French Inspired Kentucky Styled Shoot

Kentucky Shoot with a French Twist

From the photographer: It seems in the wedding industry everyone is trying to come up with the next big idea and new trend for the year (or years to come). Sometimes the next big thing isn’t new at all; just a borrowed idea or something brought back that once was popular. For this styled shoot, I looked up some wedding traditions from around the world and landed on the French. I included elements such as croquembouche: choux pastry balls piled into a cone and covered with spun sugar, usually served at French weddings in lieu of a wedding cake. A champagne pyramid (although I did forego opening it with a sabre, another French tradition from the Napoleonic Era) and dragèe.

Additionally, I teamed up with a Kentucky dress designer, Kimberly Phillips Clothier, to create some stunning, one of a kind dresses. We decided to keep the bridal gown minimalist with a sheath silhouette and some small beading details on the shoulders and back (also a detachable train - no bustling here). For the bridesmaids, a cohesive look was created instead of matching. Kimberly also included a dress with a pattern because it’s okay for your bridesmaids to stand out a little. I decided to keep the groom comfortable with lighter colors, dusty blue pants, white shirt, khaki jacket and no tie.

Photography: We Choose the Moon Photography | Venue: Brandenburg Inn's Olin Guest House | Location: Brandenberg | Cake: Colleen McNary/Colleen's Custom Cakes and Cookies | Paper Products: Fangman Designs | Hair: Nichole Durbin, Betties Hair Salon | Makeup: Ashley Mann, Betties Hair Salon | Bride and Bridesmaid’s Attire: Kimberly Phillips Clothier | Model: Haley Nicole Smith