In dreaming up a theme for the photoshoot, Stephanye said she had already decided to go with a Mediterranean look before finding out that the original location had fallen through, leading the team to the Parador.
“The ideas I’d already come up with worked great at the Parador in their unique setting,” she said. “I had decided to include one of the Pantone colors of 2016 called Serenity, which is this gorgeous blue. I also wanted to use shades of orange and was able to incorporate real oranges into the centerpieces.”
And while the Parador drips with elegance, Stephanye says it’s possible for brides to take almost any look and make it work for their setting and budget, including this sophisticated style.
“Since that photoshoot, I’ve used a similar look at several open houses in varying ways,” she explains. “Brides may not use the more expensive sequin linens or china at every table, but could do a head table or sweetheart table with the full treatment. Then they can use champagne colored linens and the same chargers to get a coordinated look.”
One of the things that surprises Stephanye about wedding design is that there are some current trends, like burlap with rustic wood or a super-glam look, that she has expected to fade out, but brides still love them. Even so, she says brides can incorporate personalized touches to make a splash of their own.
“Whatever you decide to go with, you want to be able to look back in 30 years think it’s just as gorgeous as today,” Stephanye says. “I feel like this look from the Parador will remain timeless because sequins don’t ever really go out of style…they are formal and beautiful and can be used in so many ways. Also, you can use any color combination with it really. I recently used burgundy with this same set-up and it was perfect.”
And speaking of color? Stephanye says that if she had one piece of advice to give brides in planning their weddings, it’s to follow their own hearts.
“I have met with so many brides whose families give them grief over the colors they want to use in their weddings because they aren’t traditionally used in a certain season,” she said. “What I always tell brides is that it’s ultimately their decision because they will be the ones looking back on their wedding photos decades from now.
“It doesn’t matter what season it is…if there are certain colors or a specific style of design you like, we can figure it out. You need to plan your wedding for you, not for anybody else. It’s YOUR big day!”
To check out the work of the talented team who made the photoshoot a success, visit the following:
Jessica Pledger Photography: http://www.jessicapledger.com
Stephanye Lynn Events: http://www.stephanyelynnevents.com
The Parador: http://www.paradorhouston.com
Bavarian Cakery: http://bavariancakery.com
Freshmint Paperie (invitations): https://www.etsy.com/shop/FreshmintPaperie