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“France, Mon Amour” was created with the idea of bringing the French savoir-faire to North America. The all French team included Eloïse, owner of MC2 Mon Amour Canada and  photographer Lisa Renault with videographer Laurent Rostaing who set out to share the ” elegant, sophisticated, audacious and creative” of France in this ode to their Country set at Paletta Lakefront Mansion. The color palette matches the French standards: soft pink, orange and blue with some white and gold and we’re smitten with the wine-hued tux and those tiny pops of vibrant pink in the florals by Flora and Farfalla. See all the details in these stunning images and read on for behind-the-scenes info from the dream team!

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From Eloïse, owner of MC2 Mon Amour Canada: It took me some time to find the perfect spot for this inspirational shoot. I wanted to find this raw diamond, a venue in Ontario that wasn’t too popular yet but where you could make the French magic happen. The Paletta Mansion was the perfect fit: the mansion is filled with light and has those old touches that remind you of Paris. The park will take your breath away with beautiful greenery and timeless lake shores. The potential was infinite!

During the planning and design, I kept in mind the reason why the world is always looking at France. France is elegant, sophisticated, audacious and creative. It has a strong identity, and this is why we are proud to make it rise and shine all around the world. I decided for this editorial to ingeniously mix some classic styles up: Versailles and Mediterranean. Elegant, sophisticated, delicate and pure are the keywords that I kept looking towards while working on the shoot. The color palette matches the French standards: soft pink, orange and blue with some white and gold.

I truly wanted to gather a team of vendors that have love for France in common. From the hair and makeup to the dress, we wanted to follow the “less is more” concept that is so dear to French fashion. Simple yet elegant! Kessia from Flora and Farfalla created romantic arrangements using mostly garden roses and ranunculus. The indoor ceremony’s flowers were designed to be reincorporated to the dinner which is an important point money/ethically-wise. The arch got moved to the foot of the head table and the decorated chairs for the ceremony’s aisle used for the head table as well. The table brings a vintage touch with the French china but shows a timeless refined style.

 

MC2 Styling Shoot – Paletta Lakefront Mansion from Laurent Rostaing on Vimeo.

 

Creative director, planner and producer: MC2 Mon Amour Canada // Photography: Lisa Renault // Videography: Laurent Rostaing // Floral design: Flora and Farfalla // Stationery: Dolce Artist // Venue: Paletta Lakefront Mansion // Wedding dress: Lisa Van Hattem // Groom’s attire: Baynes & Baker // Makeup and hair artist: Sarah Lam Beauty // Wedding cake: Fruitilicious Cakes // Tableware: Roselle & Co // Furnitures: Gatsby Event Rentals // Models: Rachelle Lynn and Filip Bajlon

 

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A private island—owned by family since 1898—set the stage for a beautiful wedding editorial. Photography and planning by Kayla Dutcher and Lindsey Taylor with vibrant florals by Aysel Cristian Floral Atelier. And you know we love a good floral-adorned boat send-off! See all the details in the lovely images below.

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Photography & Planning: Kayla Dutcher / Lindsey Taylor // Florist: Aysel Cristian Floral Atelier // Stationery: Shine Wedding Invitations // Venue: Private Island Estate on Fox Lake, IL // Hair & Makeup: Dani of Hannah Elisabeth Beauty // Dress Boutique: Dame Couture // Shoes: Bella Belle // Bowtie + Suspenders: Hopper and Luxe // Bakery: Oh La La Boulangerie // Models: Whitney + Patrick Nalepka // Rentals: Chicago Vintage Weddings // Ring Box: The Mrs. Box

 

The old world charm of the historical Swan House offers the perfect backdrop for this southern wedding inspired shoot. The mix of traditional and modern elements combine beautifully and allow each detail to shine From the modern lounge area to the champagne tower, an amazing group of vendors—including designer Rachael Ellen Events, florist Shean Strong and stationer Ink and Press Co —came together to create this gorgeous inspiration—perfect for a micro wedding or New Year soiree. Check out all the beautiful details in these stunning images by Troy Meikle Photo

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Photographer: Troy Meikle Photo // Design: Rachael Ellen Events // Florals: Shean Strong // Paper goods: Ink and Press Co // Venue: The Swan House at the Atlanta History Center // HMU: Katie Gurley // Gown: Gossamer // Rentals: Mayker Creative // Linens: I do Linens // Tabletop: Table Made Co // Models: Ursula Wiedmann Models // Film Lab: Photovision Prints

 

Jenn and Geoff’s boho vow renewal at Nautilus is EXACTLY the kind of energy we’re taking into 2021. Full of  love, smiles, personal style and some party-ready glam. Designer-planner Ashley Zuppas from The House of Gather led the team of vendors which included Simple FloralsLilliput Design and Cloud 9 Bakery. Check out all the fabulous details in these images by Catherine Coons.

