Project Wedding Blog

An engagement session so nice we had to feature it twice! After kicking off the celebration with bubbly St. Germain cocktails (see the first part of their shoot here), Colin and Masha slipped into some fancier duds and stepped out onto the streets of Brooklyn. Stylist Jenna Cantagallo rocked the glamorous, easy-going vibe, while photographer Amber Gress was on hand to capture the magic.

Here, the pair – who met at a party in Manhattan’s Lower East Side – strikes a few dramatic poses in front of a classic brownstone rowhouse. It’s darn near impossible to not love their unique vibe of easygoing glamour. We’re swooning over their style selections, from Masha’s sequined one-shoulder cocktail dress to Colin’s crushed velvet blazer (both sourced from their very own closets).

Congrats again to the gorgeous couple, and many thanks to Amber for sharing these amazing photos with us!

PS—To kick off 2013, Amber is offering a limited number of free engagement sessions to couples based in or traveling to the New York City area during the month of February. Find more details on her blog.  Let’s just say, we’d make the trip to jump on that opportunity!

Photos by Amber Gress Photography • Styling by Jenna Cantagallo • Colin’s Boutonniere by Kelly Cobb of 2h Flowers • Makeup by Morgan Gates

Tags: Brooklyn engagement, engagement session, glamorous, sequin, velvet blazer.

We pride ourselves in being avid admirers of the exceptionally creative. So when we spotted Colin and Masha’s colorful, cocktail-making engagement session- set in an intimate backyard garden in Brooklyn, naturally- we jumped at the opportunity to share. A supremely talented watercolor illustrator, Masha created the save the dates that inspired the shoot. The playful nature of the pair comes through in her lush painting style and in the uniquely charming details of the session. Did we mention how incredibly beautiful they both are?  They’re radiating some gorgeous inner love light, big time. Get ready to swoon over these photographs styled by Jenna Cantagallo and captured by Amber Gress!

Model/actor Colin served his bride-to-be a refreshing “love potion” cocktail (St. Germain, gin, tonic water, pomegranate seeds, and a mint garnish) in vintage wine glasses hand-dipped in gold by Jenna.  Sarah Dorkin whipped up darling heart shaped cookies to satisfy the couple’s sweet tooth, and Kelly of 2h Flowers peppered their vintage chic tablescape with aster and gomphrena blooms. A self-professed style maven, Masha complimented her ravishing red, flamenco-style frock with gilded flower bobby pins and her stunning cluster engagement ring.

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Tags: artsy, brooklyn, cluster engagement ring, creative engagement session idea, gold, pomegranate, signature cocktail, vintage, watercolor save the date.

I can’t tell you how in love with this portrait session I am.  The couple?  So gorgeous. The flowers?  Stunning. That Reem Acra gown?  Totally dreamy.  Joel Bedford did such an incredible job with this one.  Mat and Shannon have been together for a very long time (since 1999)!  and they married in a destination wedding a few years back.  After having their first son, Beau, and returning to Ottawa- the city where they met- it was the perfect time to relive the wedding experience. Justyna and Joel took the lead producing a romantic, luxe portrait session for them.  Feast your eyes, friends…

Michelle VandenBosch designed the stunning textured bouquet of orchids, cock’s comb and dahlias. It’s downright one of the most beautiful fall bouquets I’ve ever laid eyes on.   Shannon’s side braid was accented by a few pretty blooms creating a look of relaxed, natural luxury. 

A big thanks to Justyna and Joel… and many congratulations to Shannon and Mat on thirteen years together!

(Read more of their love story down below)…

Photography by Joel Bedford Weddings

Florals by Permanent Petals by Michelle VandenBosch

Bridal Gown by Reem Acra from The White Dress

Hair and Make-up by Danika Gagnon

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Tags: bouquet, crimson, fall, Film, film wedding photography, Joel Bedford, Reem Acra, romantic, ruby, rustic.

With a ceremony as gorgeous as that, it’s only reasonable that a dream-come-true ‘reception’ followed.  Never have the classic pair of roses and candlelight looked so fresh and contemporary while fully emanating romance at its absolute best.  

{The luxe, love-filled invitation: Designed by Paper Bloom and Adorned with a rich accent of Midori ribbon.} 

When Erich and Amy McVey happened upon the beautiful grounds and incredible, light-filled solarium at the Historic Deepwood Estate in their hometown of Salem, Oregon, they instantly knew it was the perfect setting for the romantic vision.  (That checkered floor?  So. amazing).  Our stylist and floral designer extraordinaire, Stephanie Major of Petalos, knew just what to do.  She paired a vintage farm table with sophisticated gold chiavari chairs from West Coast Event Production, and created a table design that perfectly captured a ‘luxe romance meets contemporary beauty’ feel.

‘It was important to me that the floral

didn’t over power the design of the table settings–napkins, antique

champagne flutes, rustic farm table, etc.  I elevated the primary

centerpiece element in order to do this.  To continue with the organic

textural quality from the bouquet, I incorporates deflexus to bring in

a draped feel to the arrangement.  I used a variety of roses,

reflexing a few, to bring in another textural quality.  I used

white roses petals to create a runner and nestled a collection of

brass candlesticks and gold votives to illuminate the table. ’ ~Petalos

Laying eyes on the floating centerpiece was like falling in love.  The rest of the tabletop was equally exquisite, including crimson-scripted escort cards and calligraphy-printed napkins by Neither Snow.

Nicole, looking ravishing in a Lazaro gown and crimson lip was the picture of utter bridal beauty against a backdrop of romantic bliss.

{Makeup and Hair Styling by Christine Shields}

Naturally, the story wasn’t complete without paying homage to one of the greatest loves of all: puppy love!  Callie, a Newfoundland pup, sat so pretty for pictures in her custom floral collar.  

Out amongst the lush landscape of the Deepwood Estate, this little forest nook begged to be photographed. A perfect place for cake!  Erin Fale of Sugarhouse Cake embellished the poetry theme with subtle ivory script and garden rose accents on a stunning three tiered cake.  This regal marble table from Peter Corvallis fit beautifully with the luxe feel of the afternoon.

With no detail overlooked, nothing other than a timeless favor would do for an intimate setting like this.  We sourced leather bound journals from Hinged Strung Stitched to complete the vision.

{See the Full Gallery Here}

I can’t thank this amazing team enough.

xoxo

Photos by Erich McVey Photography

Design and Florals by Petalos

Bridal Gown by Lazaro

Models: Nicole and Kamyar from Option Models & Media

Creative Direction by Katelin Gallagher

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Tags: candlelight, crimson, Elegant, gold, love poetry, reception, romance, sophisticated.