nonna’s schedules!) but I am so glad I didn’t miss this big news! I’ll be watching for your BHG feature. What an amazing opportunity! 🙂

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    84. That is so fantastic, Heather! I’m thrilled & so excited for you. BH&G is one of my favs, too, so I will be waiting anxiously for your feature! Congratulations on what I’m sure was a job well done!
      CAS

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    87. That was so exciting. I know you feel blessed. I shared it on my blog. Love and hugs Cynthia

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    89. Congratulations! Can’t wait to see the issue and I hope they include Zoe! By the way, I have the same chandelier that’s in your kitchen. What a dream come true! I’ve been subscribing to BHG for years! I also get their special garden issues.

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    90. Hey Heather,
      I have Stacy and Edmund coming out to my house next Friday! We are doing a Christmas “I did it” piece. I am freaking crazy and wild and just like how you sound here! I was just wondering which issue you will be in?
      Kim

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    92. It was such a pleasure hearing your story this weekend at the Southern Bloggers Conference and sharing in the moment of your Wendy’s bathroom experience!! I loved how fun, informative, and sharing you were!! It truly is wonderful when you meet the people you follow and they are exactly what you expected!!! You are so sweet and genuine and it was such a pleasure meeting you!! ~ Lori {@Vintage Charm Restored}

      Reply

    93. congratulations! I found you through BH&G this month…just thought I’d check out your blog and I am so happy I did. So inspiring! How fun for you to experience this with the neatest magazine around!!

      Reply

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