It was such a delight to work with the winners of our Jen Huang photoshoot competition last year – Sian and Ross, to come up with this board for their photo shoot.

Sian and Ross will have the board transformed into an inspiration shoot for the next Jen Huang workshop (to be held next month in Bunker Bay, Western Australia). The shoot will be designed and styled by Cathrin D’Entremont of CD Weddings, including florals from Zinnia Floral Designs, stationery from Dizzy Wizzy Design and gowns from Samantha Wynne.

Here’s a little peek at Sian and Ross’ inspiration board for their wedding day and a few ideas of how they might translate their loves and personality into their wedding day.

Bouquet photo by Micah and Megan Photography via Style Me Pretty, Bride and groom photo from Von and Conrad’s wedding by Angela Higgins Tablescape photo by Open Air Photography, flowers by The Bride’s Cafe styled by Merriment Events via Snippet & Ink, place cards from Plurabelle Calligraphy,  grey suit from Gilt, mercury votive holders from West Elm, invitations by Papermade via Style Me Pretty, cheese table from Sunday Suppers, bridesmaid’s gown from Lisa Brown, venue photo from photo from Von and Conrad’s wedding by Angela Higgins ,beer bottle photo from Edyta Szyszlo Photography via Style Me Pretty, Florence Broadhurst Tropical Floral wallpaper from Designer Prints, flowers photo by Vue Photography via Be Inspired, cake from Brides

 

Sian and Ross have a relaxed, waterside glamour feel to their wedding day. They will marry at Ross’ school chapel with their reception by the water at Mosman’s Restaurant.

Sian and Ross have a very clean vision for their wedding day, so I chose a palette of black white and taupe with a compliment of soft pink. The addition of the taupe pulled the Lisa Brown bridesmaid’s gowns Sian has already purchased into the colours of the day and grounded the black and white into the relaxed feel of the day, adding an ‘easy-ness’ to the otherwise elegant black and white.

Sian has fallen in love with a  Jenny Packham gown, which suits the style of the wedding she and Ross want, but is known for her beautiful choice of clothing wherever she goes. “My style adapts depending on the circumstances! I love the idea of a full lace Monique Lhuillier gown and equally a chic Oscar de la Renta sleeved dress circa 2009, an art deco looking Jenny Packham dress and a modern Matthew Williamson gown.” Her bridesmaids have chosen champagne Lisa Brown dresses (pictured) and Ross and his groomsmen will be wearing grey suits, white shirts with black ties.

For flowers, Sian’s dream bouquet is featured top left of the inspiration board – her favourite colour is pink and it weaves her way through her life so a simple touch of this in her bouquet reflects this.

As we lead into the reception, Sian and Ross have chosen a black and white theme. The couple have a love of bare wood, masses of white blooms and touches of black inspired by a love of calligraphy and the Florence Broadhurst wallpaper they have purchased. I’ve included an earthy taupe to compliment the bridesmaid’s gowns and ground the theme.

For centrepieces, richly stained jarrah tables could be set with clear glass vases, glass bowls, small mercury vases, plenty of candles and white flowers (hydrangeas, tulips, orchids, ranunculas, dahlias, roses)  grouped by type to emphasise their different textures.

Paper goods is where Sian and Ross’ style can really shine. Sian and Ross are using a Florence Broadhurst wallpaper to back their menus which is reflected in the intricate design on the wedding cake and the thick black ink of the calligraphy.  The intricacies of this design are also reflective of the time Sian spent in Japan and the black and white of Ross’ New Zealand background. Placecards and invitations can reflect their scheme by being printed on natural, taupe paper with beautiful calligraphy. The simple earthy nature of the natural paper combined with the elegant calligraphy reflects their casually elegant styling.

With their keen interest in keeping fit together (Ross was a professional rower representing Australia in another life) this could make their way through into their wedding with a simple black stamp on the back of an envelope or place cards – a nod to where they met – at rowing!

Not only do the couple have a passion for good food and good wine (reflective in the fresh local produce they are choosing for their menu – scallops, marron, duck breast, raspberries) Ross has a passion for beer, something he has tried to persuade Sian to get into! (He has done University studies in beer brewing!) Including this passion in the reception is only natural with a beer tasting table set up while guests are enjoying pre dinner drinks and guests led to their meal with bottles of Little Creatures beer.

The couple’s love of food is also showcased in the request for a cheese table – laden with wheels of brie, honeycomb, crusty blue cheese and figs. Drinks by the river – lychee cocktails, sit down dinner with Margaret River wines and dancing – all on the wish list for the couple.