A Little Bit of The Tuscan Countryside Right In Ohio with A Real Life Couple as Models For This Shoot Full of Love!

Samantha Melei
January 23, 2021
Categories: LGBTQ+ Weddings, Photo Shoot, The Blog

Who knew you could step into the Tuscan countryside, right in the middle of Ohio? Well, at The Club at Corazón, and today’s stunning inspiration shoot, featuring the most beautiful real-life couple, you are transported. With blush and apricot hues, the florals by Prema Designs stole the show, as they were perfectly paired with subtle black table decor, detailed and planned by Jeannene Lillie Events. Everything from the attire to the cake by Lavender & Honey Cakery and who could imagine anything better than a champagne cart?! Take a look below to see Starling Studio’s beautiful photos!

From Jeannene Lillie Events…Nestled in the heart of Dublin, Ohio, ivy creeps up rosé stone, greeted by the deep terracotta of Spanish roof tiles, and the trickling fountain sings as it transports you to the Tuscan countryside. This is The Club at Corazón. For so many, this year has brought unexpected change and unavoidable delay to quintessential life milestones…but not here.

On the coveted October 10th, 2020, Alejandra and Rachel’s original wedding date, planner and designer Jeannene Lillie Events crafted an oasis of European elegance marrying the vibrancy of Summer with the warmth of Autumn. A delicate palette of apricot and cream cloaked in luxury textiles and delicate gold details exudes refinement from every element. Breathe deeply while you gaze at the gorgeous images, courtesy of Tessa Berg at Starling Studios, and you can almost smell the delicate florals on the warm Summer breeze, the buttercream on your tongue, and feel the hint of crispness as Ohio fades into Fall.

Lush florals by Prema Designs featured refreshing pops of ivory and greens, creating a palette that transcends the seasons. Locally grown dahlias, cosmos, larkspur, and carnations offer depth and draw your eye into a textural journey through this inspirited, but purposeful design. Rachel’s custom Threadwell Clothiers suit was accented by a custom lapel style floral boutonnière, a fusion of androgynous and feminine energy. Alejandra donned the Sanibel gown by designer Ines di Santo, with its signature illusion back, paired with a tulle overskirt, full-length veil, and black lace Bella Belle heels. Her bouquet itself was draped in rich, apricot silk ribbon flowing delicately downward to kiss the floor.

Rachel and Alejandra shared their first look in the courtyard near the Italian-inspired fountain. As they recited their wedding vows, the breeze floated through the florals, fluttering through Alejandra’s veil and gently carrying away their promises to each other – with not a dry eye to be found. The entire shoot was designed with the couple’s personality at the forefront. Photographer Tessa Berg said, “The love they have for each other is so inspiring and I feel honored to have captured their newlywed bliss in such an authentic way”. Stationer and calligrapher, Lupine Letters, crafted a suite of delicate, handmade paper, flowing calligraphy, and deckled edges in blush and ivory, punctuated by strong slates and glittering gold for added European elegance. Mirroring the invitation’s delicacy, the wedding cake featured handcrafted wafer paper ranunculus blooms, delicate branches, and a subtle watercolor texture designed to speak through its simplicity.

The creative team, assembled by queer wedding planner and designer, Jeannene Lillie Events, was composed entirely of either LGBTQ+ identified or outspoken ally professionals from the Central Ohio Community, crafted the day with a strong responsibility to honor the significance of this date for Rachel and Alejandra. Morgan and Colby of Prema Designs who dreamed up the breathtaking florals reflected, “Taking part in a shoot that celebrates the universe of diversity and strength of love in all capacities from vendors to models, was heartwarming and affirming in so many ways!” they continued, “Having a real, married couple as models for our designs was so, so special. We can only hope to one day inspire LBGTQIA+ couples with this shoot in the way it inspired us”.

During a year where conversations around marriage equality rights have become a topic of debate, this shoot created an opportunity to celebrate both femininity and masculinity together while embracing love and romance in all its forms. Bride Alejandra Esson said it best, “In a world that can be so heavy, there are moments of light and love and people who exude this”.