Aurora + Finn: A Dark Fairy Tale
All photos courtesy of Jenn Spain for Rawtography
Smoke, woods, winter, and romance are the perfect ingredients for this Dark Fairy Tale shoot. The visionary behind this artistic endeavor: Jenn Spain of Rawtography. She dreamed up the idea and assembled a talented team, in addition to finding an engaged couple to authentically share their love story.
Provenance Rentals enthusiastically jumped on board. We provided props, furnishings, and styling. We were ecstatic to do something different; something that has that je ne sais quoi. As much as we love the romantic vintage look, and do we love the feminine shabby chic, we were spellbound and wanted to stretch our muscles to showcase our range. A Dark Fairy Tale was the opportunity to do so.
To illustrate Aurora + Finn's passion, names Mari of Holiday Celebrate Events devised, we staged three distinct vignettes. The first was the sweetheart table, a reloved drop leaf, weathered table from the 1960's, which we adorned with our gold flatware, vintage goblets, custom-made Mr & Mrs signs in brush script calligraphy with a black asphalt-like paint on old barn wood for the chair backs, real antlers, and our brass candlesticks of varying heights and sizes. Provenance Rentals believes that objects are intimately tied to history, beauty, and our identities. We seek unique items to transmit a personal message.
All of this came together because of successful collaboration. For the tablescape, we worked with Burlap & Rose Weddings, Mwokaji Cakery, and Holiday Celebrate Events: professionals at the top of their game. Florals included dahlias, black calla lilies, and all sorts of greenery. The cake was not only showstopping with gold-leaf macarons and pomegranates, it tasted sublime. The stationery was a gothic typeface that was fitting, yet elegant.
Our second design was the crate display. We styled our collection of rustic crates, cow skulls, candelabras, mirrors and vanities, skeleton keys, and antique photo albums (courtesy of Ms. Spain). This vignette was my favorite. Photo albums of our ancestors, mirrors reflecting our dreams and desires, and skeleton keys that unlock the past represents the history of this couple's story. Objects live far longer than people; their meaning retains value. Our history ties us to our present and future. Without their past, this couple may not be embracing each other today.
Finally, the piece de resistance was the smoke canister. Ms. Spain made a bold and clever choice. The rich colors transport the viewer into an ethereal world. It's moody and magical. Provenance Rentals installed large and small mirrors on a dramatic tree. Ms. Spain captured Aurora + Finn's glowing reflections amidst the smoke with her photographic skill. These shots displayed the gorgeous eco-friendly black bridal gown and headpiece by Deborah Lindquist, a dapper tuxedo by The Black Tux, jewelry by Princess Jewelers, LA, and the stunning hair and makeup by Diana Campos and The Heart of Makeup.
It was such an enchanting shoot, and successful due to teamwork and creativity. We were lucky to be part of this collaboration, and looking to working with these industry professionals in the future.
Credits: Photography Jenn Spain Rawtography/Jenn Spain Photography | Rentals + Design Provenance Rentals | Florals + Design Burlap & Rose Events and Love Spell Collective | Cake Mwokaji Cakery | Stationery Holiday Celebrate | Gown + Accessories Deborah Lindquist | Tuxedo The Black Tux | Hair Diana Campos | Makeup The Heart of Makeup | Men's Jewelry Princess Jewelers, LA | Models Ari Dee + Matthiu Verlust