DiY Rustic Fall Wedding | One Year Later

Hello Friends! I'm stopping in with a very special share. Today is the one year anniversary of my friend and feature photographer Sherry Heck's wedding to her husband Kevin.  Sherry and Kevin share a love of biking and french wines, and their wedding reflected this love with a subtle nod to French provincial style. They married at the Sausalito Woman's club in Marin, an Arts & Crafts era building designed by the renowned Julia Morgan.

This wedding was a DiY affair in every way, and I was happy to be able to assist with the planning and styling along with designing the invitations.  My favorite project was the ceremony canopy pictured below. I created it by mixing tonal shades of paper lanterns and wicker balls, strung together along wood beams and hung between the oaks.  Read on below for the rest of the wedding details, including an incredible array of desserts by Cakewalk Baking.

photos © chyna darner

Details Cont. Michele of Cakewalk Baking created an assortment of rustic deserts, including a gorgeous white 2 tier wedding cake with a simple ribbon band and fresh wildflowers.  In addition were apple cider donuts, pecan tarts, salted caramel tarts and the greatest little hazelnut macarons you've ever tasted. When styling the dessert table we incorporated vintage silver trays and a signature monogram that complimented the invitations, wood-burned onto a tree stump as a nod to the oak trees of the ceremony.

On the tables, mason jar centerpieces held wildflowers in a beautiful assortment of blues and orange, along with a bloom at each setting in a BILT metal container.  These modern boxes are designed by a friend of Sherry's and became the favors for each guest to take home.  Table numbers were enlarged prints of French stamps and corresponded with the place cards which were embedded into wine corks.

Chalkboards were used for the menu + programs, accented with navy + white striped ribbon that coordinated with the bride's bouquet and wedding cake.  We had a number of extra paper lanterns from the ceremony canopy, and grouped them together on the stage to liven up the dance floor.  The 'getaway car' was a vintage bicycle built for two, adorned with tin cans and a basket of flowers and well wishes for the bride & groom.  

Vendors
- Invitations + Graphic Design: Merry Happy by CAKE.
- Cake + Desserts: Cakewalk Baking
- Photography: Chyna Darner
- Caterering: Back to Earth
- Venue: Sausalito Woman’s Club
- Favors: BILT

Vintage Bridal Shoot: China + Lace

We've got another beautiful bridal shoot for you this week.  This one comes to us from Phebe of Making ME Event Planning firm.  A classic setting of vintage china and antique lace sets the scene for an afternoon tea party... the perfect inspiration for a traditional bridal shower.

photos © henry photographers

From Phebe: Delicate hues of pinks, creams, cookies, and macaroons point to signs of a beautifully styled vintage wedding photoshoot! By giving the vintage place settings center stage we were able to bring in additional elements that add a subtle touch of loveliness, for example vintage hardware, vintage ribbon, doilies, tea cups and oh my that's a ton of pretty! To recreate this style on a larger scale we recommend a mish-mash of vintage plates, beautiful paper products, and florals that tie this simple yet chic design together.  We hope you enjoy! 

Venue: Making ME Event Planning Firm 
Photography: Henry Photographers
Dresses: Flair Bridesmaids
Flowers: Finally Flowers
Paper Products: Blush Printables
Plate Rentals: Making ME Event Planning Firm

Tea + Taxidermy: A Bridal Shoot

I'm always happy for an opportunity to feature something out of the ordinary, and I found myself intrigued by this bridal inspiration shoot from FRESH photography.  I love the juxtaposition between the vintage setting and the intense surreal models.  This shoot was a collaboration between a number of Canadian local artists... read on for more info below.  I'd love to hear your thoughts on this one.

 photos © fresh photography

From FRESH: The Oddly Beautiful Taxidermy-inspired Bridals were a creative, collaborative effort of local artists. FRESH brain-childs two such styled bridal sessions a year, partnering with trusted professionals to showcase, share and live our passion. We're mostly creatives from a small mountain town, fighting boredom in the off-season. The Bridals were originally inspired by the mixed-media sculpture of Joey Conundrum and found vintage dresses and conceptualized by FRESH. It's a personal goal to challenge myself creatively, technically and professionally on a regular basis. Stepping out of my comfort into an explosion of autumn color and shadow has, I think, pushed all of us artists in a positive direction. For it is usually when we step out - in faith, out of the box, off the cliff - that one's potential is reached. 

The Story: Our 3 wishful brides - with divergent lives and paths, reflected by their blonde, brunette and auburn hair - have met circumstantially at an abandoned home.  Their hearts, in a similar state - neglected but not yet abandoned - are bound by common hope and longing to meet their beloved, their Sparrow. The word "sparrow" being a Native American symbol of desire and fertility.  (see Brother Sparrow - Agnes Obel). Not hearing word nor receiving sign, the trio is discontent to sit and wait.  They set out on a pilgrimage, climbing mountainous terrain to increase their view over the river valley.  And that is where they leave us, having scaled great heights, taking permanent watch over the area, waiting for sight of their beloved.

Concept, Styling - FRESH Photography 

Cinematography - Ben Olsen

Cakery - Sweet Dreams Cakery 

Hair Stylist - Stephanie of Shine Salon 

Makeup Artist - Makeup by Emily Kjelshus 

Mixed Media Artist, Assistant - Joey Conundrum 

Models - Lisa Frisk, Sam Zielsdorf, Tamer Vockeroth 

Furniture - Trail's Treasure Chest

An Art Gallery Bridal Shower

This beautiful submission comes to us from Meg of Rodeo & Co. photography.  The bride to be is her best friend, as well as being a writer and creative... so the gallery setting at artstream was a perfect fit for her shower.  It was an intimate gathering with plenty of homemade touches... the bride's little sister did all of the details and her mom did the food.  Clearly this was a truly personalized and thoughtful event... I'm charmed.

 

 photos © rodeo & co.