Brides of Austin Styled Shoot

11.1.2022

The Arlo

6.16.2021

When designing the shoot, I knew that I wanted to strive for colors and design elements that aren’t always seen. Styled shoots really allow for creative freedom, and in turn, end up inspiring brides in the future! I knew that this was going to run in the fall, and I personally don’t feel that bride always feels comfortable enough to lean into natural fall colors, so that is what I did! While I loved the opportunity to work with these natural fall colors, I definitely do not have a boho style, so I wanted to try and design a space that had muted colors without being boho.

While determining a location for the shoot, The Arlo was about to open their venue. I was able to work with the Bride’s of Austin team to add them to their vendor list, and be the first shoot on the property! It was such a treat to be able to explore the space early on, and think up the future design elements for future weddings onsite. Since we were early on in the venue’s life, we were able to do a few fun things, including sketching the venue architecture on the envelope liner, and being creative with table placement in the front lawn.

Everything on the tabletops remained clean cut. We mixed in the neutral fall colors through the plates, napkins, and flatware with beautiful items from Table Manners. The menus by Callirosa were also on the neutral side. We decided to bring in the element of leather place cards for a pop of southern flare. The personality of the shoot came from the flowers. I wanted to make sure that the flowers had a ton of color to them without feeling overpowering, and Bouquets of Austin did this perfectly. Bouquets of Austin made these fun and funky centerpieces that included flowers that aren’t always seen at southern weddings. They took the place setting colors as inspiration and used flowers that coordinated, while also bringing in pops of brighter colors. In addition, they tied in green taper candles that popped perfectly against the florals and the tables. To bring a bit more personality to the table, Callirosa made bright table numbers to really pop against the flowers.

The last design element that I really wanted to bring in was different wood shades and patterns to pop against the white architecture and green turf. Loot Rentals helped to bring this to life with wood tables that had a deeper stain, light wood chairs, and a bar with a medium stain. I wasn’t 100% positive about how these would all look together, but now I am converted to being a huge fan of mixed woods. With the neutral backdrops The Arlo provides, you really can get creative and funky with your design.

A fan favorite was the ice sculpture by Full Spectrum Ice that held champagne bottles on display. The ‘Drunk in Love’ was calligraphy by Callirosa, and this was the perfect statement piece for the elevated dinner feel.

Sweet Treets took my floral designs, and turned them into the most beautiful cake that had no florals at all. I wanted to be able to show bride’s that you can have a unique wedding cake that has sugar and fondant elements without having to use fresh flowers. This was the centerpiece of the lawn, and sat on top of an exposed light wood table from Loot Rentals, and really pulled the entire thing together.

Overall, this shoot holds a special place in my heart, and I hope that many brides of the future get to find inspiration through these photos!

XOXO,

Tessa