We were so excited when Italy’s Purewhite Photography shared a fun anniversary session in Rome with adorable couple Maria and Thomas. The pair gallivanted around Rome, Elisa Perotti and her camera in tow, holding hands and gazing into each other’s eyes. We love how the couple’s outfits perfectly complemented the surroundings, taking these images to a higher level of artistry. Purewhite Photography aims to turn emotions into light, and the beautiful light during this shoot was just as enthusiastically romantic as Maria and Thomas’ love.
Thank you so much to Purewhite Photography for sharing these beautiful images, and to Maria and Thomas for sharing their anniversary with Junebug. For more Italian couple portraits, you have to see Caroline and Daniel’s adventurous destination post-wedding session in Italy.
Laura and Field’s black tie affair at the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina was full of beauty and elegance. The Biltmore Estate is an incredible venue with intricate architecture and stunning landscaping. Laura was married in the most gorgeous Lazaro gown, with layers of pleated organza beneath delicate lace and a champagne sash. The bridal portraits captured by Blue Bend Photography are magnificent, as photographer Nick Gillespie worked the angles of the venue and the charm of the gown. Laura and her team of loved ones and professionals put together the perfect balance of personal details with timeless elements. The unique terrarium, created by Laura’s mother, sitting at the reception entrance is one of my favorite pieces.
The Inspiration: “The Walled Garden and Conservatory at the Biltmore Estate are so naturally beautiful and grand in their own right. Therefore, I wanted my wedding guests to be immersed in the luxurious feel of the manicured gardens and the 7,000 square foot glass-roofed conservatory without drawing attention away from their natural splendor. To me, it was the perfect place for a small, intimate, black tie wedding and reception with our 68 VIPs. I dreamed of classic, timeless, and elegant ceremony and reception displays that would simply complement and not overshadow the uniquely stunning setting. Therefore, I chose to utilize my favorite “colors” – gold, silver, white and cream. I wove the metallic items into the surrounding by only having lush green foliage and cream flowers as decoration. The fairy tale already existed so my goal was to pull this all in and hug my guests with it while adding a few touches of glamour (and fun too)! We paid homage to the Biltmore Estate as a National Historical Landmark which includes the U.S.’s largest privately owned home by incorporating our “love is the key” wedding them and corresponding skeleton keys throughout. Field also created the board that the keys and tags with our guests’ messages hang on in our house. We love to debate over each of their past lives and it’s even more special to read the tags like a guest book from our wedding. You will find the key logo I created on the cocktail napkins, tambourine party favors, and throughout the wedding pictures.
For my dress/look selection – It’s easy to see the European influences around the Estate from the house to the Conservatory to the Italian Garden. I wanted my look that day to include a little bit of European flare and some delicate feminine lace too. I picked a high fashion gown designed by Lazaro which interestingly is described as a “Flamenco inspired ivory organza and alencon lace bridal gown, sheer elongated lace bodice, sweetheart neckline, layered organza and lace skirt, chapel train” on JLM’s website. “Flamenco inspired” is hardly what I thought would win the day, but when combined with the cathedral veil and drop earrings, it fit my classic, elegant, black tie garden Biltmore Estate wedding perfectly. I actually was able to meet Lazaro when I purchased my dress and he did a sketch which was framed and placed by the cake table. I love that dress! ”
The Moments: “Entering into the reception into the Butterfly Garden from up above. As we came to the top of the stairs and looked down, it was more beautiful than I had ever imagined. In addition, all of our closest family and friends were looking up at us with smiles. It was extremely special to know each and every face and have such sincere love showering down (or should I say up) on us.”
The Couple Recommends: “Nick and his team at Blue Bend Photography were and are amazing! I am so impressed with the photos and they have been a dream to work with. In addition, Isabelle Schreier did a phenomenal job with my hair and make-up. She came to my home for trials twice to make sure I was satisfied and always had the best attitude. Lastly, Candace Hightower of Mingle Events was a breath of fresh air as a wedding day coordinator. She was always available to answer my questions, went above and beyond to take care of last minute details, and helped turn my vision into a reality.”
Laura also sent over the loveliest film created by Thomas Blake Films documenting their sweet day.
Thanks to Blue Bend Photography for the beautiful images, and to Laura and Field for sharing their lovely day. For more black tie affair inspiration, don’t miss Dianna and Mark’s black and gold ballroom wedding.
When talented photographer Leighanne Herr shared these stunning images from the Erich McVey workshop in Bend, Oregon, we knew we had to show you all as soon as possible. The styled shoot was created with romantic soft light, a voluminous bouquet, and the perfectly fall color palette. Creative Director and Stylist Ginny Au wanted these images to speak to the natural surroundings, which she achieved by utilizing neutral colors and loose greenery in the bridal bouquet.
Here’s what Leighanne Herr had to say about the shoot:
This was a wedding inspiration shoot based on the concept of Earth. Warm, soft tones coupled with neutral colors and a loose bouquet give off an earthly appeal. It is demure yet alluring; a perfect look for any time of the year.