Shakespearian-Inspired Winter Wedding with a Real Floral Cape

Shakespearian Winter Wedding Inspiration

My bounty is as boundless as the sea,
My love as deep; the more I give to thee,
The more I have, for both are infinite. 

When it comes to old world romance inspiration, you can’t go wrong with Shakespeare. Combined with a castle built as a promise kept between a husband to his wife on their wedding day in 1927, we’re already lovestruck! The former castle, Hyeholde, now serves as a romantic restaurant and venue, complete with candlelit rooms, dreamy stone structures, and fairy tale passageways just ripe for an olde Shakespearian love story. When the sister duo behind Sapphire and Lace first experienced a night at the Hyehold, it wasn’t long before they were dreaming up the perfect fairy tale wedding. Bethany + Julie of Sapphire and Lace tell the story in their own words:

A little over a year ago our husbands took us for a romantic dinner at the Hyeholde restaurant. As a sister team with a love of tradition and family history, we instantly felt connected to the space. We had an enchanting experience that night and were so inspired by the story of the restaurant. Our goal for the shoot was to blend old world atmosphere with modern wedding trends. We started with a wintery color palette of dark plums, lavender, icy blues and creams accented by spring-like tones (bright greens, pinks, and oranges). We wanted to colors to feel like a late winter sunset and our design elements to juxtapose icy with warm, and old with the new. 

Bethany + Julie are big fans of Dawn Derbyshire‘s ability to capture atmosphere and emotion, so they called on her to photograph the day before undergoing any other plans. Let’s see the magic unfold!

dyed invitations

Our goal with the paper goods was to create unique pieces that could later serve as family heirlooms. We approached Victoria of Oh Joyful Day with with our vision and she completely blew us away. Her watercolor invitation suite that was so rich in depth and color. Silk ribbon, wax seals and copper toned envelopes gave a sense of formality to the raw, textured paper. You can just imagine these fabric pieces defying the test of time and being passed down to future generations!

garden rose bouquet

Of course, Sapphire and Lace simply killed it with their florals!

Shakespearian Winter Wedding Inspiration

floral shawl

And now for the show stopper!! To compliment the bride’s Karen Willis Holmes gown and keep aligned with the Shakespearian vision, Bethany + Julie went full-on drama:

As floral designers we jumped on the opportunity to create a bridal look that might inspire brides to go for wearable florals on their day or to choose a stunning ceremony piece in lieu of a veil. Angelea from Blanc de Blanc Bridal created an amazing cape base of tulle for us to design on, beautifully complimenting the off-the-shoulder gown KWS gown.

floral shawl

LOVE.

Shakespearian Winter Wedding Inspiration

Meanwhile, the men took on a more casual feel with pieces by Ted Baker and J.Crew. This meant texture and layers: wool, plaid, and light blue complete the groom’s look. (We dig it.)

Shakespearian Winter Wedding Inspiration

calligraphy vows

These lavender velvet vow hankies are the perfect touch of timeless meets modern!

Shakespearian Winter Wedding Inspiration

Not feeling the typical best man in a suit? Here’s a classic recipe: button down + tie + sweater. Extra points if the colors tie in with the ‘maids!

Shakespearian Winter Wedding Inspiration

bridesmaid

The maid of honor wore a silver crepe gown from Katie May Collection and the ladies flaunted elegant yet relaxed updos by Brides by Benedetti.

floral shawl

cake backdrop

We wanted to shoot the cake in a unique space to get couples inspired to think outside the box for these highly photographed areas. Cathy from Frosted Envy created a beautiful cake of icy blue fondant with a simple texture that translated beautifully from the ceremony space into the reception.

Shakespearian Winter Wedding Inspiration

Just look at that dreamy space!!

Shakespearian Winter Wedding Inspiration

Shakespearian Winter Wedding Inspiration

Shakespearian Winter Wedding Inspiration

We’re in love with the rose gold/copper trend and these metallics gave the tablescape warmth against the cut glassware and clean white plates. We featured heavy winter textiles with a rose velvet linen and hand woven blankets over the chair backs. Victoria tied each blanket off with a silk ribbon donning the guests name, serving as their place card and favor, creating a welcoming feel to a formal table display.

velvet tablecloth

Shakespearian Winter Wedding Inspiration

Shakespearian Winter Wedding Inspiration

dinner menu

The dinner menu was a nod to the acrylic trend in paper goods and a perfect fit to showcase the beautiful brick building while pulling in those glassy-winter textures.

Shakespearian Winter Wedding Inspiration

cocktails

epic cheeseboard

If romance could be personified in food, it would look like an epic charcuterie board, don’t you think?

Shakespearian Winter Wedding Inspiration

blue wedding cake

Shakespearian Winter Wedding Inspiration

The perfect night cap situation right here! Candles, flowers, fire, and velvet—we’re in. Thanks to the team for sharing the romance with us!

photography: Dawn Derbyshire Photography // venue name: Hyeholde, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA // event design: Sapphire and Lace // planning: Sapphire and Lace // florals: Sapphire and Lace // wedding dress: Karen Willis Holmes // wedding dress boutique: Blanc de Blanc Bridal // bride's shoes: Badgley Mischka Salena Pointy Toe Pump // bride's ring: Henne Jewelers // bridesmaid dresses: Katie May Collection // hair stylist: Brides by Benedetti // makeup artist: Rain Jay Makeup // groom attire: Ted Baker and J.Crew // paper goods: Oh Joyful Day // calligraphy: Oh Joyful Day // cake: Frosted Envy // tabletop rentals: Event Source // furniture rentals: Vintage Alley Rentals // linen rentals: Nuaged Designs Inc // specialty rentals: Eventioneers

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