Behind the Scenes: What Every Olympian Needs

In the previous post featuring models from The Special Olympics of Missouri, I talked about what the staples are in any well heeled jewelry box.  The post was also a chance to get to work with some amazing professionals in various fields to give our Special Olympians the chance to be the super models that we all already knew they were!  Without the hard work of all the volunteers, jewelry designers, photographers, donors, hair and make-up artists, this would not have been the fun and satisfying day that it was. 

And...Since a picture is worth a thousand words, I won't muddy the waters any further with more sentiment.  I think that you will all be able to see the hard work and joy that everyone had in putting together the What Every Woman Needs post.

Janay Mallela (right) & I looking over jewelry & finalizing the outfits.

Janay & I admiring a necklace by Laurie Kaiser.

One of the models, Tiffany.

Two of our models, Danielle (far left) & Tanya (center) with their "agents."

Danielle (right) & I...The finishing touches.

Tanya (center) with our volunteers & model, Tiffany (far right), with an emerald, diamond & white gold necklace by Inspired Antiquity.

One of the dancers practicing.

We hadn't planned on dancers in the shots but this crew was practicing outside the Nelson-Atkins Museum were the photo shoot was.  They were gracious enough to agree to serve as some pretty amazing props in our photos.

The two Tiffanys prepping for a shot.

Model, Tiffany, & one of our photographers, Liz Ogle.

Tanya having some fun after the shoot....A little Harley ride with Widow Sons Motorcycle Club member, Joe.

Another member of the dance troop practicing his moves.

Model, Tiffany, & Janay styling the aquamarine & sterling silver baby lock necklace by Marla Aaron.

Tiffany & Tanya in "the zone" for their shoot.

What you can't see in this photo are the HUGE smiles on everyone's faces.  The photo shoot was filled with lots of laughing & smiling.  Each model had a full entourage following them around to make sure they had everything they needed.

Model, Tanya, & one of our photographer, Liz Ogle, with the full artisanal suite by Chinchar/Maloney in yellow gold, lapis & garnet.

Tiffany going for a ride after the shoot.

Two of our volunteers getting everyone signed in & the gift bags for our models ready.

Janay & Tanya working it.

Danielle taking her turn riding with the Widow Sons.

Model, Tanya, with her "agent," Linda.

Liz & Danielle modeling a necklace by Marla Aaron.

Even the Mr. helped out by providing local chaffeur services for models & volunteers to & from our different shoot locations.

Stylist, Janay Mallela, sorting gowns & accessories.

Our Sponsors & Donors

Jewelry:

Marla Aaron Jewelry 
Chinchar/Maloney
Laurie Kaiser Jewelry

Photography:
Liz Ogle Photography 
Nick Atwell Photography - all the photos in this post

Styling, Hair & Make-Up:
Salon Ami & Day Spa - hair and make-up
Janay A. Handmade - styling and accessories

Support Services:
Independence Limo Service - limousine service
Widow Sons Motorcycle Club - props & support

Gift Bags:
Janice Campbell
Shelley Peterson
Linda En
Marla Aaron Jewelry 
Chinchar/Maloney

And, I would also like to say "Thank You!" to the dozens of volunteers who participated in the shoot by either donating dresses or volunteering their time to help out.  It would not have been possible without you. 

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