Cotton + Pearl Lakeside Wedding Photographer Inspiration Shoot
Minnesota summers are spent alongside some of the greatest lake views. Is there a better way to celebrate your love than with a lakeside wedding and boat getaway? This elopement-style inspiration shoot was focused on the idea of Cotton and Pearls. As a Lakeside Wedding photographer, I LOVED this. What we love about these two elements is the sheer whimsicalness of the two. Pearls are timelessly elegant, with a nautical element perfect for your lakeside wedding day. In contrast, cotton adds a delicate softness and a touch of whimsy to your wedding day florals that perfectly complements the natural characteristics of the pearl. Read Minnesota Bride Magazine’s Feature Here!
LAKESIDE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER | ALEXANDRA ROBYN PHOTO + DESIGN
We were originally inspired by soft blue hues balanced with neutrals. We hoped to create timeless elegance for this summer wedding. The natural softness of the cotton perfectly balanced the whimsical feel of the twig and greenery garland. It is completely unexpected to pair cotton with greenery instead of pampas grass or other dried florals. First, we wanted to create a truly fresh approach to wedding garlands. And while we love greenery as much as the next bride, we see branches as the future trend. Above all, talented florists can incorporate additional elements such as twigs, branches, and maybe even cotton, into the arrangements for a wow factor.
The Florals
Daisy Co Floral Boutique is most known for her whimsical wedding arrangements and boldness when it comes to florals. You can utilize floral branches, twigs, and delicate sprays in bouquets, installations, and even adorning wedding cakes in the most artful way possible. We predict this will be the next big wedding industry trend and are completely embracing it. She used a combination of White Roses, Ranunculus, Larkspur, Queen Anne’s lace, and Carnations. Branches, Cotton, and curly Willows added the touch of whimsy we were looking for.
While table garlands are a popular trend, we wanted to really draw the eye in. To do this, we created an elevated centerpiece to accentuate the cotton, making it more of a focal point.
The Little Details
For the invitations, Epitome Papers’ design team wanted to incorporate the cotton and pearls theme along with the lakeside Wayzata venue. Subtle embossing of organic dots into soft, cotton paper mimics both of those elements. We chose bold fonts and paired them with specially embossed paper. Together, these elements perfectly complemented the subdued, yet quintessential summer colors for a stunning stationery kit. Custom illustrations are a popular choice for creating a statement element on Invitations, and a trend we all hope doesn’t go away! Epitome Paper hand-illustrated a boat that matched the couple’s getaway boat, giving guests a little insight into the night’s festivities.
You probably know that diamonds are the most popular stone for engagement rings. Pearls symbolize grace and luxury, which perfectly matched the style of the Kelly Faetanini Gown chosen by Che Bella.
The Tablescape & Lounge
At Lakeside Weddings + Events we are seeing a trend of couples choosing whimsical, intimate weddings, and adding a twist by having them on the beach. They are choosing to have a simple ceremony with only a few guests against a tranquil lakeside background. After the ceremony, the couple and their guests enjoy a cocktail hour amongst the serene rolling waves. We designed the lounge area with neutral ivories. A Family Affair provided these gorgeous rentals. Velvet fabrics will be a trend we will continue to see used anywhere from bridesmaids’ dresses to table linens.
Lakeside Photographer Dreams
The stunning ivory floral arrangements added to the look of elegance. Next, the couple proceeds to their sweetheart table for a small private dinner along the lakeshore. To keep the vision of nautical whimsy, I used blue and white linens. Daisy Co Floral Boutique provided a lush swag dramatically draped across the table continuing the look of floral, twigs, and cotton. For a romantic ambiance, lanterns were placed at the foot of the table. The best part of an intimate lakeside wedding is the romantic getaway with your beloved by boat.
The Cake
If you’re on the search for a way to add intrigue to your wedding cake, this is the look for you. Sugardust & Sprinkles crafted this ombre sweetheart cake with a contemporary style in mind. It’s the perfect addition to any Lakeside Wedding. And the whimsical blooms were icing on the cake. The couple had a private champagne toast and cake cutting. If you are considering a hybrid elopement, a private champagne toast on the beach could be for you. We think it’s a great way to end the night. And even better is with your new spouse. Can you think of a better end?
The Grand Getaway
Finally, the saddest part. When the night must come to an end, we love the idea of sailing off into the sunset with your love. Manda and Andy kicked off their shoes and got cozy on our boat, the Polish Navy. This lakeside wedding was one meant to inspire. We hope that you read this blog and find creative ways to add some whimsy to your own nautical wedding. The boat getaway could only be described as grand! Enjoy these intimate wedding boat inspiration photos taken by Alexandra Robyn Photo + Design.
Vendor Team:
Planning + Coordinating – @lakesideeventsmn
Concept + Photography – @alexandrarobynphoto
Rentals + Styling – @afa.eventstyling
Florals – @daisycoflorals + @_heytherecupcake
Bridal Dress – @chebellaboutique
Stationary – @epitomepapers
Hair – @michelledunlap.design
Makeup – @blendbynatalie
Cake – @sugardustandsprinkles
Venue – @hotellanding
Ring Box – @the_mrs_box
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