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Wild Abandon: A Moody & Romantic Wedding Inspiration Shoot

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Elegant table setting with candles and floral centerpiece

Wild and natural forces are impressive and beautiful. This next wedding inspiration created by Events By Merida takes pointers from the way nature takes back abandoned spaces. Finding beauty in a house left open to the elements. The wild and carefree floral arrangements from A Cottage Gardner fill the space with a fabulously overgrown floral backdrop, just wait until you see the stairs!

You can see it all in our full gallery of images provided to us by the talented Sharyn Frenkel Photography. There are plenty more ideas to soak up in there so be sure to stop by!

Rustic wedding bouquet on a pillar with flowing ribbons

Elegant wedding stationery suite with natural elements

Elegant bride with bouquet at rustic vintage venueBride holding a large floral bouquet, wearing flower crown

Bride in tulle skirt with dog, posing on ornate couch amidst greenery

Man in gray suit with a patterned bowtie on stairsGroom in suit holding drink by fireplace with flowers

Happy bride and groom embracing with floral bouquet

A Wild Idea

The concept of this shoot was to bring new life to a tumbling down house. The venue, Barnsley Manor, is in the beginning stages of being renovated into its former glory, and they were kind enough to let us come in and use the space as it currently is, graffiti and all. Sharyn Frenkel and Kim Bakke of A Cottage Gardner came up with the concept of the shoot, and after collecting several vendors, realized they might need an extra set of hands. It took me all of .5 seconds to jump on board. 

We wanted to create a moody, wild feel within this unique space. Sharyn and Kim had already brought in several vendors. Angela from Park Ave Cakes created both a beautiful hand-painted cake, and designer cookies. Steve from Hops Scotch 22 created delicious cocktails to complement the colors of the table settings. The Fox and Finch Vintage Rentals brought in some of their gorgeous pieces to create a lounge, our reception space, and a full ceremony site. Stephanie Powers and Hair By Amy Lyn created a fresh, beautiful look with a colorful lip. 

Romantic floral arrangement adorns rustic staircase

Elegant wedding couple on floral adorned staircaseBride and groom sit on wooden stairs wedding portrait

Floral arch and staircase in distressed vintage buildingDog resting on wooden stairs with pink flowers nearby

Bride with wavy blonde hair and a large flower bouquet

Bride with bouquet in front of floral fireplace decorElegant bouquet with roses and lilac flowers indoors

Floral arrangement adorns a vintage fireplace mantel

Newlyweds toast at their vintage wedding reception

A Wedding Style

I brought in designer Nikki Cohen of Mayfaire Moon to create the skirt that Sharyn had in mind. Nikki’s an accomplished dressmaker and corset expert, and this wasn’t just hanging in her closet. I got to see up close and personal how many layers of fabric it takes to create a skirt like this. 

A fun story: Sharyn found our modeling duo in the best way possible- she’d photographed their wedding a few months back! They came down from New York City to work with us. They’re both animated people, which made the shoot such a fun experience. They were even down to climb up in the tree we used for the ceremony site!


The team that coalesced for this shoot felt like kismet. We loved every minute of it, and we hope you do, too!

Bride and groom at outdoor wedding in nature sceneryBride and groom holding hands at floral wedding arch

Rustic wedding flower arrangement with roses greeneryVintage wooden chair with floral back detail outdoors

Handwritten name tags hanging on twine with leafy branches

Elegant wedding table decor with dark candles and flowers

Elegant wedding reception table with floral centerpiecesElegant wedding reception table with candles and flowersElegant dinner place setting with menu card on pink plates

Elegant dessert table with cake and charcuterie board

Elegant tiered cheese cake with blackberries and blood orangesHands holding a decorated frosted sugar cookie

Bride and groom at candlelit wedding reception table

Elegant wedding cake with snake design and dessert table

Budget Breakdown

Photographer: $4,500
Florist: $8,000
Planner: $5,200
Venue: Unknown (currently being restored)
Cocktail display: $1,500
Invitations, escort cards, and menus: $3,500
Cake and cookies: $1,250
Cocktails: $600 + materials
Makeup: $425
Hair: $425
Vintage Rentals: $3,000
Bride’s Attire: $900
Groom’s Attire: $500
Runners: $200
Place settings: DIY (purchased, not for rental)

We put together this budget based on the following parameters:
100 person wedding (12 tables)
8 person bridal party (including bride and groom)
No catering

Event Planning & Design: Events By Merida
: Barnsley Manor
Cakes & Catering: Park Ave Cakes
Cakes & Catering: Sip and Graze
Cakes & Catering: Hops Scotch 22
Flowers: A Cottage Gardner
Groom & His Men: Brackish Bow Ties
Hair, Makeup & Beauty: Stephanie Powers Makeup
Hair, Makeup & Beauty: Hair By Amy Lyn
Models: Dana & Lucas
Paper Goods & Calligraphy: Rabbit Rabbit Crew
Photographers: Sharyn Frenkel Photography
Rentals: Fox and Finch Vintage Rentals
Wedding Dresses: Mayfaire Moon Corsets & Costumes
Budget: $29,575

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