In the world of gorgeous weddings, rustic meets glamour is never a bad thing. And when it comes to this stunning inspiration shoot, it also happens to be the best way ever to start your weekend. Think gorgeous blooms from Mint Design, an amazing color palette of pink and berry and one gorgeous detail after another from Kimberly Lawson Stylist. See it all captured by Brooke Merrill right here.
From Brooke Merrill… Nick, our groom, has deep roots in the agricultural community and for generations, the farm he and his family have dedicated their lives to has had a reputation for growing some of the most bountiful alfalfa crops around. When the alfalfa is finally harvested it gets packed into hay bales and personally delivered by Nick for use among the local farming community. Being a farmer is hard work but Nick is proud to carry on this family tradition.
Our bride Laura is also no stranger to farming and agriculture. Her family is in ranching. As sheep ranchers, they oversee thousands of sheep, moving them all over California and Nevada for use in grazing crops.
The beauty of the American West, lasting family traditions, and the classic style and elegance of days gone by was the inspiration behind this shoot.
For the location of this shoot we turned to the groom whose family has been farming and ranching in the Central California area for generations. Nestled between endless rows of almond orchards and sprawling alfalfa fields was a 100-year-old farm at which our shoot took place. The location could not have been more perfect. “We were surrounded by freshly stacked hay, galloping horses, wooden-wheeled wagons, and white, weather beaten sheds that proudly showcased their aged-antique patina. The hay barn provided us with a blank canvas to create something really special and unique.”
Fashion stylist, Kim Lawson, chose two swoon-worthy lace gowns from the 2015 Watters Bridal collection to outfit our classic bride. The exquisite detailing, plunging back silhouette, and glittering embellishments added the perfect amount of glamour to this rustic outdoor setting. Kim styled the groom with a classic take on the traditional black tux. The groom wore a traditional white 10-pleat tuxedo shirt, black slim-fitting suit, and charcoal gray button down vest. The deep wine colored tone of the groom’s crushed velvet bowtie added a perfect pop of color. To finish his look and in keeping with the tradition and style of days gone by, the groom wore polished black cowboy boots underneath his trousers.
Lotta Alexandersson, owner of Mint Design, was the floral and event stylist for the shoot. Lotta created a tablescape filled with antique brass vessels, tapered candles, luscious florals, and textured materials. Since the shoot took place in a 100-year-old barn Lotta chose a color pallet that would enhance the beauty of the aged structure and natural surroundings. For this shoot, Lotta was drawn to deep merlots, ruby reds, soft peaches, dreamy creams and tasteful pinks.
The foliage rich tablescape was created using various types of eucalyptuses, hanging Amaranthus, pink Hypericum Berries, garden roses in various hues, pomegranates, ranunculus, Lisianthus, fuchsia anenomies, wisteria, purple snapdragons and pepperberry were arranged in various center pieces as well as the bride’s bouquet.
Gold and brass taper candleholders danced on the table each filled with candles varying in color and size. Antique china in decorated in ruby red jewel tones complimented the dainty gold champagne coupe and other glassware. The jewel of the table was the stunning centerpiece, a mix of vintage horns, a draping garland made of eucalyptus branches, and billowing florals contained in a rustic looking urn vessel. Carmel and dark chocolate brown Mongolian sheep fur pillows and throws provided cozy seating. Rather than leaving the salvaged wood table fully exposed, the table took on a look of sophistication when raw wood was paired with rich, textured cowhide.
Other antique elements that made this shoot so special included an antique steamer trunk used as a cake table. A salvaged mantel easily transformed into a glamorous bar by adding gold mirrored trays for displaying cocktails, elegant crystal decanters, an aged silver-plate champagne bucket, and a beautiful 1920’s vanity mirror.
Photography: Brooke Merrill | Floral Design: Mint Design | Cake: Shakar Bakery | Hair: Jacob HAIRnandez | Venue: Private Residence | Bridal Gown: Watters Bridal | Invitation And Paper: Paper And Type | Make Up Artist: Tricia Leigh MUA | Stylist: Kimberly Lawson Stylist