www.frenchkande.com
www.RusticCountryWeddingInvitations.com
April/May 2015
In Style
COWGIRLS
Magazine
Features 20 Cowgirl Fit
20 32 40
26
Get in Shape for Summer.
32 Best Honeymoon
Destinations for 2015
36 CIS Magazine
Reader’s Wedding spotlight Tricia and Taylor Knapp
40 Classic Country
Wedding Portraits By Laura McClure
52 Wedding Ideas Ideas to help with that perfect country wedding.
ON THE COVER... Cover: Chenae Shiner and Stetson Vest Photo by: Las Vegas Image Studio,LLC
Below: Tacie Shaffer www.BritWest.net
66
56 The Longest Ride Behind the scenes with Nicholas Spark’s latest movie
56
62 Spring Fashions
8 | Cowgirls In Style | April/May 2015
62
In Style
R
Magazine
In Every Issue 11 Cowgirls MailRoom 12 A Cowgirl’s Voice 14 E-Cowgirl 15 Extra Extra 16 Beauty Barn Make your own sunless tan lotion 18 fashion Forecast Fringe is in 20 Cowgirl Fit Get ready for the 2015 Fit Challenge 62 Rodeo Runway Spring Fashions
Photo by Laura McClure
COWGIRLS In Style | Mail Room
We Love Our Readers... See what our readers are saying about Cowgirls In Style magazine!
I’ve Been a Long Time Reader! Thank you so much for your magazine. I’ve been a long time reader and greatly appreciate everything you do. Lauren Heaton Miss Rodeo Oklahoma 2014
I love reading your Magazine My husband and I unloading hay..and yes I’m in my pj’s! It was early in the day! (Lol) ~Ellie
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www.cowgirlsinstyle.com | editor@cowgirlsinstyle.com
from the editor...
COWGIR LS
In Style
A Cowgirl’s Voice...
April/May 2015
Magazine
Susan Gentry Founder Editor-In-Chief Jeannie Flynn Assistant Editor Editor-in-Chief, Susan Gentry
T more!
he winter is thawing and the spring sun is shining through! It’s spring everyone! What does that mean? Well, for us it means, the latest Spring fashions, country bridal ideas and fashions, and so much
We’re pretty excited to be featuring Chenae Shiner and Stetson Vest’s wedding in this issue. What a gorgeous wedding that came on the eve of the NFR. What a glamorous couple! Also, thanks to Laura McClure, we are able to share some unbelievable classic bridal photography that will take your breath away. We are marking our calendars for April 9th which is the opeing night of the latest movie from Nicholas Sparks, “The Longest Ride” and we have all of the infrormation in this issue! Can you tell I’m a little excited about our new digital issues of Cowgirls In Style magazine? We now are offering 7 issues a year of Cowgirls In Style. Six digital issues and then we have our print issue that comes out in November for the National Finals Rodeo! Get the latest cowgirl fashions and information regularly! Make sure to follow us on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/cowgirlsinstyle . See you on the trail!
Robert Gentry Assistant Editor Contributors Cort Flynn Jeannie Flynn Devanie Gentry Photography Contributors Laura McClure Art/Production/Layout Country Productions Advertising Quinton Charles Send editorial submissions to: editor@cowgirlsinstyle.com For Advertising: advertising@cowgirlsinstyle.com Country Productions P.O. Box 841 Washington, UT 84780 Email: info@cowgirlsinstyle.com
Susie
Susan Gentry Editor-In-Chief Copyright 2014 Country Productions/Cowgirls In Style Magazine. Cowgirls In Style does not assume liability for articles, products or services advertised within.
12 | Cowgirls In Style | April/May 2015
April/May 2015 | www.CowgirlsInStyle.com | 13
e -Cowgirl
Cowgirl Blogger |Devanie Gentry
Easy Strawberry Cheesecake www.AllRecipes.com easy strawberry cheesecake 1 pkg. 8 oz Cream Cheese 1/3 c. sugar 1 (12)oz. Whipped Topping 1 9� Graham Cracker Crust 1 Pint Strawberries
Check them out at:
www.AllRecipes.com
Directions: Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Fold in whipped topping. Spoon mixture into graham crumb crust. Refrigerate for 2 hours. Once the cheesecake has set, garnish with sliced strawberries. Serve.
A great dessert for spring and summer, or anytime!
14 | Cowgirls In Style | April/May 2015
Extra Extra
Brooks and Dunn set to Reunite for ACM Awards April 19th
-ACM Country The ACM has announced that Brooks and Dunn will reunite for a historic performance at the ACM Awards, Sunday April 19, on CBS. It is their first televised performance together since 2010.
