Inspiration for the Editorial:
It is no secret that the South East boasts hospitality, southern charm, and some seriously great food. It is also no secret that New York City is famous for the fashion, architecture, art, and it’s incredible cultural mix and social scene. So what happens when a girl from the south, falls in love with a boy from the city?
When concepting this shoot, we wanted to showcase a beautiful southern venue, but remain socially conscious, and sensitive, to the history of the south. Many of the venues in our area are previous plantations, working farms, or private estates that supported slavery. Despite their rebrands, and best efforts, it is still a point of contingency.
The resurgence of the Black Lives Matter movement brought much attention too many of the Confederate symbols around our country. However, the wedding industry has been able to draw a veil over, even romanticize, weddings on properties that used to support slavery. These venues have changed their names, often times dropping the word ‘plantation.’ They have converted slave quarters into bridal suites or holding rooms. On the surface they are culturally southern, they are soft and serene, and they are romantic. These venues, at first glance, are beautiful. However, there is a dark history here, there is a devastating past. This is something that many white couples and families are able to disconnect from and something that many Black couples and families simply cannot do.
The Venue:
After a very deep dive into our industry, our local markets, and the clients we serve, we found a venue. Great Marsh Estate has the stately, southern aesthetic, but no history or dark past. The venue was built in 1989, over 100 years after the abolition of slavery.
The Design:
The design was inspired by the Grandmillenial style. This style is rooted in southern hospitality, tradition, familiarity, and etiquette. With elements of Chintz, bows, pattern play, rattan, layers, and lots of color, this is no doubt a southern soiree. We wanted to show that you are able to celebrate your marriage, and your heritage, without romanticizing or ignoring the history of slavery in our country. We pulled fashion finds from Mark Ingram in NYC, welcome baskets from Bows and Blue in Georgia, and our local vendor team consisted of vendors who are socially conscious and in support of this movement.
I am happy to say that this wedding was published on the first page of Style Me Pretty.
You can see the publication here.
Vendors:
Photography: David Abel Photography | Cinematography: Yeattes Productions | Event Planning: Swoon Soiree | Floral Design: Love Blooms Floral Design | Wedding Dress: Marchesa | Wedding Dress: Mark Ingram Atelier | Cake: Fluer and Flour | Invitations: Kara Ann + Co | Reception Venue,Venue: Great Marsh Estate | Shoes: Something Bleu | Hair and Makeup: Anna Breeding | Calligraphy: Leah Letters | Groom’s Attire: 707 Fine Clothing | Groom’s Attire: The Black Tux | Male Model: Avi Mandel | Welcome Baskets: Bows and Blue | Floral Hair Pins: Bridal Treasure Studio | Bartender: Christian Slater | Pearl Earrings,Fuchsia Earrings: Christien Nicolaides | Satin Bow: Fariba Designs | Diamond Earrings and Veil: Gibson Bespoke | Pearl Headband: Hail Grace Designs | Male Stylist: Justin Uglow | Tabletop Rentals: Maison de Carine | Chocolate Bars: Nadia and Co. | Rentals: Something Vintage | Female Model: The Artistry Agency