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Jenn and Geoff Hardcastle celebrated 5 years of being married by renewing their vows on the rooftop of  Nautilus South Beach, the views of the Atlantic Ocean were breathtaking and the moments were unforgettable. They knew they wanted to do it right, so they brought together a rockstar team of Miami vendors to customize the memory. Wedding planner and designer, The House of Gather, teamed up with Simple Florals and Catherine Coons Photography to create a magical, modern-bohemian style event for the couple to exchange vows on their special day.

The House of Gather hand-built a custom raw wood altar which was adorned with dried palms by Simple Florals, she wanted the design to be minimal and organic and to complement the beauty of Miami’s shoreline. Simple Florals customized dried floral hairpieces, a dried crown for the bride’s hat and arrangements that were natural, sophisticated, and garden-inspired. Lovely Bride Miami provided the gorgeous gown by Tara Lauren, the bride loved that it was romantic, fresh with an elevated bohemian feel. The coolest accessory of all was a handcrafted pearl luxury turban by the local designer MaryJane Claverol. Other magical moments included custom-designed paper goods by Lilliput Design Studio, a video to bring it all to life by the incredible VMF Photo, the ever so talented hair and makeup artist Mariana from Marlicious Makeup, a yummy cake by Cloud 9 Bakery, and beautiful wood tables and benches by Simple Rustic.

Our favorite part of the day as the vendor team was seeing the confidence and love radiate from this couple, even more than the day they said I do. They shared with us what marriage meant to them, Jenn beautifully states –  “It’s having someone on the journey with you to walk in the same direction towards the same vision, all the while knowing that person has your back and loves you back just as much as you love them. No relationship is perfect, it requires work, forgiveness, persistence, and lots of love.”

Jenn + Geoff | Nautilus Hotel South Beach Elopement | Styled Shoot from VMF Film Co. on Vimeo.

Designer/ Planner: Ashley Zuppas from The House of Gather // Photography: Catherine Coons // Florals: Monica Delgado from Simple Florals // Paper Goods: Cristina Fundora from Lilliput Design // Venue: Nautilus // Video: Victoria Fregoso from VMF Photo // Hair/ Makeup: Mariana from Marlicious Makeup // Cake: Kristen from Cloud 9 Bakery // Dress: Carina from Lovely Bride // Designer: Tara Lauren // Turban: Maryjane Clairol Accessories // Rentals: Antoni Christos from Simple Rustic

 

designer/ planner @thehouseofgather // photography @catherinecoons // florals @simpleflorals // paper goods @lilliputdesign // venue @nautilusbyarlo // video @vmfphotofilm // hair/ makeup @marliciousmakeup // cake @cloud9bakery // dress @lovelybridemiami @tara_lauren // turban @maryjane_claverol_accessories // rentals @simplerustic

Wedding planner Golden Apple Weddings  and photographer Sotiris Tsakanikas collaborated to create this vibrant inspiration on Rhodes Island, Greece. Set at the luxury Don Mansion The Hill, the team worked in a tropical palette of blush, teal, gold, and carmine including invitations by Manousenia Design  and florals and rentals by Kay Creations. The result is fanciful and eclectic and if there’s anything 2020 has taught us—go with what you love. Stay inspired with the stunning images captured by Sotiris Tsakanikas.

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From the team: The Concept: When the Secret Owl Workshop team came together to discuss our Rhodes Island edit our initial thought was that contrary to what is seen on most destination weddings in Greece and the Greek Islands, we had to go for something native. We hallucinated the dining experience in our childhood homes and the voices of our mamas talking about meals, art, stories of their own weddings, about gifts they had received and decor pieces they chose to pretty-up their Rhodian homes. Mothers, as they say over these parts “rule the roost” so the female taste in our culture runs deep. Our conviction grew stronger that this wedding inspiration should marry not only two different cultures but also several Rhodes borne elements, the pairing of which brought our vision to life. After all, what is a destination wedding without incorporating statement local elements into the concept?

The Venue: Don Mansion on The Hill is a modern luxury villa with enough stretch to accommodate any kind of wedding, from the most intimate to the grandest affair. Decked with a pool, a helipad, two exceptionally large gardens, dotted with palm trees and with the most amazing view on the island, it was our venue of choice to have our inspiration soar. We staged an intimate feast in two corners of the elegant home, one on the back deck and one by the pool where the light comes in its most perfect after sundown. Our ceremony took part in the front garden while a cocktail bar was set between the ceremony area and the dining nook. We loved how much breathing space this particular home allows for, making it perfect for those who adore easy living.

The Florals & Bouquet: According to the language of flowers originally published in Charlotte de Latour’s Le Langage des Fleurs back in 1819, the orchid means “you’re always in my thoughts.” The cascading quality and sweet hue and of blush Phalenopsis orchids but also the thoughtfulness towards the future spoused and the couples loved ones, made these symbolic and botanically-stunning blooms the star flowers of the celebration. We paired them to bold Anthurium andraeanums, known as flamingo lilies, and quieter Calla lilies, garden roses and mini spray roses. For the bridal bouquet we opted for a heart-shaped creation that would complement the bride’s dress and still accord with her ceremonial arch.