Georgia Line, George Strait and Keith Urban.
Also scheduled to perform are Martina McBride, Alan Jackson, Brad Paisley, Lady Antebellum,Little Big Town, Christina Aguilera, Rascal Flatts, Jason Aldean, Dierks Bentley, Garth Brooks, Kenny Chesney, Eric Church, Miranda Lambert, Reba McEntire, Florida
The 2015 ACM Awards will take place on April 19 at 8PM ET. Luke Bryan and Blake Shelton will once again host the event. They will also perform.
This is also the 50th anniversary of the ACM Awards which is promising to be a very big night.
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Beauty Barn
WeddinG
Beautiful Skin Get that healthy tan without the sun or the cost 1. Bronzer Powder.. 2. Lotion... You can use any bronzing powder. The darker the Any type of lotion will work. Lotion with a coconut better for more intense tan. Any brand will work. aroma will give you the summer island tan The more powder you use, the darker the tan, the less powder you use, the lighter the tan. Feel free to
+ 16 | Cowgirls In Style | april/may 2015
3. Mix It... Mix the lotion and bronzer powder together. Remmber, the more powder you use, the darker the tan. Once you have the right mixture, you can spread it evenly over your skin. Make sure to rub in completely. Once you have applied the amount that is right for you, you can store the unused tanning lotion in a airtight container for the future.
Get the sun kissed tan for your wedding day without the damage of the sun and the cost of tanning products.
CowgirLs Style
Fashion
We’re going with fringe this spring. Fringe is the look for Spring 2015. Handbags, skirts, tops and boots. Anyway you wear it, it’s going to be hot!
Devanie Gentry Fashion Editor Cowgirls In Style Magazine Bed|Stu Tan Sandy Lane Fringed Leather Cross Body Purse www.cavenders.com
HOT!
Liberty Black Women’s Smog Vegas T-Moro Fringe Snip Toe Western Fashion Boots www.Maverickwesternwear.com
Fringe and more fringe is what’s in for Spring Our Pick
Ocean Drive Surf Gypsy Women’s White Floral Crochet with Fringe Long Sleeve Top www.cavenders.com
Roper Women’s Tan Suede with Fringe Round Toe Western Boots www.cavenders.com
Cowgirl Fit
Fitness
Get Ready For Summer! Next challenge begins April 20th! Sign up by April 13th! Sign up at www.CowgirlFit.com
Our next Cowgirl Fit Challenge begins April 20th. Get a jump start on Summer by joining our Cowgirl You must be signed up by April 13th! The chal- Fit Challenge! It’s only 40 days, but a way to get into the habit of living healthy! lenge will last from April 20th to May 29th. We are also excited to announce that the next challenge we will be including Stetson Boots for the Team winners and also the Individual winner! This is the first time that Cowgirl Fit has offered 3 1st Place Prizes! How can Cowgirl Fit help you lose weight you might say? Well, first of all we team you, so that you have a partner, friend and motivater to help you through out the challenge. You help each other. If you have a friend that you would like to do the challenge with, just let us know and we will team you up with them, otherwise we select your partner.
Challenge
April 20th - May 29th Sign up by: April 13th!
www.cowgirlfit.com/contestrules.html
Cowgirl Fit also offers an inclusive Facebook Before Challenge Group where you will get advice from After trainers recipes, and motivation from all of the contestants. You will meet new friends!
One of our Last Challenge Winners: Dacia!
This 40 Day Challenge will give you a great kick off to start your new healthy lifestyle. Best of all, the team who loses the most percentage of weight and the individual who loses the most percentage of weight will win a pair of Stetson Boots! Before 20 | Cowgirls In Style | April/May 2015
After
Get advice from Fitness Trainer and Health Coach, Lauren, former Miss Rodeo Nevada 2010, and also Quinton who is a Fitness Motivator. You will be included in our all inclusive Facebook Challenge Group
Lauren
Quinton Go to www.CowgirlFit.com to sign up for our next Cowgirl Fit Challenge.
“Thank you Cowgirl Fit for giving us this opportunity to help ourselves, get great advice, motivation and best of all for meeting the greatest group of women EVER !!!!!”
A year from now you’ll wish you had started today!
www.CowgirlFit.com
Cowgirl Fit makes it easier for you to lose weight and get fit. We partner you up with a fitness buddy which will help you both motivate each other. You will also become a member of the Cowgirl Fit Facebook Challenge Group where tips, motivation and recipes will help you meet your fitness goals!
