Unconventional Prairie Wedding

When one's career centres on photographing and staring at weddings all the live long day, sometimes imagery can become...predictable.  In a society saturated with images, it can be easier to copy ideas than it is to harness inspiration and create original content.  I'm not saying every bride has to be a creative tour de force, but there are tools to help one from being overwhelmed by the endless variety of options.

Last month at Joy Thigpen's Creative Direction and Styling workshop, Joy talked about the use of specific words to help determine which ideas would fit into a wedding's overall aesthetic.  She provides clients with a list of words, and from that list the couple picks out ones that resonate with their vision the most.  The list is then whittled down to about 8-10 words.  If an idea doesn't fit within that list of words, it's easily eliminated.  This concept provides the couple with a framework to help them avoid stress and encourage creativity.  Try it yourself or ask your stylist, planner, or photographer if they offer creative direction for weddings.

Lauren + Jordan's prairie wedding photographed in Saskachewan by Adrian Michael of Vancouver Island, is like a delightful breeze whipping up out of nowhere and leaving a trail of pretty in its wake.  It's one of the prettiest wedding ceremony settings I've ever seen and not because it's the most majestic, or because there are loads of DIY details, or because everyone is a model clad in designer swag, but because it's obvious that the aesthetic and nature of the day is truly a reflection of Lauren + Jordan as a couple--their preferences and values as individuals blending together as one.  And while it's apparent that Lauren + Jordan chose to incorporate unconventional wedding day details, Adrian Michael photographed their originality without compromising class, beauty and timeless appeal.  That takes some serious talent and Adrian pulled it off effortlessly.  See below for credits.     

Credits // Photography - Adrian Michael Photography // Location - Cranberry Flats, Saskatchewan // Dress - Free People by Mara Hoffman //  Bride's Headpiece + Bracelet - Oneiro Designs // Bridesmaids Dresses - Free People //  Florals and Ceremony Seating - DIY // Makeup - Sarah Korchinski // Groomsmens' Attire - Luna + Hill  // Film Processing - Richard Photo Lab