From Something Blue Photography & Design: “When Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced their engagement, we were all practically giddy at the idea of celebrating another royal wedding. Flashbacks to William and Kate’s opulent wedding had us dreaming of timeless gowns, fascinators, well-styled grooms, scones and other details fit for royalty. Rather than an elaborate affair, we envisioned a regal and intimate elopement inspired by an English garden tea party. Drawing from British styles and traditions but with a distinctly modern edge, the photoshoot took place at Room 1520, an elegant industrial space marked by exposed bricks, chandeliers and plenty of natural light. Playing off a soft spring color palette of cream, lavender, dusty blue and sage, the florals incorporated garden elements throughout the venue. Greenery and fresh blooms hung from glass brick windows, while the tablescape was bursting with spring flowers set atop a mossy table runner which served as the foundation for this modern tea party. Delicate mixed china patterns with blue underlays set beautifully next to antique gold flatware and mercury glass serving pieces. Custom signage set apart the sweets table and tea station with Mr. and Mrs. tea bags and charming notes hand-lettered on glass set inside baroque gold frames. The rustic gluten-free sweetheart cake was the centerpiece amongst tiered trays full of tea-sized desserts, including sugar cookies embellished with the royal wedding date. By balancing vintage elements against a clean, contemporary backdrop, the atmosphere was at once intimate and inviting.”
A perfectly elegant yet whimsical tea party elopement inspiration shoot in Chicago, IL
About the Inspiration
Inspired by the fashions customarily associated with English wedding wear, the bride and groom were styled with a nod to tradition and appreciation for regal details. Her ivory tea-length gown featured lace appliqué sleeves set against a plunging illusion bodice contrasted by a fun, swingy satin skirt complete with pockets. Following the British custom to sew a silver horseshoe into the gown for good luck, the dressmaker tucked a pretty little charm inside the hem. A bespoke fascinator completed the bride’s look and added a bit of whimsy and elegance with white feathers and pearl accents. Contemporary repurposed jewels helped to keep her look modern with triangular post earrings and a faceted chocolate conflict-free diamond. And her lavender heels provided the perfect pop of regal purple. The groom’s royal blue linen suit and periwinkle shirt were custom tailored for a perfect fit while the feathered and floral details were carried through in his bowtie and mixed patterns of his vest and pocket square.
To carry through the elopement theme, we staged a private exchange of the couple’s hand-written vows. As it is English custom to marry in a public place, we chose this soft blue doorway framed by stone architectural details. The bride added a vintage fur stole and dainty gloves to protect against the spring breeze. Following their quiet ceremony the newlyweds left for their honeymoon by train, stealing away a kiss on the platform while announcing “we did, we do, we always will.”
Artists
- Photographer: Something Blue Photography & Design
- Event Planner: Urban Allure Events
- Venue: Room 1520
- Floral Designer: Design De Flores
- Cake Designer: Defloured Bakery
- Dress Designer: Cettina
- Stationery Designer: Joy Creative Calligraphy
- Hair Stylist: Lisa Pietrzak
- Makeup Artist: Tricia Clarke
- Rentals: Tablescapes Chicago
- Jewelry: Stella Blue Design
- Fascinator: Elegant Hattery
- Menswear: J.Hilburn
- Bridal Robe: Essentials by Majamas
