With all eyes on Russia, we’re a little inspired. When this Russian Winter Ballerina Olympic-Inspired shoot (a beautiful, beautiful mouthful right there) landed in my inbox, I cleared this morning’s calendar right off. With Amanda Cowley Sweet Events, Candy by Katie, JFHannigan Photography, and a whole team of talented others on it, this shoot is pure gold medal status!
From the designer… Russia. Winter. Ballerinas. What more could we ask for!?
When the decision to utilize the upcoming Sochi Winter Olympics, happening in Russia in just a few short weeks was made, we knew our team of creative and talented vendors had to pull out all the stops! So recently, on a cold January day and on the grounds of the Navy Hall, along the shore of a very frozen Niagara River in what is dubbed the ‘prettiest town in Canada’, we did just that, while Joel Hannigan captured the blistery cold day perfectly!
With the endless inspiration that comes to mind when one thinks of Russia, Amanda Cowley Sweet Events and team chose to run with a ‘Winter Ballerina’ direction, incorporating countless magical details to create a cohesive theme and design worthy of its own Olympic event! Starting with a feminine palette of blush pink, frosted whites and silvery powder blue, with hints of deep ruby red which gave all of our florals designed by Lush Florals a rich boldness that helped make everything that surrounded them perfectly pop with colour! From the natural, free-form bridal bouquet, to the eclectic table pieces, the florals helped carry our Russian theme throughout every aspect of this shoot.
Candy by Katie designed a sweet and lovely dessert table, showcasing all kinds of wintery wonderland treats, like rock candy and caramel corn, along with the powdery donuts and frosty cupcakes created by the talented folks at Sweet Celebrations — not to mention our elegant white on white antler adorned cake. And to infuse just a touch of ‘ballerina-ness’ we created an installation of hanging pointe shoes bursting with flowers to pull the whole dreamy scene together!
It wouldn’t be a ballerina theme without layers upon layers of tulle, and with the most perfect gown provided by Paula’s Elegant Bride, our model Meghan was an ethereal vision in white. Allure Hair & Makeup created a structured high bun wrapped in fishtail braids and a flushed-yet-natural look for makeup, and with a “Swan Lake” inspired feather hairpiece from the ladies at Frilly Bits, we had our very own version of the production happening along the Niagara River! The frozen shores provided the perfect backdrop for our winter shoot, and our model almost looked as if she appeared from out of the ice and snow! A real life ice princess!
Carrying the classic Russian theme throughout the entire shoot was accomplished with details such as the warm vintage furs and hat supplied by The Warehouse, as well as the stunning stationary items designed by the super talented Defining Moments Stationary — matryoshka doll place cards, Russian love quotes and a too pretty for words frosted lucite invitation sealed the deal! Our glass elements and ghost chairs from Gala Decor added to the icy-wintery feel, juxtaposed with our blush satin linens and warm and cozy faux fur table runner, it all came together in perfect winter wonderland harmony!
We hope to have inspired you to embrace the upcoming Russian Winter Games with style and grace just as we are, and that our creative shoot leaves you dreaming of perfect snowfalls and pretty ballerinas en pointe!
Photography: Jfhannigan Photography | Event Design: Amanda Cowley Sweet Events | Floral Design: Lush Florals | Wedding Dress: Allure Bridal | Cake: Sweet Celebrations Wedding Cakes | Stationary: Defining Moments Stationary | Hair & Makeup: Allure Hair and Makeup | Wedding Venue: Navy Hall | Dessert Table: Candy by Katie | Furniture Rentals: The Warehouse | Hair Piece: Frilly Bits Custom Jewellery | Headpieces: Frilly Bits Custom Jewellery | Wedding Decor: Gala Decor | Wedding Dress Boutique: Paula's Elegant Bride