Styled shoots are a creative way for photographers, stylists, and other wedding pros, to show off their talent and visions to inspire readers for their own wedding planning.
Under the Tuscan Sun imagines a whimsical wedding in Tuscany but held in the Virginia countryside of Warrenton at a lush, 300 acre estate.
The Scoop:
Here’s what Rebecca of Sarah K Events had to say about the vision for this shoot.
“While travel may be a little harder to navigate these days, that doesn’t mean you can’t still have the destination wedding of your dreams! With this styled wedding, we hope to show you that it is more than possible to bring the beauty and charm of Europe to the United States!
Reminiscent of old world charm, this European inspired shoot brings forth a unique spin on a timeless wedding under the Tuscan Sun. The Italian wedding theme, brought to life by Sarah K Events and hosted by Airlie-a Virginia venue resembling the beauty of an Italian villa-will whisk you away to a late summer afternoon on the Tuscan coast.
Inspiration was pulled from the romance of Italy and a pastel color palette that only warm weather can boast. This wedding vision is perfect for the couple who values family travel and experiences, and wants to host an intimate event for just their closest friends and family.
The Venue:
The venue features lush gardens, a statement staircase and a well-manicured lawns, all reminiscent of an Italian villa. With a courtyard for the champagne tower and cocktail hour, and beautiful gardens for guest to wander through as they sip on their cocktails, we couldn’t imagine a more serene setting than Airlie.
Tablescape:
In keeping with our couple’s love for family and entertaining, we created a lavish tablescape to surprise and delight. For the centerpieces, we used a mixture of symmetry with vases of differing height. This gave the table a modern and intentional look. When choosing a bold statement pieces such as the tablecloth and flower cloud it was important to keep the flowers on the table simple. Olive branch greenery throughout the table brought in texture and Italian romance. Handmade details are a special touch for a wedding table, so we chose to hand press dried flowers into tapered candles. It bought the flowers and candles together. To further pull in the magic of Italy, lemons were printed on the menu cards, which were found at each place setting. The floral cloud that was suspended over the table floated above the guests and was a delightful focal point during the four course dinner. The glassware and place setting, provided by Blooming Arrow Events, incorporated a floral vintage charm to the tablescape.
Custom Cocktails:
Custom his and hers cocktails included Under the Tuscan Sun and Limoncello Spritz, along with garnishments like blackberries and lavender. The Lemons of Limoncello perfectly tied in the citrus found on the menu cards and invitation was seals.
Invitations:
The invitations suite featured handwritten calligraphy in soft blue ink on handmade paper by Lauren of Line Avenue Calligraphy. Simplicity was important when choosing stationary to compliment the refined and elegant Italian inspired atmosphere.
The Florals:
“For this Tuscan inspired shoot, I knew I wanted to focus in on the magic of Italy with the florals”, Keturah of One Last Avocado remarked. Olive greenery was sourced and used exclusively throughout the table scape and floral cloud. The olive coupled with in-season peonies made for an opulent, yet simple and elegant, floral statement. For pops of color, Keturah pulled in some garden roses, sunflowers, ranunculus, and dainty fillers, but the main focus was the greenery and the peonies for a lush Italian inspired look.
The Ensemble:
The gowns, designed by Barbara Kavchok, are perfect for the bride that is looking for a timeless elegance in your wedding dress, but also wants something original and exquisite. The pearl accents of the Calypso gown along with the crisscross bodice and bold sleeves of the Olive 2.0 gown bring forth two very different look possibilities. The bridal jewelry, created by Maria of Tia Adoro, complemented each gowns flawlessly. White Dior heels were paired with both dresses to add to the upscale look. For the groom, we chose a classic black tailored tux and bowtie to compliment the Calypso gown and a grey suit to compliment the Olive. Dena Leann Artistry created a fresh and clean look for our refined bride.
We hope this Tuscan inspired wedding transported you to the Italian coast and gave you some ideas for your own wedding, whether that be in Europe or here in the states.”
Sources:
Planner:
Sarah Hott and Rebecca Hott
Sarah K Events
Photography:
Carly Eastman
Carly Rose Photography
Venue:
Airlie
Florals:
Katurah
One Last Avocado Design
Tuxedo:
Melissa Grant
Cape Cod Formals
Tuxedo:
Generation Tux
Dresses:
Barbara Kavchok
Barbara Kavchok Bridal
Hair and Make-up:
Dena Lemelin
Dena LeAnn Artistry
Rentals:
Grand Event Center
info.grandeventcenter@gmail.com
Models:
Kingsley Models
https://kingsleymanagement.com/
Cake:
Jennifer Frey
Tiers In Heaven LLC
Signage:
Tara Pangle Hill
Written In the Stars
Writteninthestars.va@gmail.com
Invitations:
Live Avenue Calligraphy
Lauren Roberts Clements
Lauren@lineavenuecalligraphy.com
Videography:
Kirsten Beatley
Kirsten Beatley Films
Glassware and Furniture Rentals:
Blooming Arrow Events
Deveyva
Jewelry:
Maria
Ti Adoro Jewelry
Second Photographer:
Melissa Gaglio
Farfalla Photography
If you are planning a wedding in Roanoke Virginia, Richmond Virginia, Fredericksburg/Northern Virginia, The Shenandoah Valley, Coastal Virginia or in Charlottesville/ Lynchburg Va. we can help with your wedding planning and ideas.
