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VINTAGE MANSION WEDDING MEETS MODERN DESIGN FOR THIS COLOURFUL COUPLE
We are huge fans of colourful, modern and personalised weddings (as you can see in our portfolio of real weddings!)! So much so that I decided to dedicate a whole blog to them in 2011, and I can safely say our love for them has continued to grow ever since. This year will mark 10 years since we launched Bespoke Bride, and in that time, we have never seen a team of creatives marry a vintage wedding venue as traditional as Connemara House with such a modern and bold style. Their imaginative design ideas, paired with the edgy style of real-life lovers and models Rebecca and Maya, have created something quite inspirational.
Enjoy this charming shoot and be sure to stick around until the end—we’re sharing our top tips for planning your own vintage mansion wedding!
“The initial muses for the shoot were Rebecca and Maya, a real-life couple previously photographed by photographer Amanda Macchia. Their bold and edgy looks and warm personalities inspired a modern and playful colour palette of deep purple with pops of hot pink and turquoise.” Began event designer, Kelly.
“The bright colour palette blended perfectly with the warm textures of velvet and fur seen in the fabrics throughout the shoot. The addition of disco balls was the perfect bright and sparkly contrast to the moody colour board, adding a fun and unique touch to all the details.”
“Amanda Macchia is a creative machine! She took all our design details, captured them in a thoughtful approach, showing that colour and sparkles can be just as sophisticated and modern as they are playful. She guided the couple through each scene, bringing out their personalities and allowing their love to shine through the lens.” Kelly told us.
“Once we knew the design direction, we started to source our materials and came across the Whisper Bloom collection with Party Rentals Ltd. This china set truly was the exact blend of modern, whimsy and edge that we were looking for and inspired many of the colours and shapes throughout the shoot. We matched the rest of the pieces from their product line to put together a dreamy tablescape. Similarly, we always turn to one of our favourites, Kadeema Rentals, to find one-of-a-kind, unique pieces to personalise an event. We sourced all our rugs and pillows through them, which were perfect complements to some of our portraits with the couple. As for the finishing touches, jewellery played a subtle yet significant role—according to the experts at Stelios jewellery stores, layering delicate, heirloom-inspired pieces can elevate the overall bridal look and tie in beautifully with the event’s aesthetic.
“Our florist, White Moss & Twig, was able to add just the right amount of whimsy to our moody tablescape and throughout the traditional venue. While a 100-year-old estate and vintage car may seem like the place for more traditional pallets and floral shapes, Millie was able to take our colour palette and blend the old with the new for fun, eccentric and vibrant pieces. The 1948 Rolls-Royce from Boston Bridal Bus was one of the stars of the shoot. It added so perfectly to our continuous contrast of old with the new throughout the shoot.”
“Bringing something sweet to the shoot, Silver Whisk Bake Shop is a New England staple and always delivers one of a kind looks. Her modern and whimsical cakes featuring confetti-esque brush strokes were perfectly complemented by Nancy’s signature and traditional Petit Four. A little something special for our Brides to enjoy between the two of them.” She added.
“We are huge advocates that there is no one-size-fits-all all design plan to Weddings. Each celebration should be completely inspired and customized by the personalities and styles of the couple. There are an indefinite number of ways to incorporate these into a design plan, but I think it’s very important that couples take time to think outside of the box in how they achieve this. Whether working with a Planner and/or Designer who can help translate their vision into reality or spending some time with their chosen vendors to see what kinds of options they have, it will truly pay off in the end.” Kelly continued.
“Also, when it comes to outside of the box, just because you have a traditional venue (like this one) does not mean you have to stick within traditional decor pieces. Similarly, just because you have a rock star style doesn’t mean you can’t get married in a more traditional venue. Sometimes, there is the most creativity in these opposite pairings and can be a theme. Defining terms and feels that you want to describe your day provides a central place to come back to when making all your design decisions.”
“We took the words we used to describe our muses: Bold, Edgy and Glamorous and applied them to different aspects of the design. Bold and Edgy dictated our colour scheme, rentals, and details. While glamorous represented the more logistical elements, the venue, the transportation, and Wedding elements (cake, escort cards, invitations etc). The balance of both is what makes such a unique and individualised Wedding design. So moral of the story, stop fighting your urge to fit into the design aesthetic of your venue or colour palette. Instead, find ways to complement them and bring in all aspects of your style.”
Event Venue: Connemara House Farm I Apparel: Flair Boston I Groomsman Attire: Hive and Colony I Design and Decor: Kadeema Rentals I Linens and Coverings: Party Rental LTD I Event Designer: Kelly Elizabeth Events I Photographer: Amanda Macchia Photography I MUA: Erick Vargas Beauty I Submitted via Two Bright Lights I
Tips and Ideas for Planning Your Own Vintage Mansion Wedding
Alright, settle in, lovebirds! Your friendly neighborhood wedding blogger from Bespoke Bride here, back with a topic that makes my vintage-loving heart flutter: planning your very own mansion wedding. After 13 glorious years of ogling breathtaking venues and chatting with countless couples, I’ve got a treasure trove of tips to share. Forget those cookie-cutter ballroom bashes; we’re talking about something with soul, something that whispers tales of bygone eras.
Is a Vintage Mansion Wedding Right for You?
