I know that you guys are craving some really special real weddings more than anything, but I HAD to put up this photoshoot that Jessica Claire sent my way. Ever since we debuted Jessica’s wedding, I have become totally enamored with everything she does and when I heard that she had partnered up with Lollipop Events & Designs for her latest photography workshop, well…let’s just say my neighbors heard the “whoop.”
Based on a romantic, around the world theme, there are SO many steal-worthy ideas tucked inside this shoot. Many of which I never in a million years would have thought of, like a chandelier built from a boat’s steering wheel (I think it’s called a helm?). Paper mache globes hanging in the trees. And a bride that is all glamour, all gorgeousness. So, before we get to our amazing giveaway (next) and our lovely real wedding (later today), feast your eyes on this little piece of Jessica Claire and Lollipop Designs heaven…
For the couple who loves to travel, we were inspired by the lyrics of Frank Sinatra’s “We’ve got the World on a String.” We wanted to transport guests onto a fine dining cruise ship from the early 1900’s as they traveled to the Orient, to Africa, to Europe and back again by mixing Moroccan goblets, Parisian tabletops, Italian dinnerware, and even Oriental shoji screens for a romantic trip around the globe.
Vintage nautical elements inspired us to adhere our color palette to the hues of the azure seas. We blended shades of brilliant blues including sparkling sapphires, indigos and sky blues with metallic silver and high gloss white. Batik fabrics were combined with textiles of damask, ikat, and toile to maintain the eclectic ethnic feel of this worldly fete. Graphical elements were designed as circles to represent both globes and portholes, tying in the “World on a String” globe-hopping theme.
The ceremony featured sky blue wooden chairs adorned with wreaths of baby’s breath and velvet ribbon while white baroque French loveseats served as the seating for the front row. The seating cards and table numbers were named after famous ports of the globe that the worldly couple had visited on their ‘voyage of love’ and were used as navigational direction to the dining tables. Each guest was given a message box favor, which is a play on the unique ways people around the world have communicated with each other for centuries. Small treats wrapped in vintage boxes contained surprise messages including “follow your heart” tied with a locket and including a small compass, and “lets grow old together” including miniature teacups.
The dining table was reminiscent of a fine dining room on an old cruise ship with a tall candelabra perched in the center. The table linen was adorned with silver calligraphy that displayed famous love poems written in French, Spanish, and Italian. Moroccan goblets were tied with tags that read ‘cheers’ in six different languages. Blue Italian dinnerware with multiple patterns was set upon a white French inspired table and surrounded by blue anemones that had a lavender glow.
The dessert bar was set upon on a multi-level console with French bubble legs. A beautiful indigo and white 3 tiered cake adorned with Moroccan tiles and vintage travel stamps was the centerpiece surrounded by decanters of wine and liquors from multiple countries which were appropriately paired with signature desserts from each country. Italian Amaretto was paired with Tiramisu wafer cookies, Japanese Yuzushu was served with fortune cookies, and English Hereford Apple Aperitif was paired with English lemon tea cookies, amongst other worldly delights. The confections were served upon plates with patterns of constellations and star maps.
Guests were able to relax in a lounge amidst platinum ikat patterned pillows set upon a sky blue velvet surrounded by floating globes wrapped in Parisian maps and even a plane coming in for landing. A beveled mirrored coffee table and blue faux fur throw added elegance while croc embossed luggage served as side tables.
Photographer: Jessica Claire / Event Design, Production, Vendor Coordination, Bride & Bridesmaid Styling, Graphic Design: Lollipop Events & Designs / Floral Design & Groom Styling: Tam Ashworth for Isari Flower Studio and Stylish Silhouette / Hair & Makeup: Vivian Tran, All Made Up / Furniture: Fete Accompli / Dinnerware, Flatware, Flutes & China: Bloomingdales / Gowns: Joan Shum Bridal / Groom Suits: Bloomingdales / Cake Designer: Erica O’Brien Cake Design / Love Quotes Calligraphy Linen: Laura Hooper Calligraphy / Upcycled Vintage Bridal Jewelry, Accessories & Heirloom Jeweled Bouquet: Noaki Jewelry / Bridesmaid Dress: Swoon / Bridal Headpieces & Bridesmaid Bolero Jacket: Alisa Benay / Message Box Favors: Lucky Bug Handmade Paper Delights / Special thanks to Be Inspired Public Relations