FRENCH PROVINCIAL

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French Provincial ‘Delicate’ shoot is a Country coming together during some of the hardest times it has seen in the past 100 years. It involved all six states and the Northern Territory. Australia, like everywhere else at the moment, can be found somewhere along the unknown trajectory that is COVID-19. However, both despite and during the pandemic, businesses from all over Australia pulled together and supported each other as part of a dreamy collaboration.

The wedding industry, like a lot of industries, is currently heaving under the weight of postponements, cancellations, and sometimes conflicting and confusing government guidelines. It seemed the perfect time to focus on creating some magic together and, in turn, lifting collective spirits. Therefore, the shoot was as joyful and light as the colour palette. Many Australians enjoy spending spring in Europe.
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It will be a while before we can pound cobblestone footpaths in Prague, sip rose while watching the sun dip over Santorini, or sample chocolates in Belgium. The team brought Europe – France, in particular – to our own backyard. We channelled relaxed Southern France vibes and created a springinspired elopement oasis within in the vineyards of Sarabah Estate and Winery.

The Queensland-based venue provided the perfect backdrop to showcase all elements, including silk ribbons and ring box from New South Wales, cufflinks from Victoria, French oak leaf brooch from Tasmania, shoes from South Australia, ceramic flowers and stationery from Western Australia, and a beeswax wrap from the Northern Territory.

This shoot took place during a time of social distancing. The impact of this requirement had ripple effects. Our couple had to be real-life. The wedding party also required some consideration. We had some options: a) no wedding party, b) an awkwardly socially distanced wedding party, or c) a COVID-19-safe alpaca party. The resulting decision was unanimous: option c.

The alpaca party – Sam, Jack & Napoleon – did not disappoint. From eating roses plucked straight from floral arrangements to a quick dust bath during reception to photo-bombing sunset portraits, the alpaca party was in fine form. The team weaved vintage elements throughout the shoot. The gold amethyst bracelet and soft pink gloves were provided by Marisha, a stylist, and were taken from her mum’s & grandmother’s collections (Evelyn & Vivienne, respectively; our stationery incorporated a nod to the inclusions from these ladies). Needless to say, the gloves are a common accessory on people’s minds at the moment and seemed representative of this snapshot in time. In line with threading some elements of yesteryear throughout the shoot, Emily (photographer) embroidered some small pieces.

We incorporated some elements of sustainability, too. Some of the items were sourced through op shopping – such as the painted purple plate, plates for the table setting, platter used for grazing, and the dessert forks. The beeswax wrap continued the theme of sustainability when making day-to-day choices. Some hurdles to be overcome:

· The shoot needed to be in line with current guidelines (1.5 m distancing; our couple is real-life)

· It needed to be bright and cheerful; it needed to provide a positive outlet for all individuals involved

· It needed to be cohesive despite so many moving parts

· It needed to overcome country-wide delays (everything arrived with one postal day to spare!)

· It required everyone present on the day to be in full health (it was shot during a cluster of infections in Brisbane at that time)

· At least one business pushed through with a staff member away while awaiting test results

· A food vendor pulled out last-minute due to having to be tested; they were replaced on the Friday night of the Sunday shoot.