We are loving today’s wedding inspiration editorial shoot. A French-Inspired Elopement Wedding perfection. The talented team of Dust and Dreams Photography put the concept and design of this shoot together and we love it.
A lot of couples are looking for inspiration for their elopement weddings and today’s shoot is perfect. This French-Inspired elopement is the perfect example of how pretty an elopement can be. For more amazing wedding inspiration, please read more on our blog.
Wedding Gown:
Jana from Silver Swallow Design specifically made this wedding gown & veil for us after reading the inspiration for our fine art shoot. We wanted something sheer but with long sleeves, something that evoked a sense of longing and nostalgia and yet be romantic and modern enough for todays’ brides.
The story behind this styled shoot:
As a young woman spends her days in an old French Monastery. Set at the bottom of a mountain a letter from her lover arrives. A proposal to join him in the marriage that afternoon at sunset.
Dreaming about their secret nuptials Natalya sits down amongst the candles and as she writes her response the excitement builds leaving a pile of pages fluttering to the floor as she starts to collect trinkets for the very special moment… candles and earrings, veiling and wine. Sets a table for two outside, breaks bread and cheese, open a bottle of rich, red French wine.
She gathers herbs and wildflowers from the monastery garden to fashion a bouquet and weaves vines into her hair. Lights candles…puts on her favourite dress… dances slowly all whilst waiting for the sun to set and Dorian to appear.
Floral Design:
Unstructured florals with cascading vines, herbs and billowing fabrics formed the essence of our intimate table setting and we incorporated neutral florals, herbs, fruits and vinery.
Green vines and foliage from the tables were carried through in our muse’s hair and a soft, romantic gown with long sleeves enhanced the feel of a monastery with robes and bare feet gently brushing against the ancient stone floors…
Venue:
As we were inspired by the old French monasteries, we wanted to play of the unique building at Francine’s Venue – a place which with it’s cascading vines and greenery could easily have been set in the French countryside. After choosing this unique location we set out creating a shoot with unique French charm and a monastic almost sacred feel.
Decor:
A simple wooden table set for two with antique crockery and candles. With foliage and florals in neutral shades together with a simplistic colour palette of cream, ivory, nudes and touches of soft greenery. Which enhanced the feeling that it was all gathered in haste once Natalya’s letter arrived.
Freshly bakes breads, French wine and cheeses complimented the idea of a secluded elopement and a spur of the moment affair and a simple “gathered” bouquet complimented the raw finishes of the building and the monastic aesthetic of the shoot.
Makeup were kept ethereal and glowing and in tune with the organic feel of the shoot.
With the stationary we chose raw edges and hand drawn calligraphy with frayed silk and cotton ribbons and delicate natural details. Calligraphy love letters and notes formed the core of the stationary suite and together with wax seals and French stamps it enhanced the feeling of secret notes being written and exchanged.
Advice to couples planning their wedding:
Find elements that you are drawn to and keep them as your core inspiration. Built from there and add elements that will delight both you and your guests.
Less is often more and by focusing on some key elements it is easy to create a cohesive wedding look. Choose vendors whose aesthetic you love and trust them to do what they do best!
Service Provider Credits:
Concept & Design: Dust and Dreams Photography
Venue & Food: Francine’s Venue
Photography: Dust and Dreams Photography
Wedding Dress & Floral Garden Dress: Silver Swallow Design
Stationary: Deerly Studio
Jewellery: Marion Rehwinkel
Styling & Table Scape & Décor – Blue Brooch & Peony Rose
Makeup: Chrizaan Visser
Muse : Jana Robertson
Antique 1800 Floral journal: Stylist’s own
