Gilded Woodlands Inspired Elopement

Ooo I kind of feel like I’ve been taken on a bit of a journey reading the below story from CASTO PHOTOGRAPHY & CINEMA who collaborated with COTE DESIGNS on this ééòperfect for the holiday season’ woodlands shoot. They’ve set the scene so well I won’t say anything further and leave you to get lost in their romantic plotééò get comfy, and inspired!

ééòFor this woodland inspired elopement we were inspired by a forbidden love and the pantone color of the year marsala. To us there are few things more romantic than an intimate elopement in the woods. In our Gilded Woodlands inspiration shoot, we were initially inspired by the way the golden sunset glitters through a pine forest. With pine needles dripping from trees and fluttering as the wind blows, a sense of romance takes over the scene.

For this shoot, the groom, donned in his finest tux, and arrived at the home of his stunning bride with a bouquet of ruby red amaryllis in hand to escort her to the middle of the forest where an intimate gathering of family awaited at sunset. The guests would have received their custom calligraphy invitation just days in advance, as this couple could not bear to wait any longer to wed. After exchanging love letters for years, the couple finally reached the long-awaited day of their marriage.ééò

ééòTo evoke the sense of romance, the color palette of cranberry, deep reds, forest green and glittering gold created an atmosphere that was rich, yet rustic. Incorporated in the floral centerpiece and atop the cocktail and dessert bar, guests will find a nod to the forest through deer antlers foraged from Cote Designs’ property and greenery draped on the candelabra from a property near the private residence where this shoot took place.

Simple yet rich foods added to the sparkle of this inspiration shoot. Gilded truffles sit on the table alongside mini gilded chocolate cakes with candy pine cones. Guests would mingle at the reception while the couple enjoyed the sunset drinking a Cranberry Amaretto Kiss signature cocktail for the evening.

The bride’s gown, simple yet elegant, is the perfect backdrop for her gorgeous pop of lip color and florals complete with a flowing Silk and Willow ribbon. Plus, the groom knew from the start of the perfect ring for her finger: as unique as it is stunning: an antique gold ruby ring surrounded by sparkling diamonds.

As the golden sun set on this gorgeous evening, the couple took a moment to embrace the rustic elegance of the woods by exploring the pine forest. A gentle breeze, a romantic sunset, and a future together.ééò

Photography CASTO PHOTOGRAPHY & CINEMA / Assistant Photography LAUREN CARNES / Floral & Event Design COTE DESIGNS / Hair & Make-up BELLA FACCIA, LLC / Dessert DIANNA TORNOW / Models TAYLOR SHAYE and WILL DURRETT / Gown ANNA MAIER supplied by HOUSE OF THE BRIDE / Stationery LEEN MACHINE CALLIGRAPHY / Mens Formalwear SIMONS FORMALWEAR / Location PRIVATE ESTATE, AIKEN, SC