2019 Style Shoot Design Contest Finalist: Living Coral Meets Sea Coral

Challenge was the name of the game for Mary of We Choose the Moon Photography. When entering our 2019 Style Shoot Design Contest, Mary knew she wanted to push her creative boundaries and incorporate Pantone’s Color of the Year, Living Coral, into her usually moody shoots. She selected 'The Elements' from our pre-determined list of themes, and the result is so spectacular, we just had to share it!

 

Due to the creative name of the color, this team knew they wanted to incorporate actual coral into their shoot. “While the idea seemed simple enough, we found it extremely hard to keep the vibe elegant and mature,” Mary says. “Decor was available in abundance, but it was very campy and vivid--perfect for a child’s birthday party, but not a wedding. Additionally, with Living Coral being so vivid, it was tough to capture it in my dark and moody style while not taking away from its vibrancy and warmth.” We love how this team rose to the challenge and pulled off such a stunning shoot!

 

Not only do the decor and florals bring in a coral touch--so does the bride’s dress. Mary reveals that this was a deliberate choice. “I know too many brides at this point who I know wanted a non-white wedding dress but felt too much pressure from their family to actually wear one,” she notes. “We wanted to take the opportunity to show everyone a bride in a non-white dress is just as beautiful as those who do. The soft knit (stretchy) fabric gives this dress the most gorgeous drape that lays on the body perfectly and flows like a liquid.” 

While showing a unique look, the team also added white in the form of a bridal cape. The bride is original to herself while having a splash of tradition. The best of both worlds! Mary adds, “We opted to put our bride in some comfy, hunter green mules instead of heels.”

 

When planning out the florals, Mary says that she only provided Cristy of Studio Botanica with the mood board, and Cristy provided the rest! We love this imaginative and moody take on a bridal bouquet! 

 

Using a steamboat museum as a venue brought the water element to this shoot in a subtle but stunning way. The neutral tones of the walls added to the elegant vibes that this team was going for! And we are obsessed with that bold coral backdrop!

 

This bold bride rocks a stylish haircut that fits well with the sharpness of this shoot. Mary explained that the original idea for the model was to have long, flowing hair to imitate a mermaid, but that changed to add a little more originality. “We did the opposite because short-haired brides exist too! Plus, we felt this would keep with the coral, ocean vibe and steer us clear of the kitchy, children’s birthday party essence. With the bride wearing coral, we opted to keep her makeup geared toward dark, neutral and purple tones. Our maid of honor, wearing purple, wore tones of coral to tie it together.”

 

 

 

 

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