The pandemic has provided an opportunity for reflection on spousal roles and the need for respectful sharing. This demand for equality, a firm tenet and underlying core of Matters of the Heart, has spurred acceptance of gender diversity and marriage. LGBTQ couples now have the same rights to see their unions made official and can enjoy celebrating their love with traditional wedding ceremonies.
These strong, committed people have inspired my new collection, and I’m proud to showcase this beautiful diverse garden of humanity as models for the Erica Elizabeth Designs Matters of the Heart collections.
Many thanks to Michael Hirabayashi for the photography, Lindsey Anne Francis & David Haerle!
Larry and Juan
David & Erica
After 18 years I feel this way every day. We both enjoy the most routine rituals that send many people running. Things like new bars of soap in the shower, falling asleep & waking with coffee in the morning together. We are old fashioned & we don’t mind!
David is wearing the Aphrodite Seashell Crown & I am wearing the Rose of Sharon crown.
Larry and Juan
I’ve spent the last year of my life with this young man. Together, we’ve shared just about every emotion in the spectrum.
My name is Juan Espinosa. I work in the amazing field of physical therapy where I aim to help every patient become a better version of themselves.
Larry is wearing the Victorious Crown
Juan is wearing the Byzantine Enchantment Crown
Matt and Joanne
Matthew Woodland is an electrician and from Arleta. They value their long-standing friendship above all else, and still try to make each other laugh every day.
Matt is wearing the Moments in Time Crown. His brilliant partner Joanne is wearing the May Day Floral Silk Flower Crown.
Maxwell, Gabriella and Sofia
Gabby: I’m a new mom and watching my baby girl experience the world for the first time has been such a joy. It’s allowed me to be more mindful and present and truly appreciate the little pleasures in life.
Max is wearing the Earthbound Misfit Celestial Crown; Gabby is wearing the Easy on the Eyes Crown & little Sophia is wearing the Artemis Petite Moon Tiara.
Darya Teesewell
Darya is shining bright wearing the Supernova celestial crown.
Patricia K Perry, MD
Patricia is wearing the Millennium Star tiara stacked with the Starburst Galaxy headband.
Miyo Yamauchi
Miyo is a very talented writer and storyteller.
Miyo:
I’m complicated, but my being is straightforward.
I’m quiet, but my tribe hears me louder in silence.
I’m indecisive, but my heart knows what it wants. I am a limited edition.
Miyo is wearing the Savoir-Faire Crown.
Lindsey & Dan
If you read my FB & Instagram posts, you will know that I couldn’t produce my collection shoots without Lindsey. Lindsey is an extraordinary artist, humorist & one of my top persons.
She & Dan met during the early days of the pandemic lockdown & navigated a relationship slowly but surely and now are enjoying a flourishing & loving relationship.
Lindsey set up her table & made sure everyone in this shoot was beautiful & comfortable.
Lindsey is wearing the Butterfly Reserve Flower Crown & Dan is wearing the Delphine Grape Cluster Crown.
Jose & Leslie
Jose & Leslie are expecting their first child.
Jose is a musician, Engineer, Mixer/Producer. He has just released his first album under Lui Salazar, “Expressions” & we love it!
Leslie in the home building business & she works with buyers to help them realize & design details for their dream home.
Jose is wearing the Bejeweled Desire Crown & Leslie is wearing the Marie de France Crown.
Marlene Nichols
The very couture minded Marlene wears the Haute Milan birdcage veil.
Sophie & Meghan
Sophie is wearing the Millennium Star Tiara & Meghan is wearing the Earthbound Misfit Celestial Crown.
Marina Pacowski
Marina is wearing the Star Dancer Celestial crown stacked with the Mariposa Butterfly Headband.
Brandee & Christian
My name is Christian. I am a yoga teacher and musician. The mutual love from my partnership opens my heart out to the rest of the world, whether it is through sharing music that elicits a feeling of love, or respecting and admiring animals, or offering kindness to others. Receiving love gives me the opportunity to feel gratitude.
Brandee is wearing the Scheherazade Mesh Chain Headdresses. Christian is wearing the Byzantine Enchantment crown.
Caitlin & Aaron
Aaron is cinematographer & entrepreneur of incredible things. Along with his family, they produce Mario’s Sharp Expresso & he is the creator of the Solo Cinebot, a remote camera system for the film industry. He & Caitlin never stop!
Caitlin is wearing the Bejeweled Desire Crown & Aaron is wearing the Truly Devoted Tiara.
The Diaz Family
Jovany is a proud veteran of the United States Marines & served our country during the First Gulf War.
Jovany works for the county of Los Angeles for the department of auditor – controller in systems development and security.
Jovany is wearing the Europa Roman Coin Crown.
Megan works assisting women’s health program in innovation for Los Angeles County department of health services. She is brilliant my niece. ❤️
They are one of the millions of families that have had to navigate the Pandemic working with school children remotely at home. They did an amazing job!
