It is hard to put into words seeing a project of this magnitude come to life. I began my career very humbly…literally building invitations on my dining room table and scrubbing paint of it’s hardwood surface everyday before dinner. Never could I have dreamed that one day I would lead a team of creatives in making art at one of this country’s most beloved pieces of architectural history. Last June I visited The Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina and fell completely, head-over-heels in love. Never have I experienced a place bursting with such pride of ownership. Everyone from the shuttle driver to the cafe worker seemed to beam with pride at this place that seemed more like everyone’s home that a private estate originally built for just one family.
So imagine then hosting a wedding at this place so steeped in tradition and history. Imagine starting your modern love story amidst visually beguiling scenery and heirlooms at every glance. Imagine, just for a moment walking the sprawling grounds with The Biltmore Estate in the misty distant view. Well, that is exactly what we did, we imagined, dreamed and asked a lot of ourselves and the images to follow are the bounty.
Blueberry Creative documented our day. Just love the spirit captured here….
Editorial Shoot for Destination I Do Magazine at The Biltmore Estate from Blueberry Creative on Vimeo.
We crafted a table for twenty. Scale was so important here so we had to build a table that would visually stand up to the grandeur of The Biltmore! Wholesale Flowers were provided by Fiftyflowers.com to include delicate Hydrangea, Garden Roses, Star of Bethlehem and Hanging Amaranthus for Lily Greenthumb’s to design away with!
Th hummingbird became a subtle visual thread throughout…I just adore this die cut and hand painted hummingbird table number nestled in the blooms.
Dreaming of this linen from LaTavola Linen for quite some time I knew quickly it was the perfect backdrop for our table. It feels so much like a painting with its gradients of color…romantic blooms, leafy moments and a subtle peacock reference lend an exotic touch…20 feet of greens, dahlias and eucalyptus was built on location. Pops of bold, saturated watermelon graced each menu for a more youthful element that was a bit unexpected.
Hand sketched in white a gilded monogram is set against a sherbert inspired trio of stocks…
Of the three invitation suites created for this shoot, this was possibly my favorite. Meant to Be Calligraphy gave us stunning script to play with and of course I felt compelled to stretch inside an embroidery hoop!
Skilltree Designs created these exotic wood monogram letters. Love this modern spin on a classic monogram!
Classic layout and structure was mingled with unexpected moments in this suite. A favorite detail are the hand painted dupioni silk ribbon elements; photo corners on the invitation and a wrap at the menu’s bottom.
So over the moon with these hoop art wedding place cards from Thimble and Thistle!
Lulu Frost is a personal favorite of mine so to have the chance to style with her pieces was a dream…A bracelet found its way to the hair but it works, right?
And the garland…what else can I say?
Jill and Ryan from With Love and Embers are like painters with the camera…light becomes paint in their world and I love every minute of it.
It is hard to say thank you properly for an experience of this magnitude. Firs the trust of The Biltmore Team and Destination I Do Magazine is quite simply, humbling. To the team, some of which followed me many states away and dealt with many intensly demanding and highly emotional moments on location…you are a gift. XO
Want to read more about the cover shot? Read here and of course there is more to follow soon!
Venue – The Biltmore, Asheville, North Carolina :: Photography – With Love and Embers :: Styling, Concept and Design – Kristy Rice :: Planning – Erica Stawick, Ashley Baber Weddings :: Cake, Wine and Catering – Biltmore :: Floral Design – Lily’s Greenthumb :: Wholesale Flowers by – Fiftyflowers.com :: Film – Blueberry Creative :: Makeup – Blush :: Hair – Emily Anne Hair :: Gowns – Claire Pettibone :: Calligraphy – Meant to Be Calligraphy :: Linens – LaTavola Linen :: Vintage Rentals – East West Vintage Rentals :: Custom Wood Monogram and Cake Toppers – Skilltree Designs :: Jewelry – Lulu Frost :: Casual Shoes – Tieks :: Hoop Art Place Cards – Thimble and Thistle
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