To be totally honest, I wasn’t always the biggest fan of bright red wedding palettes. That was until I laid eyes on this insanely gorgeous shoot from KT Merry, Strawberry Milk Events, Stacie Ford and so many more. They showed me just how perfect cherry red can be, and you can go find one inspirational moment after another in the full gallery right here.
From Julie of Strawberry Milk Events… I was inspired by the Prospect Park Boathouse venue to create a classic, vintage Americana, “Summer on the Lake” vibe. Red is a strong and iconic all-American color, especially when paired with crisp white. Blush softens the red, while also making it more feminine. It’s all about the details – the shade of blush and way the event is styled can make all the difference between feeling holiday-ish versus summery. For our July shoot (on a hundred degree day, no less!) We went for a bright poppy red versus a crimson, and a pale, warm peachy-blush instead of a candy pink accented by crisp white, fresh greenery and berries.
The goal was to evoke a fresh, natural vibe that felt organic yet elegant – like an intimate dinner party effortlessly thrown together at your family’s summer estate with your best china, crystal candlesticks and monogrammed hemstitch napkins. After the ceremony, guests would cocktail on the back lawn enjoying mini lobster rolls, strawberry and goat cheese bruschetta and chilled soup summer soup shots. Couples could curl up by the lake to one of several picnic vignettes for two (a bottle of bubbly and a giant basket filled with fruit, cheese, baguettes and local honey), after which guests would be invited inside for a formal dinner. The dinner table was set with a giant antique silver punch bowl overflowing with lush blooms with a “just picked from the garden” look, a belgian linen striped runner and, ornate silverware and stemware. Red heart-shaped place cards with white calligraphy doubled as favor boxes – after dinner mints, anyone? The cherry on top of a fabulous meal was a simple ivory buttercream cake which features a mix of fresh and sugar flowers cascading down the front on a vintage rose colored glass cake stand.
Since I’m always a fan of contrasting styles and unexpected elements, a blush sequin base linen kicks the organic yet traditional dinner table up a notch to give it just a little bit of sparkle and added texture. Likewise, gorgeous gowns were selected for their feeling of airiness and beautiful movement, while the tulle and chiffon contrasted with the groom’s preppy tweed blazer. The invitation suite was inspired by a classic botanical design but with whimsical calligraphy and a fun color palette it achieves our mixed moods.
Photography: KT Merry Photography | Floral Design: Cristina Lozito Florals | Wedding Dresses: Samuelle | Catering: Movable Feast Catering | Makeup: Stacie Ford Weddings | Hair: Jennifer Brent | Groom's Attire: Louis Purple | Bride's Accessories: Gabriella New York Bridal Salon | Bride's Accessories: BHLDN | Custom Napkins: Embroidery by Linda | Designer: Strawberry Milk Events | Groom's Glasses: Warby Parker | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Location: Prospect Park Boathouse | Paper Goods: Smitten on Paper | Rentals: Perfect Settings | Rentals: Luxe Event Rentals | Rentals: Classic Party Rentals