As seen on the cover & inside Trendy Bride Magazine
Scans By: Photovision Prints | Linens: Celebration creation | Model: Manuelia R.
Rentals: Special Event Rentals | Floral Designer: Flower Artistry | Model: Numa Models
Cake: Kakes by Kiana | Calligraphy & Stationery: Art and Alexander
Dress Boutique: The Bridal Boutique | Hair & Makeup: Keri Gordon | Designer: Teal
I’ve never been inspired by a moment in time more than the time I spent in Italy. I went to Italy in spring of 2015 and was immediately compelled to bring aspects of the Italian culture back and transcend the elements I fell in love with into an inspiration shoot for Bride-to-be’s. There were so many timeless and overtly romantic aspects about the Tuscany region that I knew would impact they way I viewed celebrations entirely. The Italian’s celebrate food, wine, taste, smell, touch and experience with such a vigour and passion, and that’s where this shoot stemmed from.
The 2016 Pronovias wedding gown set the stage for the romance and femininity that I wanted to create. The 3D lace detailing, lace sleeves, button down back, soft fabrics, and the detachable skirt showcased pure style and class in the understated and nonchalant way of Italian fashion. It also showcased a lot of what will be seen in wedding fashion for the next few years to come. I worked closely with Keri Gordon to create a natural, breathable beauty look that let the bride’s natural beauty shine and we created soft romantic waves that again gave way to the femininity that can be found in so many elements of Italian culture and architecture.
The tablescape was carefully designed to include elements that are currently being coveted by couples such as the monogrammed napkins and hand calligraphed menus (on parchment paper that was attached to the freshly baked bread). It was important to incorporate a mix of ornate details like the charger plates, crystal glasses and cutlery yet balance them with simple natural elements such as the gold rimmed plates, pebbled colour linen napkins and the bare wooden harvest table.
When romanticizing about the culture of old Italy, I often think of hand written love letters and the beautiful artisan elements that were celebrated for centuries. I chose to incorporate this element by getting Jill of Art and Alexander to hand calligraph every piece of stationary on a piece of thick old parchment. We further wanted to showcase the idea of visual arts by brining in the intricately woven chair covers and the hand made floral chair garlands done by Flower Artisty. I chose to keep all the colours in a natural, warm and deep tone, so we used ivories, blushes, peaches, burgundy and forest green.
Last, it was imperative that I incorporated the most important aspect of Italian culture, the food. Celebrations are so often remembered by the experience of food. The incorporation of fresh fruit on the tables and the figs with the hand calligraphed leafs showcased the abundance of the Italian landscape but also represented how every marriage wishes to be blessed with the abundance that life has to offer. The fresh bread, olive oil and vinaigrette bar paid homage to the experience comfort and family and every olive oil and vinaigrette was of an Italian origin. This shoot was all about art, romance, beauty, comfort, love and celebration.
