The debut of the stylish venue Wonder + Full in New Zealand sparked the beginning of an inspiring styled shoot. The idea was to capture the essence of spring amidst the breathtaking natural landscapes, infusing a French-inspired, romantic, and classical ambiance. Embracing the venue’s chic allure, photographer Kate Roberge and styling team of Alexandra Kate Creative Studios blended elegance with natural beauty.
Located along the edge of Lake Tewa in Queenstown, Wonder + Full offers an intimate yet diverse setting. From the modern clear marquee to the classic stone outdoor fireplace and the lakeside platform, it provides distinct areas with varying moods for a versatile shoot backdrop.
Drawing inspiration from the trend of dramatic draping, the team aimed to capture a romantic elegance using neutral colors and billowing fabrics. Contrasting elements like dark velvet chairs and candelabras emphasized the drama of a black marquee.
The outcome was a harmonious blend of light, windswept elegance, and a celebration of the raw beauty of the surroundings.
The shoot was enhanced by featuring Saben’s latest bridal handbag release, a collaboration with New Zealand bridal gown designer Trish Peng, which perfectly aligned with the styling.
The skillful hands of hair stylist and make-up artist Alarna Taylor elevated a simple yet timeless look, ensuring the model looked chic and effortlessly beautiful. She skillfully crafted hairstyle and make-up that perfectly complemented the overall aesthetic.
One of the brilliant concepts brought to life during the shoot was the mobile fragrance bar. It allows designing your own eau de parfum with a personalized label in minutes. This creation provides a unique sensory experience and serves as a memorable addition to the overall ambiance, enhancing the event’s allure and leaving a lasting impression on the guests.
The goal was to achieve beauty while maintaining a light and free spirited atmosphere, incorporating elements such as a slightly curved aisle, asymmetrical floral designs at the ‘altar,’ unfolded napkins, ruffled linen, rough-edged stationery, and an asymmetrical champagne tower.
Every photo by Kate Roberge was a masterpiece, showcasing the natural beauty of the surroundings and highlighting the carefully curated elements that added depth and charm to the scene. From close-up shots to sweeping landscapes, the photographer’s gallery narrated a tale of love, beauty, and the timeless allure of place.
In New Zealand, where old French chateaus or Tuscan estates are lacking, the creative team infused the setting with their charm through antique-looking pieces, travertine, candelabras, baguettes, olives, and off-whites. With a base color palette of black and off-white, additional colors were drawn from the lake backdrop, floral accents, clusters of grapes, and natural elements.
Inspiration blossomed within the constraints of the shoot location and initial styling elements. The main influences were the fresh, nature-oriented atmosphere of spring and the unique images and personalities of the models. Selecting a real couple as models added a heartfelt touch that seamlessly complemented the theme.
In essence, the styled shoot celebrated the beauty of Spring and showcased the transformative power of creativity, collaboration, and the enchanting allure of a truly remarkable venue. It serves as a reminder that there is always beauty and inspiration to be drawn from the world around us.
PHOTOGRAPHER Kate Roberge | STYLING & CONCEPT Alexandra Kate | VIDEOGRAPHER Woven Images | VENUE Wonder & Full | FLORALS All Bunched Up | MUAH Alarna Taylor | TABLEWEAR Royal Laboratorie | STATIONARY The Ess Letter | FURNITURE Major & Minor, Flock Events | CAKE Weeping Willow Cakes | LINEN TBLE | TABLE DECOR TableLook | PERFUME CART Miller Road | GOWN Paper Swan, Oui The Label | TUXEDO Omen Suit
