[caption id="attachment_5442" align="aligncenter" width="490"]Silly fun on the set with Jewels Hay. [/caption] It took several years to arrange, but finally Sydney's Closet booked curvy model Jewels Hay for the photo shoot of our 2015 collections of plus size wedding dresses. We already knew how amazing she looked in Sydney's Closet formal gowns. She's worn several when photographed for military magazines where she appeared ready to impress the general! Jewels flew into St. Louis from New Jersey for the two-day shoot on location at the historic Coronado Ballroom and the romantic Stone Hill Winery. We had a blast on - and off - set including giving Jewels her first taste of St. Louis's famed toasted ravioli. Thanks to Jewels for being a beautiful bride and a professional curvy model. So much fun sitting down with you for this "Meet the Model" interview. Q: How did you get started as a plus size model? I moved to New Jersey three years ago and had formed some amazing relationships with a few military spouse photographers. I remembered how much fun I had in front of the camera when I was a younger straight-sized model, and the modeling bug bit again. Not only was I introduced to plus size modeling that year, but also those photos where placed in Military Spouse Magazine. In fact, my family and I landed the May 2012 cover!   [caption id="attachment_5658" align="aligncenter" width="490"]Jewels jumps for joy![/caption] Q: What’s the one favorite item in your closet you’d never be persuaded to give away? I have a pair of Doc Martins that I bought for myself in high school. I was so proud because I saved my money and paid for them myself. I was, and still am, big into the grunge style. Q. If you could spend an hour with any celebrity, who would it be? WOW! I have so many! I am lucky to have met some celebrities so it is hard to choose one. But the first one that comes to my mind would be Robin Williams because I grew up enjoying his comic talent. I think my face would hurt from laughing so much if I had dinner with him!   [caption id="attachment_5657" align="aligncenter" width="490"]Getting a laugh in with Photographer Preston Page.[/caption] Q: You never leave home without what item in your bag (can’t be your phone!)? I always have a small tube of DDML Clinique Moisturizer in my purse or model bag. Also, a must-have is Chapstick or lip-gloss. I really dislike having dry skin and chapped lips. Q: If you wanted to stop traffic, what would you wear? If I wanted to grab some attention, I would wear a short skirt, heels and a sexy top. My outfit of choice would be a baby pink top with a black lace skirt. I like to show off my hourglass figure and my long legs. Q. What fashion trend(s) are you obsessing over right now? I love this summer’s lace trend. I am always in favor of a look that is light and lacey with a bright pop of color. The color fits my loud and bubbly personality. The lace is a little daring and sexy.   [caption id="attachment_5656" align="aligncenter" width="490"]Ready for her first shot of the day[/caption] Q: What’s the best steal or deal you ever got clothes shopping? I was walking through a store to get to the main part of the mall when I passed these very high-end looking fur coats marked down. As I looked at the price, I did a double take. It was marked down to $19.99! I could not believe that they had my size. I was so happy and it remains my favorite coat. I always wear it in the winter on my NYC trips to keep me warm. Q: Name the charity of your choice? I have many charities that are close to my heart: Wounded Warrior Project is a tax-deductible donation to help thousands of injured warriors returning home from the injuries of war and also to provide assistance to their families. In some cases, the military member ends up hurting to make ends meet after returning home with an injury or disability. Light the Night Walk for Leukemia and Lymphoma Cancer. Last year I lost my Grandmother to Lymphoma Cancer. She was such a supportive and spiritual light in my life. I plan on walking for my Grandmother and to support to all the other people who have passed and are currently fighting and surviving Leukemia and Lymphoma Cancer. This takes place in Manhattan in September.   [caption id="attachment_5444" align="aligncenter" width="490"]Plus Model Jewels Hay looks fabulous all dolled up for her next shot.[/caption] Q. If you could live anywhere, where would home be? My dream location to live would be on a beach. I love to walk on the sand, listen to the waves crashing and birds singing. As long as I am close to an ocean to go escape and enjoy the beauty that God has created, I am a happy camper. Q: What is your dream date with your handsome husband? I know what my husbands dream date would be. "LOL" It would be at a Nascar race in Richmond, Virginia in the front stretch top row. My dream date would be an evening sitting on the patio of a romantic seafood restaurant looking at the beautiful ocean view. I would wear a dreamy Sydney's Closet dress that would flow beautifully in the wind. Q. What’s your guilty food pleasure? My guilty food pleasure is SUSHI! I love it SO much. I am thankful I have learned how to make it at home because it can get expensive.   [caption id="attachment_5445" align="aligncenter" width="490"]Happy to have Jewels as our Model for the 2015 Bridal Collection[/caption]