Rustic weddings have become pretty popular over recent years, and brides and grooms' penchants for barn venues, bare tables, and organic floristry are set to continue for years to come.
But the thing about rustic weddings is that they often don't have quite the elegance or formality a lot of couples look for in an event as special as their wedding day.
Today's inspiration shoot shows us how to have rustic style, refinement AND romance all in one, with gorgeous photography by Christy Wilson Photography and styling by Elizabeth Ulrich Design.
Rustic weddings with an abundant, yet natural feel, can also be tricky to pull off in winter (a season more associated with either starkness or sparkle) so this shoot will give you lots of gorgeous ideas, with luxe fruits, beautiful blooms, elegant style and creative decor.
But why would we tell you all about about the shoot, when we hand you over to the stylist herself, the talented Elizabeth of Elizabeth Ulrich Design to share a little more about the concept behind it?
From the Stylist
When I teamed up with the shoot's photographer, Christy Wilson, we were inspired by the rustic grandeur that truly sets the South apart – the beauty of mature magnolia trees and the opulence of grand Southern estates mixed with reclaimed barnwood and rustic stone structures.
We knew the charm and look of Homestead Manor would be the perfect choice for the luxe and refined rustic aesthetic we love.
The grounds at Homestead Manor are a preserved oasis surrounded by lush green grass and gentle hills that define the landscape.
The jewels of the venue are the antebellum manor itself, a 4,000-square-foot plantation style home built in 1819 that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and the barn, which is modeled after a 1930s equestrian stable.
The refinement of the manor and the rustic-meets-elegant barn—with its soaring ceiling, that towering fireplace and the dramatic chandelier—provided the perfect blend of richness and rusticity that set the tone for the styling.
From the billowy lace used throughout the styling and the light, dreamy textiles in the bridal suite to the rich raspberry tones, fruit and lush florals by The Farmer's Florist that lined our sweetheart tablescape, we worked to bring plenty of soft, romantic touches to the rustic wood and stone elements of the manor.
The result was a luxurious mix of hard and soft, a style that always inspires us.
So many pretty ideas. It's great to see how creative you can be with rustic weddings in winter – they don't just have to be summer or fall affairs.
That naked cake is so elegant, and the tablescaping adds such a regal twist on the rustic style, don't you think? The pink florals are really lovely too, and pretty rare for this time of year.
Thanks so much to Christy Wilson Photography, Elizabeth Ulrich Design and the rest of their crack team of vendors for sharing this inspiring shoot.
Be inspired by more Real Weddings + Styled Shoots.
