Modern Moodiness in the Great Outdoors: WeddingDay Magazine’s Exclusive 2023 Look Book Cover Shoot

Photos ByJessie Silva

Written By

Date

March 7, 2023

The Vision

Our 2023 Look Book team utilized the perfect fall colors in full bloom around this Michigan property to create a modern moody shoot in the great outdoors. The rich and warm colors of the season made it difficult for our planning team, Burns Special Events, to choose a color palette for this shoot but they also inspired them. Burgundy is a staple in all fall palettes, however, the team didn’t want to overwhelm the scene with only fall colors, so they opted for rich jewel tones to modernize the shoot while still keeping it moody! Our photographer, Jessie Silva, captured all the brilliant colors and textures in this shoot beautifully.

The Venue

Wanting to create a stunning outdoor scene at an all-inclusive venue, we selected The Fields of Michigan for our 2023 cover shoot. Opened out of a love for glamping, this South Haven, Michigan venue is truly like no other with private upscale tents (we're talking king size beds and full bathrooms!) for your guests to stay on-location. This natural venue is surrounded by woodland, lavender field and blueberry field, a treehouse and more and is only a short drive from Lake Michigan. We also love the addition of all the rustic elements around the venue that made for a fun contrast to our modern design elements!

The Décor

Burns Special Events not only designed and planned this luxurious shoot, they also provided the florals and rentals that brought our moody fall vision to life. Of course, you can’t have a modern shoot without incorporating some of the hottest wedding trends! Unique black chargers and flatware, velvet napkins and the jewel-toned color scheme were among the popular trends included in this shoot. Some other favorite details incorporated were the circular arbor, velvet sweetheart table loveseat and clear dining table and chairs!

The Look

The bride–our 2022 Cover Model Search Winner–wore two stunning gowns from America’s Bride for this shoot. Both dresses were adorned with lace detailing that remind us of fall foliage. To allow some warmth in the chilly mid-fall Michigan air, the main gown featured sheer long sleeves with a glamorous train that, when fanned out, complemented the luxurious colors of this shoot! We also love the modern touch of pearls sewn into the veil, which has grown in popularity with recent brides. Her hair and makeup was styled to perfection by onsite beauty team, The Pretty Committee. The messy braided updo incorporating florals from the shoot highlighted her face while the makeup accented her natural beauty, and bold eyes were chosen to draw attention.

The Florals

You can’t have a fall shoot without the perfect florals to match! The talented team at Burns Special Events did an amazing job bringing our vision to life using calla lilies, snap dragons, dahlias, agonis, astilbes, thistles, ranunculus, spray chrysanthemums, cappuccino roses, safari sunset leucadendron, and shimmer roses. We think the burgundy and light purple touches in the bouquet are the perfect splash of moodiness!

The Stationery

One of the other unique touches in this shoot was the stationery designed by Zé Design Studio. We are obsessed with the bold colors and interesting textures used in the invitation suite, such as the velvet envelope liners and torn edges! The addition of the menus and programs continued the design into the rest of the shoot.

The Cake

Take a look at that modern and extravagant three-tiered cake from MI Great Lakes Cakes! The black icing has a special flat texture that gels beautifully with the overall edgy look to the shoot. The addition of the flowers and berries brings in some color and joy to this otherwise dark section of the shoot. The happy couple couldn’t wait to cut into this confection to try some of the soft and delicious sweetness inside!