In the enchanting landscape of Bordeaux, France, amidst the sprawling beauty of Chateau Le Petit Verdux, a dreamlike experience unfolded. Two talented photographers, Diane Nicole and Lesley, owner of Lily Lou Photography, joined forces with a visionary event designer, Alvarez Designs, to craft an immersive workshop for photographers. Their mission was to offer participants a unique opportunity to capture the essence of a micro wedding day from start to finish, from the intimate moments of preparation to the solemn ceremony, sumptuous dinner reception, and dreamy romantic shots.
Chateau Le Petit Verdux, boasting a captivating spiral staircase and an assortment of inviting rooms, was selected as our artistic canvas. It transcends being merely a scenic backdrop; it serves as a sanctuary for the photographers, prioritizing their comfort and delight throughout their stay—an aspect Diane and Lesley believed was frequently neglected in the workshops they had previously participated in.
Wedding accessories are a reflection of love story. The bridal ring from Kirk’s Jewelry symbolizes commitment and craftsmanship. The ring box from Should Buy Wood adds elegance, and the vow box from Copper Cloud Creative Co. preserves heartfelt promises. These accessories enhance special day with enduring love and dedication.
Fringe Hair Studio is renowned for their expert hair styling and cutting-edge trends, delivering hair transformations that leave clients feeling confident and stylish. On the other hand, Gang de Nanas is a makeup artist team celebrated for their artistry in enhancing natural beauty, adding a touch of glamour, and creating stunning makeup looks that empower and inspire.
The bride’s earrings from Jaden Kennedy and Kristen James Co. are a testament to timeless elegance. Earrings crafted with meticulous care and a keen eye for detail enhance the bride’s natural beauty and grace. From delicate pearl earrings to intricately designed necklaces, these accessories are thoughtfully curated to complement any bridal ensemble with an enduring sense of sophistication.
To complete the bride’s look, the hair accessories from Always Elegant Bridal & Tuxedo are a captivating addition. With a flair for timeless elegance, they seamlessly blend into any hairstyle, adding an ethereal touch to the bride’s overall appearance. These hair accessories are not just adornments but exquisite statements of refinement, ensuring the bride radiates a classic and enduring charm on her special day.
The groom’s suit, meticulously crafted by George Edward Knox, exudes classical and timeless elegance. This bespoke creation reflects the essence of sophistication and showcases the attention to detail and craftsmanship that epitomize George Edward Knox’s renowned style. It embodies sartorial excellence for the discerning groom, ensuring an effortlessly refined and distinguished appearance on his special day.
Collaborating photographers Lesley and Diane faced the unique challenge of selecting vendors from afar. Their dedication was unwavering, spending days and hours meticulously researching the best vendors in the area. They engaged in countless phone calls, video chats, and discussions to ensure that each vendor excelled in their field and harmonized seamlessly with the group, guaranteeing a smooth, cohesive experience for all involved. The result was a harmonious assembly of talent and expertise that exceeded their expectations.
The bridal gown from Raw + Gold Rentals is a masterpiece of versatility. Featuring detachable sleeves, it offers the bride not just one but two magnificent yet elegant looks. This unique design would allow the bride to effortlessly switch between styles, adapting to different moments of her special day with grace and sophistication.
Fleurs Design by Faustine is a floral design studio that epitomizes elegance and timeless style in every arrangement. With an innate understanding of the artistry of flowers, Faustine crafts exquisite floral designs that transcend trends and create lasting impressions. Each creation is a masterpiece, blending classic sophistication with a contemporary touch, making Fleurs Design by Faustine a symbol of timeless floral beauty.
Their vision for the styled shoot was to encapsulate simplicity, elegance, and romance with a contemporary twist, infusing geometric shapes into the design. They chose a black-and-white color palette to achieve a timeless, clean, and cohesive look. They wanted the chateau’s innate charm to shine through, adopting a “less is more” approach to complement its outdoor splendor.
A set designer, Alvarez Designs spoke passionately about the creative synergy that styled shoots bring. These collaborative endeavors ignite the imagination, fostering fresh ideas for future weddings. As a designer, the goal is always to breathe life into the bride’s vision, meticulously crafting a “Pinterest-worthy” wedding. This styled shoot beautifully showcased simplicity and elegance in every detail, proving that less can be more when done with finesse.
In the picturesque setting of Chateau Le Petit Verdux, they didn’t just capture photographs; they painted moments of elegance and romance onto the canvas of their memories. This retreat was a testament to the power of collaboration, the pursuit of creativity, and the relentless pursuit of perfection in the art of photography and event design.
HOST Lily Lou Photography, Diane Nicole | VENUE Chateau Le Petit Verdus | DESIGNER & STYLING Alvarez Designer | MODELS Salty Travel Ventures | DRESS Raw + Golden Rentals | SUIT George Edward Knox | FLORAL Fleurs Design by Faustine | MUA Gang De Nanas | HAIR Fringe Hair Studio | EARRINGS Kristen James Co., Jaden Kennedy | BRIDAL RING Kirk’s Jewelry | RING BOX Should Buy Wood | VOW BOX Copper Cloud Creative Co. | HAIR ACCESSORIES Always Elegant Bridal & Tuxedo