A Heartfelt Day of Beauty

Women and girls from the Seacoast experienced a fun fashion photo shoot on February 8 during a fundraiser for The Birchtree Center.

Professional photographer Lisa Arvidson was inspired to organize the event after learning how many local families living with autism were struggling to get the services their children needed. “Programs like the ones at The Birchtree Center can really make a difference for children with autism,” she said, “and I wanted to help these families while offering our guests a fun day of beauty.”

Arvidson found willing collaborators in Kristen Gauthier, the co-owner of The Pink Sapphire, a beauty and skincare boutique with stores in Portsmouth and Bedford, and hair stylist Jessica Guilbeault of Hair Colour Concepts salon in Portsmouth. At the event, each guest received a custom make-up application by Gauthier and a hairstyle of her choice created by Guilbeault. Then guests stepped in front of Arvidson’s lens for a twenty-minute photo shoot.

The event attracted participants of all ages, from preschoolers to recent brides to grandmothers. Arvidson worked to make each guest feel comfortable in front of the camera, experimenting with different lighting, poses, and even an electric fan to create a windswept look for some portraits. At the conclusion, each guest chose her favorite shots for three complimentary photo prints.

The event raised more than $500 to support the nonprofit Birchtree Center’s educational and therapeutic programs for children and youth with autism. Thank you to everyone who helped make this event such a success!