Anything inspired by chocolate and France is a sign us up kind of affair. It’s bonjours and bisous mixed with the prettiest blush pinks and blooms that add a layer of gorgeous to this chocolate infused shoot. Conceptualized and styled by Tara of A Day in Provence along with a team of fabby vendors that prove brown can be oh so glamorous and chocolate filled dessert tables are where it’s at. Get your bums over to the gallery for so, so much more captured by Canary Grey Photography.
From A Day in Provence… There is such beauty in simplicity, and few places illustrate this more perfectly than the sun-drenched hilltop villages of southern France. The slower pace of life is purposeful and soothing, allowing locals and visitors alike to appreciate the artful presentation of the market foods, flowers and pottery, as well as savor each delightful bite of the scrumptious cuisine and decadent desserts that abound. Drawing on inspiration reminiscent of my personal experience living in France, along with my love of the film and soundtrack “Chocolat,” I set out to collaborate with a highly creative group of vendors to transform the lovely outdoor courtyard at the Van Dusen Mansion in Minneapolis into the setting of a quaint little French wedding town.
The darling bride wore ivory and blush throughout the day, which was complemented by her rich bouquet of chocolate dahlias and mocha-colored Queen Anne’s lace. The handsome groom was outfitted in a dark chocolate pin stripe suit. Little French girls welcomed guests with fleur-de-lis flower cones filled with flowers and chocolates. For the reception, our bride wore a shorter lace dress to set a more relaxed tone for the evening. Guests mingled in a courtyard surrounded by French and bohemian-inspired furniture. Sarah from A Milestone Paper Co did a lovely job giving the invitation and paper designs an antique look, and that feeling was reflected throughout the day with the vintage jewelry pieces, handbags, lace, tea-stained doilies and candelabras.
And, it goes without saying that the dessert table would be a focal piece. Patisserie 46 provided several chocolate showpieces, including an exquisite cake, chocolate croissants, a macaron tower, and chocolate-covered orange peels to name a few. A chocolat chaud (hot cocoa) bar was another must, complete with homemade marshmallows, whipped cream and dark chocolate squares with hazelnut praline crunch. Wing from Canary Grey Photography did a fabulous job capturing the details and essence of this very charming French day.
Photography: Canary Grey Photography / Photo Shoot Venue: Van Dusen Mansion in Minneapolis, Minnesota / Styling, Concept, Event + Floral Design: Tara of A Day in Provence / Desserts: Patisserie 46 / Invitations + Paper Goods: A Milestone Paper Co. / Vintage Furniture Rental: Lime Canary Vintage Rentals / Wardrobe + Prop Styling: Style-Architects / Fashion + Jewelry: Nelle, Anne M Cramer + Zara / Makeup + Hair: Mici O’Grady of Make-Up by Mici / Models: Mykala Holtz + Nate Schwarz