Good Housekeeping with Meghan Markle

M Doucette Production was hired to produce an 8–page celebrity fashion and travel feature for Good Housekeeping's August 2016 issue.

The magazine wanted to showcase all that Boston had to offer, and it was essential to find a producer that was not only familiar with the city, but could tap into the very pulse of what makes it so fashion-friendly. When GH's photo editor, Devon Baverman, approached MDP about producing their photoshoot, Michele and Matthew jumped at the opportunity.

We took Meghan Markle (she plays paralegal Rachel Zane on Suits) on a fabulous adventure through Boston's cobblestoned streets, a seaside sailboat and one of the city's newest rooftop hangouts. We had 6 locations, 8 outfits, and one day to make it all happen. Challenge accepted!

BEHIND THE SCENES

We started our day in Boston's Innovation District at the Envoy Hotel, a luxurious urban getaway with chic furnishings, concrete flooring and golden pillars.

One of the most impressive parts about working with photographer Bryan Derballa (save for his super down to earth, inspired personality) was his use of natural light—and the high ceiling, atrium-style lobby of the Envoy provided the right amount of sun for our first shot of the day.

Most would shy away from driving a 36-foot motor home, two production vans and a town car down the narrow (and bustling) streets of the historic North End. But for MDP, it's all in day's work.

When it comes to Boston's Little Italy, one must take a trip to Monica's Mercato. This local hotspot added the ideal backdrop to our picnic-inspired scene. Shout out to owner and friend, Frankie Mendoza for his unmatched hospitality.

After our tech scout and reviewing Bryan's test images, we realized we needed something warm and textural to achieve an authentic on-the-go street shot. We needed a location change-up...and fast.

We're on a boat! A big thanks to our friends at Classic Harbor Line for helping us set sail for a successful shot.

Lydia Sellers ensured Meghan maintained her easy breezy look throughout the entire photoshoot—whether on land or sea.

Table for one? We scouted Coppersmith because it's a unique dining venue in South Boston. Set within an industrial warehouse, this restaurant boasts timber beams, repurposed table tops and sunny skylights.

Not to mention their DIY Bloody Mary bar! Who doesn't love a midday cocktail? 

Meghan does ;)

Coppersmith's rooftop patio, with beautifully exposed brick and boardwalk planks, nicely contrasted Meghan's sweater-shorts combo.

Meghan looked simply stunning in these matching separates, paired perfectly with purple-pink flowers and our romantically lit background.

After a quick wardrobe change, Meghan and our crew whisked their way to sweeping panoramic waterfront views of the Envoy's Lookout Bar.

The crew takes a peek at the monitor before making a final call...

That's a wrap! And what a way to finish. We couldn't be happier with the final images and are so proud of all the hard work everyone put forth to make this photoshoot a huge success. Be sure to pick up your own copy of Good Housekeeping :)

FINAL IMAGES

Photographer: Bryan Derballa

1st Assist: Jon Brown

2nd Assist: Anthony Tulliani

Digital Tech: Buck Squib

Videographer: Paul Lewis Anderson

Producers: Matthew Eriksen + Michele Doucette

Production Assists: Corey Davis + Dan Orlow

Hair/Makeup: Lydia Sellers (Exclusive Artists Management)

Seamstress: Karon Yee

Fashion Director: Kristen Saladino

Asst. Fashion Editor: Samantha Roman

Design Director: Melissa Geurts

Entertainment Director: Cortney Pellettieri

Photo Editor: Devon Baverman

Special thanks to the Envoy Hotel, Monica's Mercato, Classic Harbor Line and Coppersmith