“Cooking in the South” Book Release

I met the author, Johnnie Gabriel, when she drove the most elegant wedding cake, 350 red velvet cupcakes, a husband and two pastry apprentices from Atlanta to Savannah for a celebrityish wedding I was working on. I had never seen pulled sugar magnolias so beautiful before. I didn’t know whether to smell them or eat them. The cake was a stunning centerpiece at the intimate riverside garden wedding reception for 350 people! I immediately fell in love with Johnnie. Not only is she a beautiful southern woman, but she knows how to get the job done, in that “I love your dress…did you make that” kind of southern lady way. Fast forward 6 months and I was delighted when she asked me to help with the food styling on a reshoot of her book, Cooking in the South. The book releases this month with a grand southern party to honor it in Atlanta on the 13th. Sadly, I will be out of the country on a job, but luckily my sister Robbie will be there to represent. The photos were shot at the home of a very kind friend of Johnnies. Not the most sought after studio location, but it got the job done and they were so gracious when we took over three rooms in their home for set, props and production. Eric Boker was the photographer, a joy to work with with a wicked sense of humor and an appreciation of M.C. Hammer. Here are a few photos from the shoot

Cooking in the South cover

stylist, author, photographer and editor on location in Atlanta

Showing Johnnie an image of her Lemon Rosemary Chicken

The aforementioned Lemon Rosemary Chicken

Cheese Straws

Muffins at attention...the most delicious apple muffins I have ever eaten