FRENCH BOHEMIA | SKAE + ANDY
/The morning of the wedding, I rolled up to Marli Brae, flowers packed high, fabric layered over brassware, bouquet boxed in, protected as if it were the crown jewels of England… I was met at the venue gate by Skae’s dad, a rare man whose excitement for the day and welcoming smile prompted me to tears. It had been such a long & beautiful journey and here was the man that raised this incredible bride.
Fast forward 20 mins and I’m on my way to deliver her bouquet. Something that I wouldn’t normally do as time is scarce on THE day, but I wanted to witness that special moment when a bride sees her bouquet for the first time. Of course it was magic & worth every second of sacred styling/installing time. To see such a soul on the morning of her wedding is something to behold. Very special - and I feel honoured to have gotten that moment.
The next time that I saw Skae was moments before she was set to wed Andy. It was from afar as I was working like a demon installing the french bohemia story that was her reception. Upon my instruction she didn’t dare look towards the reception space, ensuring it was a surprise. She was calm, something majestic about her, with an energy of radiance. Her dress was grandly ethereal & bohemian. This guided the design of the wedding. Her veil was sublime, timeless yet bountiful & endlessly cascaded over her shoulders, pooling on the pebbles at her feet along melting into her whimsical & detailed train. Her bouquet was the deep velvety red rose on top of the bohemian icy white ‘rockstar’ gown. Magenta, midnight red, winter pink, pops of white, finished with a single lavender dyed orchid. Perfection.
I missed the ceremony which is always my favourite part but heard endless tales of how they their faces were pressed together, supporting one another through such important moments. It was complete silence yet a breathtaking feeling of love permeated the room. The space was layered fabric, iron lace, intricately designed floral & branch installation combined with the bohemian tassle blush rug. Crushed buds & turn of the century luxe signing table & chair was the perfect backdrop for our star crossed lovers to whisper ‘I do…’.
The reception space Marli Brae has built was the perfect backdrop for Skae & Andy’s bohemian luxe love affair. A very french provincial feel with touches of rustic chic & ‘show stopping’ fire place, finished off with the timeless glamour of antique chandeliers. All I had to do was inject the cascading ethereal bohemian heart & presto, a jaw dropping setting for the biggest celebration of two lovers’ lives, surrounded by their all favourite people.
To create the look, we started with raw blush silk table runners, nipped & bunched in all the right places to create an incredible textured movement. This was the base of the styling stories. Up next was the bohemian brassware & pops of french inspired cut crystal styled on the silk, dancing around one another. A combination of outlandishly wild & unstructured floral arrangements & single stem blooms woven in through the styling with endless pillar & taper candles completed the tablescapes.
As always, the ceiling was desperate for some love & making sure we stuck to the vibe, we created fine greenery garlands that were woven, haphazardly among the chandeliers.
To finish off the room, I insisted we needed something seriously epic. We decided upon a wild branch & bloom installation that sat behind the couple, working as a gilded frame, to ensure the lovers felt special & the guests eyes were naturally drawn to them.
The food was to die for, delicious & visually a feast for the eyes. Of course how the food looks is just as important as how it tastes, as far as I’m concerned! ‘Violets & Vinegar’ are second to none, lead by the super loved up couple Matty & Cass, their obvious passion for each other translates into the something special that sets this catering duo apart.
Lastly I need to mention the photographer Ben Sowry. It’s not very often i come upon someone who is in the industry for the same reasons as me. The love. The story of the love. His genuine interest & understanding of each couple is magnificent to behold both on the day & in the breath taking images that follow. It’s truly been a magical experience & can’t wait for my chance to work with him again!
If you're interested in recreating this style for your own event or wedding, get in touch!
