Styling a Winter Wonderland

If there has ever been a love of styling, it has been for this time of year.  The problem, however, with Minnesota is that there aren't too many Brides that want to risk the weather {or potential three feet of snow}.

So it comes as no surprise that when one of my favorite and most inspirational photographer friends, Emily Seffen, asked for me to style a shoot in late November, I was elated for the challenge.

The inspiration was soft, romantic, a bit of sparkle, and my only request- snow.  Little did I know that the DAY before the shoot, it would be snowing non-stop and what would normally be a three hour venture to Minneapolis, took five. Five blissful hours of fat snowflakes flying through the air, children signing in the backseat, and the smell of sweet frosting filling the SUV...

First things first, there was a vision of a blue dress.  Yes...blue.  Finding a blue dress proved to be a difficult find.  So while talking with my beautiful friend {who would later become the model for the shoot}, she offered to MAKE my vision {yes, I really do have the greatest friends!}.

The table was the perfect balance of winter from the mercury glass containers and candles to the soft white hydrangea, baby’s breath, and snow.  A statement linen can completely transform a table, so nestled below all of the winter inspired loveliness I brought in a sparkled, deeply textured gray sequined linen.  I also wanted to make sure balance all the ‘frill’ with masculine undertones:  Mahogany chivari chairs, curly willow suspended above the table {along with mercury Christmas globes!}, and cinnamon sticks stuffed into the napkins. 

Ahh, the cake.  A ruffled inspiration, the cake and mini cakes adorned with sugar flowers {resting on antique cake and candle stands} were a focal point of the dessert table.  Accented with a few peppermint patties, dipped pretzel sticks, and s’mores…and it was the perfect winter dessert table waiting for a roasting fire!  The finale was the beautiful stationery that gave just the right touch of gray, blue, and total romance.  The whole shoot was beauty beyond words and had us all falling in love with winter {and winter weddings!} all over again!

You may remember Sheer Elegance from Simply Fabulous: A Wedding Event.

Seriously the BEST girls to have primping you on your wedding day.

My collection of challis's is growing at rapid speed. 

They make amazing containers for little bloom centerpieces.

Divine.  Seriously Brides, if you want a cake that is visually stunning and tastes wonderful, you must talk with Angie at Taylor'd Cakes.  She is true talent.



Have we convinced you to entertain a winter wedding yet?

Dreamy, isn't it?

A very special thank you to all of the talented vendors who helped to make this shoot happen.  Always willing to carry out my visions, you are all so incredibly talented!

Location: Minneapolis Photo Center | Photographer: Emily Steffen Photography {so SO SO good!} |

Styling & Design Concept: Simply Fabulous Events & Design | Florals: Sadie's Floral Design

Dessert Table Design: Simply Fabulous Events & Design | Linens & Chairs: Linen Effects

Cakes: Taylor'd Cakes | Hair & Makeup: Sheer Elegance

Model's Dress: Skirt made by model {yes!} and top by Target {YES!}

Model's Jewels: Simply Fabulous Events & Design | Groom's Attire: Model's own, J. Crew

Models: Brittney Madsen {check out her blog, A Northwood's Wedding- a MUST for Midwest Brides!} and Dave Grube {another amazing photographer friend, check out his work HERE!}