An Unforgettable Holiday Collaboration: My Day with Jewel and David Tutera

There are moments in life that feel so surreal, you have to pinch yourself repeatedly to ensure they’re real. My recent experience, summed up by the title “Singing with Jewel and David Tutera,” is undoubtedly one of them. Even as I type these words, a wave of disbelief washes over me, prompting yet another phantom pinch. Did this truly happen? Was I really in the same room, sharing a stage – albeit a playful one – with two titans of their respective industries? The answer, incredibly, is a resounding yes, and it was every bit as magical, and delightfully absurd, as it sounds.

The Surreal Invitation: A Day of Festive Inspiration with Superstars

The journey began with an extraordinary invitation from Hallmark. Their vision was to bring together unique voices to share holiday ideas and festive inspiration. The chosen collaborators? The iconic singer-songwriter Jewel, the revered wedding and event guru David Tutera, and myself. Our mission was simple: spend a day at Jewel’s expansive ranch in Texas, sharing our best tips and tricks for the holiday season, all captured on camera. The mere mention of the names Jewel and David Tutera in the same sentence as my own was enough to send a shiver of excitement and disbelief down my spine. Pinch! Pinch! Pinch! It was truly a dream come true, an opportunity to contribute to a national holiday campaign alongside two incredibly talented and well-known personalities.

A Humorous Start: Elf Hats, Squeaky Voices, and Unforgettable Laughter

Our collaborative day kicked off in the most unexpected and hilariously memorable way imaginable. Yes, technically, I did share a song with Jewel and David. However, it wasn’t a soaring duet or a soulful ballad. Instead, picture this: three adults, donning whimsical, gyrating elf hats, singing in the highest, squeakiest, most nasal elf-like voices we could muster, and dancing with uninhibited glee. David and I embraced our inner elves with fervent enthusiasm, twirling and jiggling like seasoned holiday performers. Jewel, ever the graceful artist, observed our antics with a bemused smile, perhaps wondering if we’d indulged a bit too much in the festive eggnog. It was a moment of pure, unadulterated fun, breaking the ice and setting a wonderfully light-hearted tone for the entire shoot. This impromptu performance, far from being a formal collaboration, became an instant bonding experience, proving that even A-listers appreciate a good laugh and a touch of holiday silliness.

Journey to the Heart of Texas: Exploring Jewel’s Expansive Ranch

Knowing that I tend to be a little… unpredictable, especially when star-struck, I wisely enlisted my dear friend Wendy to accompany me as a chaperone. Her mission: to ensure I remained composed and refrained from making an absolute fool of myself in front of two celebrities. While the effectiveness of her chaperoning is still up for debate – my mother would certainly attest to my occasionally uncontrollable nature – her presence offered a comforting anchor amidst the whirlwind of excitement.

Our adventure began the night before the shoot, with an arrival in the charming town of Stephenville, Texas. The following morning, we set off for Jewel and her husband Ty’s sprawling 2,000+ acre ranch. True to form, we managed to get a little lost navigating the vast property, adding a touch of rustic charm (and minor panic) to our celebrity rendezvous. The sheer scale and natural beauty of the ranch were breathtaking, a serene escape that felt a world away from the bustling entertainment industry.

The Glamour Behind the Scenes: Hair and Makeup with Lorena Lopez

The first order of business upon our arrival was hair and makeup. I was introduced to Lorena Lopez, or “Lo” as she prefers to be called. My jaw nearly hit the floor when I learned Lo was Jewel’s personal makeup artist for the AMA’s and one of her regular stylists. “Holy Truffle Balls,” I thought, “Jewel’s makeup artist is going to work on me!”

My initial reaction upon meeting Lo was a somewhat star-struck, slightly rambling compliment. “Wow, you look like Angelina Jolie, and I’m not saying that to just flatter you so you can be nice to me and make me look prettier, but you really, really, really do look like a rock star version of her, but better, much better… okay, I’ll shut up now.” Lo, with a gracious smile, took it all in stride. Her calm demeanor and incredible talent instantly put me at ease, despite my awkwardness. This was a true professional, accustomed to working with the best, and I was about to experience her magic firsthand.

