Say the name “Marie Antoinette” and immediately visions of opulent design and gorgeous gowns pop into your head. It just happens. So starting off the week with a Marie Antoinette-inspired shoot from the talented team of Paige Lewis Events, Anista Designs and Krista Fox (among many others) is a total no-brainer. It’s breathtaking details meets pure elegance. See it all here.
From Paige Lewis Events… With a growing number of requests to produce French themed weddings, I wanted to respond by designing a shoot based on the French icon herself, Marie Antoinette. Although popular, brides and ladies alike will never get enough of Mrs. Antoinette and her timeless taste for opulence. With this in mind, I went to work on gathering an extensive team of amazing vendors to put together our own version and vision of this fabulous icon.
Everyone on board was excited to create in a mirage of pastels, pinks and golds and to bring back the timelessness tones that all of us love. Although we were all working in the same direction, it was fantastic to see the results of each vendor’s own personal Marie Antoinette touch. Our goal was to create the grand tablescape with all of the much loved details, a plethora of cakes, a vanity scene, a multitude of props, favours and details, and, of course, stunning bridals.
Keeping in mind the age and the tone of Marie Antoinette, the bride was to have two looks – one that brought out a royal, fancy side, and one that brought out a softer, sweeter side. Ines DiSanto gowns were necessary in achieving this look. The champagne and intricate beading of the Metis gown were perfect for the royal look, while Versailles’ soft white lace and fine details showcased our sweeter side. Tara Fava’s jewellery was perfect in that it extended to both looks with different pieces for each, while Blair Nadeau’s floral fascinator suited the Versailles dress exquisitely and really brought out the floral look we were going for. Samantha Wilson of Blush Pretty ensured a high bouffant royal look for our bride and then softened the effect by having light wisps and strands of hair fall for the second look. Vivian R. captured Marie Antoinette’s young and innocent complexion by keeping the makeup light and pretty, while working in the pink tones of the overall theme.
The location of the shoot could no have been better. The McLean House at the Estates of Sunnybrook boasted exceptional amounts of sunlight in a lovely white room, and presented a perfect white canvas for our pastel palette. Paige Lewis Events chose a lush combination of several rose varieties and hydrangeas in pastel tones, while adding in various hues of beige to replicate the colours of the time. Floral creations included several lavish arrangements, floral chandelier covers and floral chaise backs for extra details and luxury. Gold vases were used in addition to the intricately detailed china on the table, which also reflected the era’s golds and touches of muted turquoise. William Ashley China provided these place settings, as well oversized crystal champagne goblets, fit for any queen.
Placed delicately on the china were the menus, beautifully made and provided by Anista Designs. The menus showcased an entire course of desserts in true Marie Antoinette style, and featured soft pinks and mauves, as did the invitations; much like the historic stationery created for the actual engagement party of the young Dauphin and Dauphine in 1770.
As for the infamous cakes, Connie Cupcake did a spectacular job of creating three cakes for our shoot: one adorned with gold truffles and hand-crafted crown molding, one with beautiful pearls, gold claw feet and topped with a soft ostrich feather, and one beautifully high cake covered in sugar florals and pretty pinks. Connie also provided petite mini cake creations for each guest place setting, which completed the tablescape design.
Guest Favours were fabulous fascinators provided by Blair Nadeau, placed in pretty hat boxes with gift tags provided by Anista Designs. Last but not least, and in order to detail and finish the look as a whole, various props were supplied by Anne & Co., including french perfume bottles, vanity mirrors and our favourite: masquerade ball masks covered in lace.
With a fantastic group of ladies in a room and a multitude of gorgeous details, creativity is at its best, and our shoot was no exception. We decided to use the stunning lavender bridal suite at the venue to create a boudoir style setting for our lovely bride, whilst bringing in the various aspects of the shoot, including elements such as cakes, stationery, hat boxes, shoes and fascinators. This scene provided us with an entirely different look, while staying focused on our theme.
Photographer Krista Fox was phenomenal in capturing every look and detail of our work, and finished the project by providing breathtaking photos. From the sun-lit room to the lavender boudoir, the shoot was a fantastic display of all things French, pretty and girlie. We were thrilled with the results.
Photography: Krista Fox | Floral Design: Paige Lewis Events | Cakes: Connie Cupcake | Stationery: anista designs | Make Up: Vivian R. Makeup | Hair: BlushPretty | Bridal Jewellery: Tara Fava Jewellery | China & Stemware: William Ashley China | Design, Styling & Production: Paige Lewis Events | Fascinators (Bridal & Favours): Blair Nadeau Millinery | Gowns: Ines Di Santo | Linens: Have A Seat Inc. | Props: Anne & Co.