Be sure to like us at Facebook.com/cowgirlfit
Contest Prizes
1st Place Team and the Individual who loses the most weight each receives a pair of Stetson Boots!
april/may 2015 | Cowgirls In Style | 21
Lower Body Exercises to not only look good for Summer, but in the Saddle By: Cowgirl Fit
P
ersonal fitness is all about improving the quality of your life and the level of your performance, regardless of your sport,” says Jennifer Sharpe, an American Council on Exercise-certified personal trainer and herself an avid rider. “The fact that you’ll look better, too, is just a bonus.” We all know the power behind strong legs
when it comes to riding. The legs control much of the horse. Incorporating these lower body exercises will not only help you with more control of the horse, but will help you with endurance. An added bonus is it will give your legs a nice shape for your summer shorts and swimsuit weather!
Top Lower Body Exercises for Riding. 1. Squats: Squat exercises are great for a total lower body workout. They effectively work most of the major muscle groups of the butt, hips and thighs. Squats are also a versatile exercise. They can be done in almost any location, with or without the use of weights or equipment. Squat exercises thoroughly engage the quadriceps, hamstrings and calf muscles, which helps to tone and strengthen the legs. Slowing the motion down makes the workout that much more intense. Squats are also great for lifting the butt. For beginners try squats without weights. Start with your feet shoulder-length apart, knees slightly bent and squat down to a 90 degree angle and then back up so that your knees always stay slightly bent. Do three sets of 10. After the first week, do 3 sets of 12 and then slowly add weights.
ing out with 3 sets of 10. Work up to 3 sets of 12 and then add dumbells in your hands. Strong calves help with saddling up and getting that extra bounce up while mounting in the saddle.
4. Split Lunge: Strengthens quadriceps (front of thighs), gluteals (buttocks), hamstrings (back of thighs) and calves; increases hip joint’s range of motion. Improves the strength, control and coordination of your leg cues. This means you can get that drive-from-behind collection and overall body control you need for pleasure events, and the lateral movements (sidepassing an obstacle, pivot turns) you need for trail and horsemanship. A. Stand straight with your feet together, knees slightly bent, holding a dumbbell in each hand, arms hanging by sides, palms facing in. 2. Inner and Outer Leg Lifts: These lifts will B. Take a big step forward with your left foot so that strenghthen your inner and outer thighs while losing your right heel is lifted and your torso is balanced the inner thigh flab. When squeezing your legs in the between your legs, upper body directly over your saddle for control, these leg lifts will build muscle en- pelvis. Slowly bend your knees so your left knee is durance. Lie on your side, lift leg as high as you can directly over your left ankle, and your right knee aplift and then back down without touching the lower proaches the floor; keep your knee, hip and shoulder leg. Start with 3 sets of 10 and work up to 3 sets of 12. in a straight line. Bring your left foot back to the startFor inner thighs, lie on your left side, lift your right ing position, and do reps; then switch leg positions. leg and rest it on the floor about 12 inches in front of you and then take your left leg and lift up and down Weights, reps, sets: Begin without weights, keeping about 6-12 inches off of the ground. This will give hands on hips. When you’ve mastered the proper you and intense inner-thigh workout. Start with 3 form, gradually work your way from 3-pound to sets of 10. When you get a little more advanced, try 10-pound weights. Build to two sets of 10 reps on adding a 3 lb. dumbell resting on your leg and lifting each leg. up. Once you have done your sets, switch sides. For more information on getting Cowgirl Fit go to 3. Calf Raises: Stand flat on the floor and then lift up our webpage at www.cowgirlfit.com. Also be sure on your toes so that your heel is about 4-6 inches off and like our Facebook page at: of the ground. You will feel an intense burn in your www.Facebook.com/cowgirlfit for tips, challenges, calf muscle. Go up and down without resting start- prizes and more!
Photos by: Las Vegas Image Studio,LLC Chenae’s Hair/Makeup: Judy Wright
26 | Cowgirls In Style | April/May 2015
Miss Rodeo America Queen 2013, Chenae Shiner and Tie Down Roper, Stetson Vest Tie the Knot
Q’s & A’s with Chenae Shiner
Makeup Artist/Stylist, Judy Wright puts the finishing touches on the elegant, and beautiful bride, Chenae Shiner.