The Stationery: Manousenia is a very talented calligrapher and bespoke stationery creator. Inspired by our palette, blush, teal, gold, and carmine, she created watercolor suites, frames, place and escort cards made of hand-painted, molded cast, as well as wax seals to pair the hand-drawn maps of the island, making sure nothing went amiss from the couple’s stationery.

The Arch & Ceremony: The symbol of the circle is of grand importance in Rhodes. Representing unity, sacredness, wholeness, infinity, the goddess, female power and the cosmos or a spiritualized Mother Earth it had to be part of the ceremony. As Don Mansion’s garden already carry naturally blossoming honeysuckle arches along the aisle from the pool to the garden we wished to keep our end of the aisle, the circular ceremonial arch intentionally incomplete with lush florals cascading at the right foot and crowning the left top. We framed the ceremony scene with velvet furnishings, sofas, and armchairs as well as Georgian satinwood tables.

The Wedding Car: We were extremely thankful for this rare finding. The 1909-established Morgan Motor Company of New England is rumored to be producing 850 sports cars per year all ensembled by hand. Imagine our joy to discover that Don Mansion comes with a spectacular Morgan V6 Roadster in cream and green leather seating. It was just the perfect addition to our couple’s big entrance!

The Ceramics & Tablescape: Rhodian art expands well beyond exhibiting fretworks and embroideries. Ceramics, Rhodian plates, and everyday life furnishings carry a strong nurturing for the land. Vivid colors and the Rhodian “speveri”, the heavy silk embroidered curtain that the locals used to hang over the bridal bed inspired us to create a tablescape in unique dinnerware in lieu of what is usually seen in weddings. Nassos Keramik, one of the oldest potter families on the Isle created a collection with the history of the knights of Rhodes and the symbols of Dodecanese for the reception table, set with 19th-century private-collector cutlery and glassware, as well as fine silk and linens from Allegoria Textile Delights. The velvet teal upholstery seating was matched to our ceremony sofas and armchairs to add a pop of color against the blush tones of the dinner table.

The Bar, Cocktails, Cake & Finger Food: Decent bar created bespoke wedding cocktails, fusing native Rhodian herbs and tastes, like the famed Coriandolino, the sugar-coated coriander liqueur, to the accustomed bubbly as well as Rhodian-grown fresh fruit squeezed into colorful punches. Giafkarnd Studio’s chefs brought about Mediterranean flavors into tasteful and pretty looking bites for the cocktail hour, adorned with local trimmings and florals, while Pavlov’s Lab drew on the blushing palette to create a tiered wedding cake to match Manousenia’s escort and place cards.

The Fashion: From the groom’s Lanvin boutoniere, Hermes scarf, Rolex watch and Louis Vuitton cufflinks, to our bride’s diamonds by Kousvelaris, the Mrs Box and Layout Collection velvet ring boxes, the Cartier bands, and fine shoes by Giasiranis Napolitana and Aqua Di Parma perfume selections the brand-laden trousseau edit came to compliment the fashion, curated by Anna Jill of Kiss From Fleur who dressed our bride in a 1914 Made Bride by Antonea gown and Heart of Gold Designs headpiece. Setty Lepida our workshop editor curated the groom’s looks in Navy & Green suit paired with Gucci Loafers. Agis KP gave our bride a relaxed signon to accentuate the shape of her face while Mika chose a fresh makeup look in glowing peachy tones in perfect accordance with the wedding gown.

We were so thankful to be able to work with so many talented crews to bring this vision to life which shone thanks to the all-seeing lens of our photographer Sotiris Tsakanikas who snapped the beauty on film.

Wedding planner: Golden Apple Weddings // Photographer: Sotiris Tsakanikas // Florals & Rentals: Kay Creations // Paper goods, stationery, escort tags & calligraphy: Manousenia Design // Venue: Don Mansion The Hill // Ceramic plates, tiles, coasters and trays (flatware): Nassos Keramik // Cocktail bar & mixology: Decent Bar // Textiles: Allegoria Textiles // Catering: Giafkarnd Studio // Bride Styling: Kiss From Fleur // Bride’s dress: Made bride by Antonea // Groom Styling & Editorial: Setty Blade // Makeup: Makeup by Mika // Hair: L’epoque d’Agis // Cake: Pavlovs Lab // Headpieces: Heart of Gold Designs // Cigars: Partagas Cigars // Cigar case: Carven and Daily Press // Groom’s bowtie & boutonniere: Lanvin Official // Ring boxes: Layout Collection, Joy Proctor Design and The Mrs. Box // Bridal shoes: Napolitana Giasiranis // Groom’s scarf: Hermes // Cufflinks: Louis Vuitton // Groom’s Watch: Boss // Wedding bands: Cartier // Vehicle: Morgan Motors// Groom suit and shirt: OGGI