Romance in the French Countryside: WeddingDay’s Exclusive Grand Rapids Cover Shoot

Photos ByOnyx and Opal Creative Co.

Written By

Date

January 5, 2023

The Vision

“My vision for the shoot was soft shades of blue with pops of pastel pink. I really wanted to create an elevated look using unique wood chairs and vintage detailed dishes,” our planner Emmaleigh, of Emmaleigh White Wedding & Event Planning, gushes. The team of amazing creators was able to elevate this cover shoot to something you would see if you were to get married in the French countryside. This stunning theme made it easy for both Onyx and Opal Creative Co. and Peace Love Films to capture the shoot beautifully!

The Venue

Choosing this venue was an easy decision for the creative team behind this shoot. “Whippoorwill Farm is a beautiful space for all couples to celebrate their special day,” Emmaleigh raves. “They are a family run venue and have the most energetic and positive attitudes.” This 1890s farm setting offers a variety of unique and stunning spaces—including two barns, a grain bin, apple orchard and more—for you to host your special day while also giving you the opportunity to work with owners who are focused on creating a day you’ll cherish for the rest of your life.

The Decor

We have to talk about the gorgeous rental items that brought our whole shoot together! “I rented chairs, linens and chargers from Alpine Events and dishes, flatware, goblets, candlestick holders and a sign from Delicate Dishes. They looked just as I had envisioned they would,” Emmaleigh gushes. “They complemented one another perfectly.” We love how these unique items came together to create our French Countryside wedding. And the delicate stationery that K. Creative Co. designed is just perfect!

The Florals

The flowers were chosen because they are commonly found in classic gardens and create a romantic atmosphere—garden roses, hydrangea and delphinium. “Waxflower and spray roses were used to give texture while Italian ruscus greens were used to give movement and a touch of whimsy to the bridal bouquet, arrangements and floating arbor installation,” Elizabeth, of Huff and Bloom Floral Co., shares. The color palette selected for the shoot and flowers were specifically pastels that created a soft, romantic ambiance.

The Looks

There couldn’t have been a more perfect dress for this cover shoot! America’s Bride provided this beautiful gown that came with an elegantly beaded bodice and detachable sleeves, making it the best of both worlds. Emmaleigh explains, “It was fun to be able to shoot some shots with and without the sleeves to show future brides that you can sleeve it up for the vows and dance freely at your reception.” As for hair and makeup, the team gave creative freedom to Christina of BÜK Weddings. Since the shoot was so elegant, the team decided to keep her beauty look more simple with a low ponytail and natural makeup with a reddish lip color. Our groom was dapper in his light blue suit from SuitShop, complementing the color palette perfectly!

The Cake & Drinks

Believe it or not, the cake and the dress actually complemented each other. The beading on the gown was the same pattern that Froehlich’s used on the cake. “The cake was a beautiful two tier white and blue cake with a stunning design dancing up it. It was delicious too! We all got to enjoy some after the shoot concluded,” Emmaleigh admits. Another unique addition to our shoot was The Tipsy Burro’s adorable beer burros that distributed drinks, making this celebration all the more fun!