Casablanca
The idea behind this shoot was to capture the iconic 1942 Hollywood Glamour that was Humphrey Bogart & Ingrid Bergman in the acclaimed film Casablanca. This romantic drama film, set during WW II, takes place in the French owned island of Morocco, in a small café which was the setting for romance.
The gown for this shoot needed to be as iconic and true the 1940s as the movie itself. The Myrna gown by Betsy Couture is a true-to-period silk champagne gown that epitomizes the glamor of that era. Formfitting & sleek, with a heavily beaded empire bodice that hugs the body to become a fit-and-flare see-through silk chiffon skirt shows just enough leg through the gown to catch your attention. The flowing bell sleeves and the detachable Watteau Cape add the needed drama. Of course, the incredible crown by Amaroq Design was the perfect topping to the 1940s dramatic bride.
The Commercial Club in downtown Salt Lake City was the perfect venue for our recreation of this Moroccan French Café. Casablanca translates as “The White House”, and this is exactly what The Commercial Club is. It provided the right cosmopolitan, Moorish and French Art Deco styled base, and didn’t need anything except palm trees!
Palm trees, bamboo, wicker, wistful flowing linens punctuated with brass wear, old trunks and rattan formed the backbone of the décor. The ornately beautiful Colonial Bamboo china pattern by Lenox, with all its variations of its palm tree motif, soft aqua coloring, and gold bamboo lattice borders, was the perfect selection for this shoot. Creating a bold, beautiful Moroccan tropical jungle on the table tied it all together.
The wicker Queen Anne chairs, sweetheart table, and hoop provided by Rustic Urban Goods brought a soft, elegant jungle feel to the room. It also provided the perfect base for the simple white off-center wedding cake created by Something Frosted SLC.
Flowers by Wishblossom Flowers provided the exotic, luxurious thread of orchids, white tulips and ranunculus that tied everything together. The perfect pairing of these glorious blooms creates the very aura and mood of Casablanca! Orchids are considered a symbol of love, rare beauty, strength, and wealth. White tulips represent purity and honor. When a gentleman bequeaths these to his bride, he shows that he honors her with their symbols of love, rare beauty, respect and quiet strength. Isn't that everything that a bride wants? The beautiful ranunculus represents charm in all of its forms. This gentle flower is a perfect way to say to someone that she is charming, and that you are mesmerized and attracted to her. The crowning touch is the feathery greenery and exotic tropical leaves which complete this old-world charm with divine modern perfection!
Our real-life couple, Mekall & Josh portrayed the Casablanca lovers beautifully and effortlessly. And all was shot beautifully by Julia Mather Photography.
