Modern Desert Chic: WeddingDay’s Exclusive Northern Indiana Cover Shoot

Photos ByChantel Miller Storytelling

Written By

Date

January 19, 2023

The Vision

For this cover, the team at Burns Special Events wanted to bring together a shoot that incorporated desert elements into a modern winter style shoot. Though the two seem to contradict each other, bringing opposites together was a beautiful theme of this shoot.

“I was picturing a simplistic but dramatic shoot,” Lauren Krempec from Burns explains. We think the wonderful team of creatives brought to life a shoot that was regal yet achievable!

The Venue

Hotel Elkhart made a gorgeous backdrop for our cover shoot! While the walls are bare of decoration or fanciful design, the white color created the perfect blank slate to be dressed up and really played into the modern vibe that our creative team was looking for. We love the large chandeliers and how they elevate the elegance of this space and shoot. There are also numerous large windows that allowed plenty of natural light to fill the room making it easy for Chantel Miller Storytelling and Peace Love Films to capture all the beauty of the day!

The Florals

With the desert motif in mind, our shoot needed to have plenty of florals to help bring the theme to life. Burns Special Events used pampas grass, orchids, roses, ranunculus, anemones, palms, and phalaenopsis to give our scene that desert feel. The major statement makers are the giant pampas displays that hang over the tablescape. We also love that there are no shortage of blooms in the other areas of the shoot, from the ceremony and signage displays to the sweetheart table and lounge setup!

The Décor

To stick to both the simplistic and elegant aspects of the shoot, the team decided on a mostly black and white color scheme with a few golden accents. All of the décor elements—from the chairs and backdrops to the tableware and lounge furniture—were provided by Burns. We especially love how the black linens, gold tableware and glassware elevate the elegance of this shoot while the wooden chairs lend to the desert theme!

The Stationery & Signage

Jess Laidig Creative designed an array of stationery and signage to incorporate into our cover shoot. We absolutely love how the geometric stone table numbers bring a touch of modern into the shoot, while the black seating arrangement display and acrylic ceremony sign bring the elegance!

The Look

The fine lacy details on the dress from Elegant Designs are reminiscent of feathers and soft plants that may be found in desert areas. We also love the built-in cape and how elegant it makes our bride look. Speaking of beauty, the bride’s hair is absolutely stunning! Blushing Beauty & Co. styled her with a classic bun, adding florals to fit the theme. Her makeup was kept rather natural, aside from the dramatic eye that pulls you into the scene!

The Cake

From bottom to top, this cake transitions from elegant to desert chic! The bottom tier's crackled black icing exposes some golden details, matching the elegant feel of the signage. The second tier fades from black and gold icing to a faint tan icing, while the addition of the pampas grass and flower on the top tier helps pull in the desert feel!