French auberge style, a love of cycling, the majesty of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and vintage boho woven basket decor – what do they all have in common? This amazing Asheville, NC, wedding team found a way to bring all of those elements together to create this earthy neutral inspiration shoot at Hotel Domestique at Travelers Rest. The French country style of the venue inspired the natural elegance of the decor and the focus on local artisanal details to bring a sense of community! McSween Photography and Mingle Events led this team in creating a celebration of earth tones and handcrafted decor!
Woven basket decor added texture to this neutral wedding
The Hotel Domestique, a boutique hotel nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains in Travelers Rest, South Carolina, has an especial draw for cyclists who want to follow George Hincapie, an American bicycle racer. In cycling, the term ‘domestique’ refers to cyclists who work as a team and tirelessly work to ensure everyone is propelled forward. It’s an apt analogy for the small groups of creative professionals who helm every wedding and event, working seamlessly along the same path.
It was with that spirit of collaboration and mutual goals that Asheville, NC, wedding photographer McSween Photography and planner Mingle Events envisioned this stunning editorial shoot! They drew on the French country auberge atmosphere and cosmopolitan mountain living of the area to create a wedding concept that is at once retreat and celebration!
The core concept for the hotel wedding shoot centered on earthy neutrals. They were inspired by the stone walls, cyprus trees, and ironwork of the hotel, creating that boutique auberge environment with sweeping views of the mountains. White cane back chairs added to the pastoral French atmosphere, and florist Springvine created woven basket arrangements to line the ceremony aisle and add to the neutral palette with a creative use of texture.
The stunning seating chart combined an oversized scroll hand lettered by Joy Unscripted and surrounded by more of the signature woven basket centerpieces! Using them as a focal point brought stunning textiles and handcrafted details that could be repurposed throughout the ceremony and reception areas.
Focusing on a neutral palette did not mean sacrificing color! Springvine was inspired by traditional colors in French country decor, adding terra cotta, aubergine, and burnt orange floral accents to the bride’s bouquet, contrasting with the neutral base of dried grasses and flowers.
Rustic whitewashed reception tables from Professional Party Rental were set with stunning hand crafted plates by local artisans, East Fork Pottery. The deckled eggshell plates celebrated earthy textures and colors, with gold flatware to match the vintage candleholders lining the long dining tables.
The florist repurposed the woven basket decor pieces to the center of the farm tables to add even more unique and handcrafted textiles to the reception decor! The dried grass arrangements were accented by rich colors to add a stunning focal point to the neutral campagne table settings.
In keeping with the focus on natural textures and minimalist style, Verbena Events created a simple white wedding cake with a presses flower motif. Preserved flowers and ferns added a stunning and subtle detail – the woven basket tray was the perfect choice to display the cake!
When it comes to romantic vintage bridal style with a European sensibility, Claire Pettibone was the perfect choice! Delicate flutter sleeves, a sheer dotted overskirt, and an intricate lace neckline were the perfect choice to fit the venue and the focus on country elegance!
There’s no reason the bride can’t have a little fun! The embellished getaway dress from Asos added a fabulous twist for the end of the reception!
WEDDING VIDEO –
WEDDING VENDORS –
Wedding Photographer: McSween Photography | Wedding Venue: Hotel Domestique | Event Planning: Mingle Events | Florist: Springvine | Wedding Cake: Verbena Events | Wedding Dress: Claire Pettibone | Getaway Dress: Asos | Makeup Artist: Leah Milan Makeup | Rings: Spicer Greene | Event Rentals: Professional Party Rental | Tabletop Settings: East Fork Pottery | Calligraphy: Joy Unscripted | Ribbon: Hey Its Oh So Pretty