French Wedding Inspiration
Photography by Lauren Moffett
Last summer, I was asked to style a wedding for Sarah who I met a few years ago, and her husband Andrew. They're the sweetest couple. Sarah is a photographer colleague I've worked with for several of my events, and has work that can be found on my blog too. It was the first wedding I've styled, and I jumped at the opportunity to do the project for her.
Andrew and Sarah decided on Le San Michele as the location for their event. The venue is gorgeous and exudes a French country inspired feel. Between the antique double doors, architectural details, and exterior decor already set at the location, Sarah and I decided emphasizing those features would be the best decision. We used the same deep blue hue all over, with accents of yellow, primarily with fresh lemons, to also give a summer vibe.
I styled five areas throughout the venue. Sarah loves vintage chic decor, so I certainly made sure to get it right for her big day.
The first area that greeted guests when they arrived was the seating chart and guestbook area. I used vintage furniture pieces that I absolutely love, including a vintage buffet placed at the entrance, accented with various vintage decor pieces like blue glassware, fresh greenery, and lace. The beautifully hand-lettered chalkboard signs were created by Texas Soul Lettering, and I just added some greenery to the stand to tie them into the rest of the decor.
The guestbook wasn't quite a book, but was totally adorable. Guests were encouraged to sign around a custom illustration of the couple, which will be a piece the couple will continue to treasure as a reminder of their special day.
To direct guests to their seats for the ceremony, I placed a chalkboard "Ceremony" sign next to an antique chair. Such a great vintage piece adorned with moss, flowers, and lemons arranged on the seat, create a simple, yet really effective way to bring some style to an area.
The ceremony location was magical. Between the symmetric trees on either side of a fountain, and the beautiful wildflowers accented by a floral and greenery arch, it was the perfect backdrop for which to get married. The blue metal chairs were a unique and unexpected touch that tied in to the color palette nicely.
The floral arrangements were done by HEB Blooms, and couldn't have fit better.
Near the ceremony entrance, I placed French desk with programs and fans for the guests to pick up and use to stay cool in the Texas heat. Here, I brought in vintage suitcases, a galvanized metal pitcher and basket, and a few other antique finds to accent the desk, which was displayed in front of, and emphaized by, a large Aloe plant. It's fun to play with the unexpected, bringing the indoors outside.
Speaking of Texas heat, the guests stayed cool and hydrated with plenty of beverages. I styled the beverage area simply with greenery, flowers, and chalkboard signs. I also used a vintage wooden box to not only give height to the water pitcher, but for texture as well. The blue theme made it here with blue umbrellas, vases, and even matching trashcans! No detail was left out.
No seating feels more French than little metal bistro tables and chairs. It's no exception that these were the blue hue too, and accented with simple yet beautiful flowers on a glass top. Hung above in the tree branches were blue lanterns and large chandeliers, along with white Christmas lights to shine as the sun went down.
As you can tell, one of the many lovely features of this venue, is just how open and spacious it was.
For food, the couple hired local Austin food truck Gourdough's to cater the event. Gourdough's serves both sweet and savory donut dishes out of their beautiful 1967 Airstream trailer.
Later into the evening, guests were able to enjoy a table complete with neon glow sticks, surrounding a sign "Let Love Glow", for the reception and party-portion of the evening. Props are one of the best ways for friends and family to enjoy dancing the night away.
Although the wedding itself was beautiful, the bride was the star of the day. Breaking from tradition, the bride opted for a blush pink gown instead of white or cream. It was such a subtle but cute and unexpected detail that I love.
I absolutely loved styling this chic vintage wedding. I can't thank Sarah and Andrew enough for asking me, and I only wish the best to this lovely couple!
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