Thank You Kimberly and Olivia!

Olivia’s mother, Kimberly, emailed me not too long ago to inquire about my Equus collection prints. She told me that her 11-year-old daughter is part of the hippotherapy program, Horse Ability, in New York where they live. Olivia is special needs with a rare genetic deletion that requires special attention and daily forms of therapy. She loves horses. Kimberly told me that Olivia is so happy when she is riding.  As a board member of Special Equestrians, it is these stories that truly touch my heart.

I hope you love the print of L’ami Noir – it is one of my favorites! Thank you for reaching out and sharing your story with me. Keep riding, Olivia!

If you have any questions about hippotherapy, please click the link to learn more. Programs like Special Equestrians are unique in their aim to provide therapy for persons with special needs. 

11-year-old Olivia. Thank you for the photos, Kimberly!

Sex and the Southern City

Sex and the City – we have all watched it, we have all identified with one of the characters, we have probably even taken an online quiz to tell us which character we “are” (but really – who is ever completely honest about their answers on those anyway?).  We have definitely had conversations with our friends naming everyone of the group a Carrie, Charlotte, Miranda or Samantha – probably while drinking cosmos and dishing on the latest gossip.

Recently, Jersey Belle was proclaimed to be the next Sex and the City – but of the south. Jaime Sullivan designated each of the girls to be one of the original four of SATC. So then, is Arden Ward really the Miranda Hobbs of Jersey Belle? Or is she more like Carrie Bradshaw?

Click photo to read original article on @E!online 

Miranda is determined, hardworking, brutally honest, and fiercely loyal. But she is also seen as cynical, self-loathing, and incredibly guarded. Arden is without a doubt professionally driven and hardworking and like Jaime said, she is a voice of reason much like Miranda is for Carrie.

Carrie has an affinity for stylish clothes and expensive shoes, she dates all the wrong guys, and is on the holy grail of quests – that of true love. She has her drawbacks as well: she is anxious and a bit unsure of herself, repeatedly changing her mind whether it be about which shoes to wear or whether or not to dump Mr. Big this week. If you know Arden at all then you know that she too has been searching for her “happily ever after” as well. Like Carrie, she juggles the weight of a career, life, and love.

Interestingly enough, in the show, Miranda and Carrie are the closest out of the group. They are a good balance to each other: one, the warrior and the other, the dreamer. Arden is not one of these characters, but a blended mix of both. She has had her share dating the wrong guys, finally finding true love just like Carrie and Miranda. And while she is a hard working go-getter, she is ultimately a romantic – an idealist: a warrior with big dreams.

Arden's SATC quiz results 

Arden Ward Upton's Expert Advice: Face It

Love is more than just a pretty face, but let’s be honest - on your wedding day, we all want that picture-perfect smile! Seems easy enough, right? Then suddenly, you are flipping through your photos, and *gasp* there it is – that dreaded double chin! Now, you could spend an entire week binge watching Tyra Banks on America’s Next Top Model give girls coaching on how to thrust that chin forward, or you could read on below and save that time for addressing your wedding invitations!

Secret #1: Pull your shoulders back, push your chest out slightly, and gently extend your head forward. This is a great way to avoid that double chin. It may feel a bit awkward and weird, but Tyra says that makes for the prettiest pictures anyway. It also helps to accentuate your collarbone, allowing your shoulders and neck to look thinner.

Secret #2: Angle your face. Try to avoid direct head-on shots as these can sometimes result in an absence of shadows, and this can make your face appear wider. Instead, turn your head just slightly to the right or left, tilt your chin outwards and downwards and look at something just above your natural line of sight. This has the added bonus of emanating a soft and demure pose.

Secret #3: This one may also seem a little strange at first, but you’ll swear by its results! Press your tongue to the roof of your mouth while smiling. This draws very subtle tension into your jawline – an effective way to avoid the double chin, and also aids to elongate your neck.

Bonus Tip: “Look Away Trick” – this one takes practice, but is easy enough to do in the privacy of your own house (something I suggest since it could look a bit strange to anyone who might be watching – trust me). Instead of freezing your smile in place for a hundred photos, try looking away from the camera and look back with a big smile just before the snap of the shutter. Your smile will be more genuine and fresh, lighting up your eyes, and making for a gorgeous shot!

Tyra’s Bonus Tip: “The Smize” – Tyra loves this word, a mash-up of her most-used phrase on ANTM, “Smile with your eyes.” If you don’t like to show off those pearly whites, this is a great tip for you. Take a second to relax your face, open your mouth just slightly, and allow your lower lip to match the curve of your upper teeth. Tilt your chin just barely down, look up at the camera with your eyes, and faintly lower your lids – be sure to channel all the happiness of your big day to shine through!

Image Credit @Fanpop.com

So let’s face it, maybe you didn’t lose that last five pounds before lacing up your gown, but who’s going to notice when you’ve got a face like Tyra Banks? 

William and Arden Upton Real Wedding Video

William and Arden were wed on September 21, 2013 at their home estate of Windwood Equestrian located in Pelham, AL. The wedding was just featured in Episode 3 "Upton Girl" of Jersey Belle on Bravo.

