The Young Americans Project
inspiration and the iGeneration
By Anne Reid
Gen Z has some bridal game and Robert Bullock knows it.
Hardly a newsflash, but just in case you needed a reminder, take a look at these images, courtesy of Robert’s Young Americans series.
Oh, hello there, Vogue fodder.
We are so proud to say these shoots are the work of young creatives in Jacksonville Beach, FL, and Kansas City, MO, who teamed up with our awesome partners Love, a Bridal Boutique and Something White Bridal Boutique. Every aspect of these shoots from the inspiration, planning, location scouting, fittings, shooting, and editing, was produced by local artists under the age of 24.
AR: What inspired you to create the Young Americans photo series?
Robert Bullock: I am inspired daily by the younger generation. I surround myself with young people because they bring me so much joy and insight. Their passion is like medicine to me. I’ve worked with many teams over the years who have done styled shoots with my gowns so it occurred to me, why not do it with the new up-and-coming talent in our country? We live in the greatest country in the world and [with] some of the greatest talent in the world, so we should lift them up, not feel like they are a threat or competition. I was fortunate to have a designer (Rene Sanning) support me when I was 17 and starting out in my career.
Team Jacksonville took advantage of the beach, the gorgeous Lightner Museum, and the beauty of their historical district for a super-romantic shoot. Stunning Carolina is wearing Robert’s Sade low-back ballgown made of satin and lace, and his long-sleeved, full lace Kira gown.
Art Director/Head Stylist: Paige Goldy of Love
Photographer: Lindsey Pacetti of Lindsey Morgan Photography
Model: Carolina Stokely
Hair: April Tellez of Styled by April
Makeup: Kristine Mariee
Florist: Destiny Uzzolino of Let Destiny Design
“…they bring me so much joy and insight.
Their passion is like medicine to me.”
Their attention to detail, composition, and texture blew us away. Heads up, Leibovitz, heads up.
AR: What key viewpoints do you think the newest generation contributes to the industry?
RB: It doesn’t matter how far back you go in history, new blood always has new perspective. Even when history repeats itself in the art world, it does it with a new eye and a different execution. Maybe today, brides love a journalistic approach for their wedding photography but that doesn’t mean a young photographer tomorrow won’t try something new that will snowball into what every bride wants from her photography. Or a new look for hair and makeup, flowers, etc.
Not to be outdone, Team Kansas City drew inspiration from a bubbly, more urban POV. We adore how drop-dead gorgeous Morgan is in Robert’s off-the-shoulder crepe Jami gown and his Lace and Chiffon Ari gown!
Art Director/Head Stylist: Paige Albert of Something White
Photographer: Ashley Ice
Model: Morgan Trout
Hair and Makeup: Makenzi Hurt of White Carpet Bride
Florist: Arian Sapp of Flower Lain Floral
“…new blood always has new perspective.”
AR: As someone who has successfully navigated a career in bridal design, what advice would you offer newcomers in the industry?
RB: These shoots were created by groups who came together. That’s the most important thing. Don’t be alone on an island. Branch out and network within your industry. The Young Americans Project brought photographers, florists, stylists, boutiques, models, hair and makeup artists all together to create these beautiful shoots. My best advice to anyone who is passionate about their craft is to never let anyone tell you no and to never give up. I’m one who believes that making a living while doing what you love is the most gratifying gift one could hope for.
We’re tremendously proud of all these ladies for pursuing their passion! Bravo to all team members – thanks for sharing your gifts with Robert Bullock Bride and the world.
