This is our 3rd issue working with photographer Mila Bridger, and as direct result of our association with her we have made fashion a central element in our island magazines.

We can thank Melissa DeHaven of the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center (SBDAC) for the introduction. Melissa had a feeling Mila would be a perfect match and she has been.

Our photo shoots for this year’s Island Scene took place at Sundial Beach Resort and the Sanibel Inn.

It was also our 3rd shoot with model Naomi Rothring, a Naples High School teacher.

“I was so happy to see Naomi, she came out of the car all smiles,” said Mila. “Naomi is gorgeous and very relaxed and takes directions so well, I just say one word and she goes with it… she has a cute dreamy look when she walks along the beach.”

Mila’s friend, Maria Collier, accompanied us on the shoot and brought her white Maltipoo named Moonshine. (Maria’s husband is fifth generation of the Collier family).

We were also joined by Sandra Williams, the owner of BUnqiue Boutique. She worked with her the brand reps to select a series of 6 outfits featured at BUnqiue Boutique for Naomi to wear.

“To have Sandra with us was so much fun, she coordinated all the clothes and ran out to fix Naomi’s hair for certain shots,” said Mila.
As usual, Mila had an instant appreciation for what locations would create an interesting composition. At the Sundial she took a series of beach scenes as well as photos of Naomi and Moonshine at the resort entrance. At the Sanibel Inn one of the pink buildings had the old-fashioned look of Sanibel in the 1960s and 1970s.

“All the people at the pool and on the grounds turned to watch her,” said Mila. “I loved the energy of our team and the people who were excited to see her.”

For the past six years we have published Marco Scene and so this year we decided to finish the magazine with a fashion spread on Marco — that other beautiful island on the Southwest Floridas coast. Mila lives on Marco Island with her husband, Ryan Darling, and their home has a state-of-the-art studio and photographic gallery where she meets customers and conducts private shoots.

Marco Islander Nora Halimi modeled the fashions of Blu Boutique (similar name but different ownership).

The highlight was Olde Marco Inn & Suites location, which was recently remodeled. Mila and Nora went up to the roof and took a series of shots with the Gulf of Mexico in the background. Mila liked the Mediterranean atmosphere.

“There were beautiful views from the balcony which gave you the feel of a Greek Island, it felt like Santorini,” said Mila. “I fell in love with the building and the white brick, the architectural style of the open windows — it was simple and clean. The brick really brought out the color of the bathing suit.”