Love Conquers All: A Romeo & Juliet Inspired Shoot

romeo and juliet wedding inspiration

As one of the greatest love stories of all time, Romeo and Juliet has been the inspiration for many songs, movies, and other art pieces throughout the years. However, the 1996 version with Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes often stands out as one of the most beautiful renditions for its blend of modern and classic, with an amazing graphic quality and the juxtaposition of bold modern scenery with this classic story of true love. It was these qualities that inspired Miranda of Sugar(ed) Occasions to dream up a wedding based on the innocence and passion of young love in a strikingly contemporary setting.

A bit behind the shoot from Miranda: I began to imagine a wedding inspired by the qualities and the innocence and passion that accompany first love. I immediately thought of the Wynwood arts district in Miami as the perfect setting. The bold red and black mural by the artist Shephard Fairey created a modern counterpoint to the softer romantic elements I envisioned  and helped inspire the color palette. I loved the idea of using a long, reclaimed wood table and I thought that an interesting idea for the tablescape would be to create a living installation to symbolize the growth of fresh, new love. I built a series of containers that I planted with an assortment of ferns, orchids and greenery to create a live centerpiece (a great eco-friendly idea as well, since you can keep them long after your wedding.) It was never the intention to be overt with Romeo and Juliet references, but I believe we were able to capture the passion, innocence and ferocity that make the story a classic.

I love the bride’s stunning dresses, the custom ribbon with the phrase “A Legendary Love” carried throughout, and the amazing graphic backdrop by one of my favorites artists – Shephard Fairey! Thanks so much to Becca Borge for the gorgeous photos + inspiration today…

calligraphy invite


The invitation suite was an original piece by Makewells, who used watercolor and ink to create beautiful modern calligraphy in a style that felt both classic and contemporary.

calligraphy invite

ring

deep red bouquet

romeo groom

lace dress

studded heels

wing ring

romeo and juliet wedding

legendary sign

legendary sign

romeo and juliet

juliet

gold heels

deep red boutonniere

protea and green floral piece

bottle candle wax

bottle candle wax


Romantic candlelight (with wine bottles as candle holders) softened the mood and flickered in the twilight.

sequin dress

star crossed lovers drink

art wall backdrop

romeo and juliet wedding


The place settings were a mix of antique gold flatware, modern organic plates and bold black and white printed napkins. Each place setting was personalized with a brightly colored tropical leaf and a frayed red ribbon printed with the words, “A Legendary Love,” a subtle hint at the Romeo and Juliet theme. We also incorporated the word “Legendary” as a ceremony backdrop in bold red letters. The typography theme was continued with the ring bowl from Paloma’s Nest, which included the words “Amor Vincit Omnia” or “Love Conquers All”, in Latin.

leaf place card

leaf place card

calligraphy dinner menu

romeo and juliet

red ladder

gold cake topper


The cake was an easy DIY piece, meant to look both bold and delicate. The petite, simply frosted cake was topped with a cluster of golden spikes, giving a bit of edge to the sweetness.  The toppers were constructed of bamboo skewers, painted gold and topped with gold jewelry notions (the type you find in the jewelry making section of the craft store.)

romeo and juliet


Thanks so much to all these creative artists for sharing their talents with us today! Perfect Romeo & Juliet inspiration…

photography: Becca Borge // event styling + floral design: Sugar(ed) Event Design and Planning // paper goods: Makewells // custom ribbon: The Lonely Heart  // ring bowl: Paloma’s Nest // hair, makeup + fashion styling: HotPink Style // rentals: Unearthed Vintage // venue: Wynwood Walls and Wynwood Kitchen, background mural by Shephard Fairey // nude dress: Dessy Collection at Unique Bridal and Boutique // sequined shawl: K.Hendrix at Hello I’m Fabulous // vintage lace dress from The Hot Pink Showroom // models: Eric Gzimalowski and Natalie Jemini

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