C.I.S.: How did the idea of Vegas come about for your wedding location? C.S.: We originally planned on having a beach destination wedding. With Stetson’s family being in Texas, and mine being in Utah, we wanted to have a mutual wedding location. We could never find a good time though that worked for everyone to take off on a beach getaway. That’s when we decided to do it when we knew all our family and friends would be in one area; Las Vegas during the WNFR! Vegas also holds some sentimental meaning to us, it’s where Stetson proposed to C.I.S.: What western themes did you use for your wed- me. ding? C.S.: We got married in Las Vegas, NV the night be- C.I.S.: Could you talk a little bit about the wedding fore the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo kicked off, ceremony? Stran Smith married you, correct? That’s so there were a lot of cowboy hats and boots at our pretty awesome. wedding! While we did keep most of our wedding for- C.S.: I loved our wedding ceremony! We had an outmal, we added our own western flare. Stetson and his door ceremony, even though it had been raining all groomsmen all wore cowboy hats and Corral Boots day, the weather cleared up just in time for the wedwith their tuxes, I also had a pair of boots rhinestoned ding. It was held in a garden area that had been draped to match my dress. with sheer fabric and lights were strung up on all the Cowgirls In Style: How did you and Stetson meet? Chenae Shiner: I’m sure this won’t surprise anyone, but we met at a rodeo. We were at the Utah State Fair Rodeo, Stetson was Tie-Down Roping and I was there as Miss Rodeo Utah. He’d been staying in my hometown with some fellow ropers at the time so they introduced us. He got my number and called me later that night, we’ve been together ever since. He also won the Utah State Fair Rodeo that year, so that was a good sign!
28 | Cowgirls In Style | April/May 2015
the trees, it truly looked magical. Stetson’s Uncle, Stran Smith, performed our wedding ceremony. He filled it with plenty of great advice, love, and lots of roping analogies. When I later mentioned how much he compared marriage to roping, Jennifer Smith told me, “Welcome to your new life!” You can find Stran’s nutshell version of the ceremony he wrote for our wedding on his STSRanch.com blog. During the ceremony we also had one of my close friends, Camille Vernon read a poem she’d wrote for us, and Stetson’s cousin, Yanci Yarbrough McGregor, sang “All Of Me.” It was all very intimate and special for us. C.I.S.: Favorite part of your wedding? C.S.: We had a lot of great moments! I really loved all the dancing at our wedding though, I think I spent the majority of my wedding out on the dance floor with all our friends and family. It was a blast, and that’s what we really wanted our wedding to be about, everyone letting loose and enjoying themselves! C.I.S.: How is married life? C.S.: It’s been amazing! We both always had such busy schedules while we were dating that much of our relationship was long distance, it’s been great to finally be in the same place together and be on the road with each other. There has been some struggle to adjusting with sharing closet space, but that’s a sacrifice I’m sure every married couple has to make!
Past Tie Down Roping Champion, Stran Smith and Uncle to Stetson, officiates the ceremonies
april/may 2015 | Cowgirls In Style | 29
Las Vegas Image Studio,LLC
Las Vegas Image Studio,LLC
Best Honeymoon Destinations of 2015 By Katarina Kovacevic Courtesy of Destination Weddings
Spring... These hot spots are making headlines and we’ve narrowed the most-popular destinations down to a honeymooner’s hit-up list. Here’s where to honeymoon in 2015
Photo bt: Jeremy Harwell
Nassau, Bahamas With added Southwest flights and a flurry of development, the Bahamas has been luring loads of Hollywood stars, including Gwyneth Paltrow, Chelsea Handler and Hilary Duff. In 2015, Nassau welcomes the $3.5 billion Baha Mar resort that’s five hotels in one: Baha Mar Casino & Hotel, SLS LUX at Baha Mar, Rosewood at Baha Mar, Grand Hyatt at Baha Mar and the all-inclusive Melia at Baha Mar. There’s a Las Vegas-style casino in the works, but expect more serenity than Sin City; its 3,000 feet of white sand, preserved Caribbean gardens and crystal-clear water are all Bahamian, baby. Spring marks Baha Mar’s grand unveiling, which is fitting — it’s also the sunniest season for visiting the isles. 32 | Cowgirls In Style | April/May 2015
four Seasons Resort Orlando
Orlando, FL Orlando claimed the designation of the United States’ most visited city in 2013 — and it shows no signs of slowing down. In July 2014, Muggles worldwide raised a Butterbeer in a toast to the opening of Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. By April, the spring breakers are gone, and Orlando is primed for weeks of fine Florida sunshine before the May humidity kicks in. Find a quiet moment for two at Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World, which opened August 2014. april/may 2015 | Cowgirls In Style | 33
summer... Islands of Tahiti Tahiti landed the top spot in Virtuoso’s report on the world’s best honeymoon destinations, so naturally it’s a Hollywood hot spot. Winter (May through October) brings less rain and cooler weather to French Polynesia. Don’t expect a hotel deal, though — it’s the official high season. Dive in at The Brando, an all-inclusive that debuted its 35 Polynesian villas — each with its own plunge pool and slice of beach — in July 2014. Set on the remote atoll of Tetiaroa and accessible by private plane, Marlon Brando’s former personal sanctuary now features a native spa and a lagoon-view bar. 34 | Cowgirls In Style | April/May 2015
