An eco friendly (and chic) wedding

April 12, 2018

Kate Preftakes Photography, Sorell Downing, Stylist,

Weddings are joyful celebrations, but they can also be an opportunity to make an Earth-friendly statement. Whether it’s your venue, your table settings or your attire, you can choose to be green. Event planner Sorrell Downing took on the challenge (along with her amazing team) of creating a wedding that’s eco chic — not only environmentally conscious but also fabulous and fun.

Natural Beauty

Set in an old mill building in historic Harrisville, the inspiration shoot features a sumptuous tablescape atop an old wooden farm table covered by a flax tablecloth. Bamboo chairs provide seating with a woven fiber rug beneath. Accents of greenery at each place setting complement a dramatic live-tree centerpiece. “They bring a natural beauty to the rest of the table,” says Downing. Last but not least, the wine glasses are made from recycled wine bottles, and the shoes for the bride are made from recycled water bottles.

The eco-friendly theme is carried on with pottery — the soft pink plates — and wood — the scalloped chargers and flatware handles.

The bride carries a bouquet made of king protea, tuberose, golden mustard rose, lepidium, rice flower, ranunculus, lady slipper orchid, anthurium and grevillea. It’s tied with a dyed silk ribbon. The flower girl, with a matching crown of flowers, sits in a high-back straw chair that adds a sculptural element.

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Uniquely Green

The wedding stationery is minimalist, but the calligraphy adds a dramatic flair. Note the simple freshwater pearl stud earrings and the wedding rings, made of wood.

Inspired by the work of florist Françoise Weeks, the botanical bow ties are made of flower buds, mini succulents, eucalyptus leaves and string-of-pearls, a succulent vine. The groom wears a bamboo fabric shirt.

The flower girl is dressed in hand-knit arm warmers and skirt made from Angora goat yarn.

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Elemental Décor

The simple, white cake — adorned only by white ribbons and a spray of greenery and flowers — sits atop cubbies that were once postal boxes. The greenery that decorates them is complemented by nearby hanging greenery rings.“They help to decorate the space and bring the natural elements to all corners of the room,” says Downing.