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rustic weddings

Shoot Simply :: Dining Al Fresco

0 · May 23, 2018 ·

Terra cotta has been my summer color crush.  Whether it’s antiqued or new, on fresh patio stones or in chippy old pots, this color has been my muse.

Last year Emilee Mae Photography hosted a workshop for photographers, a simple gathering where they could come and get inspired and boost their portfolio.  She asked me to be a part, decorating and adding florals to the day. When she shared the venue with me, the first thought that popped to mind was terra cotta.  It’s all over the space and I’d finally have a creative outlet for my inspiration.

We decided to do two different setups in two different areas of the venue, giving photographers a better chance to photograph things that both inspire them and also align with the aesthetics of their brand.   Today I’m going to show you part one.  It was more casually inspired, leaning towards a slightly southwest vibe and would translate great into a dinner party with friends.

Spring Wedding Ideas | Emilee Mae Photography | The Day's Design Spring Wedding Ideas | Emilee Mae Photography | The Day's DesignTerra Cotta Wedding Ideas | Emilee Mae Photography | The Day's Design

Texture was imperative in the design.  I took inspiration from the patio bricks, the concrete floors and the subtle variations of brown and earthy tones throughout the venue and then added those same touches to the tabletop itself.  I imagined what it might be like if the honeysuckle took over and grew into the porch.  I was careful not to add too many colors into the florals or design itself because I wanted to retain the earthy and outdoor casual vibe that the space already boasted so beautifully.

Terra Cotta Wedding Ideas | Emilee Mae Photography | The Day's Design Terra Cotta Wedding Ideas | Emilee Mae Photography | The Day's DesignTerra Cotta Wedding Ideas | Emilee Mae Photography | The Day's DesignSouthwest Wedding Inspiration | Emilee Mae Photography | The Day's DesignSouthwest Wedding Inspiration | Emilee Mae Photography | The Day's Design Southwest Wedding Inspiration | Emilee Mae Photography | The Day's Design Southwest Wedding Inspiration | Emilee Mae Photography | The Day's DesignGreenery Wedding Inspiration | Emilee Mae Photography | The Day's Design Greenery Wedding Inspiration | Emilee Mae Photography | The Day's Design

Because we had so many wedding photographers on site, we incorporated things like a cement inspired wedding cake and a gorgeous couple to model.  But I really wanted to think of this in the same way that I would host a dinner party on my own patio (providing I had one!)  I’d want it to be causual and inviting, taking cues from the surroundings and would love to fill all those chairs with happy faces.

Greenery Wedding Inspiration | Emilee Mae Photography | The Day's Design Southwest Wedding Inspiration | Emilee Mae Photography | The Day's DesignSouthwest Wedding Inspiration | Emilee Mae Photography | The Day's Design Backyard Dinner Party Ideas | Emilee Mae Photography | The Day's Design Backyard Dinner Party Ideas | Emilee Mae Photography | The Day's DesignCement Wedding Cake | Emilee Mae Photography | The Day's DesignCement Wedding Cake | Emilee Mae Photography | The Day's DesignWedding at a Deer Ranch | Emilee Mae Photography | The Day's Design

Photography: Emilee Mae Photography | Floral & Event Design: The Day’s Design | Venue: Two Hats Ranch | Rentals: The Rental Company | Dress: Ali Nicole Bridal | Cake: Cocoa Renee

Stay tuned for part 2 of this workshop.  Two Hats Ranch (our host venue) is actually a white tail deer ranch and fawn might just make a sweet little appearance 😉

Celebrations, Flowers rustic weddings, Shoot Simply

3 Tips for Planning Rustic Weddings

0 · Apr 12, 2016 ·

I originally wrote this post a couple months ago as part of my monthly guest feature over on Simply Blue Weddings.  It was titled “3 Mistakes Couples Make When Planning Rustic Weddings”.  But after it when live, I felt bad.  I had just posted something really negative and it bothered me.

So today, I’m sharing it here on my personal blog, but I’ve reworked it a bit, shedding a more positive light on the subject.  Here are some things you should do to make sure that you’re rustic celebration is just as fabulous as you always dreamed it would be.

Quicksand Rose | Rustic Wedding Planning Tips | The Day's Design | Ashley Slater Photography

Photography: Ashley Slater Photography |  Styling & Floral Design: The Day’s Design  |  Calligraphy: Wondrous Whimsy

Properly Define Rustic

What does rustic mean to you? In the wedding industry, it seems any celebration that doesn’t take place in a formal ballroom (and even some that do) can easily be defined as rustic. However, these seem to be three different type of “rustic” bride that I most normally come across.

There’s shabby, vintage and sometimes even a little dirty “rustic”.  This bride includes décor choices that you might generally associate with a barn wedding.  Perhaps horse saddles, wooden crates, vintage table numbers and burlap accents.

Then there’s outdoorsy rustic.  Think almost woodland wedding or even more nautical style.  Birch bark, tree stumps and mossy touches might be mixed in.  You could also incorporate antlers, sand or outdoor activities that the couple enjoy together.  This is where natural lovers rejoice.

Finally, there’s the girl who describes her day as rustic elegance.  She dreams of a touch of sophistication paired with wide open spaces.  Think gold flatware against a raw wooden table.  Everything stays sleek and refined while complimenting a slightly more relaxed mood.

And of course there’s a hybrid of any of the above which makes every day extremely unique.

Choose the Right Venue

Michigan is home to a countless number of barns, wineries and other outdoor spaces that lend themselves so well towards this style of gathering.  With such a plethora of earthy spaces, I think that’s why we tend to assume that everyone getting married with a loose bouquet of wildflowers is search of that casual vibe.  However, we mustn’t forget that there are many hotel ballrooms, elegant restaurants and rental halls that also can host amazing events.  And not all of them pair well with burlap, wooden crates or nautical rope décor.  Make sure that your venue provides the right backdrop and sets the perfect tone for you wedding day.

Don’t Assume that Planning will be Simple

I hear it all the time, I want a simple wedding day.  Don’t we all?  Does anyone want their day to be an overly complicated nightmare??  The fact of the matter is, regardless of the style or theme of your wedding day, you’re still inviting guests, they still need invitations, chairs, tables, linens, food, centerpieces, transportation and about a 100 other details that go into the planning of a successful event. Oh and you thought it would cost less because it’s a rustic wedding?  While there might be a few details that become more casual and you could possibly skip out on the draping or extremely tall formal centerpieces, but that greenery garland and beautiful compote centerpiece is still cost money.  And the price tag on your flank steak is the same whether you serve it in a fancy ballroom or on a tented hillside.

I love working in casual elegance as well as grander ballrooms.  I think that’s one of the reasons that I love what I do so much, I get to meet a variety of people, working in different atmosphere and am never limited on my creativity.  Each wedding as is individual as the couple planning it.

Shelby signature

Looking for more wedding planning tips?  Read my guest feature over on Simply Blue Weddings the second Thursday of each month.

Wedding Planning & Advice Ashley Slater Photography, floral design, planning and advice, Roses, rustic weddings, Simply Blue Weddings, wedding planning, Wondrous Whimsy

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