Happy Friday, SMPers! Around these parts, sprinkles of snow and wintry cold weather is the norm this time of year, but that doesn’t mean we don’t like to dream of sand between our toes and a soft ocean breeze. So when a bit of tropical goodness comes our way in the form of this lovely little shoot from Island Style Weddings, you won’t hear us complaining. And for those of you considering a weddingmoon? You might want to spend some extra time cozying up to the gallery from Sara Wight!
From Island Style Weddings…Leah and I toured Great St James, a privately owned island between St Thomas and St John, US Virgin Island as a future wedding and vacation venue. Once we stepped on the island, it was clear we had found the perfect location for Island Style Weddings’ styled photo shoot.
Inspiration came from “Gift from the Sea”, by Anne Morrow Lindbergh. I have always loved this book written in 1955 by Charles Lindbergh’s widow. Many of my couples have incorporated passages from the book for their wedding ceremonies. Mrs. Lindbergh’s love of the ocean is complimented with her poetic insight into relationships of all kinds.
The story begins with a couple traveling to Great St James to begin a new life together on their weddingmoon. Escaping from the rushed world left behind, our couple rediscover the beauty of simplicity and each other. The island’s 164 acres provided space for exploration, playfulness, relaxation and romance.
Our vision was to enhance the rustic nature of the island, without distraction from the natural beauty that surrounded us. The soft colors of mint and sea foam in the dresses looked gorgeous against the natural colors of the surrounding sand and crystal waters. Accents of purple flowers in all shades helped bring vibrancy to the location. Subtle hints of ombré and various textures helped create the effortless feeling we were after.
One of my favorite parts of working on a styled shoot is collaborating with such a talented group of wedding professional. As wedding designers, photographers, stylists, pastry chefs, caterers, florists and mixologists our usual focus is translating our clients visions for their perfect Caribbean celebration. I love to team up with this group to share ideas and allow our creative juices to flow.
A huge thank you to Leah of Island Style Weddings, Sara of Sara Wight Photography, Jessica of Roses Too, Liz of Queen of Tarts, MJ of Motu Bar, The gang at Rent the Runway, Thea of Hushed Commotion, Kalee of Sholdt Design, Missy of The Nest St John, Models Grace Bartolucci & Gabriel Stephen, Karl of Virgin Magic Charters, Mike and Crystal Gillich managers of Great St James, Rani of Ranifly Bikinis, Karl of Virgin Magic Charters and of course DD, the Dumpster Diva Dog of Great St James.
Photography: Sara Wight Photography | Design: Island Style Weddings | Floral Design: Roses Too Flowers | Wedding Dress: Rent The Runway | Cake: Queen Of Tarts | Jewelry: Sholdt Design | Grooms Attire: Sage Lane | Arrival And Cocktail Dress: Rent The Runway | Beverage Styling: Motu Bar | Bikini: Ranifly | Brides Robe: Plum Pretty Sugar | Decor Items: The Nest | Hair And Makeup Styling: Island Style Weddings | Headpiece And Veil: Hushed Commotion | Private Island: Great St James | Sunset Sail: Virgin Magic Charters