Wedding creatives are ever at the service of their clients’ wishes. But when those who do what they do best are allowed the freedom to run with an idea, it gives them a chance to really shine. As was the case with this wedding inspiration shoot, which pulled off pink on pink in a smart and beautifully balanced way that surely would’ve made Julia Roberts’ character in Steel Magnolias proud.
Conceptualized by photographer Justin Brown of The Happy Bloom and event planner and designer Haley Kelly, the “Pink Dreams” shoot started with models, a location, and the desire to incorporate the adorable “Pink Figgy” Nissan Figaro and an abundance of flowers. “We were both drawn to multiple layers of pink and clean lines and white space, which you naturally get at Hotel Bennett,” says Kelly. Different shades and textures against a light, airy backdrop is one of the big reasons this monochromatic look works so well, but to get there, Kelly says it took the courage to lean into the pink. Even the mauve ASOS suit was a last-minute switch from light gray that really helped unify the look. From the light pink buttercream cake to Jill Delavan’s delicate illustrations to the stunning Lewis Miller-style flower bomb inspired by vining bougainvillea, these experts prove, you can definitely look pretty in all-out pink.
Top Tips for pulling off a Monochromatic theme
• Different shades and textures are key.
• Consider your venue before deciding on a monochromatic theme, says Kelly. It works against a clean background that’s light and airy as opposed to a place with colorful walls.
• Taper candles come in a wide array of hues and it’s inexpensive to order a small number of them. Kelly used light, medium, and dark shades of candles to help pick which colors to use where.
• Lack the creative gene? Hire a planner who’s also an event designer and trust that the vision is going to be amazing.
• Don’t hold back from sharing your ideas with all of your vendors. Sharing moodboards and your full vision with everyone from the illustrator to the florist to the baker opens the door for more creativity and collaboration with them. And when vendors are excited about something, rest assured that the end result will be great.
Vendors
Planning & Design: Haley Kelly Events
Images: The Happy Bloom
Venue: Hotel Bennett
Florist: Tupelo Honey Flower Shop
Paper Goods: Jill Delavan
Welcome box: A Signature Welcome
Bakers: Vanilla and the Bean (cake), Executive Pastry Chef Rémy Fünfrock of Hotel Bennett (pastries)
Car: The Pink Figgy
Rentals: Snyder Events, Nüage Designs, La Tavola
Models: Anna Pholloway, Matt Petrulio
Bride’s attire: Sarah Seven (dress designer), Lovely Bride (boutique), Christian Louboutin (shoes)
Groom’s attire: ASOS
Beauty: Pampered & Pretty
