We always love inspiration from nature and everything surrounding it. When Alli with Fat Cat Florals reached out with owner Diana, I knew this was going to be a very special shoot! Q and A below is with Ali!
How did you come up with the design for the shoot? - I knew I wanted to appeal to the young & hip bride, AKA to make the perfect shoot to inspire people like me. I wanted a couple who wasn’t too formal, and made sure to show their personalities through the fashion and posing choices. I also wanted a cool, funky venue that we maybe haven’t seen all over Instagram. I was lucky enough to find the Arts Estuary from looking at YOUR website, actually! Lovegood’s website featured a wedding that took place at the Estuary, and I was hooked. The interesting structure, the overgrown greenery (which ended up being plain winter branches for our shoot, but it’s all good), the fact that it looked like ruins… I was in love. After that, we decided to slowly add subtle, local elements into the shoot to make sure to show off all that New Orleans vendors have to offer.
Ceremony Details from Lovegood : Mismatched Chairs in Browns + Aztec Rug
Lovegood Lounge Space : Charlotte Sofa, Megan Chair, Tucker Chair, Assorted Pillows in Pink Tunes, with Boho Side Tables and Glass Top Round Coffee Table
Favorite detail of the shoot:
I think the sunglasses took our couple from styling to SHOW-STOPPING. To be able to rock the local brand with ever-rising popularity, Krewe, was such a fun touch. And because I can never pick one favorite… the hanging table was other-worldly. I want one in my own wedding now!
What was your most memorable moment about the shoot day?
I think I just loved when it all came together… the planning process seemed long and difficult since it was the first shoot I ever coordinated. Finally seeing the models in their knock-out clothes (shout-out Bliss Bridal), sporting local Krewe shades, adorned with Jose Bali jewelry, and surrounded by the masterfully hung installations by Lovegood decorated with Fat Cat floral wonder… it was magical!
Lovegood Details for Cake : Harper Hairpin Highboy
Lovegood Collection for Tablescape : Custom Hanging Table with Kendall Table Tops, Kentucky Church Pew, Assorted Brass Candlesticks, and Bentwood Chairs
Why do you think that doing shoots are important?
It’s important that your clients be able to see what you’re REALLY made of. So often, we end up designing a select few tried & true bouquets. But how are our clients supposed to know what we can do if all the work we post is pretty similar and conservative? Shoots are an INCREDIBLE opportunity to collaborate with other creatives and really design something that will WOW future brides, and advertise what all we CAN do to make their big day fabulous.
Describe your wedding color palette.
Diane was determined to use pink and yellow – she swore the color palette was coming back. I wasn’t completely on board, but she’s the floral mastermind so I sat back. Sure enough, what did I see in publications the next 6-8 months? An explosion of pink and yellow. We thought the groom’s deep blue suit created a nice contrast to the vibrant floral designs.
Loved this write about the shoot from the ladies behind Fat Cat Florals : "Styled Shoot by Fat Cat Flowers “Tattoos and I Do’s”
With Spring in the air, the motivation for this dreamy, imaginative shoot was to use bright, not bashfulcolor! What better way to make the color pop than to set it amidst a monochromatic, industrialwarehouse wonder of a venue, The Arts Estuary – one seldom known in New Orleans.
Our shoot was designed to appeal to the hip millennial couple – two people adoringly in love and draped in dashing details that speak to their ultra-cool, laid back personalities. By adorning them in a typicalrings by Jose Balli, stand-out shades by Krewe, and relaxed but not casual attire, we were able to clearly capture their off-beat style. The Lillian West bridal gown stood out as “boho-chic” – a look you’ll often find throughout the streets of The Big Easy. Lastly, they each had flowers to wear; Nora’s hair given the final touches with a floral comb, and Gary sporting an eye-catching floral pocket square. Our couple speaks to the Alternative crowd, while also portraying natural beauty – a perfect mirror of the space we used. Our newlyweds are in a popular band by the name of Royal Teeth, and their comfortability onstage certainly translated to their ease in front of the camera. Nora’s sultry expressions paired with Gary’s album cover-ready poses (peep his joyful willingness to show off those finger tattoos)encapsulated their trendy, natural and unapologetic unique styles quite impeccably.
The floral design spoke for itself on this unique shoot. By introducing unusual flowers with assorted textures, we created a bright and fresh palette with not a rose in sight. Wild and wonderful astilbe and kangaroo paw, paired with the show-stopping, South African proteas set the stage for a dramatic ceremony space. And we MUST talk about the greenery! The jagged edges of the grevillea foliage made quite a statement throughout the bouquet and décor.We wanted the venue to read "earthy, industrial and whimsical" by highlighting the natural elements (overgrown trees and branches) and edgy structures of the space. By hanging floral installations for the ceremony, and a king’s table for the reception, we were able to give thisc ouple an out-of-the-box look that carried throughout the entire space. Our cutting edge suspended kings table and mixed seating from Lovegood Rentals inspired a modern color and style, while embracing the elegant, chic elements of a formal New Orleans dinner.The vivid lounge furniture echoed the ceremony by use of floral patterns and shiny gold accents. It doubles as a comfy space for guests, as well as an Instagram-worthy background fora photo or two! The pop of color against an otherwise lack-luster brick wall spoke to the coupleat hand – two people who seek to illuminate every space they occupy with their spark for love and life.We worked with only local vendors in the greater New Orleans area to showcase the unique opportunities that Big Easy brides have to create a personal and customized wedding day,without ever leaving the city. Brides everywhere can look to this as inspiration for a simple yets nazzy, custom and modern wedding day design."
Photographer: Ollie Alexander Rentals: Lovegood Rentals Hair: Holly Manders Makeup: Midori Tajiri Dress Boutique: Bliss Bridal Dress Designer: Lillian West Sunglasses: Krewe Invitations: Scriptura Placecards: Alexandra Moore Rings & Other Jewelry: Jose Balli Models: Nora & Gary Floral Design & Coordination: Fat Cat Flowers Location: Arts Estuary