Written Desires - An Elegant & Luxurious Editorial at Dover Hall Estate
Dover Hall Estate just jumped up to the top of my favorite venues list (and let me say, this list is not easy to get onto) but after seeing (aka staring at for an extended period of time) these pics by Fine Art Curation members David Abel and Lustre Theory, I'm sold. Stately and elegant, it was the perfect backdrop to this luxuriously elegant wedding inspiration, and it's giving me all sorts of happy feelings. See all the details, high end bridal fashion and stunning cinematography from Michael Lemley Films below...
From Stylist, Lustre Theory: "Elegance, Luxury and Refinement. These are three words I would use to describe this wedding editorial at Dover Hall Estate. Shot on film, David Abel’s images are romantic and moving with a focus on diversity and the beauty from within. Diversity within the couple but also within the vendors I selected for the shoot. Many coming from other countries and different backgrounds.
Dover Hall Estate is a venue that gives you the feeling of being at a fabulous location in Europe. But is located right outside of Richmond, Virginia in the USA. Providing a very high level of service for all their wedding couples.
The shoot story moves us through the bride’s day. As she gets ready in her first bridal look. She finds a letter from her groom full of his desires for their life together. She runs out to meet him as he arrives to their wedding with the most beautiful white and grey horse.
There is a gown change as they move to their lavishly designed reception. Each gown is styled with couture bridal accessories. Including a custom silk neck bow and a handmade floral headpiece by Colombian jewelry designer, Yajaira Ramirez.
The gowns from Naeem Khan are hand detailed with embroidery and ostrich feathers.
The ballroom details were all carefully chosen to complement the creative direction. Velvet mauve linens paired with gold flatware and ornate drinking glasses. Even though the dinnerware chosen for the settings is very detailed I specifically selected white plates so they would pop against the darker linens and floral designs on the table. I especially love that floral print napkin from Nuage Designs.
The carved fireplace in the ballroom was imported from an estate in Scotland and it towers above you. I knew we would need a very large floral accent to even make a visual dent with the mantel and the floral designer did an amazing job creating a floral feast for your eyes with an installation on the top left and lower right.
The cake vignette has flowing drape that cascades down off the gold table. The design elements on this table reflect the main reception table styling. With fall and winter themed fruits, black wax candles and of course the handmade sugar floral cake from Cakes by Angela Morrison. She created the perfect textured mauve cake.
I can’t stop looking at the stationery and smaller fashion details for this shoot. The stationery was created by Crimson Letters out of England and are rich in gold and black detailing. They show a true command of fine art calligraphy and painted design work. I chose a blue velvet styling mat so the floral colors and other details would pop. Those orchids are everything!"
vendor details
Photographer: David Abel | Film Lab: Richard Photo Lab | Stylist / Planner: Lustre Theory | Floral Designer: Olivera Floral Design | Dress Designer: Naeem Khan | Rentals: Maison De Carine | Accessories: Yajaira Ramirez | Venue: Dover Hall Estate | Cake Designer: Cakes by Angela Morrison | Hair: Amberly Boyer | Videography: Michael Lemley Films | MUA: Captivating Complexion | Talent: Haley Robinson & Joshua Smoot | Menswear: The Black Tux | Bridal Shoes: Bella Belle Shoes | Rings: Susie Saltzman | Stationery Design: Crimson Letters | Linens: Nuage Designs | Table Chair Rental: Rent-E-Quip | Cake Table + Brass Candle Sticks: Mad Hatter Vintage Rentals
