Fresh and Feminine Editorial at The Gables

When Vanessa Renae Photography first reached out to me about creating an early summer editorial at the brand new venue The Gables, I was on board immediately. The venue is an absolutely gorgeous, newly built facility in Southern Manitoba, which has been so beautifully designed and constructed. I couldn’t wait to get to work!

Vanessa sent me just a couple of inspiration pictures, and I knew right away that I wanted to design an earthy, feminine, and fresh aesthetic that would bridge the rustic barn-like setting with a romantic feel.

I really, really love using locally grown flowers and so I was determined to use 100% locally grown product for this editorial. Why? Not only are the flowers more ruffled, scented, and variegated in colour, focusing on locally grown flowers is also far better for the environment and for our local economy. I’m able to support local farms at the same time as eliminating packaging waste, lowering shipping fuels, and lessening chemical usage.

Bridal Bouquet Ingredients: peonies, ranunculus, foxglove, lisianthus, phlox, sweet pea, yarrow, and poppies with a touch of brown ninebark foliage.

Every year there comes that hazy, lazy time when summer has really just started, the vibe is great, and everything feels fresh and full of possibility. And when you live in a climate that is covered with snow for 5-6 months of the year, you REALLY want to celebrate in that perfect window of time.

I worked with Leech Letter Co from Brandon (she’s actually one of my former wedding clients!) on this gorgeous stationery suite.

When working on the design plan, I wanted to highlight the gorgeous wood tones of the venue, so I chose to keep the overall colour palette feminine and earthy: taupe, yellow gold, peach, salmon, blush, touches of brown, and focused on placing a ton of florals on the table.

Want to design this table alongside me? Download my Design Guide here!

The cross-back chairs add that somewhat rustic feel, which was complimented by the natural textures in the stationery, soft fringe in the napkin, and pottery vases.

When it came to selecting the rentals, I knew that I wanted to keep the place settings sleek and clean. C&T Rentals’ Lilly place settings were just the right choice, with their simple, modern lines and minimal lip.

I love working with coloured candles, and for this table, I chose 2 tones: sandstone and toffee. I wanted the candles to emphasize the earthy side of my design, and loved the warmth these neutral tones brought to the tablescape.

My favourite images are the glowing early evening portraits on the expansive lawns and meadow (secret: that meadow is actually a small sheep pasture!).

Thank you so much to Ashley from The Gables for hosting us — your space is mesmerizing and I look forward to coming back!

The Gables Wedding Barn ~ Vanessa Renae Photography ~ Stone House Creative ~ Leech Letter Co ~ Adrianna Papell from Christie’s Bridal ~ Mokada ~ Mrs Box ~ Ashley Lauren from Nikki’s Beauty Bar ~ Emily Leiding from Nikki’s Beauty Bar ~ C&T Rentals

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Want to be part of the next portfolio builder?

June 12, 2021 is the date and registration is NOW OPEN!

This is a day exclusively for photographers and videographers who are looking to build their portfolio and attract their dream clients. You’ll find an expertly planned and thoughtfully designed styled shoot and bridal editorial created to give you the time and space to get inspired, explore, try new things, and hone in on your skills in a one-of-a-kind outdoor setting.

Whether you’ve been in business for several years already or if you’re just starting out, or maybe you’re thinking about branching out to offer video services to your already established photography business, the Portfolio Builder is the right fit for you.

And let’s be honest…after the dumpster fire that was 2020 and that 2021 is turning out to be so far, we all need some inspiration.

Christine and Brent's Wedding at The Gates on Roblin

Christine's bridal bouquet was one of my absolute favourites of the year! It was just so much fun to put together. I chose so many fantastic flowers for her, and she loved everything ruffly and girly. It was such a pleasure to be a part of this wedding! Oh, and seriously - not that I need to point it out because I'm sure that every one will already see it...but how hot is this bridal party!? Special thank you to Curtis from Moore Photography for the great images!

PS An extra special congratulations to Christine and Brent whose next big adventure is parenthood! 

Bridal Bouquet Ingredients: peonies, garden roses, ranunculus, spray roses, astilbe, Queen Anne's Lace, baby's breath, and eucalyptus. 

Photos: Moore Photography ~ Linens: Planned Perfectly ~ Venue: The Gates on Roblin

Christine found a really cute assortment of white lanterns, which we accented with a simple greenery wreath and a few pops of light pink floral.

Brunch-Inspired Wedding Inspiration at Cielo's Garden

It's time for a little more colour and a lot of fun! Emily from Feast & Festivities created this adorable tablescape at our recent styled photoshoot day, co-hosted by Stone House Creative and Host Winnipeg. I provided the florals, going a little bolder with brighter pinks and I had a lot of fun with this design. Emily brought it all together with some cute DIYs (mini pancakes, anyone?) and her signature, fantastic style. 

Emily also styled an ADORABLE bridal session, which you'll see at the end of this post. I love how her personal style shows though in that cute hat! And, I just loved the bouquet that I designed for this. Sometimes, all of the flowers just go into the right places and it comes together really nicely - that was the case here!

Photos: Victoria Anne Photography | Event Design: Feast & Festivities | Floral Design: Stone House Creative | Venue: Cielo's Garden | Bridal Gown: Bliss Bridal Boutique | Makeup: Makeup Expressions by Rimpal | Hair: Krystle Taylor | Model: Vanessa Kolthof

Matt and Amanda's Spring Wedding at Cielo's Garden

Early June is amazing time for flowers - all of your favourites are available. Peonies, tulips, iris - plus, it's the perfect time to indulge in a palette of pastels! Matt and Amanda's wedding at Cielo's Garden was in early June on one of the most lovely days imaginable.

I loved working with Amanda on her flowers. She let me play with her pastel palette, so we used the most amazing soft pink hydrangea, light pink peonies, butter yellow stock, lavender stock and freesia, white and yellow iris, and delicious Queen Anne's Lace. I also tucked in Solomon's Seal and eucalyptus foliage. 

I love these photos from Rachwal Photography!

I had been looking forward to this ceremony design for months. Amanda was open to whatever I suggested, and I had been wanting to suspend a garland from the open ceiling of Cielo's chapel for a long time. I added in a floral spotlight in the same pastel tones in her bouquet, and later I found out that throughout the ceremony, butterflies were attracted to the flowers. Isn't that beautiful?

The long farm tables at the reception were laid with Italian Ruscus stems, with loose blooms tucked in throughout the length of the tables. I loved the taper candles and other accents that Amanda selected.

Peony Bridal Bouquet - Karen and Chris' Engagement

Karen and Chris just got married at the beginning of October, but they chose to have their engagement session in early summer. And you know what that means...peony season! Karen asked me to create a simple floral crown for her, and when a good friend told me I could help myself to all the peonies in her garden, I knew I had to design a bouquet for her, too. And really, is there anything lovelier than a garden-grown peony?

Thank you to Rachwal Photography for these gorgeous photos!