Fall Orchard Inspiration Shoot

For the second year in a row, Kellie Hetler from Hetler Photography and I brought our heads together to celebrate our favorite time of year. Fall! I love everything about fall: the smell in the air, the crisp leaves under foot and of course, apples! There could be no better place to shoot an inspiration shoot based on fall then an apple orchard! And with all of the amazing props from Ami at Something Borrowed Vintage Staging & Rentals, it really came together!

Instead of putting the bride in a traditional dress we opted for a tulle skirt and blouse combination for the ceremony look and switched her over to a blue jean shirt and scarf for the reception. It was such a unique but beautiful look for the bride. Plus, she was comfortable in it, especially in this outdoor setting.

For the ceremony backdrop we utilized the apple orchard and it's natural "aisles". I strung picture frames across the aisle and kept it simple by adding a few apple crates and floral arrangements.

The classic aqua colored truck acted as our dessert and beverage table. The beautiful cake was the centerpiece on the tailgate surrounded by crates, apples, flowers and a drink dispenser of tea. The mismatch of ideas and all of the textures and dimensions really made this aspect of the shoot fun.

These amazing invitations by Blue Tulip Design are burned into wood, yes that's right, wood!

We really wanted to keep things simple, casual and intimate for this shoot. I came up with the idea to do a picnic theme for the reception with a small twist of inspiration from tailgating. Everything from the vintage picnic baskets, plaid blankets, and Thermos' really brought it all together. With not having true "tables" we decided to use the giant red balloons as the table numbers, they helped to add some extra color and also height to the picnic area. To set the bride and groom's table apart we used a small low table and created a sweetheart table for them. Following through on the theme we used pillows instead of chairs at the sweetheart table. I loved the old church windows that were hung behind this table, it really helped it to be a focal point in the large space.

Need a handkerchief for the ceremony? So cute!

Planning and Design (and Floral) - Red Heels Events
Photography - Hetler Photography
Vintage Props - Something Borrowed Vintage Staging & Rentals
Cake - The Cakabakery
Invitations - Blue Tulip Design
Hair & Makeup - Helena DeYoung's Hair Outreach
Tulle Skirt - Dark Pony Designs

The Shoot - The Tablescape

The biggest focus of the inspiration shoot for me was the tablescape. I wanted it to look elegant but comfortable, detailed filled but not overwhelming. The harvest table and mismatched chairs were provided by Refunction Junktion. 

Images by Hetler Photography

We did not want to cover up the great look of the table with a full linen so we added a simple lace runner down the center.

I wanted to incorporate multiple textures and shades of metallic into the place setting, which started by using copper colored chargers as the base. I bought glass plates and spray painted the backside with a gold metallic (this way the front is still  food safe and shiny glass). To top it off I used a cut glass scalloped edge plate which made the whole thing shine under the lights. Mix and match vintage silverware from Refunction Junktion and clear crystal water and champagne glasses completed the look. A branch of bittersweet, cut from vines on the property, added an extra pop of color. 

One of my favorite pieces was the tall galvanized lantern in the center of the table. It was a great statement piece that gave the table decor perfect height. We scattered mercury glass votive holders around on the table, some sitting on birch tree slices, as well as pillar and taper candles, mini pumpkins, and amber glass cups filled with flowers. 

The centerpieces from Eastern Floral were the crowning jewels of our tablescape. They were filled with so many textures, dimensions and colors and were the perfect size for the table. 

The barn was a little dark so I wanted to bring in extra light. We created a rustic chandelier out of an old wheel found in the barn and strung it up using an old wooden pulley and rope. I strung lights from the wheel and created a draped look above the table, it added the light we needed but also an extra sparkle. 

Kellie was brave and went upstairs in the barn to get this overhead shot. It is by far one of my favorites!

The Shoot - The Flowers

From seeing his prior work, I knew that Skeeter Parkhouse from Eastern Floral in Grand Haven had amazing talent. The morning of the shoot, Skeeter arrived with his van and when he opened the back doors, my jaw nearly hit the ground. Needless to say, I was stunned! Everything from the centerpieces to the bouquet to the aisle decorations was more than I had even dreamed of. The combinations of color and texture were breathtaking and absolutely perfect.

All images taken by Hetler Photography

I mean...seriously! This is not color enhanced!

The boutonniere: garden rose, berries, wheat and fiddle fern. Beautiful, yet, masculine.

The aisle arrangements fit into the scenery perfectly. With the vases full of rocks and water it pulled the pond into the decor. The wheat added a harvest touch and the flowers a pop of color and romance. 

The centerpieces were amazing. From every angle you found something different and unique to catch your eye. They added so much dimension to the tablescape and pulled all of the pieces together.

 

 Loved these little orange pumpkins! Skeeter said they are literally called "Pumpkins on a Stick"! Too cute!

Skeeter left us extra flowers to tuck in where needed and we used them all. Putting them in containers and small vases on the table, into this wooden box on the "welcome" table and even in votive holders on the dessert buffet.

Skeeter went above and beyond for us on this shoot. He took the ideas I gave him and expanded them in incredible ways. I cannot thank him enough and highly recommend him!

Skeeter Parkhouse
Eastern Floral - Grand Haven
556 N Beaccon Blvd
Grand Haven, MI
(616) 842-4340
skeeter.parkhouse@easternfloral.com