Ever wondered what's going on behind the scenes in the wedding publications you see in magazines? It might surprise you (especially if you are in the beginning stages of wedding planning) but most of what you see online and in print are wedding photos designed FOR publications and not in fact real weddings. As a New York wedding planner, I truly believe the sky is the limit, but knowing what you see is not always what you get is also so important. Love those over-the-top centerpieces you see? They might work for 1-2 tables but can quickly blow a budget for a “normal-sized” wedding. Today, I want to share some spring wedding ideas that I put together as part of a styled shoot in Upstate New York.
First, we created a wedding story and designed each moment of the wedding day to include both thoughtful and creative touches. Yes! Even when we are designing “just for us,” we still love to bring in real-world inspiration. We also found inspiration in (one of) Pantone's Color of the Year for 2021 – illuminating yellow. This joyful hue is PERFECT for spring weddings. I loved using fresh florals to really bring you into the spring season, and absolutely adored finding french inspiration to add luxury minimalist touches. I was completely in my element. Keep reading, and if you love what you see can you do me a favor? DM me on Instagram with your favorite detail from this editorial!
Starting to plan for your spring wedding? Make sure to save this for later!
Set at Maison Albion, this editorial tells the story of a couple who had planned to marry at her family’s lavender farm in Provence, but weren’t able to travel due to the pandemic. Wishing to bring Provence home here to the U.S. they decided to stop waiting and re-created a casual yet elegant and sophisticated wedding at their historic home.
For the intimate wedding ceremony, the couple wed underneath a blossoming tree whose color reminded her of the farm. You could almost smell the lavender. The flower arrangements were low, gathered flowers foraged from their gardens and secured by rocks at the altar.
PS: Want a magazine-worthy wedding? Find out how I achieve this for my wedding planning clients in 4 simple steps.
The Stationery, Menu, and Placecards:
Max and Maiden Ink designed the fine art stationery, including calligraphy by BL Calligraphy. The refined and understated suite incorporated botanical flowers, dusty blue ink, and hand-torn paper. The invitations were wrapped in vellum with a white wax seal, twine, and finished with vintage stamps.
On the table, white wax seals attached the place cards to the upper corner of the handwritten menus. Elegant, simple, and sophisticated, the suite complemented the effortless feel of the entire day. As a wedding planner, I love when the invitations match the mood on a wedding day. This spring wedding was a perfect example of everything coming together effortlessly.
Spring Wedding Attire:
The bride’s dress was designed by Paloma Blanca. Its simple elegance matched the formality of the occasion without being overly dramatic or ostentatious. Her diamond and pearl drop earrings were timeless and added a just enough sparkle to the outfit. Altogether, the bride's attire proves that more is not always more.
The groom wore a modern handmade custom suit, shirt, and shoes from One Custom Clothier, a third-generation tailor. The shawl collar gave the suit an air of formality while still being comfortable and fitting for the garden reception. I'm always a fan of a groom in blue attire, and this was one of my favorites!
Spring Wedding Reception Ideas
Their al fresco dinner reception was set in an intimate garden behind their home. The setting was surrounded by privet bushes. They chose this venue for sentimental reasons. It reminded her of how she and her family would share their meals in the garden off the kitchen of her childhood overlooking the lavender fields. I've always been a fan of home and sentimental wedding venues.
The wooden dining table was set with vintage white china that the bride brought with her when she moved from France. Her vintage water goblets featured bright blue birds that were similar to the European roller birds she heard from their kitchen windows while eating breakfast. The table setting was also paired with modern gold flatware that she purchased when she arrived because she loves entertaining and hosting dinner parties at their home. It was actually at one of these dinner parties that a friend introduced her to the groom.
Similar to the ceremony flowers, the centerpiece arrangements by Fern Croft consisted of Butterfly Ranunculus, Tulips, Buttercups, and Cottonwood foliage. These arrangements were inspired by a trip to the morning flower market. Artfully arranged, their simple beauty speaks for itself. The color palette felt like spring, which was perfect for the season. I also loved the chance to play with yellow hues again. In case you don't remember, I predicted Pantone would choose yellow as their color of the year for 2021 and I can see it making a big comeback in the wedding industry. Next to the place setting were the guest favors: small sachets of herbs de provence.
Spring Wedding Dessert Ideas
As the French love dessert, we opted for a cake buffet for the spring wedding. Guests sampled different cakes as the reception continued late into the evening. The buffet included lavender cake with champagne buttercream, chocolate cake with chocolate ganache and salted caramel buttercream, and vanilla cake with white chocolate ganache and raspberry preserves filling.
The three different cakes were designed to symbolize their past, present, and future. The single-tier cake with stenciled geometric shapes signified their coming together. The two-tier cake that matched their stationery (finished with a hand-sculpted David Austen rose) represented their incredible wedding day. Finally, the double-barreled cake with their crest symbolized their future as a married couple. All were equally stunning.
Planning a Spring Wedding in Upstate New York
I genuinely hope you loved this spring wedding as much as I did! As we start to “buckle down” for winter, I already have my sights set on all of the exciting weddings we are working on for 2022. Whether you are dreaming of a spring, summer, or fall wedding, I would love to learn more about your wedding day vision. I have never been one to want to create the same wedding day over and over again. I love playing with color and finding unique inspiration for my work. One of the reasons I love to orchestrate styled shoots (just like this one!), is to let myself be creative just for the sake of being creative. Even in 2020/2021 (which has been filled with challenges), my work always brings me the most joy.
If you are looking for an Upstate New York wedding planner (in the Finger Lakes, Hudson Valley, or beyond), I would love to hear from you. You can connect with me (Desiree!) directly here. If you want even more wedding inspiration, you can fill your Pinterest board with my recent work here. Further, learn more about working with a wedding planner here. Regardless of the level of service you desire, I would love to help you plan your heirloom occasion!
Loving these spring wedding ideas as much as I am? Make sure to save this for later!
Full list of vendors that we worked with to put this beautiful day together:
Wedding Planner & Designer: Verve Event Co.
Photographer & Videographer: Moe B. Photography
Bridal Attire: Silk
Gown: Paloma Blanca
Floral Design: Fern Croft Floral
Groom’s Attire: One Custom Clothier
Hair Stylist: Erica Stoy Hair
Makeup Artistry: Saint Elizabeth Beauty
Stationery: Max & Maiden Ink
Table Setting: Petunia Rose China & Luxe Event Rentals
Table, Linen, & Chair Rentals: Nuage
Tables & Chairs: Hank Parker's Party & Tent Rental
Venue: Maison Albion
Cake Designer: Shell’s Sweets
Calligraphy: BL Calligraphy
Bride: Cassidy Picciano
Groom: Demetrius Wzientek
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