We all know planning a wedding can be demanding, and sometimes difficult. Especially when you and your fiance want two seemingly different vibes for the big day. Belle Destination Weddings & Events is here today to rock your cute, little wedding socks off. They took inspiration from two totally different locales – the south of France AND vintage Hawaii – and created the most amazing photo shoot. There are so many fab ideas packed into these phenomenal photos from Evonne & Darren Photography. SO many. And within the shoot lies the secret to combining lots of different wedding day inspiration. So pay close attention to all the sweet, gorgeous details. And then check out the gallery where there is so much more.
This shoot was inspired by one item, a depression glass etched champagne stem that had been inherited in a personal collection. These stems inspired an idea to create the feel of Parisian opulence and romance in a formal sea-side garden picnic setting. The concept of a formal, yet relaxed afternoon supper party was our goal. Despite the fine china and black tie, we wanted to conjure the relaxed feel of a destination event without going too casual. We started with pastel colors for the flowers which developed into adding pops of bright color in fuchsia, purple, and burgundy to make the colors more lively and less redundant. Bringing in some elements of the sea into the shoot, subtly reminded us where we were, so we added light pink fan coral and a “message in a bottle” element for the escort cards. All was elegantly captured by Evonne & Darren Photography.
We began with a walnut stained raw wood table, and basic crushed taupe runner, adding antique lace sewn along the edges. We used mahogany chameleon chairs with lace cushion covers, and white sofas, with comfy throws, all provided by Pacific Event Group. It was all a combination of adding personalized DIY elements to the basic rentals to create a more customized design. We layered colorfully detailed fine china from a private collection, which mixed well with the antique depression glass and gold flatware without the matchy-matchy feel. Each menu – A Belle inspired DIY project involving the fun process of staining fine paper in espresso, and lightly baking – was hand torn and placed on each place setting, each menu unique in it’s own shape. Everything was free from the confines of traditional formality.
Bella Bloom Floral Boutique created a unique structured centerpiece with a mixture of bamboo, crystals, and a mason jar chandelier. A collection of unique bud vases filled the center, creating many elements of texture and shape in the centerpiece. Mixing mercury glass and brass, gave the piece an additional casual dimension. Bella Bloom used a mixture of delicate flowers including: peach garden roses, pink and purple hyacinth, white peonies, lisianthus, white and fuchsia anemones, seeded eucalyptus, pale pink sweet peas, purple and white ranunculus, and deep purple hydrangea, adding touched of burgundy for pop, and spotted owl feathers.
Our real-life couple, Meshay and Brett jumped at the chance for an engagement shoot before their own nuptials take place next year. Meshay’s raw silk halter strap dress with lotus flower embroidery and ribbon details, was designed by Maui-based deigner, Tamara Catz. Brett was dressed in a casual suit from H&M. Underneath the embroidered raw silk and tailored trousers, our cuddly couple rocked bare feet on the lush sprawling lawn. The two snuggled and played, joking about getting married right there and then, all while sipping champagne and reflecting on how gorgeous our little island can be. Trisha Joseph of Beauty By Trisha, kept Brett scruffy and handsome, while elegantly twisting Meshay’s hair in an unstructured up-do.
Photography: Evonne & Darren Photography / Event Design: Jane Park & Lena Sebag of Belle Destination Weddings & Events / Floral Design: Nicole Bonanno of Bella Bloom Floral Boutique / Rentals, Furniture, & Linens: Pacific Event Group / Dress: Tamara Catz / Groom’s Attire: H&M / Catering: Aloha Events Catering / Cocktail Set-up: Steph Smith of Garnish Events / Hair & Makeup: Beauty by Trisha / Location: Sugarman Estate, Makena, Maui