When I first opened my business 9 years ago, I knew I wanted to get to know my clients as people, and not just as customers. I came up with a basic questionnaire of what the clients needed - one of those questions was: “what books or movies inspire you?” I also liked to ask my clients “are there any flowers that are particularly meaningful to you? Did your mom or grandmother grow anything?”
When my husband and I got married in 2020 (yay, Covid), it was important to me that our wedding felt like US. We both love fall, we both love camping and the outdoors, our faith is important to us, we both love Scottish culture so when we had wildflowers that resembled a meadow and in hues of deep rusty red and mustard yellow, with a thoughtful ceremony with a bagpiper, everyone said “This wedding was so you.”
So where along the way, I think we (myself included) all lost the plot and started designing weddings that looked pretty but didn’t really feel real. We traded personable and charming for “elevated and editorial” without considering if that truly felt genuine. I think part of the reason, other than pinterest and instagram spamming us with over the top (admittingly gorgeous) weddings, is that bride and grooms are concerned about their weddings being “elegant and timeless.” Well, I’m here to tell you that neither of those words really mean anything. Instead of embracing colors and styles that speak to them, individually and as a couple, they opt for safe colors and flowers, missing the opportunity to express themselves through their wedding design.
This styled shoot is my love letter to those couples who want to embrace all of their fun, quirky, nerdy, playful, and meaningful memories and make their wedding feel just like them.
all photos courtesy of Emily Swan - For The Love Birds
Meet Mary and Bo - a real life couple, fully in love, and fully nerdy about all things Lord of the Rings. When I decided to put together this shoot, I knew I had to have them. In addition to being ridiculously adorable, they are literally hobbits. They live on a small farm, grow their own veggies, have adorable cats, and Mary makes her own pottery! It was important to me to include a real couple who the shoot reflected. They told me themselves, “this feels so perfectly like us!” Mary’s make up was created by Maddie Merwin and Bo’s suit is from Newbury Street in Jackson, TN.
When I opened my flower shop, I asked my dad to build me a shelf that resembled a Hobbit door. When we transitioned back to a home studio, I knew there was more life left in this door - and that’s where this shoot all began. Kinda funny how some closed doors can open doors to other ones, huh? For the florals I wanted to share that you don’t have to choose the brightest hues to make your designs pop! If neutrals are your natural jam, consider adding a pop of colored foliage, instead of just white and green. I incorporated irises, as my great grandmother grew them in their garden and I also think of her when I see them.
Details are what set apart each wedding from the next. I knew that working with Meaghan of Lucky 13 Letters would bring something unexpected, like these leather leaf place cards! I appreciated that Meaghan chose a beautiful, creative invitation that felt fresh, yet not formal.
Speaking of details, hiring a planner who actually cares about your details is essential to ensuring all of your ideas and moments come together seamlessly. Madison of Reverie Planning made sure everything flowed, nothing was forgotten, and kept everyone sane with her cool head. She insured all of the rentals were in top shape, from the linens and flatware (Elegant Chair) to the tableware (Perfete Tables) to the handmade pottery by our model Mary. Madison kept us on schedule and was excellent at quick, decisive problem solving. Our hand sewn banner was made from reclaimed fabrics by Sew and Dough and added the festive flair we needed.
In keeping of true Hobbit fashion, we knew we wanted an outdoor setting and what better place than the tunnel bridge at Mallard’s Croft? Weddings can be stressful when the couple feels pressured to invite everyone they know. Couples should feel comfortable on their wedding day and sometimes an intimate dinner at a long table is what fits them best. Weddings are about the couple’s celebration of their union and food is the ultimate participation of that celebration; that’s why it’s important to make sure your guests feel welcomed and remembered. Breaking bread together encourages fellowship and ensuring everyone can partake is made possible with gluten free bread from Jacques Louise Bakery.
Erica Haskett phenomenally captured video and content, and I can’t wait to share more on Instagram.
It’s become common for weddings to have memorial tables to recognize those who have passed on. I love a memory table with photos but I knew I wanted to honor my grandparents in ways that reflected them and my memories of them. Both my great grandfather and my husband’s grandfather worked with stained glass. Having Pappy’s tiffany lamp incorporated in the table setting was so special and felt like he was watching over us.
If you haven’t figured it out yet, I’m a sucker for Story - especially in movie form. I find a lot of inspiration from films like Jane Austen, Harry Potter, Finding Neverland, and of course Lord of the Rings. Well, so does Emily Swan and you can see the coolest frame by frame inspirations she uses when shooting photos of her couples. She has a very distinct eye and has the ability to notice details and angles and frames that no one else can. She is incredibly kind and makes all of her clients feel comfortable.
Mary, Bo, Erica, Kaymen, Joanna, Angie, Madison, Emily - couldn’t have done it without this whole crew!!! Thank you!!!
I hope you feel inspired to incorporate more of what makes you, you into your wedding day!