When I started planning a styled photoshoot at Amazing Graze Barn, I knew I wanted to combine rustic, free-flowing elements with rich and luxurious textures.

The vision began with the idea of doing something unexpected in a barn venue - bringing in rich velvet fabrics, moody colors, and high-end decor pieces, delicately mingling luxe and natural elements together.

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As the color palette developed, I chose a variety of jewel tones ranging from mauve and blush pink to deep greens and blues. I also incorporated black and gold as accents to add depth and layers of luxury and sophistication. I knew the colors and decor would need to be bold and rich to stand up to the visual texture and depth of the floor to ceiling wood within the barn. The space has so much natural character and raw warmth that I knew it would be a perfect foundation to build on.

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The decor is where the “luxe” in our Luxe Meets Organic concept really came to life. I worked with Anne and Merryanne of Empty Nest Rentals to style three lounge vignettes, incorporating velvet sofas and armchairs, faux leather barrel chairs, and black and gold side tables.

The dinner table was set with pieces from American Party Rentals, including a champagne velvet tablecloth, mauve velvet napkins, matte black plates, brushed gold flatware, and black limewash dinner chairs. The finishing touch at each seat was a hand-lettered place card by Laurie at Carolina Delight.

I was relying on our floral designs to add to the organic and natural side of the theme, so I worked with Ashlee at Wild Hands Florals to create arrangements that were full of texture and movement. Along with roses, lisianthus, and ranunculus, she also incorporated aromatic mint and flowering basil - in other words, everything smelled AMAZING. There were also many foraged grasses and ferns used to create oversized displays for the ceremony setting. Every floral arrangement Ashlee created was perfectly wild, delicate, and sculptural.

To balance the variety of textures and colors present in the florals, decor, and the venue itself, I chose a wedding dress that was modern, structured, and all about clean lines: a crepe fit-and-flare with cap sleeves designed by Mikaella Bridal (found at Maggi Bridal in Raleigh). A sophisticated updo by Haleigh Conner and makeup with a hint of drama by Kendra Duncan completed the bridal look to perfection.

Can I even put into words how much I love the three-tier shimmering black cake with painted buttercream flowers designed by Randi at Sugar Euphoria? It was a truly show-stopping focal point, perfectly incorporating each color in our palette and topping the day off with incredible flair.

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In the end, these gorgeous photos by Monisa J. Photography capture this day better than my words ever could. I can’t wait to partner with each of these talented vendors again soon, and if you’re planning a special event, I highly recommend each and every one of them! (See the full list of vendors below)