This Stunning “En Plein Air” French Countryside Elopement Is for the Romantics

A chic bridal hat, a knockout gown and breathtaking florals from Flowerwell– we’re in heaven over here admiring this gorgeous shoot designed by Stone Fruit. It’s elopement inspiration like this that makes me rethink my entire wedding and why in the world I didn’t just elope somewhere dreamy in the French Countryside, at least there’s always vow renewals, right? ;) Head on over to the full gallery captured by Alexandra Elise Photography to see all the details. Trust us when we say every image is S.T.U.N.N.I.N.G!

From Alexandra Elise Photography… Monet, Manet, Renoir, Matisse and Seurat all painted picnics on the lawn and we, too, as wedding artists found inspiration for our French elopement editorial “en plein air.”

For this early Autumn wedding, Maureen of Stone Fruit envisioned two artists eloping in the French countryside and celebrating with a picnic on the lawn, the groom marking the occasion with a painting of his bride. Elegant and welcoming are the two words we hear so many of our clients use to describe the feeling of their wedding, and the vision of a couple dressed in their wedding best enjoying cheese, fruit, and champagne outside on a blanket fully captured this feeling.

A modern, gardenesque-twist on the classic fall color palette (one that doesn’t scream pumpkin spice) inspired the flowers and stationery details. Jenny Rae of Flowerwell says, “I’ve found that in several years of fall weddings, brides are nervous to open their wedding to fall foliage. I think when most people think of fall foliage, the instantly go to bright orange (say it ain’t so!). But no, fall foliage can be amazing and rich, perfect earthy tones of reds, apricots, golden yellows, and fading greens.”

Maureen of Stone Fruit Studio created a laser-etched artist’s palette that served as a cheese board for our picnic. This custom cheese board not only marked the occasion splendidly but will serve as a special keepsake. Including hand-painted watercolors and lots of beautiful textures in the paper goods was important to creating an invitation that two artists would send. The wedding announcement, created on handmade paper, is designed with little artist’s details in watercolor and an organic wax seal.

The scene is set on Flowewell Farm’s land and we styled the picnic with vintage finds from her farmhouse collection. Warehouse 127 completed the picnic with the most incredible French vintage picnic baskets. The bride wears a Marchesa Notte gown from Silk Bridal Boutique and a sinamay saucer hat embellished with hand-dyed silk ribbon and a distant drum rose from the garden. The Marchesa gown had the perfect French-inspired feel with a horizontal striped texture, little bow, and flutter sleeves. Special Occasion Hair Design styled the bride in warm, natural, romantic makeup and an effortless updo. Her groom is dapper in a burgundy suit and a beard à la Monet himself. Alexandra Elise Photography captured the whole day beautifully on medium format film. It’s such a joy to see what Ali sees through her lens. Our lovely models are a couple in love who will pose for Alexandra Elise Photography again this December when she captures their real wedding. This editorial shoot was an opportunity for a few wedding pros to truly collaborate. The day was relaxed and every element came together to achieve the goal of creating an elegant and inviting example of our most creative work.

Photography: Alexandra Elise Photography | Design & Styling: stone fruit studio | Floral Design: Jenny Rae- Flower Well | Stationery: stone fruit studio | Hair & Makeup: Special Occasions Hair & Design | Venue: Jenny Rae- Flower Well | Bridal Gown: Silk Bridal Boutique | Models: Molly Sacheli and Zack Weissman | Vintage Picnic Baskets: Warehouse 127 | Wedding Dress Designer: Marchesa