In a breathtaking shoot inspired by the whimsical coquette wedding trend, a talented team in Cape Town created a stunning, luxurious editorial that captures the essence of romance. With a soft, pastel color palette of pinks and lilacs, the setup brought to life an ethereal atmosphere, complemented by thoughtful floral arrangements and a modern venue. The creative direction and styling aimed to provide inspiration for brides seeking a blend of opulence, romance, and playful elegance in their wedding day.
The Vision Behind the Shoot
Planner and stylist, The Wedding Fairy, envisioned a romantic, coquette-inspired shoot that seamlessly blended playful details with grandeur. The soft shades of lilac and pink were chosen to create a dreamy ambiance, adding a light-hearted, flirtatious touch to the table design and floral centerpieces.
“The idea was to reflect the whimsical yet sophisticated aspects of a coquette wedding."
Planner's Creativity
The shoot was set at Beuld, a brand-new venue in Robertson, a hidden gem about three hours from Cape Town. The venue’s modern architecture, with its bold angles and clean lines, served as a striking contrast to the soft, romantic elements of the shoot.
Every detail was meticulously curated by The Wedding Fairy, from the choice of venue to the table’s layout. This collaboration between top industry professionals resulted in a visually stunning and cohesive styled shoot that brought out the best of each creative involved.
“It was a fresh environment for us to play with different creative concepts.”
Bride’s Look
The bride’s fashion choices were central to the shoot’s success, showcasing two distinctive styles that bridged the gap between classic and modern bridal fashion. For the first look, the bride wore a lace gown with a square neckline and a long cathedral veil.
The gown, provided by Sheer Bride, exuded timeless elegance with its delicate detailing and fitted silhouette. The veil cascaded down her back, adding a touch of drama to the ensemble, while her makeup, done by Sophie Jean Beauty, remained soft and minimal, letting the bride’s natural beauty shine through.
Groom's Fashion
The groom’s attire was equally thoughtful, showcasing a soft, tailored suit in neutral tones that complemented the overall color scheme. His light beige jacket, paired with a crisp white shirt, provided a subtle yet refined look that suited the modern, editorial vibe of the shoot. His attire, from Sheer Bride, perfectly matched the bride’s look, creating a cohesive style for the couple. The minimalist approach to the groom’s outfit allowed the details of the bride’s gown and the florals to take center stage, while still maintaining an elegant and polished look.
Decor and Florals
The florals were undoubtedly one of the stars of the shoot, carefully crafted by The Grand Botanist. The floral arrangements featured a lush mix of roses, peonies, and lilacs, with pops of soft greenery to add freshness. The mix of textures and soft tones created a romantic and visually striking centerpiece that anchored the tablescape. “We wanted the florals to be an extension of the whimsical theme, with a focus on color and shape,” said the planner.
"Our floral designs were curated to enhance the overall aesthetic of the space."
The dining table was decorated with delicate pink candles, rose gold flatware, and crystal glassware, all of which added to the luxurious yet approachable feel of the setup. The stationary, designed by Secret Diary Designs, was minimal yet elegant, featuring blush tones and calligraphy that added a personal touch to each guest’s place setting.
Garden Party
After the interior shoot, the couple moved outside for a series of dreamy garden photos. The bride, now in her second look, posed in the midst of vibrant florals and lush greenery, creating a serene and romantic scene. Her flowing satin gown contrasted beautifully with the natural surroundings.
Her second look was a modern twist on bridal fashion. She changed into a sleek satin gown with bow accents, channeling a 60s-inspired aesthetic with a glamorous high ponytail. The look was accessorized with a delicate pearl headpiece from The Wedding Boutique, adding a touch of retro charm. The modern yet nostalgic vibe was completed with pearl earrings and soft, glowing makeup.
"We wanted to reimagine the classic bridal look for a modern bride who loves a touch of nostalgia."
Sun-Kissed Walk
As the sun dipped below the horizon, the photographers captured stunning sunset photos of the couple, locked in an embrace surrounded by white flowers. The couple’s real-life relationship added a deeper level of authenticity to this moment.
The garden setting, combined with the couple’s relaxed poses, created a magical outdoor scene, reminiscent of an intimate elopement. The soft lighting and golden hour glow highlighted the couple’s connection, further enhancing the romantic, whimsical theme of the shoot.
"We wanted the couple’s genuine connection to shine through in every shot."
As the day came to an end, the couple and the team of creatives celebrated the success of the shoot, knowing they had created something special. The opulent decor, stunning bridal looks, and thoughtful details all came together to create a memorable styled shoot that would inspire future brides. As the planner noted, Cape Town continues to shine as a top wedding destination, and with shoots like this, it’s clear that its wedding industry is filled with talented, visionary professionals.
PLANNER, COORDINATION & STYLIST The Wedding Fairy | VENUE Beuld | VIDEOGRAPHY & PHOTOGRAPHY Chris and Sun Photography | PHOTOGRAPHER Kim Raaf Photography | MUAH Sophie Jean Beauty | DRESSES Sheer Bride | ACCESSORIES & VEIL The Wedding Boutique | CAKE & DESSERTS Sheena Henry Creative | STATIONERY Secret Diary Designs | FLORALS & STYLING The Grand Botanist | HIRING Grand Room Design | BRIDE Hilana de Wet | GROOM Wayne Veldsman
