Tucked away in the heart of a woodland preservation site, curious explorers can find a small town that was originally established on the banks of a river. The little town was named Riverwoods (seems fitting, right?).
This beautiful town not only feels like complete escapism, but it gives visitors the sense of a complete step back in time.
It exemplifies mid-century architectural design, especially in the town’s residence-turned-event-venue the Sanctuary.
The Sanctuary is set on two acres of lush woodland, surrounded by native plants and home to countless wildlife. This rich natural environment is very reminiscent of an enchanted forest; a fairytale setting, if you will.
For the wedding planners, the vision was immediately clear, and this talented group of vendors pulled it off perfectly.
Every single element of the design was carefully considered, to create an overall look that was distinctly natural, without appearing haphazard.
The natural theme can be a tricky one to balance - it’s all too easy for a modern ceremony to clash with the wildness of the surroundings. Or, designers can go the other way, and create unfinished-looking pieces that don’t give them a chance to show off their signature style.
What makes this wedding such a phenomenal success is that the ceremony effortlessly and seamlessly blended in with the setting. The day’s design was utterly natural, while still being so stylish that it could feature in any magazine.
The deep, warm greens of the natural setting were paired with subtle gold and blush accents that enhanced the magical feel of the venue.
Touches of the great outdoors were included throughout the decor design. This included a wooden octagonal arch, which was embellished with elaborate florals. Queen Anne’s Lace was also incorporated into these arrangements, providing the perfect nod to the venue’s indigenous flora.
The happy couple also got the chance to enjoy a romantic picnic in the woods, which gave them a private space to escape the crowds and just take a moment together. In the hustle and bustle of the day, we often forget to give the couple time to themselves to enjoy their day. So, we love the way that these planners created a special on-theme experience that was just for the couple.
Our bride and groom looked like the embodiment of young, fairytale love.
With its sweetheart neckline and detachable off-the-shoulder straps, this bridal gown was effortlessly romantic. The leafy lace appliqués cascaded from the bodice and down the tulle a-line skirt, making it the perfect fit for the theme.
The groom was dressed in earthy browns and vibrant deep greens (including a distinctive green bowtie). It looked characterful - no doubt, it was definitely true to his character! - without looking like part of a costume. The modern take on braces and a bow tie, plus the use of understated colours, took the natural theme and made it completely elegant.
The stunning outfits made both bride and groom look like they’d always been a part of this enchanted forest.
