Hey, rebels, rule breakers, and romantics: a brave new wedding photo shoot just dropped that was designed specifically for you.
“This editorial is anchored in a single idea: the couple who chooses a wedding grounded in instinct over expectation and self-expression over approval,” says Jessica of planning + event design firm Fresh Take + Co.. “They follow what feels true, not what is expected. They are bold and impulsive in the best way, and deeply honest with themselves—even if that honesty disrupts the room.”
Set in The Berkshires against the wild + bucolic backdrop of The Mount, the rich + rebellious shoot has a literary anchor that’ll speak right to every bookworm and aspiring author’s soul.
“We chose The Mount—author Edith Wharton’s home—as a deliberate nod to one of Wharton’s most compelling characters, Ellen Olenska from The Age of Innocence,” Jessica shares. “Ellen is the embodiment of this archetype: intuitive, boundary-breaking, unwilling to shrink herself to fit society’s expectations. The Mount’s classic beauty and refined symmetry became the perfect counterpoint to our vision, allowing the rebellion to register with more clarity and contrast.”
Maybe you’ve gotten lost in the pages of this yearning-filled Gilded Age Wharton novel before. Maybe you’ve seen Daniel Day-Lewis, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Winona Ryder sporting so many gorgeous period costumes in the 1993 Age of Innocence film. Maybe you’re just a fierce, free spirit like Ellen Olenska herself.
But there’s no resisting the nontraditional romance of this shoot’s aesthetic. An asymmetrical blush wedding gown. Moody, antique-filled dark academia tablescapes. Bold modern touches like metallic gold heels and custom embroidered dress shirts. You’ll fall for it all in these stunning shots by Lexi Foster.
Literary passion with an irreverently modern rockstar edge? We’re fully swooning.
“Pages torn from The Age of Innocence became the canvas for hand-painted stationery and signage—a literal reshaping of expectations,” notes Jessica about this character-filled mixed media approach to paper goods by The Printed Suite. “Small quotes were stolen from the book and accentuated by crossing out any text that felt conventional and letting passages with self expression shine.”
“We chose a location on the property rarely claimed for wedding celebrations: a moody, overgrown rock enclave dripping with foliage,” Jessica says of the team’s day exploring The Mount.
“The fashion choices had an unconventional edge,” Jessica reflects about the day’s looks, including this GORGEOUS gold + blush pink gown by Daniel Faucher Couture…
…and this very cool tux-inspired open collar wedding suit by FEN Bespoke.
Obsessed with this wonderfully wild grass + berry bridal bouquet by Nectar + Vessel!
Both the bride + groom rocked unique rings from BRAG (Boston Ring and Gem).
(Also, those floral embroidered dress shirt cuffs (!!!).)
Go straight to our collection of the loveliest high low wedding dress if you’re as into this atypical bridal silhouette as we are. A fun, short hemline AND a dramatic train?! Best of both worlds.
“A vintage Mercedes added a shot of adrenaline,” Jessica remembers of the shoot’s cinematic classic car moment.
We here at GWS love to see a bride embrace color when it comes to bridal style. And what’s more romantic than a blush pink wedding dresses??
Stylist Daniela Pignatelli created this perfectly curled wedding hairstyle and this smokey-eye-saturated-lip wedding makeup look.
We could write a whole Wharton novel just about these metallic gold wedding heels.
Shop These Gold Heels
Why not go for gold? ✨
The Reception: “A Touch of Irreverent Charm”
“We abandoned the idyllic New England polish often seen in the Berkshires for something wilder…” Jessica says.
“…bold color, asymmetry, sculptural and funky florals, unexpected objects, and signage that embraced imperfection as part of the story.”
Tabletop decor from Gooseberry Tabletop, furniture from Classical Tents, and linens from Reverie Social gave the setup its moody opulence.
LOVING the rich, high-contrast color world of these sculptural fresh fruit + veg arrangements!
“To transform [the space], we hung vintage velvet and fringe lampshades sourced from countless hours of scouring vintage shops—adding character, warmth, and a touch of irreverent charm,” Jessica says. “Together, they cast a sensual, subversive mood that stood in striking contrast to the estate’s meticulous facade.”
“Grazing tables and the bar were unruly in the most beautiful way.”
Berkshire Muse was behind the shoot’s rich + storied food styling, and Dare Bottlehop supplied the day’s wine.
“This editorial celebrates the couple who’s carving their own lane — those who want something true and authentic to their spirit rather than chasing trends or expectations,” Jessica explains. “A modern interpretation of Wharton’s rebellious heroine.”
Congratulations to the entire team on this wild, literary wedding dream. We can’t wait to see the rebellious, nontraditional nuptials it inspires!
Featured in This Wedding
Reverie Social
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Other Vendors in This Wedding
Photography: Lexi Foster // Venue: The Mount // Event Design: Fresh Take & Co // Wedding Planner: Fresh Take & Co // Florals: Nectar & Vessel // Wedding Dress: Daniel Faucher Coture // Bride's Ring: BRAG // Hair Stylist: Daniella Pignatelli // Makeup Artist: Daniella Pignatelli // Groom Attire: FEN Bespoke // Groom's Ring: BRAG // Videography: Andy Hansen // Paper Goods: The Printed Suite // Cake: Mamie Brougitte // Tabletop Rentals: Gooseberry Tabletop // Furniture Rentals: Classical Tents // Specialty Rentals: Berkshire Event Lighting // Models: Juliane FIcagna // Models: Jantiono Luz // Lighting: Berkshire Event Lighting // wine: Dare Bottleshop // food styling: Berkshire Muse
