Every now and again I come across a shoot so pretty I want to crawl through the screen and live in it. Well, thanks to L Hewitt Photography just such a shoot is sitting pretty below. Beautifully planned by Wit Weddings with gorgeous florals from Mobtown Florals and stationery that stuns from Julie Song Ink, it goes without saying that I’ll be spending quite some time devouring this gallery today.
From L Hewitt Photography...I have a GORGEOUS Paris/Washington styled shoot for you that I planned with Wit Weddings. The romance of Paris with the international sophistication of Washington. We’ve got the warm glow of candle light on mercury glass, peonies, lace, leather, and high culture. We’ve also got some BRILLIANT talent and vendors involved, including cake designer, Maggie Austin, BHLDN, and Julie Song Ink. On top of that, we’ve included a recipe for a delicious French cocktail to go with the post.
From Wit Weddings…The shoot was inspired by the elegant and romantic architecture of Washington D.C., which was modeled after the city of Paris. The architecture, and corresponding location of the Washingtonian private residence for the wedding, is an enduring tribute to 18th century French style.
As Parisian food is often a special moment shared, we wanted a table that seated the couple elbow to elbow to create just the right romance.
As a wedding reception allows for close conversation shared amongst loved ones over food, we paid homage to one of the greatest pleasures of Paris – the street markets, filled with produce, cheeses, and baked goods. The white linen hemstitch runner layered below the formal embroidered overlay highlights the juxtaposition of countryside-simple French farm table and sophisticated wedding elegance.
To create Parisian sophistication fit for a Washingtonian wedding, we drew inspiration from French dress, accentuating the natural beauty of the residence with simple and elegant details. The table and fireplace mantel were dressed with that je ne sais quois of a Parisian woman – an allure meant to bring all attention to the couple. We accessorized with lace, hanging greenery, creamy florals, and the soft, inviting colors and the warmth of flickering candlelight.
The iconic pearls of Coco Chanel at 21 rue Cambon, Paris, were incorporated into the petite two-layered custom Maggie Austin cake and the bride’s jewelry. She also wore Chanel perfume and a French lace inspired gown. While tradition has it that the bride wear something blue, we decided the groom himself brings the bride good fortune. And so, he was appropriately dressed in a blue suit accentuated by handsome brown leather shoes.
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Do-It-Yourself French Apéritif – “Kir”
This cocktail of crème de cassis and white wine was offered to international delegations visiting the region of Burgundy. The cocktail became so popular that it trickled down to cafés and the ordinary frenchman’s before-dinner drink, the apéritif.
Pour 1 teaspoon crème de cassis into a champagne flute. Top with chilled Sancerre white wine, or for special occasions, champagne. Garnish with blackberries or raspberries.
Photography: L Hewitt Photography | Dress: Arte Latica | Cake: Maggie Austin Cake | Hair & Makeup: Alison Harper and Company | Bridal Accessories: BHLDN | Design & Planning: Wit Weddings | Floral Arrangements & Décor Rentals: Mobtown Florals | Furniture Rentals: Rusty Love Vintage Rentals | Invitation Suite: Julie Song Ink | Linens: BBJ La Tavola