French Fashion Wedding Inspiration

This shoot from Tonya Joy Photography is all kinds of sweet: inspired by a love of French fashion and assorted notions, the shoot was Tonya’s present to her sister and brother-in-law who were unable to have wedding photographs to remember their big day. So in addition to reliving their wedding day just for them, they also got a dream wedding redo. Wooden bobbins, embroidery hoops and antique sewing machines were in order, also for our wedding dreams delight.

From the photographer and stylist, Tonya Joy: My sister and her husband got married young and did not have a wedding photographer. I decided to put together a stylized wedding shoot for them to celebrate their marriage and replace the wedding photos they never had. I infused this shoot with my love for sewing/vintage trinkets/lace/embroidery/and added a French feel for my love of the romance and beauty of French style.

The wedding dress was inspired by Duchess Kate and Princess Grace Kelly. I made the cathedral veil and we actually pieced together her wedding dress bottom with a new lace top to create the feel we were looking for. Groom’s wardrobe came from Banana Republic and H&M…simple classic styling.

I hand embroidered the table numbers using freezer paper and my printer to print the fonts directly on the muslin fabric. I was then able to easily embroider the beautiful lettering for the wedding sign, and bride and groom seat markers. Vintage sewing machines, ironing boards, thread bobbins, and yarn was collected from various antique stores and flea markets. I painted my furniture in Paris grey chalk paint to go with the peach/ivory/grey color scheme. Trips to Los Angeles Garment District were made to find fabrics to sew ruffled linen table runners, cake tablecloth, laces and veiling materials.

In such a heavily vintage trend towards weddings, I think it is important to style with the purpose of the expression of who the bride is. I was planning this shoot, so it was more than a bunch of “old” stuff just randomly placed. It was things that represent me, my loves and hobbies, and was just so delightful to use as a form of my fingerprint on this wedding. I have inherited a love for sewing from my great grandmother who was a professional seamstress and my mother and grandmother who also share the love for this skill. Brides should be inspired to do the same with vintage styling of their weddings.

View all images from this shoot in the gallery

Wedding Vendors (Corona, CA):

Wedding Venue: Orchard Corona / Wedding Photographer, Event Stylist, and Stationery: Tonya Joy Photography / Jewelry: Forever 21 / Shoes: Nordstrom / Groom’s Clothing: Banana Republic, H&M / Hair and Makeup: Kitsch by Kat / Wedding Flowers: Nancy of Oak and the Owl / Cake + Desserts: Rebecca Williamson