Arden wore two dresses the first a Leila Rose dress from Ivory and White and the second a Jenny Packham dress from The Carriage House. The decor and atmosphere were personally selected by the couple and aided by wedding designer Christopher Confero. Catering was provided by Kathy G & Co and many wedding vendors whom Arden works with on a regular basis were in attendance as well. Please view Holloway Productions video. 

Arden + William from Holloway Productions on Vimeo.

Jersey Belle Premier Party: Arden Photography

Another Monday night and we are eagerly awaiting another Jersey Belle episode!  In honor of the show premier, Iron City in Birmingham hosted a party for our favorite Belles. Everyone gathered to walk the red carpet and enjoyed watching the show together. Never a dull moment with these ladies around! The party continued on with lots of laughs and the show has been a huge hit!  For more premier party photos, be sure to click the link!  http://ardenclients.instaproofs.com/collection.php?event=1080686

Brides are loving Jersey Belle!

Everyone is so enthusiastic about Jersey Belle, especially our brides!  I ran into Maggie, one of our Arden Photography brides, and she was so excited!  We can't wait until her amazing wedding on December 6th and we really appreciate you supporting the show!  

So who watched "Jersey Belle" on Bravo TV?

I believe America is going to love Jersey Belle. The premier was surreal. Watching with friends and family was a great experience, and I look forward to seeing the next 7 episodes. I appreciate that the show represents the South in a beautiful way and shows the great personalities of all involved. I also appreciate this opportunity and cherish the bonds this experience has brought into my life. 

If you haven't tuned in already Jersey Belle airs on Monday nights 10/9c on Bravo TV

Haley Young, Luci Beavers, Leigh Anne Oakley, Arden Ward Upton, Scarlett Simmons, Danielle Yancey, Jaime Primak Sullivan photo:Skip Bolen for Bravo

Leigh Anne Oakley, Arden Ward Upton, Scarlett Simmons, Jaime Primak Sullivanm Luci Beavers, Haley Young, Danielle Yancey

Arden Ward Upton and Jaime Primak Sullivan, Jersey Belle

Arden and William Upton Jaime - Michael and Jaime Sullivan - Jersey Belle

Jersey Belle Count Down 8 days until we are on Bravo TV

I couldn't be more excited to see the first episode air on Bravo TV Monday night at 10/9c. I hope everyone will tune in or DVR the season. 8 days and counting! Our group of Belles will make you laugh, make you cry and hopefully make you want to be Southern.

Counting down to Jersey Belle

Jersey Belle Premiers Aug 4th at 10est/9cst and I hope everyone will tune in and DVR as well. 

Be sure to check out the Us Weekly Interview with Jersey Belle star Jaime Primak Sullivan and watch on Monday nights to see the rest of the Belles.

Thanks so much for all your support!

Equus Interview with Arden on Alabama's 13

Alabamas13.com WVTM-TV Birmingham, AL

Summer Beauty Tips by Arden Ward Upton

Summer is officially here and I couldn't be more excited because we had one of the coldest winters in Alabama that I can remember.

The most important beauty tip to remember for summertime is to remember to apply sunblock everyday. Not only will it keep you looking younger longer but it is better for your health.

A few sun statistics to think about.

• Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. More than 3.5 million skin cancers in over two million people are diagnosed annually.

• One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in the course of a lifetime.

• Half of all adults report at least one sunburn in the past 12 months.

• Two million people are diagnosed every year with skin cancer

• Every year, there are more new cases of skin cancer diagnosed than breast, prostate, lung and colon cancer ...combined

Statistics found at Skincancer.org and Totalbeauty.com

Fun in the sun! Don't forget the sunscreen.

Atlantis, Bahamas

Sunscreen with Zinc is the Best. 

A few of my favorite sunscreen products are:

What I use if I am on vacation.

My daily sunscreen.

Beach time 

Announcing "Jersey Belle" on Bravo

Bravo's newest reality show "Jersey Belle"

Over the past 5 months I, as well as 6 others have been keeping a little secret and finally Bravo announced the news today. Jaime's concept Jersey Belle becomes a reality. The filming has been so much fun, and I wanted to take this time to thank Jaime for including me in this adventure. We've had a lot of giggles and hard work (especially for star and creative producer Jaime Primak Sullivan). What an honor for us to become a part of the Bravo family and work with such amazing people from Authentic TV!

Big News for Jersey Belle

Jaime you may not be the southern belle but you are our "Jersey Belle"! For those of you who read my blog and don't know Jaime she is a publicist to Hollywood and the music industry who's client list will knock your socks off, Such as: Doug E Fresh, Wayne Brady, MC Lyte, and Chris Klein. 

“Jersey Belle
Produced for Bravo by Authentic Entertainment with Lauren Lexton, Tom Rogan and Sonia Slutsky serving as Executive Producers.

A classic fish-out-of-water tale, this docu-series follows outspoken New Jersey native and Hollywood publicist, Jaime Primak Sullivan, as she navigates life in the upscale southern suburb of Mountain Brook, Alabama. Jaime’s life was turned upside down after she married the town’s “most eligible” bachelor. Despite the help of her girlfriends, who are determined to sculpt Jaime into a southern darling, Jaime can’t help but speak her mind—often to hilarious results. Can Jaime keep her Jersey cool in the Deep South, or will her southern-bred BFFs finally turn her into a true-blue Alabama belle?”

— BRAVO