After The Pop-up Wedding, I sat down with Kari Bedford from Knot Planning for a debrief on the event.  Kari said something really interesting that stuck with me.  Wedding blogs today are filled with styled wedding shoots, designed to inspire brides when planning their own weddings.  Kari mentioned that she frequently has to “talk brides down” from the lofty design aspirations they see on Pinterest.

As a photographer and stylist, I love photographing editorial shoots with over-the-top florals, detail laden tables and runway-worthy fashions.  But like haute couture fashion, many styled shoots are one-of-a-kind and not easily replicated by a bride with a budget.  Big style is created on a small scale, to stretch our imaginations.  If budget isn’t an issue, then great, Go Nuts!  If it is, my recommendation is to scan the images and identify a take-home message.  Maybe you can adopt the colour scheme, the floral design or glean unique wedding favour ideas.

Kari added that the nice thing about the Kate Spade-inspired decor at The Pop-up Wedding, was the fact that it was high impact yet completely doable for many couples.  Because it was short and sweet, Kari looked for event decor that worked with this timing but was still eye-catching.  Apart from the bride and groom, the show stoppers that day were the sparkly, gold linens from Special Event Rentals.  Between those and the dramatic spirit chairs (also from Special Event Rentals), an elegant yet playful tone was set.

Calgary wedding shoot vs. real wedding

The bistro tables were adorned either with colourful macaron towers from Yann Haute Patisserie or cheery arrangements from Fleurish Flower Shop.  The macaron towers also doubled as wedding favours.

The mantle of the fireside room at Kensington Riverside Inn was layered spring blooms including tulips and hydrangeas, also from Fleurish Flower Shop.

Brides, I know that Knot Planning, or any of the vendors from The Pop-up Wedding, would love to help you create inspiring wedding decor, whatever your budget.

Calgary wedding shoot photographer:  Tara Whittaker
Boutique hotel and wedding venue:  Kensington Riverside Inn
Wedding Planner – Kari Bedford from Knot Planning
Floral Design – Fleurish Flower Shop
Patisserie – Yann Haute Patisserie
Event Rentals:  Special Event Rentals