1920s Art Deco Wedding Inspiration Shoot

Inspired by an infatuation with the aesthetics of both Downton Abbey and The Great Gatsby, this styled wedding shoot features stately elegance contrasted by vivid passion. This is reminiscent of the traditional reserve that existed side by side with the uninhibited flapper culture. The theme and styling were designed and beautifully captured by the incredibly talented Michelle Marie Photographie.

The Philips Hotel in downtown Kansas City, Missouri was chosen as the shoot’s location for its historic art deco design and majestic ballrooms, proving to be the absolutely perfect backdrop for this stunning shoot. The colors and textures chosen for this shoot, from the flowers and apparel to the intimate reception tablescape, serve to illustrate the moods of the era. Pumpkin the Bulldog even made an appearance alongside our chic couple, adorned with an antique rhinestone collar! 

J. Lynn was responsible for wardrobe styling and provided all of the garments worn by the couple. The bride's era-appropriate dress is nothing short of spectacular and the groom’s fabulous beaver-skin top hat completes his look.

The artisan-crafted headdress worn by our stunning bride was hand-made by a local artist, Jamie Everdene of Waste Not Wear All. The silver headpiece is comprised of elaborately carved silver and copper with small accent pearls, and represents a modern interpretation of the art deco headpieces worn throughout the 1920s.

The miniature fan place cards were the main DIY aspect featured in this unique shoot, dipslaying each guest’s name spelled out in retro bubble stickers. We love these playful details alongside the elegant table settings complete with art deco inspired chargers, soft florals, and gorgeous glass and silver ware.

We can't get enough of this wedding inspiration shoot, with every last detail coming together beautifully, and we hope you enjoyed it as well! The passion in these photos is almost tangible. We think Christian Nestell Bovee says it best: “It is the passion that is in a kiss that gives to it its sweetness…”

Photographer: Michelle Marie Photographie / Reception Venue: The Philips Hotel / Dress Store: J.Lynn Bridal / Veils and Headpieces: Waste Not Wear All / Cake Designer: The Cakery Bakery / Floral Designer: Owens Flower Shop

A Great Gatsby Themed Wedding: The Party of the Year

One of this summer’s most anticipated movies was The Great Gatsby. Whether you loved reading the novel, parties, the 1920s, or any of the cast members, this movie appealed to almost everyone.
Although the movie failed in the eyes of those who read the book, there is still a lot to be said for certain aspects: the parties, the dancing, and the music. It was a movie that appealed to the senses, and it exceeded expectations in that regard.

So whether you prefer Jay or Nick, Daisy or Jordan, here’s how to throw a roarin’ 20s wedding that would make Jay Gatsby’s parties look like a backyard barbecue:

The Venue and Decorations

Pick a location that is open and has plenty of space for dancing. Choose big, fancy lighting and decorations in elegant colors: think white, black, and gold.

A venue that has both indoor and outdoor seating is ideal for a summer wedding. Use lanterns for lights outside, and trail ivy around the furniture or any railings or fences.

Inside, choose tall, leafy plants, so the centerpieces on the table are big, but the blooms are high enough that your guests can see the people they are seated with.

F. Scott Fitzgerald wrote many beautiful sayings about love. Use these quotes as part of your centerpieces.

The Dress

Dress to the nines for this glamorous occasion. You can choose to completely embrace the theme and dress like they did in the 1920s, in dresses with dropped waistlines and single-breasted suits.

Ladies, wear lots of long strands of pearls, gloves, and feathers or a headband in your hair. Remember, the more sequins, the better! Gentlemen, top hats, bowties, and pocket squares are encouraged.

The Music

Anything you can dance to! The 1920s were a fun, fast-paced, casual age. They loved to party and dance. The most popular music during this decade was jazz, so choose music with lots of brass instruments and swinging rhythms to stay true to the theme.

The Food

In the 1920s, party hosts tended to be more concerned with appearance and drinks than the food. However, one food they did love was oysters. Their drink of choice was champagne – they were always celebrating!

Decorate your wedding cake with golden art deco, and complement it with black and white desserts.

The End

End the night with a fireworks show and drive away in a vintage car, leaving your guests happily lost in the past.

Image Credits: Quote, Staircase and Feather Centerpieces, Picture Frame and Hanging Dress, Art Deco tablesetting, Beyonce, Groomsman, Oysters, Champagne tower, Cake, Trumpet player

Elizabeth is an undergraduate at Ohio Northern University with a double major in professional writing and creative writing and a minor in psychology. Liz writes for My Wedding Reception Ideas as well as creates multi-modal writing projects for Re:Media, an Ohio Northern University online publication.