You know an inspo is going to be G-O-O-D when the photographer says they were inspired by marble, but better yet, the fact that this european inspired Villa is actually in Milwaukee, Wisconsin! Shocked? Well, get ready to see the gallery because the good doesn’t stop there. With Roots Of Life Photography behind the lens this is one gallery you won’t want to miss. See it all in THE VAULT!
From Roots Of Life Photography… For some time now, I have been dreaming up this editorial concept in my head. My initial inspiration came from all the marble I began seeing in home decor, photo backdrops on social media, and recently, making its way into wedding and event design. For this styled editorial shoot, I wanted to incorporate marble decor as well as varying shades of blue and grey. This palette would work beautifully for a fall or winter bride who is looking to incorporate a bolder color (sapphire, for example) while sticking to other lighter and more muted shades within the same color palette. We imagined a couple who may have traveled or studied abroad in Europe who want to incorporate those design aesthetics into their special day.
When I found Villa Terrace in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, I KNEW it was the perfect venue for our shoot. The lush portico and sweeping vistas on the property are utter perfection. The atmosphere of the venue has an upscale, European feel. I wanted to bring out these elements in a refined and classic way, and I used a team of exceptional vendors to bring my vision to life.
Our beautiful model Sheyanne wore a simple but show-stopping Alyssa Kristin gown with the most perfect bluish-grey tulle skirt. Accessories from Left Bank Jewelry showcased the gown while adding a little oomph to the overall look. The engagement ring & diamond earrings by Susie Saltzman, displayed in a custom monogrammed blue velvet Mrs. Box, added another classic detail to our shoot.
The charcuterie table would offer wedding guests a European-style assortment of delicious meats, cheeses, bread & fruits to nosh on while waiting for the reception to begin. We wanted the presentation of this table to feel casual, elegant, and bountiful, so we used a marble Williams Sanoma platter and silver bowls, platters & stands from Nimble Well, filled to the brim with goodies. The dinner menu, written by Emily Rose Ink on a marble slab and displayed at this table, would provide a preview of the delicacies to come.
Our naturally designed tablescape complemented the space and showcased the blue and grey color palette. The grey BBJ linens & rustic Halls chairs set the tone for our look, and Vintage Place Settings contributed their “Blue Royale” china to outfit our table. The sapphire glass goblets from Nimble Well added a pop of color that highlighted the deep blue of the place settings, while place cards and calligraphy by Emily Rose Ink picked up on details from the china pattern. We wanted to provide a contrast to the classic, timeless feel of the vintage china and glassware by adding an unexpected modern detail for the table runner, so our event coordinator sourced marble shards from a local quarry for a stunning cracked marble table runner. Clusters of grapes and dried olives provided an effortless finishing touch.
The team wanted to further showcase the venue by utilizing the unique nooks & crannies throughout the property as vignettes for our wedding elements. One such vignette was the space we used for our “sweets table,” where we wanted to incorporate European-style desserts. Bennisons Bakery created a stunning ombre macaron tower and petit fours with chocolate fleur-de-lis seals, in addition to a gorgeous marble fondant cake decorated with olive branches and eucalyptus. We added marble candlesticks and an accent of artichokes and pears to complete this vignette.
I wanted to highlight the natural beauty of the venue by going with an organic, loosely designed approach to floral design. Lovely from May Floral provided us with incredible arrangements that complemented the theme and feel of the shoot. The neutral color palette and asymmetrical centerpieces elevated all the other details, from the tablescape and the sweets display to the bridal gown and stationery.
From Emily Rose Ink... Because I always like to design with a story in mind, I was really inspired by the vintage Blue Willow china set that we used for the table setting, which I imagined our bride might have inherited from her mother or grandmother. The china features two doves and beautiful flowers and foliage, so I took inspiration from the imagery on the plates to develop the design of the crest, pattern, and borders. I kept the design monochromatic and elegant to highlight the romantic, ethereal aesthetic of the shoot while still picking up the deeper blue of the china pattern. The blue garland pattern was woven throughout the day-of paper goods on the signature cocktail sign and the favor sign as well. I wrote the menu in silver calligraphy on a large slab of marble, which hopefully could serve as inspiration for brides looking for unique ways to display their wedding menu.”
Abby Giffin of Heirloom Event Co was integral to the shoot, executing my vision with gusto. She sourced the marble from the quarry, booked the venue, models and vendors, and kept us on schedule throughout the day. She has a gift for bringing clients’ visions to life and coordinating details with efficiency and a smile.
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Photography: Roots Of Life Photography | Coordinator: Heirloom Event Co | Floral Design: May Floral | Wedding Dress: Alyssa Kristin | Bakery: Bennisons Bakery | Shoes: Angela Nuran | Jewelry: The Left Bank Bridal Finery | Rings: Susie Saltzman | Hair + Makeup: Joanna B Artistry | Invitations + Calligraphy: Emily Rose Ink | Venue: Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum | Chairs: Halls Rental | Glassware, Silverware, Tableware, Serving Ware : Nimble Well | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Marble Serving Platter, Napkin Ring Holders, Candle Sticks: William Sonoma | Place Settings: Vintage Place Settings | Ring Box: The Mrs Box