Merry Christmas, friends! I love this time of year – it’s a celebration of another year of life, and it also means more quality time with family and friends! I’ve been reflecting on this past year as we head into 2017, and one of the things I’m most thankful for in this life is community – both the community I’ve found in this industry and in my day to day life. When I first had the idea of doing a styled shoot, I knew I wanted it to reflect this idea of community. Styled shoots for me are not just an excuse to play & create “something pretty” – it’s about celebrating and highlighting some of the things that matter most to me! It’s a celebration of the amazing people I’ve come to love in the wedding world from my dear friend Jenna who I’ve seen truly blossom as a floral designer & small business owner to fellow Gather workshop alums Michelle & Alex who also really elevated this shoot with their talent in design/planning and paper, respectively! I’m so thankful for everyone who came together to make the dream of this shoot a reality, and I’m thrilled that it was recently featured over on the Trendy Bride!

In addition to this showing the strength of our community of talent, I loved incorporating an actual dinner party into the shoot! While I love the simplicity of showcasing an elegantly designed table, it was important to me that we also inject life into the tablescape! Some of my favorite images from this shoot are of my sweet friends sharing glasses of wine and a warm meal around at the table! I hope that in addition to inspiring weddings that it may give you some ideas for upcoming holiday parties as well! I hope you enjoy seeing some of my favorite captures! Happy Holidays!

Event Styling – Michelle Burke – BURKE | DESIGN + PLANNING
Floral Design – Gold & Bloom
Invitation & Paper Elements – Prairie Letter Shop
Cake & Tarts – Miss Mamie’s Cupcakes
Wedding Dress – Cristiano Lucci from The White Magnolia
Fur Stole – Vintage by Judith
Groom’s Attire – The Black Tux
Venue – Brickyard Marietta
Chair Rentals – Classic Party Rentals
Hair & Makeup – Tribe Salon Studio
Ribbons – FrouFrou Chic
Models – Kaila Hans and Alex Harper
Film Developing & Scanning – Richard Photo Lab

I absolutely adore this gorgeous invitation suite by Alex Estes of Prairie Letter Shop! The invitation was the perfect blend of romantic hand-lettering and watercolor blooms while the rich red envelopes have vintage charm with their white hand-lettered addresses and vintage stamps!

Loved working with our cute models Kaila & Alex (a real couple!). This is one of my favorites of their sweet interaction together! I loved that our styled shoot was infused with real emotion!

Jenna of Gold & Bloom created this beautiful arrangement for the cake table that cascaded down to brush the floor! Brass candle holders with flickering candles highlighted the gorgeous chocolate cake (with buttercream icing) that Miss Mamie’s Cupcakes baked and topped with sugared cranberries!

In addition to the deep green garland that ran down the center of the table, I love the pops of red and beautiful texture found in this gorgeous table arrangement!

In addition to the delicious chocolate cake, Mamie also made little tarts with sugared cranberries that graced each plate right before dinner. Yum!

I loved the modern Groom’s look we achieved in this suit and skinny tie from The Black Tux and the way his boutonniere complemented the green, cream and gold found on the gorgeous table!

I just love the pops of red throughout this shoot – from the berry red lipstick on Kaila to the sugared cranberries on the cake & tarts!

I’m just obsessed with this gorgeous Cristiano Lucci gown from White Magnolia Bridal! The gorgeous lace on lace detailing and the beaded illusion neckline were stunning!

I loved having a table full of friends that’s so representative of a real wedding celebration!

Aren’t Alex & Kaila adorable? I just love this romantic portrait of the cute pair! And, doesn’t the cake slice look delectable?! Yum!!

Merry Christmas, friends! I hope you feel all the Joy this time of year brings!