Out of Africa Inspiration Shoot

As soon as I read Brooke Michaelson‘s description of this styled shoot – a whimsical, tropical paradise loosely based on Out of Africa,” I was pretty much obsessed already. Of course, the images didn’t disappoint — and neither did the styling and floral design by Girl Friday and DeBruyn Designs. Get ready for a burst of color to brighten up your Friday!

From the photographer, Brooke Michaelson: We called our shoot “Out of Africa,” since we loosely based the concept on the memoir. We tried to create a whimsically tropical paradise on farm land in the Minnesota River Valley. Here are a few more details from the shoot stylist: “Shot at the photographer’s private residence and farm on the Minnesota River bottoms in Eden Prairie, MN. We draped the tent in sheers to mimic mosquito netting. Ceiling installation: Spanish moss and grapevine were loosely woven to create a false ceiling. Brand new lanterns from Midway Party Rental are hung at varying heights over the table with braided decorative robes and tassels. The 5 ft floral arrangement on the table sits atop a moss runner layered over a raw, bleached linen runner from The Vintage Type Rentals.”

“DeBruyn Designs combined African flowers with Minnesota native varieties while A Milestone Paper Co. printed the menu on exotic wood veneer. Debruyn Designs made the bridesmaid necklaces by combining strands of dates and beads with paper necklaces made by women in Rwanda as a fundraiser for Educate Rwanda. The beaded necklace that the bride is wearing was purchased by the photographer during her travels in Ecuador last summer. Girl Friday’s chalkboard art inside our “living frame” was photographed to create the invitation and envelope liners. Coordinating fabrics displayed in embroidery hoops behind the bride on the porch. The darling bathroom we used for the suit and boutonniere shots is the result of the HGTV show ‘Bath Crashers.'”

View all images from this shoot in the gallery

Shoot Location: Eden Prairie, MN / Photographer: Brooke Michaelson Photography / Event Styling: Girl Friday / Florist: DeBruyn Designs / Dresses, Suit, and Veil: Mestad’s / Bride’s Necklace: from Otavalo Market, Ecuador / Bridesmaid Necklaces: Educate Rwanda / Hair and Makeup: Priscilla Bruce / Caterer: Premier Catering and Event Planning / Tent: Total Rental Center / Rentals: Midway Party Rentals / Vintage Rentals: The Vintage Type / Menu and Placecard: A Milestone Paper Co.