OK guys, wanna know a secret love of ours? Perusing venues that aren’t traditionally adorned for weddings all dressed up in romantic flowers and ceremony décor. This shoot at The Culver Hotel that Sara of Golden Poppy Events filled to the brim with moody, vintage-inspired details totally proves why—it just paves the way for surprising elements you wouldn’t normally dream up. And what better theme to bring forth a little edge than one with a speakeasy vibe?
Thanks to Fondly Forever for sharing the photos!
Sara of Golden Poppy Events‘ biggest tips for those of you in wedding planning mode: 1) Don’t shy away from bold design, 2) Have an eye for the tiny details. Check and check!
She explains, The ceremony design incorporates modern ghost chairs paired with plenty of candles, and animal-inspired accents. We used a cowhide rug, a faux fur throw, square black lanterns with gold antlers and books to complete the look. The florals throughout the shoot were provided by Lilla Bello. Toby, of Lilla Bello, used creative, non-traditional elements (kale and baby artichokes) paired with more traditional flowers to achieve this unique design.
Poet Madison Liddy dreamt up this romantic poem just for the shoot. Neat!
Oh, and how’s this for a wedding cake? Cement stands ‘n all.
Our bar offers cocktails also common to the speakeasy era, including a spicy old fashioned, martini and apple toddy. We particularly loved how the illuminated bar so beautifully displayed the cocktails. Our recipes were provided by Twist Your Spirits—they come as kits, and you just add the alcohol of your choice. The custom sign for the bar was created by Mixt Media Arts, highlighting the drink recipes.
Everything followed the speakeasy theme, including the small bites and canapés from the lovely Thyme Café & Market…
Last but not least, their models Sarah + Kevin recently said I Do. Congrats guys!
And congrats to everyone below on pulling off this stunning shoot:
Photographer: Fondly Forever / Venue: The Velvet Lounge at The Culver Hotel / Florals: Lilla Bello / Planning & Design: Golden Poppy Events / Makeup: Marissa Farias-Mendez / Wardrobe Styling: Samantha Schwartz / Calligraphy: Kelsey Malie Calligraphy / Cake: The Butter End Cakery / Catering: Thyme Café & Market / Cocktails: Twist Your Spirits / Custom Bar Sign: Mixt Media Arts / Chairs: Classic Party Rentals / Linen: La Tavola / Dishes, Stemware, & Flatware Rentals: Dish Wish / Madison Liddy / Bride’s Dress: Custom by Shinbu Bridal / Shoes: Sophia Webster / Accessories: Hushed Commotion / Jewelry: Margaret Rowe / Maid of Honor’s Dress: Jenny Yoo from BHLDN / Wedding Bands: Robbins Brothers / Tux/Suit: The Black Tux / Models: Sarah and Kevin Lanflisi (Bride & Groom), Porter Lynn Duong and Zach Leihman (Maid of Honor & Best Man), James Chen and Doug Schwartz (Bartenders)