The sheer volume of products and tools Lo brought was astonishing. Her counter space was overflowing, and an entire suitcase on the floor brimmed with additional makeup and hair essentials. It was an elaborate setup, testament to the meticulous detail involved in preparing for a professional shoot. Indeed, it took two full hours and this impressive arsenal of cosmetics to transform me into a glam, camera-ready version of myself. The transformation was remarkable, and I gained an even greater appreciation for the artistry involved in high-level styling.

During the process, my eyes landed on a vibrant, multi-colored kit from Makeup Forever. My immediate, humorous thought was, “I hope the producers haven’t hired me to be the rodeo clown!” It was a lighthearted moment amidst the serious business of getting camera-ready, a reminder of the often-unconventional tools that create polished looks.

After the meticulous makeup session came the hair styling, a change of clothes, the selection of jewelry, and, perhaps most crucially, copious amounts of caffeine to fuel the long day ahead. The energy on set was palpable, a mix of creative excitement and the organized chaos that defines professional production. Every detail was carefully orchestrated to ensure a seamless and visually appealing outcome.

Then came the mic check – a delicate operation where a sound technician discreetly snakes the microphone wire up your shirt. Contrary to what the picture might suggest, he wasn’t checking out my rear, but expertly ensuring crystal-clear audio capture. It’s these small, intricate details behind the scenes that truly bring a production to life.

Prepping for the Spotlight: Lights, Camera, Action!

Our filming location was Jewel’s cozy guest house, which also doubles as a recording studio. The space was filled with an array of fascinating gear, from mixing boards to microphones and instruments. It took considerable effort to resist the urge to push every button and pull every lever, a temptation that every curious mind would understand. The atmosphere was buzzing with anticipation, a vibrant hub of creativity.

When I finally had the chance to meet Jewel, it was a brief but impactful encounter. We had only a couple of minutes to exchange pleasantries and get acquainted before the command of “Lights! Camera! Action!” echoed through the room. The transition from casual conversation to professional filming was swift, demanding immediate focus and presence.

The Intimidation and the Connection: Filming Unscripted Moments

Standing next to Jewel, who looked absolutely stunning despite having recently welcomed a baby, was quite intimidating. The scene was intense: five cameras pointed directly at us, loud and hot studio lights illuminating every detail, producers intently watching on a separate monitor, and makeup and hair artists hovering for quick touch-ups. On top of that, I had to keep track of our discussion points and deliver them naturally. It was a high-pressure environment, yet incredibly exhilarating.

Despite the initial nerves, the entire filming process was genuinely fun. We didn’t rely on a rigid script; instead, we simply chatted like old friends. The chemistry between the three of us was instant and undeniable. David Tutera, with his infectious charm and genuine warmth, is truly a joy to be around. How could anyone not adore this man?! He exudes an energy that makes everyone around him feel comfortable and engaged. Our conversations flowed effortlessly, covering everything from holiday decorating ideas to festive kitchen tips, all delivered with an authentic, unscripted camaraderie that truly shone through.

Beyond the Cameras: Spreading Holiday Cheer in the Community

The entire day was nothing short of awesome – one of the best days ever, in fact. But the magic didn’t end when the cameras stopped rolling. After our filming concluded, David, myself, and the dedicated Hallmark crew embarked on a heartwarming mission. We traveled to a local hospital, laden with a beautifully decorated Christmas tree and countless presents. It was an incredible opportunity to meet the hospital staff, express our gratitude, and spread a little extra holiday cheer to those who work tirelessly, especially during the festive season. The love and appreciation in the room were palpable, a truly touching experience that underscored the true spirit of the holidays.

Sharing Festive Insights: Decorating and Kitchen Tips for Your Home

For those eager to catch a glimpse of our holiday collaboration and gather some fantastic festive ideas, all of our videos were released on Hallmark’s Facebook page. In these delightful segments, David Tutera shared his expert decorating tips with Jewel, offering elegant solutions for transforming any home into a festive wonderland. Meanwhile, Jewel and I teamed up to discuss practical and delicious kitchen tips, perfect for holiday entertaining and creating memorable culinary experiences. It was a comprehensive dive into making the most of the season, from decor to delectable dishes.

And for those eagerly anticipating a glimpse of our infamous elf singing performance, suffice it to say, that moment of pure joy and silliness was indeed captured. It encapsulates the spontaneous fun and genuine connection forged during this extraordinary day. It’s a hilarious, lighthearted memory that I’ll forever cherish from my unforgettable holiday collaboration with Jewel and David Tutera.