Modern Black Tie Bee Inspired Wedding Shoot

Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to create a styled editorial wedding shoot with some of my favorite wedding vendors, Taylor from Amelia Cole Events as well as Ioana and Jen from Rare Bird Beauties. When thinking about this shoot, we wanted to create a modern, sleek aesthetic that appeals to chic couples who love the structure and refinement of high end design (fashion, art, architecture, cinematography) and aren’t afraid to make a statement with their wedding. Our goal was to show couples how to incorporate a few personal elements that tell that story into the design of their wedding.

The two main elements referenced as inspiration and used throughout this shoot were the bee (inspired by Gucci) and martini bar elements. Not having seen many martini bars at weddings, we relished in daydreams about how to incorporate this element. Down to the colors and textures of the drink itself, we added clear lucite & crystal elements into the table and tablescape, bar decor, candle holders, chandeliers & pedestal cake display. Our anchor color, black, tied everything together.

To show Brides how they can adapt this vision to their own style, we provided THREE different bridal looks and two Bridesmaid options.

View our feature on Style Me Pretty and check out what I wrote on how to create your own wedding brand in 5 steps!

A special thanks to our dream team of incredible vendors:

Emily Rose Ink did a phenomenal job on the stationery for the shoot. Black and white were our main colors, and she used a mix of modern and classic fonts as well as unique paper and envelope cuts. Emily and I selected a variety of vintage stamps, many of which have personal meaning to me for various reasons. The illustrated bee that Emily created made an appearance on the cake, bar, invitation suite, paper goods and favors. Isn’t it awesome?!

The ‘ceremony look’ featured a Justin Alexander organza ball gown with all-over lace appliques, monarch train and lace trimmed veil from Mira Couture. Hair & Makeup team Rare Bird Beauties, who helped dream up this shoot, had this to say: The Bride’s hair was designed to look elegant and classic with straight and glossed length and a chic center part. We paired natural and bold elements for her makeup by keeping the skin perfected and glowing, yet enhancing the eyes with a smokey look.

The Groom is rocking a tux with velvet jacket and loafers from The Black Tux.

Bridesmaids Dresses from: Bubbling Brides

As an example, in this shoot, the olive drink garnish even played a role in inspiring the floral color palette and guest favors… add to that, Sugarfina white pearl and olive candy boxes wrapped in silk ribbon and topped off with a white wax seal.

I added items from my personal collection to decorate the bar. In keeping with the martini theme, we kept most of the decor clear, which adding subtle pops of brushed metal and green. The enlarged bee decal was the perfect touch for our white bar from Tablescapes.

Our “reception look’ showcased a glamorous Racimo by Atelier Pronovias fit & flare gown with a dramatic, long train and a plunging v-neckline adorned by gemstone appliques. For a touch more glam for the Bride’s makeup, we used a bold lip and updo, adding texture and body with modern simplicity… all that was needed to bring the look into evening chic!

Lastly, our couple let their hair down for a fun and playful “exit look”, featuring a Lucian Matis jumpsuit from Mira Couture, champagne (of course!) and TONS of confetti.

Taylor from Amelia Cole Events and I worked closely to design a tablescape that reflected our vision. To the chic clear lucite table from Tablescapes, we added silver and clear dishes, glassware and flatware from Crate & Barrel, CB2 and Bloomingdales. Skinny tapers with a square crystal base from Creative Candles were the finishing touch.

Tajalli from The Petal designed a stunning floral runner which elevated the entire look of the table.

Toni Patisserie added honeycomb detailing to the cake and cookies which gave a lovely dimension to the shoot. We displayed the cake on top of a clear pedestal filled with a mini floral installation by The Petal.