This Parisian-Inspired Wedding Had a BIG Twist …

Style Blueprint

a day ago

On a sun-drenched afternoon, about an hour outside of Memphis, a vision for a yellow-tinged Parisian wedding came to life at White Raven Manor. Vendors poured in, drenching the outdoor scene in soft, whimsical florals and French-inspired accoutrements. A couple in love donned their black-tie finest. But this wasn't their actual wedding day — that had taken place three years earlier. On this April day, they were the models for the MOST swoon-worthy editorial shoot. And we get to share it!
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Set against the venue's elegant old-world façade and sweeping Southern views, the shoot captured the refined ease of a Parisian summer day. It was all elegance without the fuss, warmth without the weight. And at its heart was a real couple, Alexis and Cory, whose chemistry and affection for one another infused the entire day with authentic joy.
Joanna's vision of early-summer yellow became the creative north star. 'I knew I wanted to design something that felt true to that in-between season where spring melts into summer,' she says. Yellow was her starting point — cheerful, nostalgic, and sunny.
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'Elizabeth and I have worked together several times, both as fellow vendors on weddings and on styled shoots. We share a love for Jane Austen and period dramas, and that shows in our work. Recently, I've pursued very English-inspired design, but I felt like I wanted a slight shift. When I spoke to Elizabeth, we both knew we wanted something that felt European, sophisticated, and refined, yet easy and not fussy.'
That conversation led to Paris. More specifically, to the 1995 film Sabrina and its iconic line: 'Paris is always a good idea.' And indeed, it was. Joanna stayed up late building a Pinterest board bursting with lemon-hued florals, café tables, umbrella-topped patios, and effortless charm. They just needed the right setting. With its long stone pool, ethereal light, and old-world-inspired architecture, White Raven Manor proved the perfect backdrop.
The team was soon joined by Brooke of The Event Edit, a recent Memphis transplant whose energy and eye for detail helped turn the creative vision into a stunning reality. 'Coming from the Metro-Detroit wedding industry, it was exciting to bring a touch of elevated luxury to the South in a way that still felt warm and inviting,' she says.
As a planner, Brooke was used to being behind the scenes, but this time, she had a chance to help shape the visual story. 'My favorite design element was definitely the tablescapes. I had the opportunity to hand-select the linens and had full creative freedom when it came to choosing the flatware,' she says. 'Seeing how it all came together in the final photos, I really feel like those choices complemented the beautiful centerpieces and glassware.'
For Alexis, slipping into a Monique Lhuillier gown from Maggie Louise was a full-circle moment. 'Reliving notions of our wedding day with our own wedding photographer honestly felt like a dream come true,' she says. 'I felt like a total princess bride. I couldn't stop taking selfies.' Her husband Cory, the picture of relaxed charm in a sharp tuxedo, played his part with a grin that never faded.
Elizabeth approached the day with reverence for the real emotions weddings stir up. 'Participating in a wedding editorial is the closest many vendors will come to truly walking in our couples' shoes,' she reflects. 'That pressure to make everything just right mirrors exactly what our clients go through.'
There were a few hiccups, as there always are. A last-minute linen change, a bloom that didn't arrive, a hairstyle adjustment to better suit the veil. 'And that's where the magic really lies,' Elizabeth says. 'Letting go of the original plan and finding joy in what's been created instead. Because somehow, despite the pivots, it always turns out exactly the way it was meant to.'
The shoot unfolded like a storybook. A lemon-laced cocktail hour led into an al fresco reception by the pool, with café lighting strung overhead and airy florals spilling over the tables. 'We wanted each area of the venue to tell its own story,' says Brooke, noting the fast-paced transitions between scenes. 'Once it's time to start shooting, the energy shifts. It's all hands on deck.'
Joanna's florals were painterly and wild, grounded in yellows but laced with texture and movement. Elizabeth curated not one but two looks for Alexis, including a shorter Anne Barge dress that added a modern flair to the classic setting. The invitation suite, designed by Lucky 13 Letters, leaned into delicate calligraphy and layered paper textures. Another star of the show? The food.
The food told its own story, thanks to Heirloom Catering and Legacy Bar Service. 'I really believed that the food was an important part of the story, especially in conveying an easy Parisian afternoon vibe,' Joanna says. A baguette cart, citrus cocktails, and trayed hors d'oeuvres brought taste into the sensory feast of the shoot.
One unforgettable moment? Alexis and Cory accidentally got locked on the upstairs balcony while taking a quiet break. 'The space was so gorgeous that we were happy to just enjoy the view together for a while, but eventually, the homeowner had to come rescue us,' Alexis laughs. 'It's one of those sweet, silly moments we'll never forget.'
More than anything, the shoot reflected what's possible when vision, artistry, and collaboration come together. 'I want to stress what a group effort this shoot was,' Joanna says. 'Elizabeth went way beyond 'photographer.' Brooke brought in plenty of her own personality and expertise. We could not have accomplished the many details and logistics of setup and flipping without her. It was a true team effort.'
The result was more than a styled shoot. It was a celebration of love — past, present, and future — and a reminder that the best wedding inspiration doesn't just come from Pinterest boards, but from shared passion, real stories, and human relationships.
RESOURCES
Venue: White Raven Manor
Photography & Design: Elizabeth Hoard Photography
Florist & Design: Snapdragon Floral
Planner & Design: The Event Edit
Video: Tommy Kirkpatrick Films
Gown & Jewelry: Maggie Louise Monique Lhuillier
Shorter Dress: Anne Barge
Bridal Shoes: Something Bleu
Tuxedo: American Tuxedo
Paper Goods & Invitation Suite: Lucky 13 Letters
Chairs & Linens: Elegant Chair Solutions
Glassware/Flatware/Dishware: Perfete Tables
Catering: Heirloom Catering
Cake: The Flour Garden
Makeup: Kimberly Yasmine
Hair: Tyra Anderson Hair
Content Creation: Media by Mama
Live Painter: A Chick with a Brush
Beverage: Legacy Bar Service & Cocktail Creations
Telephone Booth: Ilo Photobooth