Behind the Scenes – Alchemy at the Barn, The Stationery and Feathers

Thanks so much for following along my behind the scenes look at my Alchemy at the Barn shoot.  If you missed the first two posts, check here and here!  Creepy was a word that continually entered my mind when designing this table.  I know, I know…creepy…for a wedding concept?  Something Colin Cowie said at Engage 10 , replays in my mind and I paraphrase; when planning an event, you want to keep your guests on the edge of comfort.  Now certainly Mr. Cowie did not mean seat guests at rigid chairs and serve cold food.  I think what he meant instead is to shock guests a bit and keep them guessing as to what is coming next.    There is a certain impact that shock, surprise and the unknown hold for event planning and decor.  My thoughts exactly.

My pen and ink illustrations of Scabiosa, ladybugs and pheasant feathers were highly detailed and loaded with textures.  I purposely avoided an overly cutesy or whimsical aesthetic.

I adore this shot.  A weather worn door as low table, complete with doorknob.  The crisp white china and gold (Deerlite) flatware strike a stunning contrast to the stationery decked out in brown paper bag color cardstock against a heavily textured grey stock named Anvil from our friends at Envelopments®.  The Scabiosa bloom and ladybug are contrast painted with a thick white acrylic and then brushed with gold dots and accents!

Brandee from Metro Gypsy came on board to craft several signature pieces for each place setting and the centerpiece.

A palette of silver, rich grey, aqua and gold shone throughout the stationery collection.  Each piece had a unique personality in brushstroke, hue and paper choice.

An old truck at our farm became a lovely prop for many shots.  The table number’s gold, peach and grey palette stands stunningly against the patina of the trucks exterior.

Last but not least is the vintage 7-Up  cooler used as seating card display.  Brandee perched fallen tree branches around the unit and tucked each card amongst the brush.  The result was an eclectic mix of finishes and textures.

A huge thank you again to the team!  Daniel, Dorian and Brandee brought this vision to life with me and I am forever grateful!

Originally posted 7/2010