CIS Reader’s WEDDING Spotlight
The Wedding of Tricia and Taylor Knapp By: Tricia Crump Knapp Photos: Kristina Lee Photography
E
very love story is beautiful, but ours is my favorite. My husband and I had our dream wedding on June 14th, 2014. The weather had been stormy in the days leading up to the wedding. When our day finally arrived the clouds parted and the sun came out. We started the day by setting up hay bales which were used for our guests to watch the ceremony. My husband and a friend spent months, making a wooden arch for us to stand under throughout the ceremony. It looked perfect up against the backdrop of horses that were grazing during the event. My husband also built a second arch with wooden doors and a hanging sign that said “Live, Laugh, Love”. It was made out of horseshoes and was placed at the beginning of the aisle. The guests entered through it as well as the procession. Instead of the typical guest book, we had guests sign a handcrafted bench that now sits at the end of our bed. Our guests enjoyed petting the herd of horses before they found their seats. Many of our guests were from the city and couldn’t figure out how at the end of the ceremony, when the groom kissed his bride, we were able to get all of the horses to gallop off into the sunset. In reality it was all the clapping that
36 | Cowgirls In Style | April/May 2015
spooked the horses. :) Our reception was in a barn at my father in law’s ranch. Our decorations included a saloon, wild flowers, purple gingham, and burlap with lace. My wedding dress was complimented with a purple pair of cowgirl boots, adorned with hundreds of rhinestones. Our country theme continued into dinner with steak, chicken, potatoes, and green beans. Our first dance was to “I Love You This Big” by Scotty McCreery. After the traditional wedding proceedings were over, I changed into my mother’s wedding dress that we had altered from your typical 80’s wedding gown. It had a high collar, long sleeves, and the skirt had two heavy layers of lace. We changed the dress into an open back, cap sleeve, highlow dress in order to really show off my boots. During the father daughter dance my niece and flower girl came out to the middle of the dance floor and asked to dance, my father and I could not deny the wishes of such a cutie. Our perfect day ended with a heartshaped sparkler send off. “You know you’re in love when you can’t fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams” ~ Dr. Seuss
“You know you’re in love when you can’t fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams” ~ Dr. Seuss
april/may 2015 | Cowgirls In Style | 37
A
re you looking for well made, unique western merchandise or services for your cowgirl or cowboy lifestyle? Goinwestern.com is a wonderful place to find these businesses owned by individuals and families. The want your business so they do their best to give you excellent customer service, quality products in a timely manner. And who doesn’t love one stop shopping. You can choose from a list of categories to narrow down your search and then pick from the businesses listed in that category. You are sent directly to their website as soon as you click on their logo. Pick a category, pick a store. So easy. Or maybe you own a western business or service and would like to have it listed on Goinwestern.com We would love to have you as part of the Goin Western Family. You send me the correct size logo, your website and any other sites you use for your business, we write up a business description add your links and that’s it. I invoice you when its ready. Its for one year and then you can renew if you wish to do so. No business is too big or small. And our one year fee has NEVER been lower. Anyone can afford it! So lets get your business listed and start talking about it. Contact me, Tina Lambing, at goinwestern@aol.com 417-546-1702
www.Goinwestern.com 417-546-1702
Classic Country
Weddung Portraits bY:
lAURA mCcLURE
40 | Cowgirls In Style | April/May 2015
www.lauramcclurephotography.com
www.lauramcclurephotography.com
www.lauramcclurephotography.com
www.lauramcclurephotography.com
www.lauramcclurephotography.com
www.lauramcclurephotography.com
Wedding Ideas
Unique printed wedding invitations for rustic, country, western, and cowboy weddings with burlap prints, mason jars, barn wood backgrounds, and country western themes like horseshoes. You’ll find a unique selection of rustic wedding announcements, rsvp cards, custom wedding postage stamps, return address labels, save the date post cards, wedding programs, and more. Check them out! www.RusticCountryWeddingInvitations.com
Say, “I Do” with denim! Wedding and bridesmaid gowns made with denim. Mix & Match our denim skirts & corsets to create your own unique Western Wedding. Made to flatter any shape. Looking to have the rustic western wedding, why not go with denim? www.IDoInDenim.com
52 | Cowgirls In Style | April/May 2015
Wedding Ideas
LoveLocks commemorative custom engraved padlocks are a perfect way to show someone just what they mean to you. It’s a unique way of letting those significant to you understand just how special they really are. Following an ancient custom, you can “lock your love” to that person or those people important in your life. Engraving your own personal message on a Love Lock is the ultimate way of saying “I love you” and solidifying those special relationships in your life. No matter the person—or even pet – with a love padlock from LoveLocks, Inc. you can celebrate love, family, and friendship. www.lovelocksonline.com
Photo by: Las Vegas Image Studio
Courtesy: 20th Centry Fox
Nicholas Sparks latest movie, “The Longest Ride,” comes to theatres April 9th.
