European weddings possess a unique charm that embodies timeless romance and elegance. The creative team behind this editorial sought to recreate that enchanting ambiance in San Gabriel Valley, California, using rich textures in both attire and decor. From stone place cards and ribbed candles to delicate florals, velvet linens, a cheesecloth table runner, wooden chairs, handmade paper invitations, and tulle dresses—every detail was meticulously chosen.
Wrensmoor Castle, the venue for this editorial, was built around 1925 in the style of a French Pyrenees Château and has recently been refurbished. It offers an ideal retreat for couples to enjoy a celebration weekend with their nearest and dearest. The property boasts a grand roundabout driveway with a stunning fountain and lush greenery, offering versatile spaces for a cocktail area, ceremony, or reception. Inside, a foyer awaits, providing a dance floor with a view overlooking the iconic Hollywood sign. In two words, the Castle perfectly captures the essence of blending historical grandeur with modern luxury.
The preparations for the bridal shoot began in a suite. Instead of the traditional bridal robe, the bride wore an understated oversized white shirt, adding a French chic to the preparations. This choice brought a sense of relaxed sophistication, aligning perfectly with the day’s overall theme.
The makeup was designed to enhance the bride’s natural beauty, focusing on an elegant, glowing, and natural look. Soft, luminous skin, subtle highlights, and a delicate touch of color on the lips and cheeks created a radiant complexion.
The team aimed to craft an editorial session that exuded romance, utilizing a rich tapestry of textures in both attire and decor while highlighting the venue’s exquisite beauty. The handmade paper invitations featured delicate floral illustrations and sophisticated typography, setting the tone for the event. Elegant table numbers and place cards were designed to complement the invitations and coordinate with the overall theme. The soft blush tones, sage green accents, and natural textures created a cohesive and harmonious look. The stationery served a functional purpose and enhanced the visual narrative of the wedding, contributing to an atmosphere of refined romance.
To push creative boundaries, the team decided to use fashion-forward gowns that represent something different but also chic to the shoot. For the first bridal look, they selected a stunning two-in-one dress designed by Sebastian Luke. This innovative dress features a jumpsuit as the base layer, with an additional layer that transforms it into a gown. This combination created a visually striking modern yet timeless contrast perfect for both a ceremony and a reception.
The backdrop for this look was the grand staircase of the Castle, adorned with a magnific chandelier and intricate murals depicting serene landscapes. It added a touch of old-world charm to the contemporary attire.
The groom looked incredibly stylish in his sharp black tuxedo. The simplicity of the attire allowed the high-quality fabric and precise tailoring to stand out, creating an effortlessly elegant and smart look. The balcony’s stonework and architectural details added another layer of sophistication, perfectly framing the groom.
The venue, filled with spectacular views and diverse photography areas, was allowed to shine in its own right. The Castle’s beautiful backdrop was complemented by white florals and greenery, harmonizing perfectly with the green and blush palette. The inspiration for this shoot was rooted in texture and in enhancing the natural beauty of the venue’s surroundings.
The combination of natural and posed elements, along with the interplay of light and texture, created a sophisticated and deeply romantic photo series. The simple white backdrop and lush greenery enhanced the ethereal quality of the bridal ensemble and created a serene mood for the shoot. The precise makeup and hairstyle complemented the elegance of her attire. The bridal bouquet was a fresh take on blending trends with the overall theme and mood. Trendy calla lilies were paired with poppy pods, delphinium, and zinnias, making the bouquet stand out among both wildflower arrangements and single-variety calla lily climbing bouquets.
The second look was more classical yet playful. This gown boasted a sleek, form-fitting design that beautifully highlighted the bride’s silhouette. The standout feature was delicate, voluminous tulle ruffles that created a soft, ethereal cloud around the bride’s shoulders, adding a touch of romanticism and texture to the elegant lines of the dress.
Jessica Valenzuela, the editorial’s planner, was inspired to create a more romantic tablescape using textures and shades. She used sage green, blush tones, and wood for chargers and chairs. To add a more dreamy feel to the design, she added a cheesecloth runner and draped them in an organic style. The concept came together with the unique cutlery, stone place cards and table numbers, chic menus, and candles.
The gorgeous table numbers and place cards were from Mojave Maker, which specializes in creating a luxury aesthetic through signage and decor details. “I wanted the stone to be a bold statement piece yet soft and romantic, perfectly complementing yet elevating the overall table design,” shares Dorthy Pauch, the founder of Mojave Maker.
Each meticulously crafted piece bore a sense of permanence, blending with the luxurious ambiance of the event. The natural texture and weight of the stone added a layer of depth and a tactile dimension to the setting. These place cards and numbers were laid out beautifully against a backdrop of soft, blush tulle runners, adding a delicate contrast to the sturdiness of the stone.
The photographer, Katerina Hung, captured the couple in a way that enhances the purity and simplicity of the scene. The minimalist background emphasizes their attire’s clean lines and exquisite details, creating an ethereal atmosphere. Natural light casts soft, flattering shadows that add depth and dimension to the images. In the most romantic photos, the couple concealed themselves under a crisp, long veil, which became the very charming element of the shoot.
The indoor photographs from the editorial shoot offered a striking contrast to the outdoor scenes, showcasing a glamorous and intimate ambiance. Using pointed lighting and champagne added a fun and festive touch, creating a series of sophisticated and inviting images. The dark, rich tones of the room’s decor contrasted beautifully with the bride’s white gown, creating a visually captivating scene.
PLACE CARDS & TABLE NUMBERS Mojave Maker | PHOTOGRAPHER Katerina Hung | PLANNER Jessica Valenzuela | VIDEOGRAPHERS Alejandra Diaz, Steve Park | FLORALS Emily Andrade, Virgina Ibarra, Mollie Pirkle | MUAH Star Tsai, Yun Hsieh | PRODUCTION Thomas Bang, Biagio Lombardo | MODELS Briane Sahara, Timur Tregub | VENUE Wrensmoor Castle | GOWNS Sébastien Luke | SUIT Friar Tux | BRIDE’S SHOES Bella Belle | NEWSPAPER The Ceremony Club | RENTALS Casa de Perrin | LINENS MTB Event | INVITATIONS & MENUS A Modern Wedding Shop
