If living in the south means royal picnic’s like this inspiration shoot from Finishing Touch Event Design and Photography by Melissa, count me in. The best of the best of Arkansas worked perfectly together to create a romantic bit of southern charm, and it just works. Ooh boy, does it work. With amazing vendors like Destinctive Designs by Tanarah in charge of florals, and Sincerely Yours Paper Inc. behind most of the stationery, there was no place this shoot could have gone wrong. It’s 100% swoon-worthy. And there is more in the full image gallery!
From Jessica of Finishing Touch Event Design … To inspire brides in our area of the South, where ideas and trends seem to trickle down slowly, myself and fabulous local photographer Melissa McCrotty decided to get together and design an amazing photo shoot for a sweet real-life couple.
Enamored by the idea of lavish royal outings and royal picnics from period films, specifically Sophia Coppola’s Marie Antoinette, I grabbed on to this as the initial inspiration for this photo shoot. I expanded on this idea by using luxurious antique furniture, lush linens, and opulent floral designs and accessories. To top it all off, we hung a fabulous gilded gold mirror and crystal chandelier from the tree to bring the luxury of a palace outdoors.
To get the results I wanted, I enlisted the best local vendors (florist, rentals, bakery, invitation designers, and venue) who contributed their services and products to perfectly achieve my vision for the day. Alda’s Magnolia Hill in Little Rock Arkansas was the perfect outdoor setting for the shoot.
We positioned our table on the lake’s edge, under a huge cedar tree. The location gave us the perfect blend of Royal and Southern. Distinctive Designs by Tanarah created the abundant floral designs and personal flowers. They were able to capture my vision to flawlessly. Party Time Rentals provided the linens, vintage sofa, and ghost chairs (I couldn’t resist a little modern touch!). Sincerely Yours Paper, Inc. designed the stunning layered invitation and “feast with us” tags for the sourdough bread. Seasons of Love Cakes was the brains behind the wedding cake. And Molly’s Paperie provided the incredible calligraphy menus and place cards. All of these amazing vendors came together to create a perfectly royal design to inspire our Southern brides.
Photography: Melissa McCrotty Photography / Flowers: Distinctive Designs by Tanarah / Event Design: Finishing Touch Event Design / Location: Alda’s Magnolia Hill / Invitation, Favor Tags, and Just Married Sign: Sincerely Yours Paper Inc / Menus & Place Cards: Molly’s Paperie / Rentals: Party Time Rentals / Cake: Seasons of Love Cakes / Macaroons: Sucre