Soil Mates | Engagement Photos in a Vegetable Garden & Organic Wedding Reception Inspiration

I’ve been trying to feed my family & myself more fresh, organic foods. We have been so excited to grow a little vegetable garden at this “new” house. Something about summer makes it effortless to crave healthier foods. It felt so easy & natural to incorporate these everyday practices into a styled engagement session. I wanted to romanticize something that so many of us do. I happen to think spending time outdoors gardening is a fun way to hang out with your best friend.

When I came across this book, Soil Mates by Sara Alway, at Anthropologie, these little pieces came together & all I had to do was find a couple willing to cooperate. Abby & Brett were perfect! She listened to my concept & enthusiastically selected the perfect wardrobe for each of them. It was a great way to get to know them better & practice for photographs before their wedding that is coming up later this month!

I wanted to showcase ideas for a lovely vintage table of some healthy munchies. That is where my dear friend, Wanda, of Sugar Maple Weddings & Events came in. I showed her my (Pinterest) inspiration board, and she was set! I was “oohing & ahhing” the whole time I photographed her beautiful vegetable & fruit display. It would be perfect for an engagement party or bridal shower in addition to wedding reception inspiration! She is a Dayton area wedding planner & event stylist. She is very familiar with vintage design & showcasing rustic elegance. I’ve always loved any project that she is part of!

I found this little DIY Hummus & Baby Carrot in terra cotta pots garnished with Parsley at this sweet blog {via Pinterest}.

Wanda made this beautiful ribbon backdrop, that inspired my own DIY Ribbon Chandelier for my office.

This watermelon cake is just a creative way to serve watermelon! I found it on Pinterest too. The original idea is Martha Stewart. Of course.

I have been obsessed with pinwheels & fabric flowers lately. They are actually easy to make & a simple addition to a plain cake that adds a lovely touch! I was nervous to try this, because it goes against the idea of icing or fondant flowers on a cake. I felt a little more courage when I saw Martha Stewart Weddings Magazine {Summer 2011} had a cover spread about this very thing. You should read it if you are interested in having a DIY wedding cake! Choosing your own fabric is a perfect way to tie design together in a new way!

 Makeup was done by another talented friend, Leslie, of Glamour Make-up Art by Ruby Randall.
She is AMAZING & {understandably} in demand, so snatch her up quick for your wedding or portraits!

Abby’s dress & apron were from Anthropologie.

The egg shell planters were another Pinterest inspired idea.

Beer & Peonies were from Trader Joe’s {the Peonies in my yard had already died :(}.

Wanda & Leslie, you two were incredible… THANK YOU!

You can also see this shoot featured on Green Wedding Shoes.

 Thanks for coming out for a sunset engagement shoot Abby & Brett! I can’t wait to see you on your wedding day! ♥