Inspired by the ethereal beauty of a romantic sage tulle gown, this shoot crafted by The Maxwell used editorial-style photography by Ellie McKinney Photography to highlight the modernized charm of the European countryside. Moving beyond the boundaries of a typical wedding, Alexandra blended modern and rustic in a way that created an elevated experience, complemented by unique food and beverage offerings. As an ode to traditional alfresco celebrations, it was impossible not to feel as though guests were stepping into a quintessentially European event, complete with luxurious wildflowers and garden-inspired elements. As the visionary behind the shoot, Alexandra coordinated a team of talented vendors and curated what became a luxurious, creative, and collaborative wedding experience.
The Maxwell provided the perfect setting for this organic, al fresco celebration. The ambiance was chic and Vogue-inspired, with a touch of whimsy that added an element of playfulness to the scene. Effortlessly welcoming, the venue created an intimate atmosphere where every detail felt carefully curated yet natural thanks to lush greenery and vibrant tomato accents.
The intention for hair and makeup was for it to be soft yet glamorous, so finding the balance between bridal and editorial was important. Wedded Kiss highlighted the bride's natural hair by making her gorgeous curls a centerpiece of the styling. Individual sections were pinned organically so that it looks purposefully undone. Her skincare was radiant and sun-kissed with a pop of lip color to match the European-inspired ambiance.
The Maxwell team was very much inspired over the course of the shoot by the sage green "Le Lilac" gown by Hera Couture. The over-the-top gown had layer after layer of hand-cut and hand-sewn tulle floating in cascading tiers. The V-shaped bodice and back had beautifully draped hand ruching with a built-in corset for the perfect fit.
For the outdoor ceremony, tomatoes were once again incorporated subtly into the flower boxes by Mood Fleuriste, while guests were protected from the sun by elegant white outdoor umbrellas that blended into the staging.
An intimate and "old fashioned" garden elopement in Arkansas
Guests dined al fresco at this garden-inspired Cotswolds wedding
An enchanting garden wedding at a manor in the Cotswolds
The color palette for the day's design featured sage greens, deep reds, and a touch of rosemary to evoke the warmth and authenticity of European landscapes. Mood Fleuriste's tagline is: "Creating joyful events through sculptural and unique floral art," so she was excited to get right to work using this organic palette. Mood Fleuriste chose to incorporate organic greens and vibrant tomatoes into deconstructed free-form arrangements, giving the event a fresh-from-the-garden feel. The tomatoes added an unexpected pop of color and sense of whimsy that was present throughout each element of the shoot.
Photographer Ellie McKinney embraced the al fresco ambiance of the event and played with natural light to accentuate the garden-inspired setting and capture the elevated beauty of the design.
Signage included a soft sage green sign with airy script lettering. Heirloom tomatoes were incorporated into the menu card for an elegant yet whimsical design.
This shoot introduced a new line of chairs that were perfect for the modern al fresco vibe. They served as a contemporary seating option that seamlessly blended with the more organic elements of the shoot.
View All Images