European Allure: A Style Shoot Inspired by European Borders

"When we surrender our hearts to the unexpected, the unexpected opportunity arises. Our creativity is pushed and challenged and we find ourselves being tested and stretched to explore new ideas that are normally the main stream of this industry," says Holly DeBoer, owner of Gigi & LaClede, a vintage rentals company in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Gigi and LaClede was one of many vendors who collaborated on a style shoot unlike any we've seen before.

"This past fall {this} photo shoot made its way into the lives of a group of vendors who passions were to color outside the lines and push the envelope for beauteous new concepts. {It} unfolded a drive in all of us that was very unexpected and challenged us to the very core," says Holly.

The vendor team's goal was to present a never-before-seen style concept to the wedding industry. The result? We say mission accomplished.

"European Allure" detailed this style concept perfectly. According to Holly, her heart strings have always been drawn toward the romance of Europe. She found herself often dreaming of life overseas and was fascinated by the richness, layering, textures and beauty of the European lifestyle. "The English countryside became my muse as I viewed pictures of individuals with a zest for life, engaging in relationships, enjoying the outdoors...why wouldn't I take hold of that and mold it into a backyard style wedding?" Holly questions. 

As she selected a talented team of vendors to execute the style shoot, they all agreed on one thing in particular: they desired a style shoot that diverged from the standard trends and styles. With her heart longing for the English countryside, Holly chose her own backyard for the style shoot setting. It was convenient and the woods, autumn-flavored leaves and open meadow was the closest she could get! Her backyard is what inspired florist Joan Nekritz from Merci Beaucoup Floral to design floral arrangements with rich jewel tones.

"I wanted the flowers to pop off of the table but not fight with all of the other gorgeous textures brought in by the dishes, glassware, food and textiles," says Joan. She brought in a mixture of Hellebores, Stock, English Garden Roses, Yellow Crabapples, Yarrow, Dahlias, Astrantias, Ranunculus, and greenery. 

Sarah Britton and Dane Barnett from Grand Occasions, a planning firm in Grand Rapids took on the styling and staging aspect of the shoot which was particularly important with all of the rentals that were involved. A collaboration of rentals between Talitha Koum Co. and Haviland Fields and Gigi & LaClede offered a diverse collection of antique and vintage pieces including the chairs, the rustic wood farm table, the furniture pieces and props. The beautiful food display was the result of efforts from Holly's sister Michelle who made chicken, squash soup, a meat and cheese platter and apple rosettes to grace the table.

When it came time to select a gown for the bride, Shannon Gales from Vue Design chose a gown that was reflective of European styles with a dropped waist and sleeveless neckline. It also featured a hint of lace along the waist and a silk chiffon overlay. The gray with lavender undertone and twist knot in the back were unexpected and unique touches to the gown. 

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