I wish I could just jump right into this nature-inspired photo shoot and call it my very own. The warm, earthy tones mixed with vibrant orange and red hues, the breathtaking location, the animal prints adding just the right touch of spice... I am completely captivated by each and every amazing detail designed by Event Planning Headquarters. And when you combine those fabulous stylings with beautiful rentals from Special Event Rentals, gorgeous paper products created by The Paper Tree and one very awesome centerpiece by La Piazza Dasee, it all adds up to pure prairie perfection. Thankfully, Shandro Photo was on hand to capture all of the lovely, so there's an entire gallery of brilliant images just waiting to be adored. Join me there for even more!
Click here to see the entire gallery of images!
From Event Planning Headquarters... With spring finally upon us after a very long Canadian winter we were just aching to put together a shoot that would evoke the spirit of warm nights spent outdoors with someone you love. We wanted a location that was raw and untouched but still romantic and flooded with soft light. The perfect location was scouted out by husband and wife team, Michael and Haley Shandro, of Shandro Photo. A small patch of land on the West end of Edmonton that had tall grasses and a wash of evening sun. With a ring of trees bordering the location, we got a secluded “just for us” feel. Inspired equally by nature and glamour we set out to develop our concept using different textures, prints, and subtle cultural touches. Our tablescape was a true expression of our vision.
We began by combining several different linens from Special Event Rentals, one a neutral pintuck linen and the other a textured crocodile leather, to create the base of our table. From there we layered more refined elements like the gold rim goblets, mercury glass candle holders, and the glossy metallic elephant. Pairing these items with more rustic items such as the wooden carved roses, feather balls, and the stone vase of the centerpiece gave us the balance between wild/organic and classic/glamour that we were seeking. The centerpiece was without a doubt the focal point of the table. Created by floral masterminds – Janine and James of La Piazza Dasee – the custom built Witch Hazel Tree was a marvel of lush, exotic florals that stretched almost the entire length of the table. The vibrant colors really popped against the mostly neutral tones below it.
We tried to incorporate similar elements throughout various portions of the shoot. For example the textured, woven basket that we used on the cupcake table was mimicked by the charger plate on the tablescape. We also used different animal elements throughout; a giraffe chair pad, small plastic toy animals were transformed with paint to dress them up, a leopard print ribbon was used to wrap the brides bouquet; these small details added a lot of depth to the shoot. The models were one of the largest expressions of contrast. Being of different races they were an exotic mix of light and dark and we just couldn’t get enough of the two of them together. The clothing, makeup, and accessories really emphasized our glamorous/wild combination.
We can’t say enough about how happy we are to have had an opportunity to collaborate with so many talented, local vendors! We could talk for hours about how everything came together but maybe we’ll just let the photos do the talking. We hope you’ll be inspired and enjoy!
Concept + Design: Kristina McAnally with Event Planning Headquarters / Rentals: Special Event Rentals / Decor Accessories: Edmonton Wedding & Party Centre / Wedding Photography: Shandro Photo / Flowers: La Piazza Dasee / Bridal Gown: Bridal Debut / Tuxedo Rental: Derks Formals and Menswear / Make-up Artist: Anita Gill / Jewelry: Stella & Dot / Cupcakes: Flirt Cupcakes / Stationery: The Paper Tree