Ethnic Inspiration Shoot
Recently, we had the opportunity to work with an amazing team of wedding professionals to pull together a vibrant INDIAN themed inspiration shoot at a brand new Portland Venue, THE EXCHANGE BALLROOM & CASCADE ROOFTOP. We typically do not participate in inspiration shoots often, but this was too exciting to resist. Both OREGON BRIDE MAGAZINE & STYLE UNVEILED jumped at featuring our shoot on their blog. Check out our video by MOVING PICTURE WEDDINGS and photos below to learn a little more about where each vendor’s inspiration came from.
From KIRSTIE WIGHT (the hair/makeup artist): To create our model’s Indian inspired makeup and hair, I chose a timeless look packed with drama. For all Indian women, it is about the eyes and this shoot was no exception. I used coral, gold, and dark brown eye shadow to create a smokey but colorful look. I then lined the eyes with black kohl and added full flirty lashes. For the rest of the face, I added a soft gold highlight to the cheek and a bright pop of raspberry pink to compliment the beautiful saturated colors of the brides bouquet. I kept hair simple by adding a bit of curls then I gently swept the hair up in to a romantic up do that perfectly framed our models face. She was as stunning as the shoot was!
From BRIDAL BLISS (the planner): Recently we toured a brand new rooftop event space and were immediately inspired. The last few seasons, neutral tones like creams and blushes have been all the rage with our brides. Although this is a beautiful palate, it is always fun to utilize stylish bright and vibrant colors. With such a fab urban background….we really wanted something that would pop, have an edge as well as a big wow factor. We pulled together our“Dream Team” of local Portland wedding professionals and realized many of us have Indian weddings this coming season. Thus, the idea for an ethnic inspiration shoot was inspired. From the bold colors, to the unique backdrop. to the elegant place setting, to the whimsical popcorn bar…everything came together perfectly. Enjoy!
From Food in Bloom (the caterer): We were so honored to participate in this Indian Inspired photo shoot partnering with Bridal Bliss and other top Portland vendors. At Food In Bloom, we pride ourselves on our custom created menus and proposals, different for each client. We make everything from scratch at our kitchen using only the best fresh, local, and sustainable ingredients. Hence when we have clients requesting Indian themed cuisine, we love to create something very special. For the photo shoot, we created some Indian favorites: the vegan samoas served with tamarind chutney, tandoori skewers served on a traditional banana leaf, chudwa (an Indian trail mix), spice platter, mango lassi and non-alcoholic pomegranate sparkler.
PARTY PLACE provided all the rentals from the chairs, to the china and everything in between.
From BRYAN RUPP (the photographer): I was really excited to be involved in this shoot because I knew the vendors and their work well, so I knew bringing these people all together under the same vision would be amazing, and it was.
I was also excited to shoot at the Eastside Exchange, it’s a new venue to Portland and it’s a very well done rooftop venue. I was inspired by the view of the city and the feeling of being outside so high up, there’s nothing like being on the rooftop of a building with a spectacular view of downtown.
I was inspired by the pale wood of the venue mixed with the bright colors and elements of the shoot. The view of course was breathtaking, as was the light, and the models did a really amazing job.
Overall the shoot was a huge success, had a lot of fun behind the camera and connecting with the models and other vendors.
From Zest (the florist): Pale color palettes have been all the rage for the past several years, and we wanted to showcase something fresh, vibrant and colorful.
The inspiration for this shoot came from our love of Indian weddings. They are just so beautiful, bright and happy. And they usually include a bit of decadence paired with a lot of color, neither of which are bad things in our mind!
When we heard about a hip new rooftop venue opening in downtown Portland, the vision of a modern, urban, colorful, Indian-inspired theme came to life.
The mandap, for example, felt very modern-eclectic. Strands of bright, colorful carnations and roses adorned the mandap, while white chiffon and a hanging chandelier added a contemporary edge. Ghost chairs and gold Moroccan poufs offered a chic mix of nontraditional seating; and colorful rose petals and a mix of chic lanterns softened surroundings.
The tablescape also embodied a fun mix of modern and traditional elements. Decadent florals in vibrant hues featured roses, garden roses, gloriosa lilies, anemones, ranunculus and jasmine. Lavish gold vases, candles and bowls of oranges added interest and meaning to the tablescape, while ghost chairs and stylish stemware added the perfect contemporary touch.
Adrienne’s gorgeous gown was courtesy of ANNA’S BRIDAL BOUTIQUE.
We adore the ZEST girls! From left to right…ELIZABETH, NORA, HAILEY & CAITLIN
