Texture is my favorite trend in wedding gowns, and this inspiration shoot photographed by Elisabeth Millay encapsulates different ways to incorporate that quality into your celebration. Not only did the Kenneth Pool gowns feature ruffles, beading, and layers, but texture was also represented in the floral arrangements by Quatre Couer. Add a fun and flirty lip, a stoic mansion, and the sweetest couple this side of the Mississippi and you’ve got one stunning set of photos. Enjoy my lovelies!

Lovely: What was the feel you wanted to portray in this shoot?

Ani: Ethereal and delicate, the wedding dress stood out to me among the racks of other equally beautiful gowns. Coordinating looks with Stacie Ford, the makeup artist, I came up with an image of a southern belle marrying a wall street dapper. The combination is one of love, happiness, friendship, and support. Warmth was something that was necessary to be included, so I picked the main colors of off white, silver, and pink for the dress and suit.  The softness of the pink floral arrangement that floral designer Quatre Coeur chose enhanced the silver tie and details on her dress.

Lovely: How did the setting inspire the styling?

Ani: As a makeup artist, Stacie Ford has always been inspired by beautiful things and people. When looking for a venue for this shoot, she came across Bartow Pell Mansion in the Bronx. The landscape, mansion, and foundations that adorned the grounds reminded her of the romantic gardens of the Chateau de Versailles in Paris when she visited.

“When I started designing Ashley’s makeup,” Ford said, “I wanted to create a romantic & regal look that was soft, yet had a vibrant and youthful edge to it. I kept the location and setting in mind as I thought of colors and shapes to incorporate. When selecting her foundation, I wanted to re-create that regal time period.  I used a lightweight porcelain airbrush hue to even out her complexion and give her a flawless finish. For her eyes, I felt keeping them natural looked best. I used neutral shadow tones to create dimension and gave her definition by lining her eyes with a strong water color hue. On the cheeks, I wanted to give the illusion of crushed Mulberries: fresh and vibrant.”

This went hand in hand with the beautiful Kenneth Pool gowns I chose. I couldn’t settle on one, and having the whole mansion to ourselves was the key element in choosing two different looks: one regal and one soft. Stacie played with the soft features in Ashley’s face by balancing the color between her cheeks and lips. “I wanted to give her a point of focus on the face with a bold bright lip color,” she continues, “I went with a strong saturated lip tone like peony pink. This not only complimented the cheek and eyes, but brought out her entire complexion and gave her that royal and romantic look she was looking for.”

Lovely: What was your goal for this shoot?

Ani: The most important thing was for our bride and groom to be and look as happily in love as ever. Our teamwork was more than successful, and portrayed everything we wanted and hoped for.

Credits:

Florals: Quatre Couer

Makeup: Stacie Ford

Stylist: Ani Hovhannisyan for Mankx

Photographer: Elisabeth Millay

Assistant Photographer: Jonathan Young

Dresses: Kenneth Pool

Location: Bartow-Pell Mansion

Listen up, brides! Take a cue from the runways and steal the season’s hottest trend…neon! Don’t be overwhelmed, this isn’t a look only for the bold and daring. Here’s the key to remembering the Lovely way to incorporate this roaring craze into your big day: a minimal clean slate with splashes of highlighter!

Use a simple design with a pop of orange (Image via Cheree Berry Paper via Oh So Beautiful Paper)

Could you imagine a crisp white table lined with these brilliant candles? We can! (Image via rock that horse)

This neon tablescape looks absolutely stunning due to the minimal flower arrangements and the lack of knick knacks crowding the table (Image via Brooklyn Bride)

Not into the extreme table runners? Make a statement by dipping antique untensils in sunset hues
(Image via Sania Pell At Home)

These bright jewels have your guests names and table numbers written all over them! Don’t they look like stained glass chandeliers? (Image via Ruffled for Martha Stewart Weddings)

These neutral napkins are livened up with a bit of bright painted flowers (Image via The Purl Bee)

A gorgeous white dress with just a hint of highligther…THAT’S how a Lovely bride rocks a trend!
(Image via Brooklyn Bride)

These flashy kicks will shock and awe your guests when they peek out from under your white dress as you walk down the aisle (Image via Adam Barnes Fine Art Photography for Style Me Pretty)

How delicious does this clean white cake look atop this punchy stand!? One slice or two? (Image via A Fabulous Fete)

Your bridesmaids won’t stop beaming if you gift them one of these beautiful glowing satchels
(Image via Bohemia Design)

When it comes to your wedding favors, you can wrap your goodies up using cute paper, fancy doilies, and a little piece of washi tape (Image via Decor8)

Check out our take on one of the hottest bridal market trends this Fall.  Would you rock a blush gown?

How does a refreshing spring and summer palette for your Monday sound?  Coral, aqua, and yellow are sure to bring a welcome punch of color to your wedding day decor!  We love how refreshing, bold, and complementary these colors are together and think this palette would be perfect for a sunny outdoor celebration.

Credits: Mini cakes via Oh Lovely Day, Bridal party by Lori Hensley via Bridesmaid.com, Wrapped bouquet shot by Our Labor of Love via Once Wed, Twisted necklace from Anthropologie, Bright table snapped by Don David Style Photography via Hostess with the Mostess , Gorgeous shoe shot by Jeffrey and Julia Woods via Style Me Pretty, Invitations by Hello Tenfold via Oh So Beautiful Paper.

How much do we love these patterned bridesmaid’s dresses? Lots! Perfect for a Spring wedding, these alternative styles add unexpected pops of color and a touch of whimsy. We think its simply wonderful that brides are making bolder choices when it comes to their girls’ attire, don’t you? Spring is in the air!

Images via Style Me Pretty, Intimate Weddings, Fhiky, and Green Wedding Shoes