Winter inspired wearables

Years ago, I was one of those brides who thought deeply about the aesthetics—the winter wedding fashion and florals, the overall event design—and very little about the practicality associated with the atmosphere that I wanted to create. I had a backless dress for an outdoor wedding in late November. Although it was stunning and as warm is it could have it was still 65 degrees. Now, after years of experience in the events industry, I think carefully about both pieces of the puzzle.

The styling for the winter wedding fashion and florals for this couple blends warm soft tones with icy cool colors. It emphasizes the warmth of feeling between the newlyweds and the wintery season around them. Instead of settling for a traditional bridal look, Lila and Builder pair their gown and suit with heavily textured sweaters. In addition to being a unique statement, the sweaters are also a practical choice for these fairy-tale images at the foot of Lookout Mountain. Because of these details, these images provide inspiration for a late winter wedding or an early spring wedding.

The floral pieces, which were themselves unique in the way that they were designed for the couple, used a variety of sharp to pillowy-soft textures. For example, ingredients for the groom's floral collar and the bride's hairpiece included velvety tweedia, cloud-like bunny tail grass, jagged bleached ruscus, prickly banksia, fuzzy kochi, and other interesting textures.

Ruth was an amazing photographer to work with. If you love this, check out the wine-reds, bright corals, deep purples, and moody greens of this fall session with her on a little island in Tennessee.

The talented team also included Ruth Doctor Photography, Monica's Bridal, Ridge Rose Venue, and Tinted Studio's plant-dyed silk ribbon.

Cattle ranch session in North Texas

In the current social climate, in order to have the beautiful wedding you have always imagined, you may be one of the many couples who has rescheduled your reception to a date in 2021, hoping that by then, all of your friends and family will be able to attend. Although we surely feel overcome with disappointment, having a small courthouse or elopement style ceremony on the date as the original wedding, opens many opportunities for unexpected creativity and comfortable, tender moments.

Because they no longer had to worry about guest logistics, Bethany and Johnny were able to have an elopement style ceremony with Cottonwood Road Photography at the private ranch outside of Dallas, TX. They enjoyed intimate moments among the oil fields and pastures, a fitting setting for this Texas couple.

Instead of wearing her pale silk bridal gown, Bethany donned a flattering linen dress by Kara Thoms, paired with woven leather flats that wouldn’t sink into the soft ground. This is was also an opportunity to add an element of creativity by wearing the flowers instead of carrying them in a bouquet form. Emily  created a pair of floral earrings, an elaborate cuff corsage, and an intricate hairpiece with the original color palette and native elements such as cactus and Texas sage.

It is vexing and disheartening to have to delay or alter your dream day. This is not how it was meant to be. Perhaps these ideas will give you some inspiration for an occasion that, while unexpected, becomes more beautiful that you had anticipated.

The talented team also included Cottonwood Road Photography, MG Photography, Johnny and Bethany Stimson, Pinto Ranch Fine Western Wear, WZ Beauty Studio, and Maxwell and Gray.

Wearable Flowers in North Texas

From cactus to cattle to Texas-raised vendors, these images showcase a modern, elegant approach to a country wedding theme. Rather than using predictable rustic or cowboy elements that are often found in western or barn styled weddings, the details created a more subtle, though still acutely, country vibe. EKD used dried flowers, various types of cacti, and the "Yellow Rose of Texas" in the floral designs. Rather than creating a typical bouquet and boutonniere, Emily transformed the bouquet into a floral sleeve that allowed the bride who is also a dancer, greater freedom of movement. The groom and bride both sported accessories from Pinto Ranch which is known as "the premier purveyor of the finest western wear and accessories in the United States for western lifestyles." The photographer took an editorial approach to capturing the unique, elegant style. Rather than a veil, the bride wore a hair piece made by the florist with plant-dyed silk ribbon which created the same effect as a veil but with a contemporary feel and greater practicality when eloping in the countryside of North Texas surrounded by horses and cattle. The Raincloud dress by Leanne Marshall was the perfect gown because it seemed to characterize the big blue Texas sky that so many country songs have longingly referenced. This work was featured on both Brides of North Texas and Green Wedding Shoes. For another example of a blooming lapel and floral sleeve, take a look at this bold, beautiful couple.

The talented team included Cottonwood Road Photography, MG Photography, WZ Beauty Studio, Bethany and Johnny Stimson, Maxwell and Gray Studio, Lovely Bride Dallas, Pinto Ranch western wear, Coral Lane Event Rentals, XO Cakery, and Velvet Paperie.