Childhood Sweethearts Wed in a Lavish Day Inspired by French Rococo Art

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December 8, 2023

The Planning

Design / Vibe / Vision

The bride's deep love of French style influenced every touch of this regal celebration. Together with her planning team Courtney Space Events and By Catherine Alexandra, Bride Elena envisioned a day inspired by the lavish feminine motifs of French Rococo art. Photographer Katie Trauffer worked closely with the bride to translate their shared love of French art and architecture into romantic, authentic, etherial portraits. From the Bride's corseted Kim Kassas gown to the exuberant dancing florals by Wild Indigo, the day was filled with feminine grace, ornate details, and Parisian beauty.

Proposal Story

From the bride: "We were engaged in Malibu, California at the pier during golden hour after 6 years together. I was suspicious to why Geoff changed to dress shoes right before we headed to the beach. I immediately panicked (I had sand in my hair!) and did what Audrey Hepburn would do - just throw on a little lipstick. "

Bridal Portraits

Flat Lays

First Look

The Fashion

Wedding Gown

The bride worked hand in hand with her stylist at Kinsley James to special order her stunning Kim Kassas gown. The bold, avant-garde details of Kim Kassas designs was an ideal fit for the feminine yet whimsical Rococo inspiration of the day. The sculpted corset top and exaggerated layered tulle skirt melded contemporary ballet inspirations with a timeless silhouette. The bride customized her look by taking the striking swans of the original gown and moving them to her veil to soften the look and so they could drape gracefully over her through the day. She further added a crown and sheer, fingerless gloves to enhance the regal rococo feel. The bride says, "I wanted to feel like a queen on my day. The dress was a symbol of a kindred part of my heart that is a francophile and adores France, the most romantic, soft, unspoken parts of me. The dress feels like a friend to me.- she is a symbol of my ability to express my creativity and speak my truth, even if my voice shakes. "

Ceremony

The Details

Food & Drink

The couple created a seasonal multi course meal for their guests complete with sumptuous dessert bar and custom cocktails. Bar napkins featured their beloved cat Gigi.

Florals & Decor

We wanted to put together a soft, muted color palette that was interesting and a bit unexpected. The bride gravitated towards fluffy, feminine blooms in muted, muddled tones. We added a touch of french blue to bring in her love of Parisian style. Cafe latte garden roses and lavender clematis were the stars of her bouquet. For the reception, we wanted the centerpieces to have lots of movement and be engaging for guests. We added plenty of layers and texture to the florals to give them dimension and interest.

Wedding Cake

The Bride imagined a multi-tiered French masterpiece in her beloved French blue. The cake featured custom made silhouettes of the Bride and Groom accented with delicate florals.

Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs

The couple decided to honor Elena's roots with a traditional Greek Orthodox ceremony. They shared meaningful traditions such as holding candles and the marital crowns- or Stefana. Thought to symbolize the joining of two people into one single couple, the crowns are interwound three times before being tied together with a ribbon, the couple then walks three times around the alter. Leaving the church the couple opted to do a lavender toss in a nod to the bride's love of France.

Special Detail #1

The venues for both the ceremony and reception held intimate personal ties for the Bride and her family. The ceremony was held in the same church where the bride and her two sisters were all baptized before moving away to Indiana. The reception was especially important to the Bride's family as it was where her own parents took their wedding portraits 33 years earlier. The Bride grew up looking at her parent's portraits under the property's grand willow trees and dreamed of saying her own vows there. At last taking her own wedding portraits with her beloved under the same trees was a special, full circle moment for her.

Special Detail #2

Ornamental fruit accentuated the lush florals drawing on the luxurious decadence of French Rococo art.

Special Detail #3

The bride poured her heart into their wedding day details and, along with Photographer Katie Trauffer, personally sourced antiques and special touches to add to her detail flat lays. Some special touches included an antique Wedgwood tray; vow books for their special moment under the willow tree; a ribbon hand painted by one of the bride's close friends, Olivia Dornsife Art with sentimental touches; and heirloom jewelry from her mom.

Couple Portraits