Hello, Frida! Inspired by the talented artist, female icon, and all things surreal, we’ve got a wickedly wild editorial for you today! For those that love all things with a whimsical touch, this definitely goes there…and beyond! April, the photographer over at Olive Studio shares: Frida Kahlo has always been an inspiration to me; representing a modern woman of ambition, power, sexuality and determination. Her uncompromising depictions of the female experience and form made her an icon for the Feminism movement. She truly was a woman who made an impact and who has left the world in awe. (You go, girl!)
I wanted this shoot to take on a bit of a surrealist or mythical feeling like in Frida’s portraits. Butterflies are often a pattern in her paintings and so I chose this as the main theme: a symbol of resurrection.
Now is the time to get a little abstract…let’s wander through all the enchantment April + her team of creatives came up with at Balzacs Cafe Powerhouse!
The Details
Maison Maquette is responsible for those fabulously tropical paper goods!
GREEN WEDDING SHOES, FOR THE WIN!!
Going with this theme of butterflies, Olive Studio made two large butterflies to be featured on the hanging installation at the altar.
The Magnificently Magical Ensembles
Dried flowers, grasses and aloe vera in terra cotta pots dotted the vignettes to incorporate a desert sort of feeling.
What to talk about first? The fabulous *green wedding shoes*, the gilded jewels, or the floral embroidery on the gown from City of Angels? Soooo cool!
Zesty Cocktails
Topped with jalapeño + lime, we imagine this cocktail is pretty darn tasty.
The Crown Jewels
Instead of dramatizing her hair, Beyoutiful Brides emphasized the look by adding a gorgeous gold crown from The Loved One.

The Switch-Up
How sharp is this look?!
Of course, it wouldn’t be Frida-inspired without having a fab headpiece from for the leading lady!
The Tablescape That’s Giving Us Butterflies
The strings of blue butterflies? Olive Studio made those, too! She wanted to the table to take on a sense of “movement” and so the butterflies flying in a swarm was the focal point.
The color scheme took on an Old World sort of feeling with burnt orange, navy blue, black, white, and silver.
April shares: Instead of going with a bright and expected colorful theme, we focused on more earthy tones. Terra Cotta salad plates were layered on top of antique silver chargers and bold printed plates. Graphic modern glasses sat atop a burnt orange and yellow table runner. Black and white tiled coasters were added for a more authentic Mexican flare. Silver antique candle holders with a mixture of tapered candles help tie in the antique and Old World theme.
Balzacs newest location in Toronto, offers a mix of Mexican and Old World vibes with its tiled floor and exposed brick walls. Who else would love to throw a celebration here?
The Sweet Treats (and Churros!)
Not only was there a fabulous + Surrealist-inspired cake by Sweets + Lo, but there was an array of other desserts from Butter Avenue…and even churros, courtesy of Panchos Bakery.
Just. Wow.
Way to go to the creative team behind this editorial!

photography: Olive Studio // venue name: Balzacs Cafe Powerhouse, Toronto, Ontario, Canada // event design: Olive Studio // planning: Olive Studio // florals: Roadside Florist // wedding dress: City of Angels // wedding dress boutique: City of Angels // hairpiece: The Loved One // bride's shoes: City of Angels // bride's ring: Balmain // hair stylist: Beyoutiful Brides // makeup artist: Beyoutiful Brides // groom attire: Top Shop and Thomas Henry Made // groom's shoes: Steve Madden // groom's ring: Aimee Kennedy // paper goods: Maison Maquette // cake: Sweets + Lo // desserts: Butter Avenue // specialty rentals: Mashi Moosh // models: Angel Constance and Lucas Bertolino // churros: Panchos Bakery // clothing stylist: Ashley Galang // choker: Forever 21 // necklace: H & M // jumpsuit: Narces // watch for male model: Fossil // pocket square for male model : Primark // watch for male model: Michael Kors // jacket + pants for male model: City of Angels // bowtie for male model: ASOS // select decor items: City of Angels
Well done Olive Studio’s very creative, love your choice of colours and style. You guys rock!! The cake from Sweets and Lo is amazing, lots of work behind the scenes.
April, very nicely done! I ceremonial look was amazing, but the switch-up was unreal! The red shade on the lipstick is marvelous and that headpiece is so beautiful.
The strings of blue butterflies make for the most beautiful table arrangement I’ve ever seen. Incredible!