Love Blooms in Europe

We are so excited for this incredible shoot to be published on Glamour and Grace today!

Written by Jess of Gather with Jess and Nicole of Sirpilla Soirees

What did you envision your wedding being prior to planning?

The Groom’s Grandmother’s home served as the setting and we chose to allow her French cottage style home to speak to us. The bride loves to garden and here, the gardens are lush and European flair is heavily evident throughout the space. Incorporating a soft and romantic elegance was fitting.

Rather than compete with the garden’s natural beauty, we wanted to enhance what the groom has known as the home for decades. We envisioned a timeless European elegance with classic blue china and soft textures. This blended with what felt like a secret garden romance created the opportunity for lush, garden-style florals.

What was your color palette and your style vision?

After choosing a classic blue china motif, blue was a natural fit. The remaining palette was kept incredibly neutral. We chose blush tones and peach to compliment the softness of what many bride’s envision for their big day. Emi was no different and ultimately we settled on tones to compliment the couple and the space. Because of the European influence, the romantic details were a natural progression.

We wanted the style to have a lightness, an air of romance, the sweetness you feel when you’re in love. We feel this really came to life with our couple. You could genuinely feel the heart between them. The way Ryan speaks of Emi is enough to encourage day dreams. ”I knew Emi was the one when even on a Wednesday night she plays Frank Sinatra & we slow dance in our kitchen”. There is such a classic connection here and the power of that love enhanced by a romantic and European elegance, we couldn’t have asked for a better balance.

What was your favorite moment?

Ryan and Emi made the day. Our favorite moments were their interactions. The way they act as though no one is watching, the magic of Emi’s dress swaying for the first time, it was beautiful. A wedding day can be hectic and our couple brought a sense of stillness everyone could feel. ”He’s just my person, he’s the calm to my crazy, he pulls me all together and he was the missing piece to me”, says Emi. Another favorite moment was hearing the intimate words they shared about one another. We are so so grateful the videographer was able to capture them.

Your favorite crafted detail?

Grammy’s front porch has been the backdrop for so many family photos. The hand painted draping here was a dramatic nod to what is so special about the space. Another detail we loved was Emi’s petal-covered shoes. Her love for gardening such an inspiration and truly reflected in the details here.

Tell us about your flowers, your gown, your favors, your cake, etc.

The flowers were meant to feel special and intentional while seemingly organic to the space. We used several varieties of roses to provide an old-world touch. Similarly, the dress evoked a sense of old world elegance with a snug lace bodice and dramatically simple train. The lace had a slight floral pattern to echo the ceremony draping and cake. The macarons and dishes served were all of a European nature and the cake showcases the beautiful floral pattern used on the drapes. Much of what was incorporated provided a French flair and romanticism found in European escapes. Grammy’s private home offered the inspiration for this. We brought in a calligrapher to create many of the soft and personalized details.

What is one piece of advice that you could give brides-to-be?

Pull inspiration from your everyday life, that is what will make your wedding unique. Emi’s garden served as a major inspiration for this shoot and we brought in European elements that flowed well with Ryan’s grandmothers house.

Advice for brides From Emi:

Choosing a videographer and photographer is an individualized intimate decision for a couple on their wedding day. Be sure to take some time to reflect on how you and your partner would like to be captured from a stylistic prospective and keep in mind the energy you are welcoming in on one of your most vulnerable days.

Your wedding is a celebration of love and family. Videography and photography is an ongoing celebration of both family and love by providing invaluable memories to look back on. The professionals you choose should help you feel at ease amidst a wonderfully chaotic day. After all, these are professionals who have been a part of capturing many wedding days. Help alleviate some of your stress by choosing professionals you feel at peace with and can put your faith into in order to capture your special day!