• NEW Wedding Ideas

With an exciting hexagonal ceremony arbor and big bold florals, this micro-wedding was equal parts modern and romantic. This team set out to show couples that micro-weddings aren't smaller celebrations, just because the guest list is limited. They urge couples to think of it more as an exclusive luxury experience for only their closest friends and family. To up the opulence, they featured a lot of bright gilded accents like these ornate chairs and the beautiful gold chargers that really enhance the tablescape. 

We think this design by Starvel Drake will inspire future couples to dream big with their own micro-weddings. With the view of Baltimore Harbor as the backdrop, Canopy by Hilton Baltimore Harbor Point is a fun scenic venue for this modern celebration. Megapixels Media captured these beautiful artistic photos of the couple and all of the wedding details, and we love how all of the gold pieces pop! To see all of the photos from this inspiration shoot, check out the full gallery. Read on to hear more from Starvel Drake about how to make your micro-wedding just as epic as this shoot. 

INTIMATE NOT SMALL

Once upon a time, small weddings were a plan B or second choice if the wedding vision exceeded the wedding budget. Now, micro-weddings are more commonplace as a first choice. So much so, that wedding planners, photographers, and venues have packages and options that cater to couples that want to share their special day with a select group of family and friends instead of the masses. Sometimes, less is more. The only thing that’s scaled back with an intimate wedding is the in-person guest count. All the other elements are on full display. The inspiration for this shoot was blush tones, full blooms, and natural light.

ALL ABOUT THAT NATURAL LIGHT

Five Star Events planned and designed this styled shoot with help of an all-star cast to execute the vision. Natural light was the co-star, and the Canopy by Hilton Baltimore Harbor Point was the perfect venue to showcase this aspect with floor-to-ceiling windows and a gorgeous riverfront view to match. The natural light flooded into the space and complemented the bride’s beauty. She looked radiant in her Eve of Milady dress and lace-trimmed veil, courtesy of Cherie Sustainable Bridal. Their inventory has been donated by past brides and 100% of its profits benefit a non-profit organization. Megapixels Media took some dramatic, close-up shots of the bride during the golden hour that highlighted her beauty. Leona Emm Beauty used warm, earth tones for the eyeshadows and a nude lip to give the bride a natural glam, and hairstylist Elizabeth Mone'T crafted loose curls and a side part to finish off the look. The handsome, bearded groom donned a navy Calvin Klein windowpane suit with a pink tie.

A FOCAL POINT FOR THE CEREMONY

A hexagon backdrop accented by florals was the focal point for the ceremony. Rectangular arrangements were affixed to the top and left points, while a large circular arrangement was elevated in the bottom right corner. Pennco Designs made a clear, acrylic welcome sign that was situated to the left of the focal point. The gold, infinity Ava dining chairs with deep-seated ivory cushions gave the space a polished look. The natural light bounced off the metal creating soft a shimmer, and the dark, hardwood floors were in contrast to all the all gold elements. The depth and richness of the floor anchored the space allowing the other elements to shine through. Some of my favorite ceremony shots captured the bride and groom through the opening in the back of the chair. The solo shots of the bride show the fullness of her dress and the asymmetrical layers in the skirt and train. The post-ceremony shots of the seated bride and standing groom project strength, love, and pure joy.

AN ELEGANT TABLESCAPE

For the tablescape, pink, white, and toffee roses were used to create a romantic setting. Sincerely PS Events And Design created the floral arrangements and provided the rentals. The large floral centerpiece was placed on a glass trumpet vase flanked by smaller arrangements in gold pedestal vases. A few rose accents were incorporated as well. The mix of high and low arrangements added dimension, and the greenery and table linen added texture. When I saw the terrain blush linen at Select Event Group, it was love first sight; the metallic foil print was just the right amount of pizazz without being overstated, and it paired well with the simple blush napkins. The gold chargers, flatware, and rimmed glasses added warmth and enhanced the other items around it. The menu cards, as well as the invitation suite, were designed by Devine Designs By Diesha. The cake was a classic 3-tiered wedding cake with distressed gold leaves and roses from Bouche Cakes. Poetic Potions provided a custom drink for the bride and groom.

• Cakes & Catering: Bouche Cakes
• Custom Cocktail: Poetic Potions
• Event Planning & Design: Starvel Drake
• Hair, Makeup & Beauty: Leona Emm Beauty
• Hair, Makeup & Beauty: Elizabeth Mone'T
• Paper Goods & Calligraphy: Devine Designs By Diesha
• Rentals: Sincerely PS Events And Design
• Rentals: Select Event Group
• Signage: Pennco Designs
• Venues: Canopy by Hilton Baltimore Harbor Point
• Wedding Dresses: Cherie Sustainable Bridal
• Wedding Photographers: Megapixels Media