When the inventory of items you’re bringing to a shoot includes statement jewelry, a pick axe, and taxidermy…you know it is going to be awesome.
Anyone who knows my views on the wedding industry knows that I am a huge fan of vendors that are down to earth, ethical, deliver a top notch product and are all about customer service. It seems like an elusive thing, but man, we found that magic yesterday at our photoshoot! I’m still giddy about it…how excited we all were to work together. How we collaborated over evertyhing…the fashion, the angles of the shots, the little details…we all helped each other out and had such an amazing time. I write about this because I think it is rare and also I think it is spectacular.
The brainchild of this shoot stems from our location, Aria Minneapolis. If you haven’t seen this place yet, schedule an appointment, it is gorgeous. The design inside is this fabulous mix of over the top glam, industrial, and a little bit of decay with its textured walls and rough edges. The Aria team, Brett Dorrian and I came up with a decadent rock look. Todd Pinzuti, owner of Bungalow 6 Design pulled the design together with visuals that had everything from vintage to school house industrial elements. Summer Harsh joined the team and created out of the box floral designs that were full of texture and brought in our emerald green and purple color scheme. A Milestone Paper Company designed an invitation printed on wood that was inspired by rock posters. We wanted something a little bohemian, a little over the top glamorous and just a hint of Grey Gardens as well. I still have no idea how to explain the look in just a word or two…but man, did it look GOOD. We came up with the title Great Expectations, inspired both by the book and also the mindset of having a grand wedding.
When this shoot started to materialize we really got excited. When Mestads came on board and told us they were shipping gowns in from their favorite designers, I think we all did a little girl giggle of excitement. The big day came, and everyone worked together to set things up. I ran to Patisserie 46 to pick up the most delicious assortment of pastry goodness for our dessert table. Summer and the Aria team set up the main tablescape, including a floral chandalier! Aria’s head honcho, Jessica, and Lynsie from Mestads put together some awesome outfits for our models as they arrived, and Brett did what Brett does best…make everyone look AMAZING!
Time for the pictures! Are you READY?!?!?!
Though spring is just (finally) starting in Minnesota, we decided on a fall color scheme a bit ahead of the trend. It fit the space and the mood we were going for…this is my favorite floral image of the day…
One of Aria’s signature decor items are their chandaliers…we HAD to incorporate them!
The first gown was all about texture…we incorporated texture in every part of the image, from Summers super cool fern bouquet to the walls of the Aria.
While I was photographing the bride in all her glory, John and the groom were experimenting with light. Eyob looked so dapper in his Heimie’s Haberdashery suit!
The Aria team created a set for us using some old doors (you know, they just have this cool stuff lying around!) and furniture from their collection.
A few party guests joined us…
At the table, we had an ecclectic mix of dishware, including custom designed lace plates by artist Steph Guidera. Linen Effect’s new glassware and silverware sets were used along with their emerald green napkins, and champagne linens with a lace overlay. We embraced gold in all its glory!
An industrial dessert table displayed the lovely creations of Patisserie 46…we all got to taste them at the end, it was heaven!
Now back to the table in its full glory…simply stunning!
After the dinner party, the guests went upstairs to one of Aria’s VIP rooms…things got a little crazy 😉
The models changed looks throughout the day, and John and I used every corner of the Aria to get a variety of portrait styles. This was where we were really allowed to collaborate and experiment with the whole group of vendors, it was such a blast!
I have no words for the gratitude and sappy love I feel towards everyone involved in the shoot! Enjoy the images I hope it inspires!
KILL ME NOW. Richness. Colors. Beautiful people. I die.