It might be a couple weeks past the Kentucky Derby, but this styled shoot captured by Heather Kline Photography and designed by Spectacular Saturdays is just so good, we had to share!
“Who says Kentucky gets to have all the fun when the Derby rolls around each year? We decided the Derby needed to call on the Lowcountry this spring at Oldfield River Club in South Carolina for a bridal portrait styled session, and what we put together was elegant and laidback, with a kick-your-shoes-off-in-the-grass feel that would make any Southern family feel right at home!
Our shoot was inspired by the easygoing Lowcountry lifestyle with a little bit of Kentucky Derby flair mixed in, all while using a traditional palette of blues and whites. Our real-life bride was excited to dress up for some bridal portraits while her husband is currently deployed in Ukraine! She wore a beautiful lace Ti Adora gown for the Spring 2016 season, covered in Venice lace that alluded to the eucalyptus florals used in the bridal bouquet and tablescape.
The rustic farm-style table was set in the shade of tall pines, surrounded by a lovely mix of crossback fruitwood and Chiavari chairs. The table was adorned with a low garland of silver dollar eucalyptus and Italian Ruscus, woven amidst the silver candelabra and low floral groupings which included sweet pea, astilbe and blue thistle (an equine favorite) arranged loosely in mint julep cups, giving a simple elegance that encourages lively dinner conversation without a visual distraction.
The bouquet was thoughtfully crafted with silver dollar eucalyptus, white stock, ivory roses and light blue delphinium, silver brunia, green trick, and Queen Anne’s lace, all wrapped with blue silk and cotton lace ribbons, and a final dressing of leather string as an homage to horse reigns. While we didn’t opt for the traditional Derby-style headwear, in keeping with the Lowcountry feel, we instead selected a lovely bird’s cage fascinator-style adornment with a bit of bling and feather flair, which complimented our bride’s deep-brown, romantic, tousled waves. And of course no Southern bride would be caught without her pearls, so Everistta outfitted our bride with a beautiful custom three-strand pearl bracelet with an antique-styled clasp in addition to a pair elegant gold hoops, both of which had delicate touches of blue to continue the color scheme.
The table was set with full place settings of fine china from Lillian’s China, marked with beautiful custom-designed carding from SnazzyLime Design, and plated with the most inventive and delicious dinner selections created by Savor Savannah, including an absolutely irresistible fresh ham and collards remoulade with brown sugar veloute! Of course anything Derby-inspired can’t go without bourbon, so our selection of choice drinks were an Old-Fashioned, and a Mint Julep served up in the traditional silver cup.
To continue the mint julep derby-homage, we found the perfect little chocolate truffle cups with mint julep filling to offer as guest favors served on an elegant China plate. Savannah Rum Runners was inspired by the silver cups and used the modern trend of silver foiling to adorn the three-tiered cake of varying shades of blue. A secondary cake pays its respects to the Lowcountry with its bright white sugar magnolia cascading down a two-tiered cake covered in navy blue, and would be perfect as a special cake for the newlywed couple themselves, leaving the larger confection for their guests to enjoy.
It was an absolutely perfect mix of classy sophistication by the river with an easy breezy relaxed elegance that be a blue-ribbon wedding day for any Southern bride!” – Heather, Photographer