Ethereal French Meets New World Style Shoot

Brooke DePauw of Stellaluna Events first approached Raisa Mnichowicz of Weddings by Raisa with a vision in mind that began as a love story. Her purpose in writing the story was to lay out all the lovely inspiration for the shoot she had envisioned. As it goes, a woman who grew up in Paris (and loves French pastries, of course!) moves to the United States and falls in love with a small town guy. Raisa says,“Brooke told me that she likes to design all of her shoots the same way she designs clients’ weddings–by telling their love story.” We say: What a beautiful process and please tell us more!
 

After an initial sit-down, the pair was in love with the “Ethereal French Meets New World” wedding story vision–a culmination of French details and “new world vibes.” Although you could say planning was as smooth as crème brûlée, the team did meet some obstacles that they overcame quite well! Raisa explains, "Three days before the shoot our original models told us that they would not be able to make it due to unforeseen events, so we had to call in some friends of ours to model for us. This worked out perfectly because they are a real couple and you could feel the raw chemistry.”

Journeyman Distillery’s light-colored brick, gorgeous wood floors and ample amounts of natural lighting were the main attractions of the venue. The space also added a rustic element to the design while still remaining upscale.
 

The Ali Nicole Bridal gown, made by designer Tara LaTour, was a “new world” addition to the look and feel. Its graceful, non-traditional feel made the romantic gown a no-brainer. “We loved how [it] had a delicate top with sheer elements that dipped low on the sides and married into a grander bottom,” Raisa says. “The second we saw this dress we knew it was the one.” Haley Reed of Design 1 Salon & Spa achieved an elegant feel by giving the bride a neat, textured bun. Makeup artist Alissa Walker created an overall “berry bridal look” with warm colors on the eyes and bright, colorful lips.

Stellaluna Events designed a delicate mixture of greenery and flowers of varying textures, floral elements originating from Europe and a floral arch statement piece. The mix included ranunculus, roses, garden roses, olive branches, Italian Ruscus, blushing bride and more. The rich color palette included blush pink, dusty rose, berry red, deep burgundy, ivory and black with gold accents. A blush colored BBJ Linen table runner, black sequined tablecloth and black taper candles served as elegant “Paris-chic” accessories for the tablescape. Gold-rimmed chargers from Pier 1 and gold flatware from Target also adorned the harvest table.

Bridgett from Bridgett Lynette Designs seamlessly achieved a look that was French, elegant and rustic. She combined organic, textured paper, a luxurious black envelope and gold ink–complete with a gold wax seal–to create the perfect stationery suite. Bridgett also incorporated a watercolor painting of a French bistro setting!
 

The eye-catching Ginger Bakes desserts included blush and ivory French macarons with an edible gold leaf, a gilded ivory cutting cake and mini tasting cakes.

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