Whisper Of Winter

Ephemeral Winter Solstice wedding
June 2020

A high-end winter luxx wedding shoot to showcase a marriage on the shortest day of the year, honouring the  connection to the life cycle of earth and the celebration of the return of light - or the life-giving sun.

At the deepest point of winter this shoot embodies all that is beautiful about this time of year. The venue architectural design of earthy stone wall paneling, and high ceiling cathedral style window peak allowed a feel to the space of a church wedding. The ceremony design was then created to emphasizes the celebration of the moon goddess’s energy and radiating divine light with a stark white half-moon arbour, Black pendant lighting and silver reflective mirror prisms. Styling décor of dark grey limestone rocks reflect the moons rocky texture, whist Acrylic Napoleon chairs become winter icicles. The botanical styling features soft grasses at the end of their life cycle along with earthy tones of fungus, bare branches, browning leaves, and ghost mushrooms that glow and bring light

A simplistic make up style keeping the face clean with a pop of bold berry for the lips was incorporated to keep the drama of Stunning bridal gowns featuring billowing tulle ruffles and detailed sleeves and a silk satin sweetheart corset bodice with silk pleats and detachable flutter sleeves as the dramatic feature.

A simple chic bun with soft wispiness around the face, head pieces of Swarovski jeweled crystal star encrusted combs and crowns, mixed crystal and glass bead earrings and cropped and long sleeve fur jackets formalized the accessories. A Wispy wild and romantic bouquet of muted silver grey with white crisp florals; create a magical soft snow, ice queen vibe for our bride. Our Groom complements in a MJ Bale Navy Stirling Deacon Cotton-twill Jacket with, navy Pocket square and McQueen tobacco chino pants.

Our Pre-reception setting features a stunning earthy stone fireplace, Ivory velvet French Chaise, Marble service bar and high bar tables with Ghost stools. Clear Cylinder and silver lanterns lit with candles honour the sun within the winter darkness. Shiny gold opulent elements in the diamond coffee table, agate tray, bar glassware and amber glass pendants act like subtle sun rays as the winter season begins to shift. Botanical styling on the mantle features birch branches, bare branches with lichen, bleached Amaranthus and ferns. The overall placement of the botanicals from creeping bare branch to the cascading Amaranthus enlightens the subtle winter shift from the darkness of mid-winter towards the emergence of life when the ice melts and darkness starts to fade into the awakening of the sun.  Styling décor of stag horn, birch, and bare branch along with modern stationery of arched terrazzo neutral & matte almond bar menu’s compliment the minimalistic design.

The design of the cake combined clean modern lines with lots of raw textures- the stone, marble and rose quartz featured throughout the rest of the styling the main inspiration. The delicate sails were intended to represent the last whips of wintery light. An outfit change for the bride incorporated the Juno dress from designer Alca Line Bride, with accessories of exotic fur coats and rugs for warmth.

Reception- The arch of the earthy stretch tent is like a rising dawn sun. The  guest banquet table styling design features a high-end finish of natural Italian stone napkins and table linens, modern Ghost chairs, Plate setting of Relic Natural main plate and Roam grey marbled entrée plate, silver redwood cutlery, Bohemia Wellington crystal glassware finished with a round mushroom marble menu with modern fonts and soft grey and taupe tones.

The banquet bridal table is the stand-alone feature offering a strong connection to nature there is a large focus on natural stones like crystal, marble, and quartz carefully intwined with earthy bracken and fungi. A minimalistic arched terrazzo guest place card/ menu designed with modern fonts and neutral matte stone card compliments the earthy colour palate. Chandelier lighting clusters of Large upturned pinnacle deep moody Smoke quartz dripping jeweled crystal, vintage Cognac and modern Palace crystal teardrop, round, dome represent raindrops glistening in the morning catching the sunlight

A wild and large botanical forest installation features dried and fresh foliage of Cypress, rosemary, holly and ivy in soft muted tones with earthy browns and greys, soft greens and natural accents finished with metallic touches-symbolic of the end of winter, change in the seasons and the emergence of new life with sun light. Sensual plants associated with the winter solstice celebration have been featured. Rosemary-herb of the sun-, Holly - for good fortune, Silver Birch - for birth and regeneration. Ivy - to bind lovers together in marriage and faithfulness and Mistletoe - for kissing under!