We’re going overseas for todays blog offering us both enchanting and wild outdoor wedding inspiration. Both mystical and rustic luxe it’s the perfect mix. Co-ordinated and styled by two fantastic suppliers baker Gathered Confections and photographer Asia Dore and set in Washington Park, USA it will not disappoint. Here we catch up with the team who tell us all about the styled shoot – Enchanting and wild outdoor wedding inspiration, and throw in some top tips for including the aspects used in your big day!
“Inspired by the lush greens and overcast days of the United States’ Pacific Northwest, our vision was to create a scene that embodied a similar atmosphere, but with a bit of an enchanted twist. This shoot was planned long distance, so when dewey makeup, fairytale hairstyles, locally-sourced florals, delightful desserts, magical crystal jewelry, lace gowns, stunning models, vintage furniture, and a fresh forest backdrop all came together, we were very pleased with the juxtaposition of serene, natural tones and wild, organic textures.”
“Wedding industry trends can start to look very similar to each other, so our goal was to create something that felt a little different and inspire engaged couples to think outside the box. As you plan, remember personality can be infused into every detail of your celebration to bring your vision to life in a one-of-a-kind way.”
Photography
“I tend to be drawn to a wistful, ambivalent style of photography, so this concept was a perfect opportunity to explore that in an editorial way. I wanted the photos to represent the juxtaposition we created, both emotionally and visually. My aim was magical but not necessarily whimsical, subtle but not necessarily soft, feminine but not necessarily pretty. I always recommend a candid approach to wedding photography, but making time for portraits on your wedding day is a great opportunity to work with your photographer in a more curated environment for those WOW photos!”
The Dress
“To continue with our overarching theme of contrast, we knew we wanted three models, each with their own unique look. We brought back some cohesiveness by dressing them all in fitted, textured styles, but made sure each dress was markedly different to maintain individuality. Soft lace patterns enhanced the relaxed boho vibe we were after, and the silhouettes gave a sleek, modern edge. Having a general idea of dress styles you like will help narrow down your search, but stay open minded when you visit a dress store or boutique – the associates will generally be happy to recommend the best style for your body type and your wedding vision.”
The Furniture
“The furniture pieces we chose added a touch of elegance that would have been sorely missed without them. We opted for simple shapes with a vintage flair, but kept the color palette consistent with brown and gray. Furniture rentals are an easy and cost-effective way to add ambiance to your celebration without purchasing pieces you may never use again (or don’t have room for!).”
Make Up
“For this shoot I wanted the makeup to be a bit understated. The killer hair styling and floral work meant I could focus on creating a glow with mini facials before adding touches of shimmer to compliment each skin tone. This look is perfect for the laid back bride who wants to have all eyes on her (but not her makeup), and would flow effortlessly with boho creative vibes. For this look, ask for a solid skin prep, metallic color wash shadow with no lines, glowing highlight, and a sheer cover of airbrush foundation.”
Hair
“We were very thoughtful about what hairstyle would make sense with each model as we didn’t want to overwhelm their looks with too many details. Gabrielle wore a large floral headpiece, so we kept her hair down and simple with soft waves and a small braid. We highlighted Mari’s beautiful natural texture and volume with a crystal crown, and Andrea’s large, perfectly messy braid was a showstopper all on its own. A trial run with your hairstylist is always a good idea, especially if you want a more dramatic or intricate look.”
Cake and Desserts
“Creating desserts inspired by foggy, enchanted forests led me to play with deep textures and classic touches. Washington forests are iconically lush, and I wanted the cake to embody that kind of vine-covered and overgrown aesthetic. The cake was wrapped in thyme and frosted in Italian buttercream, with textured ivory and blush layers on a classic silhouette. A cake this size serves fewer than 50 guests. Recently, couples have been supplementing smaller cakes with an assortment of pastries to showcase personality and variety. Inspiration for the tartlets came from our models. I envisioned them as wild nymphs, or magical forest queens, frolicking through the trees and stumbling upon a tray of desserts. I wanted the tartlets to feel delicate, organic, and just as magical as our models looked. The tartlets were rosemary-tangerine shortbread with blackberry curd and torched Italian meringue, decorated with delicate touches of edible flowers and herbs.”
Jewellery
“Our inspiration for this shoot was heavily influenced by crystals, and we sought out designs that felt unrefined yet beautiful. Leia Beila’s pieces were the perfect fit. From the jeweller: Our jewellery designs represent confidence and individuality. They are strong statement pieces that are meant to be an extension of body and mind. We want women to feel empowered and be proud of their individuality when wearing them. Don’t be afraid to step out of the box and be bold on your wedding day. Made with real crystals, these designs are perfect for any bride that wants to shine bright and wear the earth’s energy in style.”
Florals
“I created each piece to complement the unique style of the gowns. If you’re thinking about a headpiece or other wearable floral piece, choose something that will pair well with your dress. Show your florist a dress picture if possible. Other things to consider are your hair style and overall comfort of the piece. In the summer months, a full lush floral crown would be really warm and possibly overwhelming to wear all day. You can always opt for a dramatic piece to wear for photos and a lighter piece for the rest of the day. Don’t be afraid to ask your florist for suggestions. I always love trying new wearable floral looks!”
The Team:
Photographer: Asia Dore @asia.dore
Furniture Rentals: Vintage Ambiance @vintageambiance
Gowns: Alicia’s Bridal @aliciasbridal_theformalhouse – All gowns are designed by Justin Alexander: Mari is wearing Sincerity Bridal, Style 4027 Andrea is wearing Lillian West, Style 6485 Gabrielle is wearing Lillian West, Style 6463 @justinalexander
Cake and Desserts: Gathered Confections @gatheredconfections
Jewellery: Leia Beila @lb_jewelry
Hair: Crowns of Gold @crownsofgoldstyling
Makeup: Beauty by Elizabeth Marie @beautybyelizabethmarie
Florals: Pozie by Natalie @poziebynatalie
Models: Andrea Bjazevich @andrea_bjazevich22
Mari Nordeen @mari.nordeen
Gabrielle Fisher @gabrielleisrad
Want more outdoor woodland wedding inspiration? Check out Bold and Beautiful Boudica Shoot – Inspirational and Empowering for the Modern Boho Bride
