If you dream of an elopement in the vineyards of French wine country but don't want to travel, this whimsical wedding styled shoot captures the romance of the rolling hills of Provence with nods to a springtime palette and soft and feminine flora tucked away in Bradenton, Florida.
“I wanted to focus on something whimsical and bright with a French flair. We wanted to take everyone to a whimsical French winery with bright bursts and subtle pastel tones,” Lauren Gertz, Owner and Lead Planner at MDP Events shared. “I have always wanted to showcase the pure beauty of pastel colors and how they can blend perfectly together with other bright tones, such as lilac, yellow, blush, peach, and orange. With lots of color through the florals, we focused on the French flair and muted pastel shades for the china, flatware, and glassware.”
Colorful blooms appeared throughout the space, from cascading arrangements across a picturesque arch for a stunning ceremony focal point to the lush centerpieces adorning the chic dinner table display. The creative hands at Save The Date Florida selected blossoms in varying shades of purple and peach, from muted to vibrant hues, for the curated collection of flora.
“My floral inspiration was lots of pastel and bright colors that had a garden feel with lots of texture and variations in height. The tablescape, bouquet, and arch played the whimsical theme flawlessly,” Lauren detailed. “I was obsessed with the florals from Save The Date Florida, especially as they were displayed on Posy Exchange's gold Atlas Arch!”
Inspired by the growing inclusion of pearl details and delicate butterflies that are trending in designs, the decor details reflected those same feminine elements from the stationery pieces courtesy of A&P Design Co.
“My inspiration for this shoot was truly the pastel tones and bringing a French whimsical winery to Florida with an editorial flair,” the planner articulated. “With upcoming trends of butterflies and pearls, I wanted to make sure pearls were a part of the hair and makeup while butterflies were included in the invitation suite, place cards, and the flat lay! Autumn and Jendry did a spectacular job working with Alicia from A&P Design Co to create the most impressively pretty flat lay of our invitation suite and menu cards.”
The bride donned a classic satin gown with a sweetheart neckline and a dramatic cathedral-length veil from Truly Forever Bridal. Her makeup featured soft pastel pink shades with delicate pearls adorning the corners of her eyes and along the crown of her hairline.
“I was blown away by the talent from Bridal Beauty by Tara and the marvelous dress from Truly Forever Bridal Sarasota,” Lauren raved.
Artful details were included throughout the styling, but one of the planner's favorite elements was a four-legged guest who expertly posed for photos while dressed to the nines.
“I had many favorite elements of this shoot, including our adorable pup, Hulu, from FairyTail Pet Care,” the planner gushed. “He was dressed to impress in his tuxedo, and all of us were swooning over his shots with our stunning model.”
Lauren of MDP Events credits the entire creative team of wedding professionals for manifesting the feeling of France's valley vineyards in the sunshine state. With her creative vision in place, the wedding professionals came together to inspire the next wave of couples by showcasing a truly unique wedding day experience.
“The French provincial-inspired rentals from Oak and Ash Events really brought the entire design together exquisitely. In order to showcase the bright tones through every detail, we designed signage and butterfly place cards with K J Designs. We also had a fun ice cream cart from Rise and Nye's ice cream, beautiful linens from Linens by the Sea, and a breathtaking cake from Cakes by Ron,” the planner beamed. “This shoot was the epitome of a spring dream, and I was so thankful for this spectacular vendor team for bringing French flair to Florida!”
What was your inspiration for this shoot?
My inspiration for this shoot was truly the pastel tones and bringing a French whimsical winery to Florida with an editorial flair. With upcoming trends of butterflies and pearls, I wanted to make sure pearls were a part of the hair and makeup while butterflies were included in the invitation suite, place cards, and the flat lay!
Autumn and Jendry did a spectacular job working with Alicia from A&P Design Co to create the most impressively pretty flat lay of our invitation suite and menu cards.
How would you describe your theme?
I wanted to focus on something whimsical and bright with a French flair. We wanted to take everyone to a whimsical French winery with bright bursts and subtle pastel tones.
What were your colors?
I have always wanted to showcase the pure beauty of pastel colors and how they can blend perfectly together with other bright tones, such as lilac, yellow, blush, peach, and orange. With lots of color through the florals, we focused on the French flair and muted pastel shades for the china, flatware, and glassware.
What was your floral inspiration for the shoot?
My floral inspiration was lots of pastel and bright colors that had a garden feel with lots of texture and variations in height. The tablescape, bouquet, and arch played the whimsical theme flawlessly. I was obsessed with the florals from Save The Date Florida, especially as they were displayed on Posy Exchange's gold Atlas Arch!
What were your favorite elements of this shoot?
I had many favorite elements of this shoot, including our adorable pup, Hulu, from FairyTail Pet Care. He was dressed to impress in his tuxedo, and all of us were swooning over his shots with our stunning model.
To help brides better understand Tampa Bay wedding pricing, how much would you estimate this wedding would cost for 150 guests?
Venue: $3,500 | Florals: $7,000-$10,000 | Invitation Suite: $800-$1,000 | Signage: $700-$1,000 | Photography: $3,000-$5,000 (dependent on hours booked) | Cake: $800 (utilized fresh florals) | Rentals: $2,000-$4,000
