This Lush and Vibrant Tropical Wedding editorial was inspired by the essence of the tropics: hot, colorful, unpredictable, and teeming with wildlife. And it was published on Wedding Chicks! While dreaming up the vision for this shoot, we drew inspiration from the surrounding geography of the Florida Suncoast, with the spirit of summer in mind. All of the elements of this shoot came together in a truly magnificent way. From the tropical florals that pop and feel like summer, to the sun-drenched ceremony on the waterfront, to the addition of tropical pythons and a striking coral wedding gown, we want to show the modern bride that your wedding dress doesn’t always have to be white - and that your wedding day can truly be whatever you want it to be!

Our summery color palette consisted of vibrant corals, blush pinks, striking oranges, and lush emerald greens to accentuate the natural surroundings of the venue. The Bay Preserve at Osprey was the perfect setting for our tropical-inspired oasis. Its property showcases a grand brick mansion flanked by mature banyan trees that sits on the edge of the waterfront bay, while also providing a myriad of hidden jungle pathways that added to the dreamlike atmosphere of the day. The stunning coral tulle gown worn by our bride was definitely another stand-out feature from this day. The intense color paired with the unique texture and magnitude of the gown paired perfectly with the groom’s classic tuxedo, complemented with a hint of color in his emerald green bowtie. Alongside our gorgeous couple, our two reptilian models were central to the overall outcome of this editorial. We knew that including snakes was a non-negotiable part of our vision, and we worked hard to be able to include them on the day of the shoot. The snakes meandered along the tablescape details, coiled up around the wedding cake, and slithered across the shoulders of our models. In addition to adding an element of surprise to this editorial, we wanted the snakes to add a sense of extravagance and wilderness to the scene. We wanted to show brides with a love for wildlife that no matter how outlandish their wedding ideas might be, they can be made possible!

The beautiful florals by Arms of Persephone tied the entire vision together, featuring an abundance of brightly colored roses, mokara orchids, ranunculus, ginger blossoms, and monstera leaves. The blooms complemented our bride’s vibrant wardrobe, and helped each aspect of the day stand out. Our circular ceremony arch sported two eye-catching arrangements of tropical flowers, and was later deconstructed to adorn both the reception table and mobile bar setup. In keeping with the reptilian motif, Kristen Marie Cakes designed a gorgeous wedding cake with subtle snakeskin texturing, adorned with tropical florals. This was a unique way to tie the cake in with the rest of the decor, while at the same time maintaining the elegance and charm of the day. Your wedding cake doesn’t have to be boring - you can infuse your personality into every aspect of your wedding day!

Our one-of-a-kind tropical leaf escort signs were inspired by the natural surroundings, and blended in seamlessly with our lush tablescape design. Calligrapher Soph Script Co used the opportunity to turn an otherwise utilitarian detail of most wedding days, the escort sign, into a sustainably-sourced art piece of its own. Soph Script Co. made use of natural materials once again with the specialty cocktail drink sign, which sat atop the lavish velvet emerald bar by The Wandering Whale. The deep emerald color of the bar paired well with our models’ attire, and added cohesion to the color scheme of the day.

Our advice to couples is to pursue whatever your dream wedding day looks like, no matter how unconventional or far-out it may seem. There is always a vendor team out there who is ready to bring your dream to life!