2020 has not been an easy year for couples planning weddings. The virus has completely changed people’s plans literally overnight. What was supposed to be a joyous time for many soured SO quickly. But, our incredible wedding industry is resilient! So, when Ashleigh Foy, of Sweetly Southern Events, approached me about photographing her microwedding styled shoot at Rust Manor to celebrate this new opportunity for couples who need a creative solution to their wedding day problems, I was totally in! Honestly, we all need a little extra joy these days!
Microwedding Inspiration
Although downsizing a wedding doesn’t exactly sound fun, there are so many great opportunities for couples to make it something special. For example, a microwedding is a great option! Microweddings are unique because couples can have intimate days with higher end details. When their guest list shrinks, the budget can go to the beautiful details instead! Their budgets can change and shift. Because of that, during our styled shoot we really wanted to showcase some beautiful inspirational for these smaller wedding days. An extremely talented vendor team came together with the goal to provide some hope and inspiration to our couples!
To begin, our real-life couple, Shanda and Jonathon, wrote their vows in handcrafted books by The Art of Etiquette. They had planned to celebrate a vow renewal and were excited to support some of the local vendors in the meantime. Shanda once again took her husband’s breath away in a hand selected gown from Bridal Elegance of Virginia when she walked down the aisle. Her hair was styled by Styled for Elegance and makeup by Beauty by Brigid, completing the look.
Summer Microwedding Reception
For the reception, we wanted to showcase how a smaller guest list and bigger budget could provide couples with some upscale options. Working closely with Something Vintage Rentals, the vendor team showcased how couples could exchange the 250 Chiavari chairs for a different option. Instead, a couple could get 25 high end Louis French-styled upholstered chairs with crisp natural linen fabric! Plus, two Carved His and Hers Chairs. What an elegant upgrade! Not to mention, other special details, like the beautiful rose champagne tower and custom backdrop from Lindale Studios were suddenly an option!
Finally, we can’t forget to talk about that stunning vintage farm table! With lots of light pink summer florals and a handmade place setting menu card from Tortoise Designs, everything came together perfectly. Honestly, this light and elegant summer microwedding gave all us a lighter heart and lots of hope. We hope you smile a bit looking through this microwedding inspiration!
Vendors
Planner: Sweetly Southern Events
Venue: Rust Manor
Videographer: Alex Mangione Photography
Paper Goods: Tortoise Designs
Florals: JR Flowers
Rentals: Something Vintage Rentals & Lindale Studios
Wedding Dress: Bridal Elegance of Virginia
Hair Stylist: Styled for Elegance
Makeup Artist: Beauty by Brigid
Vow Booklets: The Art of Etiquette
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