Forward Events + Design brings Colour back into events and explore the architectural attributes of Bright Lights with a stunning Styled Shoot captured by MandM Photography.
What was that spark that made you choose to create a design and
planning business?
I’ve been creating and executing events for almost 10 years and have gained a tremendous amount of knowledge and experience. Opening my own company just felt natural to me, like the next step in my career. I also wanted to create a company that did things a little differently with a focus on quality and experiences that are memorable and unique, just like the clients I work with.
What were your first impressions of bright lights as a location for
your style shoot and how did you highlight its attributes?
As soon as I saw pictures of the space I fell in love! The design of the space from the antique shutters to the leafy ceiling in the greenhouse adds so much character to the venue. Something you just don’t find in your traditional banquet halls and convention centres. I love to get creative and it was easy at Bright Lights. It’s a funky, chic, romantic yet modern space with excellent flow. When I put together the team to help bring my vision to life, I knew I wanted to shoot against the large garage doors where the light is perfect.
What is the title of your shoot?
Bringing Colour Back into Your Event
Your bride’s personality and bright happy relaxed energy shone through
in the style shoot. How did you manage to direct and create this
outcome?
Forward Events + Design has an incredible list of preferred vendors we work with. On this particular shoot M + M photography and Blend Catering did an outstanding job of bringing the vision of the shoot to life. We also all enjoy each other’s company and we love creating together and that really shows.
What are some of the ways you work with couples in being a part of
their big day?
We do everything from day of planning, production and execution, full event planning and décor design for our couples. We work with them at any stage of their event planning, taking special care of every detail.
What were you most pleased about this shoot?
The natural light in the space made for the most beautiful pictures.
If you were going to build out this shoot into a real wedding at
bright lights venues what would you add in to complete the ceremony
and reception?
I would add the following elements:
– A custom designed alter using reclaimed wooden doors, fabric swaging
and some of the real and fake florals we used on the wooden structure.
– Various sized bud vases and candle stick holders (in different
coloured glass) and loose greenery down the centre of each harvest
style table (tables would be covered with soft peach/cream table
linens and white runners)
– A beautiful photo wall installation for pictures made of a crystal
beaded curtain and flowers.
– After the ceremony I would flip the greenhouse into a lounge with
dim lighting, candles and comfy lounge furniture for guests who want
to relax and mingle.
– A mix of antique frames with photos of the couple set up along the
bar and cocktail tables.
How did you choose your partner vendors for This style shoot and what
did everyone add the wonderful final presentation?
I had done a previous shoot with Erica of Blend Catering and I loved working with her. She is so creative, has a great sense of style plus she is super easy to work with. She also had never done florals before yet nailed it for our shoot! Having Blend provide a gorgeous dish to go along with the table scape was integral to the overall presentation. I also wanted to capture, not only the beauty of the model and the setup, but the space itself and I knew that M + M Photography would be able to do this perfectly. Martin and Magy are a dream to work with; they made our model feel comfortable while directing her and together they are so fun to work with and took some of the most gorgeous pictures.
What pleased you most about how the photographers captured that styled
shoot and venue architectural touches?
Again, I have to go back to the lighting! There is so much beautiful natural light that comes in through those big garage windows. And obviously having super talented photographers who know what details to shoot and from what angles was important to how the shots came out.
What was your process for designing the beautiful floral arrangement
and creating the vibrant palette?
We’ve been seeing a lot of the blush and rose gold colours for a while now and it was all starting to look the same. I wanted to incorporate what has been on trend but elevate it to the next level by combining big bold colours set against that neutral palette. I wanted the flowers to look like they were growing out of the structure, so not perfectly put together, a little messy but somehow works. It all came together beautifully and I couldn’t be happier with how it all turned out.
Catering: Blend Catering
Model : Amanda Edridge