I
ra and Ruth, Luke and Sophia – two couples separated by time and age – have little in common until a series of unexpected events are set in motion and their lives become intertwined. From New York Times bestselling author Nicholas Sparks comes an extraordinary love story that begins when a box of old letters, filled with a lifetime of love, wisdom and experience, set Luke and Sophia on a path to discover their true values and the real meaning of love. Sophia (BRITT ROBERTSON), a senior at the University of Wake Forest, sees her lifelong dream about to come true. With just weeks to go until graduation, she has landed an internship with a prestigious New York art gallery. Sophia is on her way. That is until a friend barges through her door with a pair of cowboy boots and an invitation to a bull riding event. Though not her thing, Sophia relents and the two friends make their way to their seats, past the band of female fans known as Buckle Bunnies. 56 | Cowgirls In Style | April/May 2015
In the chute, Luke Collins (SCOTT EASTWOOD) prepares to ride the eight seconds that will put him back on the road to the top spot on the Professional Bull Riding circuit. Returning from a serious injury suffered during a previous ride on the world class bull known as Rango, Luke is determined to regain the riding championship. But the bull has other thoughts. He charges Luke, who climbs onto a fence and out of harm’s way. As his hat flies off and into a surprised Sophia’s lap, their eyes meet for a brief moment – just long enough for Luke to decide he wants to get to know this beauty. “Hold on to it for me, will ya?” he asks Sophia. And as the bull crashes into the fence, Luke is gone, leaving Sophia breathless. That evening, Sophia, wearing Luke’s hat, runs into him, but instead of asking for his hat, he asks her for a date. She accepts, never guessing that the course of her life has changed and will become far removed from the one that she had imagined.
Ninety-one year old Ira Levinson (ALAN ALDA) is also on a lifechanging course. Having lost his wife Ruth some eight years earlier, he begins a journey to Black Mountain, North Carolina and Black Mountain College, an art colony where he bought Ruth her first painting, starting a collection that would span the decades of their marriage. Ira’s trip is interrupted when, on a rain-slicked road, he loses control of his car, crashes through a guard rail and down an embankment. As the car begins to burn, Ira is aware of someone pulling him from it. It’s Luke, with Sophia right behind him. Though semi-conscious, Ira can only think of the simple, worn box filled with letters left behind in the car. “The box; get the box,” he murmurs and Sophia braves the flames to rescue it. Later, at the hospital, Sophia looks inside the carton and finds it filled with old letters. Ira is secretly pleased and asks her to read them to him.
Scott Eastwwod portrays Luke, a former champion bull rider lookin got make a comebback.
Photo credit: Michael Tackett
Godfrey. The author and Temple Neither project prepared the author Hill producers previously teamed for the preparation required for The for the 2010 romantic drama Dear Longest Ride book-to-film journey. “The Longest Ride is some“What differenti- thing I’ve never done in film beates this film from fore,” says Sparks. “It’s really two stories in one. It’s the story of Ruth the other adapta- and Ira, a couple who’ve been martions of my work is ried for a long time. Ira is now a its epic quality and widower. Their life together, told the dual love sto- in flashbacks, is a fascinating story ry. It’s about the that Ira tells to Sophia, a college way the two love student at Wake Forest, and to Luke, a professional bull rider. stories come to- “The Longest Ride has an epic quality that applies to both love stories,” With The Longest Ride, Nicholas gether.” continues the author. “It covers the Sparks marks the third feature -Nicholas Sparks love story between Ruth and Ira, film adaptation of his novels with which starts before World producers Marty Bowen and Wyck John and for 2012’s Safe Haven. The two develop a bond and Sophia discovers how much the two couples have in common and how, in spite of the age difference, Young Ruth (OONA CHAPLIN) and Young Ira (JACK HUSTON) have lived a life filled with many of the challenges facing Luke and Sophia. The two couples’ lives will converge, providing the wisdom that will guide Luke and Sophia on their journey. THE RIDE BEGINS
april/may 2015 | Cowgirls In Style | 57
War II, and it’s contrasted with the entirely different world of professional bull riding. What differentiates this film from the other adaptations of my work is its epic quality and the dual love story. It’s about the way the two love stories come together.” Sparks continues: “When you meet
“George has the ability to marry emotion with masculinity, both of which are required to tell this story,” says producer Marty Bowen. “I begged him to read the script and he called me and said, ‘You know what, Marty? I’ve been married to my high school sweetheart for 25 years, and to me, what I take out of this
the person with whom you fall in love, the feeling’s the same, whether you’re in the 1930s or in the present day. Everybody goes through the same emotions. There’s universality to the way we feel and that’s what I wanted to show. I think the fun of the film is trying to figure out how on earth these two stories are going to come together in the end.” Bringing Sparks’ story to the big screen is director George Tillman, Jr., whose eclectic body of work encompasses romantic comedy (Soul Food), action-drama (Men of Honor) and biopics (Notorious).
