In an over-saturated social media market, jam packed with replicated ideas, it often seems impossible to come up with anything new. Search on Google or Pinterest and you are likely to find it has already been done numerous times. We at Ninirichi actively seek ways to always remain innovative and original when developing wedding and event styling concepts for our clients. One of my favourite strategies is to marry two seemingly opposite concepts or styles and sit back and enjoy the surprising fresh beauty that emerges! Hence the birth of this beautiful styled shoot concept of East meets West, Afro-Asia. The local elements, earthy textures, African patterns and objects are warm, tactile and familiar; whereas the oriental elements are exotic, dramatic and dreamy. Is that not what a marriage is all about – the merging of two separate lives to create a new and unique unified identity? The starting point for each design was the selection of unique natural linens from Set The Table. The colour schemes stemmed from pairing the linen choices with our décor elements that best popped. We then chose floral forms that best suited the containers and rental furniture pieces and cutlery that complemented the looks. We then briefed The Design Lot of the stationery concepts and sourced earthy statement garments and accessories from Lunar Life and The Space to bring it all together.
This striking yet delicate look marries soft pinks, bold reds, dramatic black and natural tones and textures – prevalent in both African and Asian aesthetics.
Suspended African chicken baskets and red Chinese bird cages – embellished with floral heads and soft greenry – added a simple, yet dramatic floating element above the tablescape.
African king proteas stipped down and poised on the side plates suggestive of lotus flowers floating on still waters. The sparkling red wine goblets add a high-gloss contrast off-set all the earthy tones.
Gold and black cutlery, black crockery decorated with a magnificient deep red peonies.
An unexpected, yet dreamy floral combination of ranunculus, roses, orchids and king proteas brings this fusion design concept to life. We worked with an eclectic assortment of containers for the floral arrangements; such as African calabash baskets, wooden stump vases, embossed black baroque bud vases and gold textured ceramics. We then also casually scattered single floral heads directly onto the cloth to add movement and rhythm to the visual compostition.
Textured brush stroke linen runner, gorgeous bespoke hand illustrated stationery, Balanise batik fan, Beaded Swazi placemats, lasercut Chinese lattice pattern paper mat.
Raw wood plinth table with black perspex Ghost chairs.
Silk lace fan concept bouquet with woven floral blooms and greenery.
Behind the scenes:
Publication: Featured in the Spring 2017 edition of Wedding Inspirations Magazine.
Blog Feature: Grateful for this wonderful feature by Southbound Bride on our shoot https://southboundbride.com/afro-asian-fusion-wedding-inspiration-by-ninirichi-style-studio-ginger-ale-photography/
Credits:
Concept, Décor, Styling & Florals @ninirichistylestudio | Napery Hire @setthetablehire | Photography @gingeralephotography | Flower Sponsor @yesexclusiveflowers | Venue @thegalleria | Garments & Accessories @lunarlifestyle | Belts @thespacesa | Makeup @missymakeupartist | Hair Styling @hair_dimension | Furniture Rentals @inspirefurniture | Cutlery @nicolsonrussell | Graphic Design & Stationery @thedesignlot_sa | Illustration @chicmyparty | Publications: @wedding_inspirations_magazine & @SouthboundBride | Models – Edith Mehlwana | Wardrobe Styling @eleniarvanitakis
