Oh, this shoot.

What began as a plan to do a few headshots for Ashlee, who owns Simply Roses Florist, quickly evolved into one of the most beautiful styled shoots I’ve ever seen. (Apparently, Wedding Chicks agreed that it was quite beautiful, since they featured this shoot yesterday.)

If we were going to do some head shots for a florist, it would make sense to have flowers, Ashlee reasoned. If were were going to have some flowers, we might as well have a full-blown tablescape. If we were going to the trouble of a tablescape, it would be a great idea to have a couple model as our bride and groom. If we were having a bride and groom, we would need a wedding gown. And hairstyling, and makeup. Oh, and we wouldn’t want to forget a show-stopping cake!

When everything came together for Ashlee’s concept — fruitful and abundant, “because that’s what we want our lives to be,” she said — it looked like this. Spectacular.

The flowers Ashlee styled so creatively were lush and sumptuous, and the color palette was just dreamy. Sherri’s cake was truly perfection. When I first saw the table, I literally gasped.Do you recognize Erena and Jesse, one of our 2014 wedding couples?!Gorgeous cake, gorgeous couple — gorgeous everything! I might as well just stop interjecting my thoughts, or this post is going to be nothing but synonyms for “gorgeous!”This Enzoani gown from A Bridal Boutique for the Girls was just the perfect choice for Erena, and for the soft, elegant look Ashlee wanted to create.The china, glassware, and flatware all actually came from Ashlee’s own home and family and friends.I loved what Tiffany did with Erena’s makeup — so sophisticated and warm and perfect for an autumn bride.Noelle pulled together such a perfect, unfussy updo. The braid added just the right touch!So perfect, you two!Don’t you just want each of these floral arrangements on your mantle? The colors and textures worked together so harmoniously.
Yes. Just yes.
And all the pros who made this gorgeous afternoon happen! (Minus Danny, who took the picture.)

Clockwise from top left: Tiffany Deegan, Sherri Meyers, Noelle Rodriguez, Mandy Hancock, Terry Miller, me, Ashlee Roberson.. . . and Ashlee with her flowers, and Sherri tending to her cake.It was so much fun being a part of this! Thanks to everyone who brought this afternoon to life, and to Wedding Chicks for the feature. I’m looking forward to the next styled shoot!

~ Laura

The pros:

Design, flowers, furniture, and place settings: Ashlee from Simply Roses Florist
Cake: Sherri from The Pastry Studio
Gown: Mandy and Terry from A Bridal Boutique for the Girls
Gown designer: Enzoani
Hairstyling: Noelle Rodriquez
Makeup: Tiffany from Makeup by Tiffany
Models: Erena and Jesse Manis
Photography: Laura Yang Photography