French Kissed: A Bridal Editorial
by Angela PiperPerched above the stunning coastline of Whale Beach, the iconic Jonah's restaurant provided the perfect backdrop for a bridal shoot that celebrated the understated glamour of French styling. With its breathtaking ocean views, the venue's clean lines and minimalist aesthetic complemented the simplicity and sophistication of the gowns, creating an unforgettable fusion of modern luxury and timeless romance.
The Vision
Inspired by the effortless allure of French bridal style, this shoot captured by the talented wedding photographer Anica Hofmann embraced simplicity at its finest. The focus was on clean, minimalist gowns with delicate fabrics and romantic floral details by White House Flowers. In our first bridal look, the Ciara gown with pleated tulle accents was complemented by this romance tablescape created by the talents at Little Lane Events: An earthy tablescape created with textural neutrals, mossy olive foliage and creamy pleated tulle drapes—that highlighted the natural beauty of the serene coastal backdrop. The natural elements of Whale Beach—soft sand and crashing waves—perfectly complemented the soft tones of the wedding dresses, creating a harmonious blend of earth and elegance.
Taking our cues from the French, where less is often more, this philosophy flows through the lens with soft, flowing silhouettes of silk satin shimmering in the afternoon light, creating a sense of movement and grace. The Ciara bridal gown, light and ethereal, let the bride’s spirit shine through, offering a modern take on classic French bridal style.
The Details
The gowns featured in this editorial evoked a romantic simplicity—clean lines, crafted from luxe fabrications such as silk satin and mossy textured crepes, and a focus on fit rather than ornamentation. The Ciara gown with it's silk satin, ebbs and flows with delicate straps and plunging necklines conveying effortless sophistication. The simplicity of this bridal gown was elevated by intricate pleated tulle details, delicate buttons, and flowing train accents that captured both the sensuality and elegance associated with French bridal fashion.
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The hair and makeup reflected the same understated approach. The lovely Boo from @lalujamabeauty who studied the artistry of French make-up created soft waves and tousled curls framing the model, Annabel's face, while natural makeup enhanced her features, with a soft, dewy glow and a hint of romantic blush. The result was a modern yet timeless look, perfectly in sync with the minimalist styling of the wedding gowns.
Annabel gets ready wearing our Layla onesie
A French Kiss of Romance
As the editorial unfolded, the magic of the shoot became clear: it wasn’t just the stunning gowns or the gorgeous coastal setting, but the spirit of romance that wove everything together. The concept of a “French kiss” was woven throughout the shoot in subtle ways—whispers of romance and elegance echoed in each frame. From the quiet moments of a bride gazing out over the ocean, there was an undeniable feeling of love, simplicity, and refinement that is so intrinsic to French style.
The Soiree
For the reception look, our Antonia gown came to life as the sun set shone rays of gorgeous afternoon light through the Whiskey Room at Jonah's. Crafted from a light, mossy textured crepe, it cuts a stunning hourglass silhouette and features an asymmetric plunging cowl neckline. The perfect reception dress to let your hair down and party the night away with your loves.
The understated elegance of the Antonia dress was complemented by a monochrome color palette—crisp whites, striking black accents, softened with the nostalgia of a baby's breath bouquet.
The monochrome styling further elevated this feeling of purity, as the absence of bold colors allowed the focus to remain on the emotions evoked by the bride’s look and the surroundings.
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This editorial serves as a reminder that bridal fashion doesn't always need bold colors to make a statement. Sometimes, it’s the subtlety, the simplicity, and the quiet moments of beauty that create the most lasting impact. Whether by the ocean or in the heart of Paris, true elegance never goes out of style.