I’m so excited to share this farm-to-table session that I styled for Kelsey Harrison Photography with you all–it’s really special for a couple reasons, aside from the fact that is was featured by Fab You Bliss! First, my mom assisted me in styling this shoot while she was visiting Nashville this summer. How cute is that?! And second, the couple has the sweetest story. From the bride Casey:
“Kalen and I met 4 years ago and soon after decided we should be together. The wedding planning quickly began and the pressure was on! Dates were set, dress purchased, church secured, photographer booked…all the big essentials were nailed down. As the cost built up so did stress and it began to take a toll on us. Arguments arose over silly little things and we canceled the big day and broke up!
About a month later we felt like we made a mistake. We knew we were supposed to be together but the big American-sized wedding wasn’t our style. So we hit the courthouse! Two years later, we were still thankful we didn’t spend the money but wished we at least had photos. That’s when Kelsey came into the picture. Our pictures are amazing and we’re so thankful for her talented eye!”
When Kelsey first shared Casey and Kalen’s story with me, I was on board with the shoot immediately. We wanted to give Casey and Kalen the most amazing wedding photos–and we wanted to give Casey a chance to wear her wedding gown and do a first look with Kalen. (She’d been holding onto the wedding dress she’d bought and never worn all that time!)
So I styled a natural, earthy session at Maplehurst Farm for them. A dessert bar with heart-shaped hand pies and an intimate dinner table with vintage plates and glasses and flower arrangements with fresh fruits and veggies set the tone for the session. With all the chickens, giant sunflowers and fruit dripping from the trees, the day was magical but simple–a setting that really let Casey and Kalen’s love for each other shine.
One of my favorite elements from this session has to be the moonshine bar. I wanted to create a bar that I hadn’t seen anywhere else–something that had a down-home Southern quality–and this simple, laid-back moonshine bar was just the answer. I labeled each mason jar by hand to note the moonshine varieties inside. And when I arrived at the farm to set up, I couldn’t resist placing the bar right amidst the rows of corn. It was too perfect!
And who can throw a farm shindig without pie? We featured heart-shaped, fried handpies from Dale’s Fried Pies on our stacked wooden crate display. Then I used lots of ripe summer fruit and pecans instead of signage to let our couple know what types of pies we had to offer. This is such a sweet, simple alternative to the average dessert bar display!
These free printable seed packets I found made for another fun detail. You can customize them with the couple’s name, wedding date and your favorite plant seeds inside. To stick with our farm-to-table vibe, I stuck with summer vegetable seeds and chose to feature a personal favorite here–some pretty sugar snap peas!
I’m so grateful to Casey and Kalen for letting me be a part of their love story. And to Kelsey for inviting me along to create the wedding photos this couple had always wanted. I’m so happy that we were able to give them that “first look” and the “big day” images they missed. Thanks to all of the lovely vendors and the owners of Maplehurst Farm who contributed to this dreamy Southern summer session! Be sure to check out Kelsey’s post for even more photos! - Elizabeth
Photography: Kesley Harrison
Concept + Creative Direction + Styling: Elizabeth Ulrich, Stockroom Vintage
Vintage Rentals: Stockroom Vintage
Floral Design: Color My World
Calligraphy (invites + place cards): Esque Script
Fried Pies: Dale’s Fried Pies
Jewelry: Nicki Robins for Stella & Dot
Venue: Maplehurst Farm, private residence
