Wedding Shoot Inspired by the Written Word
As a lover of words, and of course, a lover of all things wedding, an inspiration shoot that marries the two was top of my list of weddings I needed to experience, and I need to thank Sterling Engagements profusely for not only stepping up to the plate, but hitting a major home run with this one. With help from Shawna Yamamoto, Pretty Vintage Table, Prim and Pixie, and so many more, Jessica Lewis Photography's images of the day couldn't be any prettier!
From Sterling Engagements... Words, books and romance were the inspiration for this rustic and feminine styled shoot. We had previously featured a blog post called The Written Word that encouraged couples to use books pages in a variety of ways as part of their wedding day decor. Whether expressed through a poem, story, sonnet or a classic novel, the written word elicits romance and enchantment. With its rolling hills, majestic vineyards, and a gorgeous rustic farm house, Triunfo Creek Vineyards was the perfect setting for this shoot. We partnered with some of our favorite creative vendors to produce our version of a romantic book themed wedding complete with stunning decor, a uniquely conceptualized menu and scrumptious cocktails. Our goal was to convey a sense of rustic elegance, femininity, comfort and of course, sweet love.
On June 28, 2013 when the Prop 8 appeal was officially lifted, we were ecstatic and knew almost instantly we wanted to design a shoot inspired by the marriage of a same-sex couple. We were even more thrilled to have the opportunity to use a real newly engaged same-sex couple as models for this styled shoot. Since we were working with two lovely ladies, we decided to keep things ultra-feminine and pretty, incorporating an abundance of lace, metallics and a color palette utilizing pinks, cream and navy with just a hint of mint.
Beginning with the stationery suite, not a single item wasn’t carefully thought out and designed with love. Prim and Pixie went above and beyond and created an exquisite collection utilizing laser cut prettiness and actual text resembling a novel. The fonts were rustic and romantic yet a tiny bit modern. We were completely swept away by the envelope liner also mirroring love definitions within a dictionary.
A wood palette was up-cycled into a gorgeous backdrop and adorned with open books, flowers and signature cocktails along with their menus. The base of the installation was filled with additional antique bottles, florals and distinct liquors. Gorgeous vintage furniture was also sprinkled on this same patio and became the perfect setting for a quiet moment between lovers.
Further down on the patio facing hills of Triunfo Creek Vineyards was our ceremony site. The design incorporated white wood frames, letters in a variety of fonts and unique textures, along with handmade book page rosettes and garland. The setting was accented with vintage furniture and unique accessories from Pretty Vintage Table.
The escort card display utilized an antique library file cabinet. This was one of our favorite details, as each letter spelled out a word from “always” to “devoted” to “magical”; each word defined what love is.
The tabletop was an extraordinary collection of vintage antique romance combined with a whimsical garden. Accented with both classic and unique florals as well as greenery, beautiful vintage dishes and an abundance of candles, we loved adding the additional DIY book page rosettes and other details handcrafted from book pages. Suspended from above was a collection of picture frames as well as words. A soft and lovely aesthetic was the goal for our tabletop and after adding in vintage furniture, we were just over the moon with the final result.
Nathaniel Neubauer of Contemporary Catering created a menu with courses that symbolically spelled out “Why Eye Love Ewe So Much”. From a “question mark” local avocado with a peeled tomato to a Ribeye taco in a Parmesan crisp shell to beets and Burrata; the creativity just continued to flow. The final two courses highlighted Colorado Lamp Chops and Poached Fruit in a Crème Anglaise. The presentation was stellar and the cohesiveness of our inspiration couldn’t have been better complimented.
Specialty cocktails were mixed and served on the outside patio overlooking the vineyards. Each course featured a different cocktail crafted by Chad Dickey of The Cocktail Concierge. Our favorite definitely was “My First Kiss “which was a modern version of a Pimm’s Cup with a heart shaped cucumber garnish.
The gorgeous Fantasy Frostings’ designed cake was nestled against the fireplace among a windowpane with the words from Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s “How do I love thee” written on it. The cake featured simple yet detailed designs and sugar flowers with black ribbon.
Both brides were made up to perfection by Star Whitaker of Couture Beauty Team - it was the ultimate engagement experience for Natalie and Alison who’d just recently gotten engaged. We were so thrilled to be able to share this with them.
On June 28, 2013 when the Prop 8 appeal was officially lifted, we were ecstatic and knew almost instantly we wanted to design a shoot inspired by the marriage of a same-sex couple. We were even more thrilled to have the opportunity to use a real newly engaged same-sex couple as models for this styled shoot. Since we were working with two lovely ladies, we decided to keep things ultra-feminine and pretty, incorporating an abundance of lace, metallics and a color palette utilizing pinks, cream and navy with just a hint of mint.
Beginning with the stationery suite, not a single item wasn’t carefully thought out and designed with love. Prim and Pixie went above and beyond and created an exquisite collection utilizing laser cut prettiness and actual text resembling a novel. The fonts were rustic and romantic yet a tiny bit modern. We were completely swept away by the envelope liner also mirroring love definitions within a dictionary.
A wood palette was up-cycled into a gorgeous backdrop and adorned with open books, flowers and signature cocktails along with their menus. The base of the installation was filled with additional antique bottles, florals and distinct liquors. Gorgeous vintage furniture was also sprinkled on this same patio and became the perfect setting for a quiet moment between lovers.
Further down on the patio facing hills of Triunfo Creek Vineyards was our ceremony site. The design incorporated white wood frames, letters in a variety of fonts and unique textures, along with handmade book page rosettes and garland. The setting was accented with vintage furniture and unique accessories from Pretty Vintage Table.
The escort card display utilized an antique library file cabinet. This was one of our favorite details, as each letter spelled out a word from “always” to “devoted” to “magical”; each word defined what love is.
The tabletop was an extraordinary collection of vintage antique romance combined with a whimsical garden. Accented with both classic and unique florals as well as greenery, beautiful vintage dishes and an abundance of candles, we loved adding the additional DIY book page rosettes and other details handcrafted from book pages. Suspended from above was a collection of picture frames as well as words. A soft and lovely aesthetic was the goal for our tabletop and after adding in vintage furniture, we were just over the moon with the final result.
Nathaniel Neubauer of Contemporary Catering created a menu with courses that symbolically spelled out “Why Eye Love Ewe So Much”. From a “question mark” local avocado with a peeled tomato to a Ribeye taco in a Parmesan crisp shell to beets and Burrata; the creativity just continued to flow. The final two courses highlighted Colorado Lamp Chops and Poached Fruit in a Crème Anglaise. The presentation was stellar and the cohesiveness of our inspiration couldn’t have been better complimented.
Specialty cocktails were mixed and served on the outside patio overlooking the vineyards. Each course featured a different cocktail crafted by Chad Dickey of The Cocktail Concierge. Our favorite definitely was “My First Kiss “which was a modern version of a Pimm’s Cup with a heart shaped cucumber garnish.
The gorgeous Fantasy Frostings’ designed cake was nestled against the fireplace among a windowpane with the words from Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s “How do I love thee” written on it. The cake featured simple yet detailed designs and sugar flowers with black ribbon.
Both brides were made up to perfection by Star Whitaker of Couture Beauty Team - it was the ultimate engagement experience for Natalie and Alison who’d just recently gotten engaged. We were so thrilled to be able to share this with them.