Here at Claire Duran Weddings & Events we have to confess that we love doing inspiration wedding photoshoots as often as we can, as it allows us (among many other great things) to be freely creative, and present inspirations that are a perfect representation of our aesthetic to current and future #CDWE couples. While this year we haven’t been able to produce many photoshoots due to our busy schedule with our real weddings (a true blessing), last year we pushed ourselves to find time to produce and/or participate in several styled photoshoots, and there’s no doubt that this one with went down as one of our preferred ones. This is true CDWE style, and we are so thankful for Kate Igantowski’s invitation to work on this with her. She’s such a talented photographer and her fine art and minimalist style speaks wonders to us!

Thus, in today’s blogpost we present you a wedding inspiration photoshoot at an  abandoned castle in rural Virginia of Italian Renaissance architecture style, namely, Swannanoa Palace. The inspiration for our shoot began at an abandoned castle in rural Virginia of Italian Renaissance architecture style. We intended to showcase richness in textures, while meaningfully maintaining design simplicity and a neutral palette. The overall feeling is meant to inspire a refined and intimate wedding full of artful details.In both the tablescape and ceremony design, we pursued the balance between wild, organic, and polished, incorporating foraged greenery and other refined and classic elements.The muted green on the underside of the foraged leaves provided some softer tones to our chosen neutral color range. This is a perfect alternative to a tablescape full of lush greenery for couples who tend to style with neutrals.The property also lent itself to a hint of mystery. This inspired the almost ghostly images of the bride dancing in the moody light. It is as if she is connecting to a time in the past, full of old world grace.”With this project, we intended to showcase richness in textures, while meaningfully maintaining design simplicity and a neutral palette. We pursued the balance between a wild and organic look with the refined layout that evoked intimacy, romance and grace.

This gallery was previously featured on Once Wed.

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Credits:

Photography: Kate Ignatowski Photography

Planning & Styling: Claire Duran Weddings & Events 

Flowers: Photosynthesis Floral Design

Wedding Dress: Tatyana Merenyuk

Calligraphy: Quill and Co

Bride’s Robe: BHLDN

Bride’s Accessories: Hushed Commotion

Cake: Catherine George Cakes

Hair & Makeup: First Look Artistry

Ring: Single Stone

Tux: Alton Lane

Table, chairs, tablecloth, silverware: Festive Fare

Cake table and bench: Paisley and Jade

Napkins & Plates: Crème de la Crème

Models: The Artist Agency (Karina Pavic and Vincent Anninos)

Venue: Swannanoa Palace