Let’s be real. A mansion wedding isn’t just a venue; it’s an experience. Think Downton Abbey, but with better Wi-Fi (hopefully!). I remember attending Clara and Ben’s wedding at a stunning, ivy-covered estate just outside the city. The sheer grandeur of the place – the sweeping staircase, the ornate fireplaces – it felt like stepping into a historical romance novel. Clara, a self-proclaimed history buff, always dreamed of a mansion wedding. But it’s not all tiaras and tea parties. These venues often come with unique quirks. Older buildings might have less predictable layouts, and sometimes, the “vintage charm” translates to “slightly drafty in November.”
One bride I interviewed, Amelia, who had her fairytale mansion wedding last spring, laughingly recounted the saga of finding enough outlets for her DJ’s elaborate setup. It was like trying to plug a modern smartphone into a candlestick! So, while the aesthetic is undeniably swoon-worthy, you need to be prepared for a different set of logistical considerations compared to a purpose-built event space. Ask yourself: are you willing to embrace the character, even if it comes with a few endearing eccentricities? If the answer is a resounding “yes,” then buckle up, darling, because a vintage mansion might just be your perfect “I do” backdrop.
What to Know Before Saying “Yes” to a Vintage Mansion Wedding Venue?
Okay, you’re smitten with the idea. Gorgeous! But before you sign on the dotted line, let’s chat brass tacks. Vintage mansions, while oozing charm, often have their own set of rules. I’ve seen couples get starry-eyed over the antique chandeliers only to discover limitations on what kind of decorations they can hang. It’s like falling in love with a priceless antique – you can admire it, but you can’t exactly repaint it neon pink!
Consider the capacity. Those grand ballrooms might look enormous, but fire codes and comfortable seating arrangements can tell a different story. I recall one instance where a couple envisioned a massive dance floor, only to find that the room comfortably fit their guests for dinner, but boogying required some strategic maneuvering.
Also, think about accessibility. Those winding staircases and uneven cobblestone paths that add to the vintage vibe might pose challenges for guests with mobility issues. It’s not the most glamorous thing to consider, but ensuring everyone can comfortably enjoy your day is paramount. Amelia, bless her heart, made sure to arrange golf cart transportation for some of her older relatives. See? A little forethought goes a long way. So, while the allure of a vintage mansion is strong, go in with your eyes wide open, ready to embrace both the beauty and the potential practicalities.
Bringing Your Vintage Mansion Wedding Vision to Life
Alright, you’ve found your dream vintage mansion! Now for the fun part: making it yours. This is where your personality can truly shine. Think about the era that resonates with you. Are you picturing Gatsby-esque glamour with flapper dresses and champagne towers? Or perhaps a more bohemian, Edwardian-inspired affair with lace and wildflowers?
I absolutely adored how Sarah and James incorporated the history of their chosen mansion into their wedding. The venue had once been a renowned botanical research center, so they cleverly used vintage botanical prints in their stationery and had little seed packets as favors. It felt so personal and thoughtful!
When it comes to décor, lean into the existing character of the mansion. Those ornate fireplaces? Adorn them with lush floral arrangements. The grand staircase? Drape it with flowing fabric or twinkling lights. Don’t try to fight the venue’s inherent style; enhance it. Think of it like adding the perfect jewelry to a stunning outfit.
Consider incorporating vintage details like antique tableware, handwritten calligraphy, or even a vintage getaway car. These small touches can really elevate the entire experience and transport your guests to another time. Just remember, it’s about creating an atmosphere, a feeling. It’s about making your mansion wedding not just a day, but a beautiful memory steeped in timeless elegance.
People Also Ask:
- What are some unique favors for a vintage mansion wedding? Think about small, charming tokens that echo the era or the venue’s history. I’ve seen beautiful antique-style skeleton keys that double as bottle openers, personalized teacups and saucers, or even small, locally sourced jams or honeys presented in vintage-inspired packaging. For Sarah and James’ botanical mansion wedding, those seed packets were a huge hit! It felt personal and tied directly to the venue’s past.
- How can I find vintage-inspired décor? Oh, the thrill of the hunt! Start by exploring antique shops and flea markets – you never know what treasures you might unearth. Online marketplaces like Etsy also have a fantastic array of vintage and handmade items. Don’t underestimate the power of borrowing or renting either; many specialty rental companies now offer gorgeous vintage tableware, furniture, and decorative pieces. Remember Amelia’s outlet woes? Sometimes, even vintage-looking extension cords can add to the aesthetic (in a quirky way!).
- What kind of flowers suit a vintage mansion setting? Lush, romantic blooms often complement these venues beautifully. Think garden roses, peonies, hydrangeas, and trailing greenery. The arrangements can range from opulent and cascading to more natural and loosely gathered, depending on the specific era you’re channeling. For Clara’s wedding, the deep jewel tones of her floral arrangements against the backdrop of the mansion’s aged stone walls were simply breathtaking.
- How do I choose the right music for a vintage mansion wedding? Consider live music that fits the era you love – a jazz band for a 1920s theme, a string quartet for a more Edwardian feel, or even a vintage-style DJ playing classics. The acoustics in older mansions can be interesting, so discuss sound logistics with your musicians beforehand.
- What kind of attire works best for a vintage mansion wedding? This really depends on your chosen era! For a glamorous 1920s vibe, think beaded gowns and dapper suits. For a softer, more romantic feel, lace details and softer fabrics work beautifully. Encourage your guests to have fun with it too – a little nod to the past in their attire can really enhance the overall atmosphere.
- How can we make the most of the mansion’s unique features for our photos? Talk to your photographer about the best spots within the mansion – grand staircases, window nooks, and the exterior architecture often provide stunning backdrops. Consider a “golden hour” shoot outside to capture the mansion in the soft evening light.
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