Starting at the Bar: Crafted Concoctions by HD Liquid Catering
The Autumn Nights styled shoot at Apricus was illuminated by a cloud-filtered sunset, casting a warm, amber glow that set a stunning scene. At the heart of this setting was the bar, where HD Liquid Catering showcased their mastery with drinks that perfectly echoed the season’s palette. Each drink prepared by HD Liquid Catering was more than just a beverage; it was a part of the evening's experience, enhancing the overall ambiance of our styled shoot.
Espresso Martini: Rich and Inviting
The Espresso Martini was a hit, offering a creamy blend that was both visually appealing and deliciously comforting. Topped with a sprinkle of brown sugar and coffee beans, it looked as inviting as it tasted, perfect for the crisp evening air.
Apple Spiced Bourbon Cocktail: Autumn in a Glass
The standout was the Apple Spiced Bourbon Cocktail, its rich brown and orange tones mirroring the evening sky. Dried apple slices and a cinnamon stick garnish added a touch of autumnal flair, making it not just a drink but a key part of the event's autumn theme.
A Standout Feature of Apricus
Brenda Houston
Just beyond the vibrant cocktail service, the interior of Apricus reveals a stunning feature that captures the essence of its name—'warm by the sun.' The focal point is a beautifully crafted sunburst wall, a creation by local Dallas artist Brenda Houston. This distinctive art piece is constructed from layers of mica in various shades of orange and gold, reflecting light and color with a subtle, natural shimmer.
This wall not only serves as a breathtaking backdrop for our bar setup but also embodies the warmth and radiance that Apricus aims to offer. Brenda Houston's use of mica, a material known for its gleaming, reflective properties, enhances the ambient lighting, making every angle a perfect photo opportunity and enriching the overall aesthetic of the venue.
The Atmosphere: Music and Florals in Perfect Harmony
No styled shoot is complete without the right ambiance, and for this event, two key elements brought everything together: the live music and the stunning floral arrangements.
Live Music by Speechless Music
The peaceful, live melodies provided by Speechless Music elevated the entire experience, creating an atmosphere that felt cohesive and inspired. As I worked, the music flowed in the background, setting the perfect mood for creativity. There’s something special about hearing live music as I shoot—it brings a certain rhythm and energy to the process, making everything feel more connected.
Florals by The Pink Peony Florist
The floral arrangements by The Pink Peony Florist were nothing short of magical. Abundant and breathtaking, the flowers created a true centerpiece for our shoot. I’ve never seen such big, fluffy roses in my life! Every detail was perfect, from the vibrant colors to the careful arrangement. I was even lucky enough to take one of the floral creations home, and it now sits proudly on my counter, bringing me joy every single day. The beauty and craftsmanship of these arrangements made a lasting impression, not just on me but on the entire event.
Final Flourishes: Hair & Makeup by Lip Service Makeup and Stationery by Letter Art
The finer details that completed the Autumn Nights styled shoot were expertly handled by the talented teams at Lip Service Makeup and Letter Art. Lip Service Makeup created a clean, bridal look that perfectly matched the mock wedding theme, bringing an effortless elegance to the models that highlighted their natural beauty and tied the whole aesthetic together. Meanwhile, Letter Art provided beautiful stationery that added key decorative elements for flat-lay photography and video, offering intricate details that elevated the visual storytelling. The thoughtfully designed pieces, from invitations to embellishments, enhanced the overall look of the shoot, contributing to a final album that was both cohesive and stunning. Together, these vendors played a vital role in making the shoot a success.
Cake & Catering
The dessert and catering were true highlights of the event. Gigi’s Cupcakes created a stunning 3-tier white cake adorned with fresh flowers and fruits, making it a beautiful centerpiece. Alongside the cake, they also provided an array of cupcakes that were incredibly soft and flavorful, adding a sweet touch to the occasion. On the savory side, Naborly Provisions presented a delicious charcuterie board and mouthwatering raviolis with 2 different sauces. The perfect mix of flavors and presentation brought an extra layer of indulgence, rounding out the evening with unforgettable culinary experiences.
Furniture & Rentals
Outdoor Furniture by AFR Rentals
AFR Rentals provided the perfect outdoor furniture for creating inviting lounge areas. Their selection of chairs and sofas added both comfort and style, allowing guests to relax in the beautifully furnished spaces. These seating arrangements contributed to the welcoming atmosphere and helped round out the overall design of the event.
