When rich colors, refined textiles, luxe details, and gorgeous images all get together they make layer upon layer of romantic wedding style. Brought to us by the lovely and talented, Arielle Doneson Photography and Baci Designer this Anna Karenina themed photo shoot is enchanting inspiration for a totally couture celebration. The florals are positively bursting with beauty. The bride’s style is glamorous and captivating all at once (p.s. her hair is divine!). Every ounce is truly delicious and you can see the rest of this masterpiece right here in the gallery.
From Arielle Doneson… A collaboration between Arielle of Arielle Doneson Photography and Amanda of Baci Designer, this Winter Styled shoot is inspired by the look of the new Joe Wright film of Tolstoy’s masterpiece, Anna Karenina. We wanted to showcase the lush, aristocratic style of 19th Imperial Russia so beautifully captured by Mr. Wright (the mastermind behind visually stunning films like Pride and Prejudice and Antonement.) We chose to shoot on medium format film and we are so excited to share the resulting images with you!
Amanda of Baci Desiger headed the event design for the shoot – consulting and collaborating with us all along the way. We found the most perfect location right in the heart of Akron – The Perkins Stone Mansion. Completed in 1837, the Mansion is now an historical house museum full of so much beauty and charm. The grounds are even more breathtaking – the perfect place for an intimate ceremony and reception! We then decided on a wintery color palette of ivory, silver, red, oxblood and black – we also knew we wanted to incorporate as much luxe textile as possible with fur, feathers, silk, and velvet. We truly wanted the shoot to exude the richness and luxury of 19th Century Russian opulence.
Baci Designer created the stationery for the day. Starting with the invitation suite printed in black ink on silvery gray textured stock – each piece became an inspiration for the shoot itself. The invitation was completed with a layer of maroon linen backing, a black velvet ribbon and a beautiful fleur de lis wax seal with just the perfect touch of feathers. The main and reply envelopes – both in a soft ivory – were finished off with reproduction Russian postage. Baci Designer also created a simple, yet gorgeous escort card display incorporated into the mansion’s beautiful outdoor arbor.
The florals, by Amy of Bouquet Studio, featured white and red ranunculus, red and white roses and garden roses, burgundy calla lilies, white and ivory snowberry, burgundy scabiosa, white & chocolate queen Anne’s Lace, white,ivory & green dendrobium orchids along with mixed foliage of clemantis, ivy, mixed herbs & silvery dusty miller. Amy created not only the arbor florals, but all the designs on the main and dessert tables.
The main table, a gorgeous eight foot farmhouse table provided by Borrow Vintage + Eclectic Rentals, was topped with three scrollwork black runners and burgundy napkins from Sitting Pretty Linens. Each place setting of Lenox Lace Couture Dinnerware was finished with a simple white ranunculus and feather combination. A gorgeous silver footed floral piece, pillar candles and cranberries came together as the perfect centerpiece. Adding finishing touches to the main table were a wax seal and feathered table number, Russian “husband” and “wife” chair signs tied with lace and quite possibly the most fabulous pomegranate place cards!
Bittersweet’s Chocolate and Pastry’s nearly three-foot tall beauty of a cake was the main highlight of our dessert table – an authentic millstone repurposed from the mansion’s earlier times. The silver and red fondant cake was topped with an incredible faberge-like egg made all of chocolate! Bittersweet’s also provided gorgeous handmade truffles (topped with matryoshky nesting doll or fabergé egg images,) and Russian Tea Cakes that were not only great to look at, but delicious to snack on throughout the shoot! The dessert table was accented with a black pin-tuck runner, vintage novels, fruits, florals, fur and lovely hand painted Ukranian pysanky Eggs.
Something White Bridal Boutique lent us so many beautiful items! From the stunning Madeline gown and Dana lace jacket, to the jeweled sash, feathered fascinator, pearl necklace, and deep jade green earrings, we turned our bride into an updated version of a princess at an imperial ball in Tolstoy’s time.
Ramona Dauksa Studio provided the hair and makeup look for our shoot. Inspired by images in Vogue magazine of a recent shoot with Keira Knightely, we went with a berry stained lip and a subtle yet soulful smoky eye in plums and browns. One of the universally favored aspects of the shoot was the half-updo Ramona created, using some of the model’s natural wavy texture with small chignons at the crown to add a touch of drama.
Victorian Trading Co. offered to lend us some period appropriate outdoor accessories to complete the look of our 19th Century Russian scene.
Photography: Arielle Doneson Photography / Venue: Perkins Stone Mansion / Event Design: Baci Designer / Floral Design: Bouquet Studio / Cake + Pastries: Bittersweet’s Chocolate and Pastry / Stationery+ Paper Goods: Baci Designer / Wedding Dress + Bridal Accessories: Something White Bridal Boutique / Vintage Rentals: Borrow Vintage & Eclectic Rentals / Hair+ Makeup: Ramona Dauksa Studio / Winter Accessories: Victorian Trading Co. / Linens: Sitting Pretty Linens