You all know how much we love real weddings here on the Little Black Book Blog. Real weddings feature a real bride and groom with the details that they painstakingly gathered throughout the planning process. But when a talented team of wedding professionals get together for a photo shoot, they are bringing a mega-dose of inspiration to the table. Literally! Taking it one step further, an Inspiration to Reality shoot takes one of our Style Circle Inspiration Boards and transforms it into a well-conceived plan for a wedding with some fabulous design and decor options. This shoot, choreographed by an exciting group of vendors is ~ well, just that. Exciting. The inspiration? An African safari. Yes, get ready for giraffes, hippopotamuses, and zebras. But first, the Inspiration Board from Maggie that set all the wheels into motion!
When we saw this was the Inspiration Board our team got their motivation from, we couldn’t wait to see the finished product. I mean, we all know that a little animal print brings that special wow factor to just about any event. Edna at EFD Creative – Event Planning & Design saw this board and knew exactly how to create a luxe, safari wedding. The team at Paper Moss immediately started brainstorming ways to bring animal prints to their paper products. Christina from Studio 539 had the perfect motivation for her show-stopping florals. And Laura Ashbrook captured it all to the max! The shoot definitely lived up to the safari inspiration, thanks to all of the accomplished team (including three of our very own LBB vendors)! We know you’re dying to see what they came up with, so here it is! Pop into the gallery for more.
Images Courtesy of Laura Ashbrook Photography
From the Paper Moss team … It seemed like there were endless opportunities for us while planning the paper suite for this Safari-inspired photo shoot! With so much going on color-wise in the flowers, we decided to go in a direction that would compliment. Warm neutrals and a simple design were a big part of the vision, but it was the textured zebra belly band and liner that really tied it all together. With our love of monograms and hand-drawn icons, we couldn’t let this suite sneak by without showcasing an adorable zebra, accented by the bride and groom’s initials, perfect for sending any couple away on their ‘lifetime safari’ together.
From Christina at Studio 539 Flowers … Working with a earthy color palette of brown and green, I felt the flowers needed to pop, and rich fire tones made me think of the heat of the jungle and dryness of the desert. Pin cushion protea, cymbidium orchids, parrot tulips and mostera leaves are just a few elements I used.
From Edna at EFD Creative – Event Planning & Design … As I worked through the concept I consistently thought about textures and layers along with earth tones. I didn’t want anything over the top, but instead a blending and incorporating of animal prints with stripes and spots, but careful not to draw too much attention to one item allowing the different pieces to pull it together. All the small touches combined allowed the safari vision to come to life!
From Jennie Kay at Jennie Kay, A Beauty Parlour … We were going for a timeless elegance with the makeup. I wanted a very clean face with a POP of color on the lip.
From Jasmin at Indivia Salon … The inspiration for our model’s hair grew from the safari themed photo shoot and the 1930s era of glamorous and sensuous fashion. A loose wave framed our model’s face while a side chignon fell delicately at the side of her neck. Images from the Great Gatsby and Out of Africa came to mind while creating this look.
From Kathi at Platinum Bridal Boutique … The simplicity of the Lea-Ann Belter bridal gown was beautifully accented by the hand pleated organza detailing at the bodice and hem and the feather detail at the waist. The gown was the perfect backdrop for the bride’s vintage cuff and leopard print stole!
From Gina at Bonardi’s Formalwear, Inc … Inspired by the rich earth tones of nature, this chocolate Calvin Klein tuxedo is an elegant compliment to a champagne and ivory palette.
From Jennifer & Monica at Peterson Party Center … When approached about the safari inspired shoot we immediately felt a connection with the planner. We seemed to be completely in sync with her ideas and were able to pull from our collection perfectly colored linens and china & flatware that just hit all the right emotions. Touches of elegance were brought in by the black lacquered chiavari chair and the crystal stemware.
Photographer: Laura Ashbrook Photography / Custom Stationery: Paper Moss / Venue: OceanCliff Hotel / Flowers: Studio 539 Flowers / Event Design: EFD Creative – Event Planning & Design / Make Up: Jennie Kay, A Beauty Parlour / Hair: Indivia Salon / Dress: Platinum Bridal Boutique / Suit: Bonardi’s Formalwear, Inc / Linens & Tablescape: Peterson Party Center / Cake: Bella Cakes / Calligraphy: Megan Chapin Calligraphy / Fur Shawl: ETCETERA