Uncategorized

Gone with the Wind Inspired Styled Shoot

Brianna Kozlarek / Friday July 7, 2017

How about a dreamy escape for your Thursday? Cortney Chesnut of Cortney Crane Events in Hawaii was strolling downtown Honolulu when she passed a doorway that stopped her in her tracks. The hand-carved french blue door panels created a passage to what looked like a European corridor. The dimly lit vintage chandeliers paired with copper green wrought iron railings, white-rose washed walls, Parisian inspired pillars and mediterranean ceramic tile floors furnished a setting unlike anything Cortney had seen before in Hawaii.  It was in that moment, standing in awe in front of those french blue doors that Cortney imagined the possibility that lay before her: a romantic, historical-inspired editorial shoot.

To really capture her vision, Cortney called in one of Hawaii’s most sought after photographers, Jeanne Marie with Jeannemarie Photography. Jeanne would not only reveal details and design elements that told a story, but she would do so in a manner that would become aesthetically effortless; the soft and meticulous approach to her art is truly timeless; a style that paired beautifully with our narrative. Cafe Julia, also known as Laniakea meaning “Open Skies” in Hawaiian, is a Hawaii State historical site dating back to the early 1900’s in the heart of Honolulu. Walking the corridors of this venue you are transcended to another time. The bride, wearing a Sarah Seven vintage inspired gown from Love and Lace Bridal Boutique was worthy of Vivien Leigh playing the role of Scarlett in Gone with the Wind. A neutral and sophisticated makeup palate by Heidi of Breathe Hawaii complimented the soft layers of silk chiffon while the bride’s vamped up hair style, also by Heidi, added a little edge to the delicate, off-the-shoulder neckline. A bouquet of soft white stock, dusty miller, eucalyptus, blue thistle and silver brunia designed by Cortney Crane Events contributed a hint of french blue to the bride’s ensemble and added complexity and dimension to the soft romantic look.

The invite, created by Brad and Lily, was simple, yet poetic. Adding in details like an old copy of Gone with the Wind, vintage Hawaiian pearl strands from the 1930’s, a drop antler and twine were set to encapsulate a distant time.  The escort card table was set to reflect the palm fronds in the mirrored surface and while staying true to the historical vibe with vintage frames and gold calligraphy, the reflection infused a little tropical spirit into the setting as well. For the Bride and Groom’s Sweetheart table, a linen by Les Saisons, beautiful enough to wear cascaded down the open courtyard steps framed by baroque arched pillars, an assortment of vintage brass candle sticks and adonia palms. A backdrop of royal inspired masonry, Spanish chandeliers and tufted blue chairs set the stage for a glamorous dining experience under the stars. Cortney, like most wedding designers, believes there is no such thing as too many candles. By making the linen the lead act and following up with timeless accents, the look came together in a way that made you feel like you were a guest at Laniakea in 1924. The guest table breathes a little more modernity into the landscape. Contemporary white geometric chairs were added to the shoot so as to augment the essence of the bridal hair style and bouquet complexity. A flowing vintage blue grey linen descends down the table in an organic fashion adorned with candles sticks, white roses, antique bud jars, drop antlers, gold flatware, and hand crafted menus. Cortney wanted the table to be inviting, a setting for conversation and celebration that might possibly initiate a discussion among new friends. Overall, Cortney and the incredible team of vendors included in this shoot, aimed to inspire couples to not just be creative in their design, but to tell their story; after all, weddings are simply that, the ending to one chapter and the beautiful beginning of another.

  


Vendors:

Photography: Jeannemarie Photography | Event Design and Stylist: Cortney Crane Events | Venue: Laniakea YWCA | Hair and Make-up: Breathe Beauty | Bridal Boutique: Love and Lace | Dress Designer: Sarah Seven | Linens: Les Saisons