When you are planning a wedding you may be confronted with two opposing feelings, that there are too many and yet only so many themes for your big day. Yes there do seem to be some wedding theme big hitters out there that we see a lot, but the magic that we find is when someone is able to break those themes down and build them back up into a completely unique event that perfectly fits a couple. Elle And James Co. are masters at this, so much so we will let them take it from here! So enjoy and don’t forget to stop by the full gallery to see more of Lora Grady Photography talents.
Doing Something Different
In the height of the Bohemian Wedding trend, who isn’t daydreaming about macrame, loose flowing dresses, organic greenery, lace, bamboo, and moroccan poufs? Seeing these elements everywhere lately, I wanted to style a shoot around all of these things but from the very beginning it was important to me not to design just another photoshoot centered around indigo shibori and tan leather. I wanted the vibe of this shoot to stand out and be bohemian in a way you don’t see much, or maybe have never seen yet at all.
This shoot is really for the bride looking to do something different— using an “in” trend in a unique way is key and that is what I wanted to convey with this shoot. Taking an idea, pulling it a part a little bit and changing it into a version that fits you is where creativity comes in and that’s the fun part.
Planning For A Feeling
I wanted deep color, rich lighting, and a change up from the typical Palm Springs like setting you usually see this sort of design in. I wanted it to be moody with a feeling of enchantment. Being in the pacific northwest, we don’t have any trace of palm trees or desert so moving away from the tropical setting was an easy task. Instead of a traditional venue, we ventured out into a hidden forest and created the magic there.
For me, I love to design a “look” but often times that look is inspired by a feeling. In this case I imagined a Bride and Groom eloping in the enchanted woods, away from the world, celebrating a love that only the two of them understand. I pictured the Bride waiting for her groom in a hidden location, admiring the small details of her wedding day, and being married in an intimate setting where everything stops and their love is the only thing that matters.
The Magical Location
Our dreamy shoot location is seriously a hidden gem. Located in the suburbs of Seattle, I’m convinced that even only a few locals know about it. At first glance it looks like just a simple grassy area, but when you walk back through the hidden trails, you’ll find the open clearing and IT. IS. BEAUTIFUL. Quiet, tranquil, and mysterious, it was the perfect place to create an enchanted forest feeling. I knew this was accomplished when we arrived on location and Lora said “Wow, how did you FIND this place!?”
Finding Just The Right Crew
I contacted Lora Grady Photography to collaborate on this project and she loved the idea of setting up a shoot in the woods. Her work with film is to die for and I knew she would capture the true essence of the feeling I wanted to create.
Even though August is the most popular month for weddings in Seattle, when I found out our model, Alexandria Yamazaki would be in town for a short time from Tokyo where she lives and models most of the year (how cool is THAT!?), I knew we had to make something happen. It was so awesome to work with her and I know the other vendors enjoyed her as well!
Carlee of Rusted Vase Co. arranged a centerpiece and bouquet that fit as if the florals came from those very woods which kept that organic earthy feel that we were going for. The other elements that really tied everything together were the unique pieces from Yay Parties & Co. (she has a serious eye for boho decor), items and inspiration from Anthropologie, and of course a stunning gown by Rue de Seine from The Dress Theory.