ing,” he continues, “and there hadn’t been a lot of films dealing with that subject. I was so excited to see a story set against that background,” he exclaims. “I wanted to direct The Longest Ride.” Tillman’s partner at State Street Pictures, and one of this film’s executive producers, Bob Teitel, was, like the director, taken with the film’s theme -Bob Teitel of sacrifice. “When I read The Longest Ride, the first thing that came film is sacrifice, which is the most to my mind was the word ‘sacrifice.’ important thing in a relationship.’ With Luke and Sophia, as well as And I’m sitting there listening to Ruth and Ira, it’s about what do you George and thinking ‘Oh, I’ve found sacrifice for one another.”
58 | Cowgirls In Style | April/May 2015
“I’ve always been a fan of bull riding...When I read The Longest Ride, the first thing that came to my mind was the word ‘sacrifice.’
my director.’ While Tillman appreciated the love story, he was also captivated by the bull riding elements. “One of the things that I enjoy as a director,” he explains, “is discovering cultures where people can experience new things. “I’ve always been a fan of bull rid-
Phobo byL: Michael Tacket
april/may 2015 | Cowgirls In Style | 59
Bull Riding Meets Modern art; researching the longest ride... Sparks did more research for The Longest Ride than he had for any of his other novels. “My explorations covered many areas I didn’t know anything about,” he explains. “I needed to find out what the art world was like in the ‘30s and ‘40s; what life was like for Jewish people in North Carolina in the 1930s; and the many facets of the Professional Bull Rider’s tour and its riders.” A key source for this research was Professional Bull Riders (PBR), the world’s premiere bull-riding organization, which the filmmakers brought on board as technical advisors. PBR produced the movie’s bull riding events. The PBR segments were filmed in Jacksonville, North Carolina and Winston Salem, North
60 | Cowgirls In Style | April/May 2015
Carolina. Current and active PBR Built Ford Tough Series riders served as stunt doubles for Scott Eastwood, with a few of them, such as 2009 PBR World Champion Kody Lostroh, and Billy Robinson appearing as themselves. “Nicholas Sparks captured the essence of a PBR bull rider with his character Luke Collins,” says PBR chief operating officer Sean Gleason. “We enjoyed working with Scott Eastwood to bring the character of Luke to life on the big screen as a PBR cowboy in and amongst the real-world stars of the sport.” Bowen actually had some experience with bull riding. He was born in a small Central Texas town
called Wortham (population: 1000), which, he says, didn’t even have a stoplight. “But once a week, for six weeks every summer, there was a rodeo with bull riders. I learned then that there’s a section of the United States that thinks of bull riding like others think of basketball. It’s part of our cultural institution. “There is something primal about watching a man on the back of a two thousand pound beast,” Bowen continues. “I think conquering that fear must be an incredibly liberating thing to do. With the character of Luke, bull riding is about conquering that fear. But it’s hard to confront it when you know that it could kill you. “You know,” Bowen adds, “bull riding is like running into the fire,
instead of away from it, and it takes a special breed of person to think in those terms. It’s mesmerizing to watch, and it’s an incredible culture.” Director George Tillman, Jr. says his first encounter with PBR was an eye-opening one. “During pre-production we traveled to Las Vegas, where we saw the PBR finals,” he recounts. “Being in a real bull riding environment, seeing the power of the bull, how much life and death this can really be – and at the same time, seeing the energy, the love of bull riding.” Going into production, Tillman discovered he had a few misconceptions about bull riding. “The riders have to hang on for eight seconds to win,” he explains. “On television, that seems very slow and normal, but when you are actually at the ring, those eight seconds go by very quickly. “It’s the toughest sport on dirt.” While the actors and stunt crew/ bull riders were always professional, Tillman found his four-legged performer to be a handful. “We had a top bull named Rango,” says Tillman. “The first day of shooting, we had five cameras set up. Rango goes into the chute and is very quiet. He was renowned for his toughness.” Rango was more than ready for his close-up. That first ride was unbelievable: Rango came out of that gate, jumped about five feet in the air, and our rider held on for the eight seconds,” Tillman continues. “In fact, he may have gone on nine or ten seconds and then he flipped up in the air. It was all that we needed and on top of that, the rider landed on his feet.” Sadly, on September 15, 2014 Rango died of heart complications while receiving treatment for an intestinal ailment.
