Two things I know for certain about this beautiful photo shoot: it’s drop-dead gorgeous AND it will make you seriously hungry. Because when talents like NYC Faces, Kerry Quade and Betty Brooklyn Catering get together for a day of inspiration, that’s what happens. A magical day of stunning details and yummy treats. See it all captured by Josh Strauss Weddings in the full gallery.
From Betty Brooklyn Catering… As a caterer, one of my favorite challenges is making sure that the food I create for clients not only tastes good, but also complements their overall wedding style. It’s really about making something that is pleasing to both the stomach and the eye. This inspiration wedding photo shoot was a fun chance to collaborate closely with local vendors that I’ve become friends with over the years, including Kerry Quade, a talented event and floral designer with over 25 years of industry experience and Josh Strauss Weddings, whom I’ve had the pleasure of working with several times since I started my business in 2009. We often work with brides who are looking for a sophisticated vibe, but with a bit of surprise and edge sneaked in. In that vein, Kerry and I were inspired by the Green Buildings speakeasy, a hidden side room just right for a couple to sneak off for a private toast post-ceremony. It was our jumping off point; this idea of romantic irreverence carried through the shoots overall Gatsby-esque design. We opted to incorporate a rich silky lapis blue with a tablescape void of traditional flowers. The shoots inspiration freed Kerry to consider whimsical decor that did not depend on large, blooming flower bouquets. Instead, she let the designs textures and colors provide the styles vibrant energy. She incorporated terrariums and sea urchin shells to create visual surprise; together they really bolster the shoots playful and worldly vibe. In addition, so many talented vendors lent their skills and products in helping us create this overall vision. We absolutely fell in love with a royal lounger from Patina Rentals; it is a statement piece that creates an organic space for guests to lounge and mingle. Hand letterpressed invitations from Lion in the Sun, a local Park Slope-based paperie, incorporated the shoots shade of blue and echoed its spirit. Our friends at BroadwayParty rentals raised the style quotient and referenced the Art Deco era with their addition of silver rimmed china and beaded silver chargers. Our model bride, with hair and makeup styling by the talented of Anni Bruno of NYC Faces modeled several gorgeous dresses designed by The White Gown, with streamlined, timeless silhouettes. From a caterers standpoint, I was so excited to work with this color palette. While white or cream linen is always a popular choice, I am in love with the shoots blue shade and how it complemented our vibrant menu. I really wanted my food to reflect the playfulness of our color choice. Keeping in touch with the fresh, tongue-in-cheek vibe, I deconstructed the elements of our caraway and carrot soup to rest on its surface to give a maximum visual effect. For summer, I also offered grilled mackerel, shrimp ceviche, and a coconut mango rice salad to round out a deliciously wholesome menu brimming with color and flavor. It was wonderful to end the day with a nightcap of Breuckelen Distillings whiskey, sipped from white teacups prohibition-style.
Photography: Josh Strauss Weddings | Wedding Dresses: The White Gown | Invitations: Lion in the Sun | Catering: Betty Brooklyn Catering Co. | Hair + Makeup: NYC Faces | Floral & Event Styling: Kerry Quade | Location: The Green Building | Misc: Breuckelen Distilling | Rentals: Broadway Party Rentals | Rentals: Patina