I love the feel of this wedding— a little bit of outdoors, a little bit of bringing the outdoors in, elegant but rustic, earthy, romantic and a little funky. Justine and Robert were really fun to work with, so I thought I’d share some of their good taste and aesthetic choices for inspiration.
{click on any image to enlarge the gallery}
Justine’s gown was a Melissa Sweet, and in true Melissa Sweet style, was feminine and romantic with playful touches. The shape was super-sexy and I loved how it moved. Vinny, the couple’s dog, was their ring-bearer. The ceremony was really spiritual, sentimental, and involved the guests. Aesthetically, we liked how they lined the aisle with orange rose petals. There was a kind of arbor that served as a focal point for the ceremony.
Because their wedding was midday, they elected to do their organized photographs after the ceremony. We made time for group portraits and some intimate portraits just after the ceremony (including the above portraits), and a bit more time for intimate portraits during the reception. This worked out great because the couple was able to take advantage of a several unique settings over the two mini-portrait sessions. This kind of variety definitely helps add visual interest when we go to design their finished album.
The two photographs below I took on a long lens right after the ceremony when Justine and Robert shared a moment alone (but not so alone that we couldn’t photograph them from afar). I like when couples get to share a moment or two with just each other. These quiet moments are often the ones that stand out in memory later on.
Justine and Robert chose wonderful centerpieces that incorporated dahlias, orchids, pitcher plants, fresh in-season fruit, leaves, succulents, etc., in unique still-life style arrangements. Potted herbs adorned the outdoor cocktail tables and buffet created by Back to Earth Catering, which specializes in organic (and especially yummy) dishes from locally grown food.
I know I’m going a little overboard on the detail shots here … but I want to show the kind of variety I love, and how many natural elements were in their florals. Valley Flora from Napa did a wonderful job. These details were definitely “green” without being pretentious or showy.
Justine and Robert did a choreographed first dance (you can see them practicing it in one of the portraits above). The first dance is a tradition I hope never goes out of style … Look at that gown swirl! Here also you’ll find more portraits. I brought along a parasol I found at a flea market in Miami (supposedly antique and supposedly Italian-made!). I’d been saving it for years for the perfect couple and a wedding that matched.
Nestldown offers endless variety, so a short walk with Justine and Robert afforded a fantasy (hobbit) house, an orchard, a wooden bench with swan accents, and a very funky, prickly looking tree … all in about twenty minutes. The reception ended with Justine and Robert’s grand getaway in her father’s Alfa Romeo. I love the guests seeing them off …
photo credit: Gia Canali
