Gatsby

Inspiration for this “Gatsby-esque” Bridal Shoot, starring the effervescent Sophia Foss, was born of the 1925 literary classic, “The Great Gatsby”, by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Cited from an except of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s Letter to Maxwell Perkins, July 1922:

“I want to write something new—something extraordinary and beautiful and simple & intricately patterned.”

F. Scott Fitzgerald’s statement provided the genesis for our visual portrayal of the decadence and opulence synonymous with the roaring twenties and high-society lifestyle. Through intricate, elegant stylization of bridal attire, wedding accessories, and tablescape design accoutrements, we sought to create a bespoke intimate micro-event ensemble suitable for a bride and groom desiring a glamorous vintage-edge celebration, infused with an ethereal woodland vibe.

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VENUE

The renowned venue selected for the vintage-inspired photoshoot is “The Abbey Inn & Spa”, a breathtaking, historic property situated on a majestic parcel of land overlooking the Hudson River, in Peekskill, New York. The term “Enchanting Retreat”, as noted on their website, best encapsulates the character and spirit this venue embodies. Formerly a convent, the property has been lovingly and painstakingly restored and the vintage allure is endless. “The Abbey Inn & Spa features luxurious guest rooms and suites, exquisite indoor and outdoor private event spaces, a full-service spa, and “Apropos”, farm to table restaurant and bar.”

STAGING

The staging of the glamorous set entailed a carved mahogany antique settee with matching pair of chairs, silver and gold beaded pillows with rhinestone bee brooches, an intricately carved mahogany antique crane/heron oval mirror, an iron branch-entwined/glass-top coffee table, a vintage maple wood farmhouse table, (2) maple wood Windsor chairs, and a pair of vintage iron candle pillars.

DÉCOR & ACCOUTREMENTS

The intricate details that punctuated the desired fusion of the vintage Gatsby-esque and ethereal woodland vibe, showcased tablescape elements that offered a sense of grandeur… a vintage iron candelabra displaying exaggerated two-foot tall tapers, enhanced with a wreath comprised of dark burgundy calla lillies, burgundy eucalyptus, artful “rose hearts” characterized by multiple heart-shaped layers of petals, and pale gray and baby-blue peacock feathers emphasizing the luxe allure. Lush bespoke centerpieces, echoing the floral palette showcased in the candelabra wreath, flanked either side of the candelabra.

The formal tablescape, set atop an iridescent-crush ivory linen, enhanced with a burgundy iridescent-crush sculpted runner, was richly blanketed in moss variations to replicate a forest-carpet. Wire and twig nests, curly willow branches, and foraged accent pieces further accentuated the woodland décor. Intricate custom wire “tree” show plates, customized “Fornasetti” image china, ruby etched-crystal champagne flutes and wine glasses, crystal water glasses, and pewter goblets mingled with forged iron flatware, porcelain peony napkin rings, and black velvet napkins. A vintage silver tea set, antiquarian leather bound book stacks, an etched-glass mirror frame showcasing the bride’s baby photo, and a collection of vintage crystal decanters were additional table adornments. Vintage iron finials served as display stands to showcase the custom burned-edge place cards for the bride and groom, and an antique brass frame showcased a portion of the bespoke invitation suite.

CONFECTIONS

The delicate gastronomic artistry displayed on the decadent pair of bride & groom’s cakes, embellished with sculpted flowers, and presented atop original enamel clock faces; the “mon chéri” pastries, resembling miniature candy apples that looked as though they were glass-blown…. a fusion of praline milk chocolate mousse, tart cherry crémeux, paired with a pistachio dacquoise covered with a shiny cherry glaze… tasteful echoes of refinement.

INVITATIONS

The invitation suite featured a vintage ephemera engraving of “Cupid & Psyche” coupled with a contrasting contemporary script. A vellum overlay provided an illusion-effect, showcasing a quote by Madame de Staël (Anne Louise Germaine de Staël)…

“Love is the emblem of eternity; it confounds all notion of time; effaces all memory of a beginning, all fear of an end.”

FASHION

The bridal attire showcased in the shoot exemplifies vintage glamour. The decadent dress with a statement train detailed silk illusion-sequined-swirl appliqué work. “Three-quarter length, 8-button” cuffed black leather gloves, illusion-effect black lace boots embellished with vintage rhinestone clasps, and a neck piece fashioned from a verdigris metal leaf garland enhanced with crystal teardrop clusters, completes the high-style fashion statement.