UK Bridal Editorial X Country Classic Wedding Inspo

So, I did a thing! Just kidding, this is an editorial shoot I modeled for at The Ravenswood, a large estate right outside of London in a lovely country town. The estate was built during the reign of Henry VI in 1426. The location was so gorgeous and perfect to catch the raw and natural beauty from the greenery, the blooms, and the romantic lace.

This shoot is featured in UK bridal magazines like Trendy Bride Magazine, and on Instagram @trendybridemagazine. We had so much fun shooting these beautiful garments, and working with an amazing team + vendors (who will all be listed at the bottom of this post).

I waited a while to share these photos but now that they've been featured I can share some of them with you all. I can't wait to share more!

As you probably noticed I haven't been posting as much. I've gotten so many sweet messages asking where I've been so I thought I'd give you a quick update! (I'll go more into detail in a later post.)

I'm at a very interesting but fun chapter in my life, and I've honestly just been living it to the fullest by being in the moment. My career is still a big priority, especially now that I'm done with school so I've been working very hard. Fashion design is no joke, and is my primary job so I've devoted most of my time to it. I have something SO exciting coming up and I can't wait to share it! It's literally a dream.

Photographer/Concept: Stepan Vrzala

Creative Director, Planning and Styling – Love From Mwai

Hair- Gemma Holiday

Cakes-Monnaine Cake

Makeup- Meagan Edwards

Suit-Marc Darcy

Dresses-Naomi Neoh

Shoes- Freya Rose

Hair Accessories- Eden B studio

Flowers-Jenni Liberty Flowers

Gin- Camm and Hooper

Stationery-Karamele Stationery

Stationery -Rosey and Co

Venue-The Ravenswood

Model- Grace Beraki and Ryan O'Connor

I'm Moving to Paris!

Hey guys, hope your week is off to a great start because I know mine is! I just bought a one-way ticket to Paris, and not Paris, TX giiirl. (Mom, if you're reading this relax, it's for a fashion studying abroad program.)

Growing up, I always wanted to study abroad in either Paris or Italy, as well as travel around the world while in my 20's so why not do both?! I worked really hard to make this happen, so I'm very excited to live in Paris for the summer, and to study fashion in the fashion capital.  Along with studying fashion, I'm going to study other subjects like art, architecture, photography, and travel all over Europe.

I honestly think I'm most excited for all the independent traveling I'm about to do. I've traveled throughout Dubai alone before, and I loved it so much. While I enjoy traveling with others, I think I have more fun traveling alone. I think it's because it forces me to push myself out of my comfort zone and make amazing new experiences and friends. Traveling alone has taught me so much about myself and how to enjoy life on your own. However, this time I'm not just visiting a new country for a short while, but I'll actually be living in Paris, having an apartment, and attempting to live a local lifestyle lol. I'm hoping I have a positive experience like I did in the UAE. 

Please send your prayers my way for safe travels and zero bug bites because I don't do bugs! :)

Anyone can study abroad, do not let money get in your way. I always thought you had to have tons of money, but that's not necessarily true. There's a lot you can do to avoid financial stress. There are SO MANY things I've learned about preparing to study abroad and I haven't even left the states yet! I'm thinking of doing a post or YouTube Q&A video on how I did it, and how you can too! Maybe while I'm in Paris?

Let me know in the comments if that's something y'all would be interested in, and I'll be happy to share some tips that I wish someone told me, CHEAP plane tickets people don't know about, along with other valuable info. :)

 Since I already did all the research, you guys can learn from my mistakes. *tears*

 I'll also try to post my current location while abroad in my Instagram bio @graceberaki!

I'm really loving this sandy color crop from Chriselle x J.O.A. There were so many versatile pieces in this collection. My favorite part about this top is that it can be tied a number of ways, and the striped print gives it a summer beach vibe. I paired this top with a denim skirt that has a sandy wash to it. I love the raw hem because it gives the skirt a cool and chic summer beach vibe. This top also came with a wide leg pant that I could totally see myself wearing in either Italy or Greece!

You can instantly shop my looks, like this blouse, by following me on the LIKEtoKNOW.it app. just search grace beraki and hit follow!!

FEATURING: 

Top: Chriselle x J.O.A.

Skirt: Zara

Sandal: Jeffery Campbell

Body Shaming, Body Positivity, and Now Body Neutrality

A couple of weeks ago I got to be apart of an awesome project for a fashion editor of College Fashionista, Jaida Brinkley. Jaida was inspired by Jhas and Grace of Lovely n Bored to write an article on body neutrality. Body neutrality is essentially the idea between  positivity and body shaming. It's basically saying that it's your body and you can do what you want.

This photo shoot was very empowering. It was all about loving yourself, women supporting each other and girl power. I loved meeting the other girls and hearing their stories and thoughts on body shaming, body positivity and body neutrality during our interviews. This topic is relatable to everyone. We've all experienced at least one of the three topics in our life if not all, especially women. 

PERSONAL STORY: (I wasn't going to share this story because I thought it was so silly, but now I feel like I should incase someone can relate or someone needs to hear this. BTW, this isn't me calling anyone out or blasting anyone, just speaking on a recent experience.)

The other day I had a guy send me mean comments on Snap Chat because I wouldn't respond to his inappropriate messages. He tried to shame my body and me as a women, calling me all these different things. Not only had he personally sent me these comments, but he posted them on his Snap Chat story for everyone to see. Thankfully, I know exactly who I am and I am proud of my body so it didn't bother me, but just the fact that there are people out there shaming young woman is sad. I am, however glad that it was me and not another girl who maybe couldn't have handled that. I know that that's just a boy being salty that I wouldn't give him the time of day, but some people really battle with these insecurities don't need that negative energy in their life. No one does.

 I can go on an on about this topic, but I'll leave it at this. Let's think about our younger siblings and loved ones in our lives. What kind of example are we leading and raising our younger girls in? What are we teaching our young boys? They are our would's future. The people our future children, and grandchildren are going to encounter. We really need to be kinder to one another and more mindful and intentional of what we say. 

As for the article, I don't want to give too much of it away so please head over to College Fashionista to check out the article I was featured in. (I will insert the direct link below.) I  got some questions the other week asking what I we were shooting for on Snap Chat and Instagram, so I really just wanted to share what I was working on in this post. I hope this post and the article encourages or enlightens someone! I love you guys!!

http://www.collegefashionista.com/body-neutrality-self-love-advice/

 “Our bodies have been given to us to live our lives, not define us,” Christine Morgan, the CEO of The Butterfly Foundation, in an interview with ELLE Australia. At the end of the day, it’s not about comparing ourselves to rest of world. It’s about using our bodies in our journeys to living, experiencing, learning, and loving ourselves. - Jaida Smith

Well said! 

Be sure to check out the full article at http://www.collegefashionista.com/body-neutrality-self-love-advice/ by Jaida Brinkley. I'd love to hear your thoughts/stories on this topic. Please feel free to comment below, send a DM on Instagram/Facebook or email me if you have any questions or if you want to chat. I love hearing from you guys!!

FEATURED ITEMS I'M WEARING:

Top - The Shop at Melrose

Denim Shorts - Vintage Levis's from The Shop at Melrose

Creative Director - Jaida Brinkley

Photos by - Goodie and Jaida

Models - Jas, Cassidy, Diva, Ki'ana, and I (Grace Beraki)

Snap Chat - graceberaki