Every creative journey tells a unique story, and for Stephanie Russo and Rachel Forslund, their paths intertwined in a way that brought their shared passions to life in a beautifully harmonious collaboration.
Stephanie Russo’s story began in the world of public relations, working with food and wine clients during the rise of the "content era." Immersed in a world increasingly reliant on compelling visuals, she seized the opportunity to explore photography professionally. Less than a year later, she became a business owner, channeling her passion into creating story-driven imagery. A pivotal moment in her career came when she stepped away from the wedding industry to focus on commercial photography, a bold move that allowed her to pursue projects with clients who shared her creative vision.
Rachel Forslund’s journey as a stylist began when she left her full-time job in search of creative freedom. "I’ve always been obsessed with making inanimate objects shine," she shared. Discovering styling as a career was transformative, combining her love of design with her passion for crafting lived-in, inviting spaces.
Together, Stephanie and Rachel brought their talents to life while showcasing the beauty of premium artificial garlands.
Creating Holiday Magic
Finding fresh and innovative ways to display holiday garlands year after year can be a challenge. However, when Rachel’s signature "perfectly imperfect" design style merged with Stephanie’s warm, inviting, and emotionally resonant photography, the result was nothing short of holiday magic.
Their shared vision was to create a luxurious yet cozy holiday home that embodied timeless beauty and festive charm. With Afloral’s lifelike garlands, high-quality stems, and stunning faux accents, each space was styled to inspire. The scenes were thoughtfully curated to balance textures, natural elements, and rich greenery, evoking warmth and elegance with the season's coziness.
The Art of Collaboration
Stephanie’s talent lies in capturing spaces that feel genuinely lived-in, as though someone has just stepped away and is about to return. Her thoughtful compositions are beautifully complemented by Rachel’s gift for allowing each element to shine while crafting cohesive, balanced designs. Together, their collaboration created atmospheres that are both inviting and aspirational. Each scene draws you in, making you want to step into the photo and experience the beautifully styled spaces firsthand.
For Rachel, the flexibility of Afloral’s garlands allowed her to shape them precisely to her vision. "As a stylist, I’m always babysitting fresh florals to ensure they last throughout the shoot," she said. "Working with premium artificial stems gives me the freedom to focus entirely on the styling without worrying about wilting or maintenance."
Stephanie echoed this sentiment, expertly capturing every detail of the lush textures and realistic movement. "It’s not every day you get to work with faux florals that actually look real," Stephanie noted. "These products essentially shoot themselves, and working with them is a dream."
Holiday Home Styling Made Timeless
Styling your home for the holidays should inspire joy and nostalgia. By using everlasting luxe evergreens and accents, you can create a space with a sense of creative freedom that can be adapted and built upon year after year. These versatile elements seamlessly transition to match your aesthetic, ensuring your holiday decor remains timeless and effortlessly elegant. Create inviting holiday scenes in your home that your friends and family will be drawn to—spaces filled with warmth, beauty, and the magic of the season.
Shop the Featured Image: Afloral Real Touch Deluxe Norfolk Pine Garland, Faux Pear Fruit Branch, Artificial Fig Branch
