We cordially invite you to bask in this magically modern take on Marie Antoinette. This couture collaboration — which showcases gowns created by the divine Melissa Blackburn — brought together the best of the best and is dripping with decadent ideas that will elevate your wedding to royal status. Take in these tips and then check out the vivacious vendor list below. And for more details on this shoot, check out the 2015 issue of Utah Valley Bride!
TOP TAKEAWAY TIPS FIT FOR A QUEEN
Be Bold For the love of all that is fabulous, be bold.
Gilt-y As Charged Even if you can’t spring for such an elaborate setup at your reception, consider a detailed tablescape for a wedding dinner or simply decorate the head table in grand fashion.
Sitting Pretty For photos, have your photographer move your cake from the standard setup and display it in fun settings.
Social Butterfly Incorporate a head-turning element from your theme into your wedding wardrobe. You could wear butterflies in your hair, ladies. We promise.
Body Of Work Take a cue from Melissa and focus on this focal fabric. The wedding gown sets the tone for the entire wedding. Make it a priority.
But First, Cake If you want to have your cake and eat it, too, make sure its presentation is as impressive as the cake itself.
Frill Seeker Make sure the delicate details of your gown read well in photos — since that is what will be remembered long after the big day.
Your Majesty Awaits Full skirts bring the wow factors like nothing else — and don’t knock it ’til you’ve tried it. “Try on things you aren’t sure you like,” Melissa says. “You will be surprised!”
Va-Va Volume Go big (hair) or go home. “If you have a big, beautiful dress, you might as well balance it with big, beautiful hair, right?” says Kali Wengreen, a hairstylist for the shoot. “Don’t be afraid of a little more volume than you are used to with your wedding day hair.”
Ravishing Risks Bridal photos are the perfect time to take a risk with bold styling, whether it’s an over-the-top prop, a wild hairstyle, a fearless red lip or a striking, unexpected pose.
Tower Power Decorate the food table with fruit! It adds color, interest, depth and charm.
SOURCES
Gowns Melissa Blackburn
Photography Mikki Platt Photography
Additional Photographers Jefra Starr Linn, Heather Nan Photography, Crystalyn Nilson, Green Apple Photography, Nichole V. Photography
Creative Direction Melissa Blackburn, Mikki Platt, Jefra Starr Linn
Project Director Jefra Starr Linn
Table Styling Karli Elaine Events
Floral Design Tinge Floral
Cupcakes/Cookies/Cakebites Sweet Tooth Fairy
Furniture Dear Lizzie
Model & Prop Styling Rosie Jarman of Dear Lizzie, (Instagram: @rosielovesrococo)
Makeup Jade Baird of Kissable Complexions
Hair Bethany Loveless, Jessie Ward, Kali Wengreen
Gold Flower Brittany Jepsen, The House That Lars Built
Cake Cake-A-Licious
Props Hale Center Theater
Backdrop Penny Jones
Models Amanda Larsen, Ashlyn Anderson, Chloe Thompson, Michelle Lier White, Sarah Miskin, Suzy Clawson, Jacee Murray, Camille Romriell, Kelsey Lund Murphy, Shaquel Farr, Rosalia Badger Long, Katie McDermott, Dani Braun
Butler Chris Clark
Junior Footmen Hank and Slade Blackburn
Shoot Location Spanish Fork warehouse