Event Rentals by TLC Event Rentals
TLC Event Rentals took care of all the essential table settings, from plates and forks to cups and linens. Their attention to detail ensured that each table was elegantly arranged, adding a refined touch that tied the whole look together. The quality and style of their rentals elevated the dining experience, making each setting feel special.
Exquisite Wedding Attire from
Asher Lane Bridal and Don Morphy
The first dress boasts a more contemporary design with tiered layers that give it a playful yet elegant feel. The dress is crafted with multiple tiers of soft, flowing fabric that cascade elegantly to the ground, creating a stunning visual effect with each step. This dress is perfect for a bride who enjoys a bit of flair and movement.
Complementing the gown, the second tuxedo from Don Morphy showcases a masterful blend of tradition and contemporary style. While it follows the sharp, tailored cut of the first, this suit features a distinctive textured fabric that subtly plays with light, adding an understated shimmer. This textural play makes the tuxedo not just a piece of clothing but a statement of fashion and elegance. The ensemble is completed with a clean white shirt and a matching black bow tie, ensuring that the outfit remains impeccably stylish.
The second dress from Asher Lane Bridal features intricate lace detailing, with a design that embraces both classic elegance and modern sophistication. The bodice is adorned with delicate patterns that extend into long, sheer sleeves, creating a romantic and ethereal look. The dress fits snugly, highlighting a silhouette that flares gently at the bottom, adding a touch of grace to every movement.
The corresponding tuxedo by Don Morphy complements this dress perfectly. It’s a sleek black ensemble with a unique, sparkling black sequin detail on the lapel, adding a dash of glamour and distinction. The look is completed with a crisp white shirt and a black bow tie, making it an impeccable choice for a sophisticated event.
Each & Every Detail
There are A LOT of moving parts when planning your Wedding or Event, the expertise of Wendy Kidd was crucial in seamlessly bringing together the many elements of the event! This one included. Her coordination and meticulous attention to detail ensured that all elements came together seamlessly, reflecting her commitment to creating a memorable and smoothly run event.
Entertainment and Photo Opportunities
For entertainment, Paradise Productions brought life to the party, not only with their engaging music selection but also through a fun photo booth setup, which was a hit among the guests. These interactive elements added a layer of enjoyment and helped create lasting memories of the celebration.
The BEST
Coffee Cart!
A highlight for me was the Magnify Coffee Catering coffee cart, one of my favorites in DFW. They serve up amazing coffee, but their spicy strawberry lemonade is the real game-changer—so refreshing, with customizable spice levels! I love their creative drink options, and they always bring something special to every event.
DRONE SHOWS ARE A MUST
Drone Light Events had a booth showcasing their incredible drone light shows. Their services are a must for anyone looking to add a unique and unforgettable element to their event.
EAT THE COOKIES
A lovely detail at the event was a lemon cookie, beautifully printed with a custom logo. The printing was done with precision, showcasing how you can provide your own photos or logos to the artist for a personalized touch. It was an elegant addition that not only looked stunning but also brought a unique blend of charm and flavor to the day, making it a memorable and thoughtful detail.
Outside the venue, the Revival Photo Camper added a cool, vintage vibe, making it a fun and unique attraction for guests. Even though I didn’t get the chance to capture it in photos, it was a great feature in front of the venue. The event also had vibrant balloon decor by Events 4 You, adding pops of color and whimsy that tied everything together beautifully.
INSTA's
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Venue | Apricus Venue
Planner | Each & Every Detail
Caterer | Naborly Provisions
Bar | HD Liquid
Bakery | Gigi's Cupcakes Southlake
Custom Cookies | Baked by McKinney Makes
Bridal Boutique | Asher Lane Bridal
Tuxedo | Don Morphy
Entertainment & Photo Booth| Paradise Productions
Live Music | Speechless Music
Floral | The Pink Peony Florist
Rentals | TLC Event Rentals
Stationery | Letter Art
Hair & Makeup | Lip Service Makeup
Coffee Cart | Magnify Coffee Catering
Photo Camper | Revival Photo Camper
Balloons | Events 4 You
Furniture | AFR Rentals
Drone Show | Drone Light Events
Dance Floor | Inkcredible Dance Floors