October 20, 2011

REAL WEDDING - SARAH & ALLAN

Two years ago today we received a phone call from a bride named Sarah who wanted to talk about her wedding taking place in Tuscany in September 2010. An in-house meeting took place two days later and instantly I knew we would be working together and that outside creating extraordinary moments on stills & film we would become great friends. Sarah & Allan chose a beautiful villa in Tuscany called Bagno a Ripolo to spend a week with family & friends. It gave them the perfect time to spend precious moments with guests who had travelled from all over the globe to be there.
Sarah's dress was a showstopper by Melissa Sweet (Priscilla of Boston/USA)
The couple chose the historic setting of San Gimignano for their ceremony which took place in the town hall. Every corner of the village was a photo opportunity.
Allan & his groomsmen (including brother Stevie) arrive for the service. Suits by Prinzi Collections (Melbourne).
Finally after 10 years the moment of "i-do" was one filled with excitement & applause.
Our photo shoot started outside the town hall in San Gimignano.
Congratulations took place in the cobblestone courtyard.
Being an art director, Sarah appreciated the option to shoot some of the day on medium format film....for celebrity portrait photographer/Bradley - a dream client!!
The family enjoys a wander around the village and a rest pause for gelato.
This is one of my favourite shots of the day. Sarah's dearest friend from the US cut all the tiny pieces of coloured paper to make confetti for the magical shot.
Loving the black & white on our Mamiya. "Please don't spill the gelato guys!!"
When Sarah first showed me her creative direction mood boards for the day I was gobsmacked. The Alice in Wonderland meets Philippe Starck' theme was like nothing I had ever seen.
Sarah & her sister Melissa enjoying some photos together in the vineyard.
The villa & vineyards around the Chianti region were stunning.
One of our favourite moments on film with Sarah & Allan.
Everywhere you looked in the gardens there were treasures.
Hand picked books were placed amongst the furniture and artworks.
The trees were filled with hanging lanterns, poetry & ribbon.
A cosy nook for a luxurious afternoon rest or a poetry reading perhaps.
The gardens & styling at the 16th Century Villa were filled with antique Italian furniture, flowers and artifacts. The brief was that nothing was to match, candles had to have been burnt with dripping wax, the florals were not too placed. It was the perfect way to capture the atmosphere of an opulent celebration that had been continuing on for many days.
Frames were hung from the branches and mirrors reflected the candlelight.
An antique chair was perfectly positioned with dripping wax, others sit proudly throughout the estate.
Vintage table & rocking chair were set up near the dining marquee.
Closer to the marquee green ribbon was used to hang over a dozen white lanterns.
Guests enjoyed cocktails & canapes accompanied by a live jazz quintet whilst the couple had some last minute photographs under the moonlight.
Some special family portraits for both Allan & Sarah's families.
The bridal party had an amazing few days together exploring the local region with traditional pizza making class, Fiat driving tour through the Tuscan hills, grape crushing & wine tastings.
An elegantly modern setting for the guest book located near the villa.
An imperial dining table was designed to host the elegant seven course dinner party.
The gardens under candlelight was a fairytale setting.
Sarah chose to incorporate three colours into her styling - poppy, baby blue & chartreuse.
The long banquet table set for 50 guests was decorated with wild flowers & candelabras.
All artwork & place setting designs by the bride, Sarah.
The entrance to the secret garden with enchanting view from the villa.
Without a doubt this will be historically remembered amongst our SugarLove & White team as THE most amazing crew table ever. The couple ensured that dinner was served throughout the night on this huge antique Italian table with plush seating fit for royalty.
The entrance to our own private dining table for the evening - quite simply "wow"...
The couples choice of preferred caterers were Convivium Firenze
Speeches were emotional and full of the sentimental stories of the incredible journey Sarah & Allan endured before persistence & fate would bring them back together.
The groom's brother Stevie presents Sarah with a beautiful wedding gift.
The dessert table was super special, red & taupe awnings hung from above over a feast of divine sweet treats. The table was positioned as the perfect link between the marquee and dancing area within the villa.
Sarah & Allan enjoy their first dance with the band as husband & wife.
And lastly one of my favourite intimate shots from this incredible journey we were invited to travel on - Sarah & Allan together under the marquee in Italy. If you would like to see our video produced from Sarah & Allan's wedding visit the "Signature" link at our White Designs site.
Today as i complete this post & in just two days time I am thrilled to be attending Sarah's baby shower to welcome another incredible chapter into her life. From the entire SugarLove & White team we wish Sarah & Allan the sweetest of success and happiness for their life together moving forward, B & L xx

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