Russian Fairy Tale Wedding With a Modern Art Twist

It’s true, many brides envision their wedding day like that of a fairy tale. But while Kate + Pavel may have been inspired by the classics, you won’t find any white horses or glass slippers at this ceremony! This creative couple approached the designers + planners at Bonweddings Studio to help bring their unique vision to life: a day inspired by the classic Russian tale, “Ivan Tsarevich and the Grey Wolf,” set against the backdrop of the art park at Nikola-Lenivets, 200 km from Moscow.

The installations at Nikola-Lenivets feature large-scale contemporary art–unusual, fascinating, thought-provoking, some bright, others mysterious, even frightening. This, paired with the park’s native Russian fields, rivers, open spaces, and clean air, created the perfect backdrop for Kate + Pavel’s traditional Russian fairy tale with a modern twist.

Dmitriy Gorbunov was on hand to capture the K+P’s own romantic story:

Kate and Pavel were “cast” as the main characters of the story, pulling together fashionable elements that both reflected their own styles and incorporated elements of the Russian tale. Kate’s high-neck lace gown by Self-Portrait and metallic headpiece symbolize the union of archaism and modernity, while Pavel’s jacket is a nod to the story’s ever-important character, the grey wolf.

Have you ever seen a ceremony backdrop like this?! This piece was chosen due to its mysterious and complex nature (it looks like getting lost in the woods!), made from metal and wood and fitting to the day’s color scheme. The fairy tale of “Ivan Tsarevich and the Grey Wolf” involves many mystical twists and turns, focusing on the trials of love and friendship, with an ending deserving of a wedding celebration.

What an entrance!!

We LOVE how the floral elements by Bonweddings Studio further enhance the idea of modern + traditional coming together.

Have you noticed the wolf yet?! Get this: the process of building the wolf took about a month, beginning with 3D sketches, layout, and welding together over 200 steel pieces. SO COOL.

Love this combo of dried flowers with fresh blooms! The ultimate old and new!

When art meets love!!!

The park also housed the day’s reception! Bonweddings Studio was overjoyed to find a largely blank space just ready to decorate. They added greens and dried flowers, circular ceiling hangings to draw the attention upwards, and grey elements on the tables.

How great are those bear candle holders! The elements remained simple and minimalistic: dark dishes, glasses, bright napkins, and steel cutlery, all set on open + bare tables.

We’re totally swept up in this tale! Thanks so much to Bonweddings Studio and team for sharing this creative day with us, and many congrats to the “happily-ever-after” couple!

photography: Dmitriy Gorbunov // venue name: Nikola-Lenivets, Nikola-Lenivets, Russia // event design: Bonweddings Studio // planning: Bonweddings Studio // florals: Bonweddings Studio // wedding dress: Self-Portrait // hairpiece: God save the Queen // hair stylist: Katrin Zabolueva // makeup artist: Katrin Zabolueva // catering: Nikola-Lenivets // cake: Biscuitico // desserts: Biscuitico // tabletop rentals: Rocketmice // furniture rentals: Rocketmice // music: Ankylym