Wedding Details:
My idea was to give brides on the east coast a way to have a Baja California/ taco stand wedding in Connecticut. A big goal of this style shoot was to challenge the east coast bride and give them ideas on how to incorporate the feel of a destination wedding right here in their backyard at a local restaurant that has never been used for a style shoot or wedding before. Bartaco the restaurant I used for this shoot is a newer venue option for a Connecticut bride so it was an idea that hasn't been done before and one that I felt brides in Connecticut and NYC would love to see with a design element many would not normally select.
As the time of year right now is Indian summer and with its frequent swells and friendly air and water temperatures it attracts surfers to the Long Island sound which is why this shoot in September was so fitting.
The inspiration from this shoot came from a love of the ocean, windblown hair, tacos, and surfboards. My vision for the design of this shoot came from my love of Baja California, guacamole, bare feet, and vintage surfboards. Aqua, Yellow, Navy Blue and a gorgeous peach pink are the colors behind the inspiration.
The table inspiration came from a desire to create pops of color, while still making sure I pulled in the casual elements of a Baja California wedding. Making the table look like we pulled fun dishes and colors from the taco stand plates and serving pieces. The idea was to give the look almost as if we dug around a taco hut kitchen and quickly set the table with placemats, aqua and white dishes and small water glasses. I found it so important to use a bold accent color and the yellow candle holders did just that. The soft romantic flowers really helped tie together the Baja California taco stand and a wedding in Connecticut. (See below for a full listing of the flowers used)
I used a vintage green side table to create a cupcake table. Coronita bottles were used as a base for the cupcake stand to bring in the casual elements of a taco stand and ice cold beers you would find in a taco shack. The cupcakes were smaller in size to make them a finger food and easier to eat after a day riding the waves.
The paper products were created by using an inspiration from the surfboard concept and the beautiful color palette selected. Jessica created these paper products by using wood paper and hand painting them to look exactly like a surfboard. Her beautiful calligraphy along with the look of a vintage surfboard really helped tie the entire shoot together.
The favor concept came from the one food that makes me think of Baja California and makes mouths water… Guacamole and Chips. The chips paired with an ice cold coronita is the perfect parting favor for the wedding guests When coming up with ideas for a favor this was a wedding favor I know I would love to receive after a fun day at the beach for a ceremony and reception.
The vintage pickup truck was one of the key casual elements that I loved about this shoot. The Dough Girl Baking Company allowed us to use their truck for the day and the owner thought it was so fitting for our photo shoot. It pulled in the fun, flirty aspects of the bride. It was the perfect get-away truck after a day on the beach and riding the waves.
The vow books were a unique element that you do not see at enough weddings. It is a beautiful handmade design created by Deborah Nadel to provide the bride and groom with a memoir of their special day. They especially tied in with this shoot as they would be perfectly used on a beach wedding where they could hold the book and not worry about a piece of paper blowing out of their hands and into the ocean.
The wedding dress was Amsale Vanilla Crinkle Chiffon, style was Modele. It was from Bella Bridesmaid in NYC. All the makeup was done by Emily Takis and using Bobby Brown Make-up.
Thanks so much to these vendors for sharing their amazing talents!
Listing of Flowers used in the shoot
Bridal Bouquet
Sandy Peach tones of "High & Arena" Rose
Velvety grey foliage of Dusty Miller
A touch of Blue Salvia
Craspedia
Bouquet handle wrapped in Silvery-grey satin ribbon and twine.
Groom Bout
Dusty Miller with Thistle wrapped in twine.
Table Centerpiece
"High & Arena" Roses
Thistle
Craspedia (also known as cheerful "Billy Balls")
Oncidium orchids
Oyster shells in a sustainable Kiri wood box
Hair Piece
Floral Hairpiece made from grey cotton linen fabric, with Dusty Miller and delicate yellow Ornithogalum flowers
Bud Vases (floating in tree, hung with twine)
Phalaenopsis Orchids with plumes of grass
Name Card box
Plumes of grass, with equisetum wrapped in beaded wire
Credits:
Photographer: Natasha Montero Photography
Event Design/Coordinator: Stacie Shea Events
Venue: Bartaco in Port Chester/NY
Makeup: Emily Takis
Hair: Emily Takis
Cake/Desserts: Dough Girl Baking Company
Cinematography: DMO Films
Dress Designer: Bella Bridesmaid NYC/ Amsale
Floral Design: True Florette
Stationery: Jessica Haley Ink (sister company of MJ Paperie)
Additional Vendor Credits:
Surfboards
Vow Books
Paper Products were created by Jessica Haley Ink
Stacie Shea is a wedding planner, event designer and soon to be vintage rental company. Known for her out-of-the box ideas and fresh event concepts she loves to make an event uniquely yours. Stacie believes the most important thing she can do is understand her client and their story. She is based in Fairfield County but available to work with events worldwide!
For more information contact:
Stacie Shea
Stacie Shea Events
Event Designer
Stacie@staciesheaevents.com