Urban Southwestern Inspiration Session by Ang Weddings and Events + Blush Designs

We see so much incredible inspiration on a daily basis and I am always blown away by the talent and imagination that every vendor brings to the table.  The creative juices were definitely flowing for Ang Weddings and Events and Blush Designs during their urban photo shoot with a southwestern edge.  I love the structural succulent centerpieces and bouquets against an edgy, industrial backdrop.  Geometric paper goods brings a fresh and modern shimmer to the look and I especially love the bold bling for each guest to don for the event.  There are so many steal-worthy and unique details that you won’t want to miss.  See them all in the full gallery!

Click here to see the entire gallery of images!

From Ang Weddings and EventsFortune Favors the Brave’s jewelry collection is inspired by a rugged Americana and Western sensibility mixed with a touch of 1970s-era glamour.  The jewelry represents a bold and modern reinterpretation of these classic themes, amped up with contemporary proportions for a wearable take on storied, ethereal metalworking techniques.  We found this modern tribute to the southwest as the inspiration for our bridal shoot.  We came across Agave Restaurant in NYC’s West Village- smooth adobe walls, cow skulls, with a bar beneath a wooden beam ceiling – and knew we had found the perfect urban southwestern venue.

In celebration of same-sex marriage becoming legal in the state of New York this year, we decided to use a bride and a bride for our shoot.  Abbey (an artist) and Perkins (a writer) are a real couple, which is so evident in the chemistry they had on camera.  Fortune Favors the Brave provided the jewelry and styled the two brides. Perkins wore an Equipment blouse, vintage blazer and skinny pants from Isabel Marant. Gabriella New York Bridal Salon provided two dresses for Abbey.  For the wedding, Abbey wore Amy Kuschel’s Valencia – a gorgeous dress with architectural layering, rose garden lace, and pleated netting.  A sheer V neckline provided a delicate frame to the bold jewelry she wore. For the after party, Abbey slipped into a short sexy beaded fringe dress by Allison Parris with snakeskin booties by Loeffler Randall.

Make Merry used the jewelry as inspiration for the paper goods, incorporating many of the geometric designs into the invitation, escort cards, place cards and menus.  A deep gold liner was used for the invitation envelope and a silver liner for the response envelope.  A bronze cord tied the escort cards to a tall cactus at the restaurant entrance.  The tables were named for succulents – Blue Aloe and Dessert Rose. Blush Designs created a modern southwestern centerpiece in Agave’s private dining room. Succulents and various cactus plants with pops of red nested in black sand created a low runner down the table. Blush Designs custom draped the table with a light grey chevron fabric with coordinating napkins. A dark brown leather cord tied the menu and napkin together.

Abbey held a modern and romantic bouquet of Chocolate Cosmos, black Calla Lilies, and Succulents. The delicate petals of the Chocolate Cosmos softened the hard geometry of the Succulents and Callas. Perkins wore a boutonniere of a mini black Calla Lily and Succulent.

The cake was simple and elegant, again using the jewelry design as inspiration for the geometric patterns on both tiers, with green sugar succulents as a bright accent. The signature drink was a Smokin’ Hot Margarita – Jalapeno infused tequila, triple sec, fresh lime juice and jalapenos.

The jewelry bar was set at Agave’s bar area, near the entrance of the restaurant. Guests were welcome to enjoy their drinks while adorning themselves with pieces from Fortune Favors the Brave’s collection. The jewelry was showcased on top of black sand in glass vessels, incorporating the jewelry into a landscape of succulents and cactus.

Photography: Ronnie Andren Photography + A. Park Photography / Event Design + Florals: Blush Designs / Event Planning: Ang Weddings and Events / Jewelry + Fashion Styling: Fortune Favors the Brave / Abbey’s Gowns: Amy Kuschel + Allison Parris via Gabriella New York Bridal Salon / Perkin’s Attire: Equipment (blouse), Isabel Marant (pants) + Vintage (blazer) / Abbey’s Shoes: Loeffler Randall / Perkin’s Shoes: Steve Madden / Paper Goods: Make Merry! / Cord + Leather Braid: M&J Trimmings / Fabric for Linen + Napkins: Mood Fabrics / Cake: Sun Jung for Blush Designs / Cake Stand + Server: Wedgewood / Venue: Agave / Hair: The Beauty Collective / Make-up: CLM Makeup / Couple: Abbey Golden + Kate Perkins