To set the stage for the pretty that is to follow, we asked Camille Styles to dish on how a classic novel inspired her to rally a team of creatives to produce such a stylish, romantic, and sweet shoot. You’re going to love it!
I recently picked up my well-worn copy of Gone With the Wind, and as I leafed through the pages, was once again seduced by the unmatched charm and beauty of a southern-style gathering. So when I asked Ash from The Byrd Collective, the gals from vintage housewares shop & design studio Antiquaria, and Mel from She-N-He Photography if they’d like to collaborate on a “Summer in Savannah”-themed shoot, we all began dreaming of spanish moss, magnolia blossoms and pecan pralines. We designed a wedding that transports guests to a Southern porch where they can sip iced tea-infused cocktails and cool down with slices of watermelon. It’s all so inviting, they may never want to leave!
For the stationery, Antiquaria used a palette of rosy neutrals and soft grays. Our goal was to make a classic yet vintage invitation suite that was romantic, feminine and quintessentially Southern. The design incorporated traditional monograms, accents of hand written calligraphy, Magnolia branches, and filigree borders. Finishing touches including vintage silk string, envelopes addressed in tarnished silver ink, and vintage postage completed the look. We expanded on the overall theme by designing place cards, escort cards and gift tags that matched the invitation.
From floral designer Ash, of The Byrd Collective: I had the rare pleasure of living in Savannah, Georgia and I left deeply influenced. The quirkiness, the southern hospitality, the art of the cocktail, the unbelievable collections of silver, the charm, the grand old homes, the small and perfect downtown made up of 24 squares. Savannah is a soft, ladylike and inviting town, so I filled my silver collection with coral charm peonies, gardenias, magnolias, mock orange and garden roses that smell as intoxicating as the city itself.
From Emma and Bailey, of Antiquaria: The Versailles collection of china is a unique set that has strong color and texture; however, it is classic and lends itself well to a Southern Garden-themed shoot. Using this set as our inspiration for the rest of the table, we filled in with patterned highball glasses, etched toasting flutes and mixed handkerchief napkins. Even though the elements are mixed, they create a wonderfully soft and textured tablescape – one that looks as though you have pulled all your family treasures out just for this event! *Cakelets! This collection (and many more!) are available to add to your custom registry on the Antiquaria Shop – yay!
Sweet treats, tea-infused cocktails, pretty paper goods, flower arrangements straight out of your dreams, and china perfect for any affair – What more could you ask for? Thanks Camille!
Photography: She-n-He Photography / Event Design: Camille Styles / Floral Design: The Byrd Collective /Rentals, Invitation Design & Calligraphy: Antiquaria
