#darcyhammer

Our industry friends challenged us to create a wreath that wows. The result? A fun, festive and very merry holiday arrangement.

It really is the most wonderful time of the year! And MDP wanted to do something special to commemorate this joyous season. So when an old friend posted a 'horse wreath' to our producer, Michele Doucette's Facebook page, we knew we found the perfect project—all we needed were the creatives to pull it off!

OUR CHRISTMAS CREW

Darcy Hammer, Floral Designer & Visual Stylist Asking Darcy to style this shoot was a no-brainer. She's a master carpenter with a graduate degree in sculpture and a passion for nature. For business inquiries, contact her agency Anchor Artists or visit her website: Le Rêve Floral Design and Event Styling.

Glenn Scott, Photographer Located on Boston's North Shore, Glenn specializes in commercial projects for advertising, catalog, and publishing. He's no stranger to MDP, in fact we've been working with Glenn for years—and it was his brilliant idea to document the wreath making process using stop motion photography. Be sure to check out his other work here!

Matthew Eriksen, Creative Direction An advertising student with a passion for brand building and a love of theatrics. Matthew's involvement with MDP stretches from on-set production coordination to crafting online campaigns.

THE SHOOT

It all started with a wooden frame, a few wires and an equine shape.

Glenn back-lit the wreath in order to highlight each step of the production process. Kudos to Darcy to the stellar carpentry work!

Before getting started, Darcy shared her style notes with our producer, Michele.

With so many fresh firs and ferns, the aroma of evergreen took over the studio—it smelled just like a Yankee Candle (and we weren't complaining)!

1, 2, 3...action! Darcy and Glenn team up for the first shot.

Over 2 hours was spent on prepping and styling our wreath; we made sure no piece was out of place and that our horse would hold its shape.

A stepladder, some strobe lights and photographer 10 feet in the air...what could go wrong?! Absolutely nothing. The aerial perspective Glenn achieved in each shot lent perfectly to the final product.

What makes a good holiday wreath? Is it the materials? It's shape? The decorations? We asked our savvy stylist to give her two cents.

Darcy: All of the above. It has to be fantastical. That's what wreaths are all about, right? There's something mystical about the feeling he holidays bring over us; a suspension of disbelief. Whether the wreath is light and delicate, or lush and full—it's all about telling a good story. I prefer lots of textures in the material combinations I choose and love to play around with the shape. Sometimes the structure of the wreath plays the main role, and others, it's in the detail. I am a HUGE fan of unconventional add-ons. How about some vintage silverware or natural finds from the beach...maybe even some home-made cable-knit ornaments? Whatever you choose, choose from the heart.

We brought in the best and the brightest lights to add that extra twinkle. And thanks to assistant stylist, Jessica (Anchor Artists) the scrim was silky smooth and wrinkle-free.

A reclaimed, textured window became the perfect portal to hang our Christmas creation. But remember, wreaths don't just have live outside. You can bring them into your home to spruce up any space.

Our wreath was hung by Darcy with care, in hopes that help soon would be there.

Away to the window our team flew like a flash and tied it all up so our wreath would not crash.

When, what to our wondering eyes should appear, but a miniature horse, full of light and good cheer.

But it wasn't yet finished, our team gave a whistle, and away the snow fell like the down of a thistle.

Then the corks were popped, ‘ere our wreath was a sight...

"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!"