“The great thing about the PBR,” says Bob Teitel, “is that its members are probably the last American cowboys. We captured PBR like no other film has.” -Bob Teitel
Rango’s rider was Brant Atwood, a PBR cowboy who doubled for Eastwood. “Brant really has the swagger we needed for Luke,” explains Tillman, “and he’s one of the top bull riders in the country. When you work with the real bulls and the bull riding PBR, you’re working with some of the best riders around.” “The great thing about the PBR,” says Bob Teitel, “is that its members are probably the last American cowboys. We captured PBR like no other film has. They get bucked off a bull and they’re lying there. The doctor comes out to check them out and they refuse help. It’s just wild! “I don’t think people realize how dangerous the sport is,” adds Eastwood. “Bull riders are probably the toughest guys in the world. Even our stunt guys were in awe of them. I’m fascinated by the sport and have tremendous respect for the riders.” Eastwood traveled to a ranch to train. The facility’s owner, Troy Brown, raises bucking bulls and is a stunt coordinator. “Scott was a joy to work with,” says Brown. “He put in the time and effort and he really cared that his bull riding looked right. He was always asking the bull riders for advice. We had the best bull riders in the world – the who’s who of the PBR – in this movie and Scott worked with them to make it
look as real as possible. “Scott had no bull riding experience coming into this,” Brown continues. “He rides horses but that’s a whole different ball game than bulls. But he’s a great athlete – he surfs – so he picked it up quickly. And Scott looks like a bull rider. He’s muscular but not too big. He’s very fit.” From the art of bull riding to the art of…art, Nicholas Sparks’ research took him to unexpected places.
About Nicholas Sparks (Novelist, Producer) is one of the world’s most beloved storytellers. All of his books have been New York Times bestsellers, with over 100 million copies sold worldwide, in more than 50 languages, including over 65 million copies in the United States alone. Sparks wrote one of his bestknown stories, The Notebook, over a period of six months at age 28. It was published in 1996 by Warner Books. He followed with the novels Message in a Bottle (1998), A Walk to Remember (1999), The Rescue (2000), A Bend in the Road (2001), Nights in Rodanthe (2002), The Guardian (2003), The Wedding (2003), True Believer (2005) and its sequel, At First Sight (2005), Dear John (2006), The Choice (2007), The Lucky One (2008), The Last Song (2009), Safe Haven (2010) and The Best of Me (2011), as well as the 2004 non-fiction memoir Three Weeks With My Brother, co-written with his brother Micah. His seventeenth novel, The Longest Ride, was published on September 17, 2013. april/may 2015 | Cowgirls In Style | 61
Rodeo Runway
Spring FASHIONS
Taci wearing Brit West Corset belt Lace skirt Ryan Michael Denim Brit West Signature Fedora Old Gringo Boots https://www.facebook.com/pages/BritWest/287118654807?ref=br_rs
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Tressie is wearing romantic Bloomer set from the Marrika Nakk “Rosa” Collection. Necklace and earrings are part of the “Rosa Too” Collection by “Olav Jules” Design’s by Cat Sandstrom Dog is Australian Shepherd “Zanes Shoreland Moon Rising”, Laura McClure’s dog... who was the Canine Platinum Performance Catalog cover dog 2012 Photographed by: Laura McClure www.LauraMcClurePhotography.com
Model: Britt West Wild West Dress Shorty Vest Gambler Hat Barrels and Whiskey Necklace https://www.facebook.com/pages/BritWest/287118654807?ref=br_rs
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February/March 2015 | Cowgirls In Style | 25
Taci in Wild West Vest Gamber Hat Wild West mini All made from wild european deer https://www.facebook.com/pages/BritWest/287118654807?ref=br_rs
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Taci wearing Brit West Corset belt Llace skirt Ryan Michael Denim, Brit West Signature Fedora Old Gringo Boots. https://www.facebook.com/pages/BritWest/287118654807?ref=br_rs
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