Of the Earth: Salt, Crystals, and Rose Gold Rounded Out this Eclectic Elopement Inspiration

When photographer Alex Mari started planning today’s styled elopement, she looked around her apartment…what things were already in her life, what design inspiration could she garner from them? And then she realized what if she used those things that are a part of her life every day? The plants, botanical prints, dried flowers, and crystals could all be used as elements in an elopement.

Alex tells us: We usually know exactly what we love when we walk into Target to decorate our home or our closet, but then somehow when it comes to planning a wedding—those things that represent our personality can get a little lost in what we think our day should look like. So, I challenged myself to create an on-trend styled elopement using pieces I already love and admire in my home every day, of course bringing in few others to complement it.

Sure makes sense to us! Let your loves and the things you surround yourself with inform your design. Let’s see how it all came together!

The Details

When crystals are a main source of the inspiration, it only makes sense to incorporate them into the invitation suite, right? And how gorgeous is this one Pen and Fold crafted?

Adding a pop of color to the day, the bride rocked this teal pair of Sam Edelman flats.

The Ensembles

Rattan chairs + a forest of bamboo framed the ceremony space for a cool, earthy and rustic feeling.

For the ceremony space, a collection of botanical and animal prints formed a frame for the bride and groom, surrounded by geometric elements. To round out the look, Alex incorporated a Moroccan wedding rug, bunches of protea, and tons of other foliage growing up through an assortment of eclectic items.

The bride donned an elegant, slightly sheer gown by Peace + Love, perfectly accessorized with a gold and crystal hair wreath from AW Bridal and handmade earrings from Storm and Stress.

How stunning is that combo of hairpiece + earrings?!

The Tablescape

The casual sweetheart lounge is the perfect alternative to a stiff, formal seating arrangement. You’ve already made the decision to go against the grain and have an intimate ceremony with just the two of you, why not make dinner a little more snugly and personal?

Textured velvet and embroidered pillows add the perfect touch of cozy elegance. A creamy cheesecloth runner lines the hairpin table for an extra bit of extra texture, along with a full garland of Spanish moss and bamboo leaves.

Giant spider plants, rock salt and geodes, as well as blush and crimson protea were placed throughout the tablescape for a fresh pop of color.

The Cake

Love this swinging cake stand? Take a peek at this round-up of Cool and Creative Ways to Display Your Cake on a Swing!

That gorgeous confectionary delight was also created by Alex Mari!

The groom wore a comfortable + casual look, pairing a black fringe top from ASOS with a pair of beige khakis. To top it off? A wide-brimmed fedora.

Wasn’t that a treat? Earthy, casual, cool…and inspired by elements already in the home.

If you designed your wedding off of the things you already surround yourself with, what would it look like?

photography: Alex Mari Photography // venue name: Blackwater Creek, Lynchburg, Virginia, USA // event design: Alex Mari // planning: Alex Mari // florals: Alex Mari // wedding dress: Peace + Love // hairpiece: AW Bridal // bride's shoes: Sam Edelman // bride's ring: Lauren Conrad // hair stylist: Locks and Lashes VA // makeup artist: Locks and Lashes VA // groom attire: ASOS // paper goods: Pen and Fold // cake: Alex Mari // models: Victoria Sempstrott and Marc Sempstrott // bride's earrings: Storm and Stress