2025 Style Shoot Design Contest Runner-Up: Regency Romance in Mocha Mousse

When Jennifer Livingston and Kayla Joughin of Celadon & Sage set out to design their entry for WeddingDay’s 2025 Style Shoot Design Contest, they were influenced by the renewed love for all things Regency thanks to the hit Netflix series Bridgerton. "Inspired by the way brides we work with have been embracing feminine and whimsical elements on their special days, we envisioned playful lace, delicate ribbon, opulent candelabras and soft natural light for this shoot," Jennifer and Kayla explain. The result was a romantic, pastel dream filled with playful elegance and a dash of rebellion. Blending the nostalgia of a Regency-era garden party with a fresh, modern approach, the shoot layers ombré tones of blush rose, warm mocha and natural greens for a timeless and romantic celebration!

For their Regency-meets-modern affair, the Celadon & Sage team found their perfect locale in Southwest Michigan. "We did not think twice about shooting at The Grand LV in Niles, Michigan, for its historic charm and timeless elegance," Jennifer and Kayla rave. Built in 1928, the venue’s high ceilings, crown molding and flood of natural light in its Kull Memorial Stateroom offered elegance in spades. Plus, its gilded mirrors, velvet seating and timeless palette made it feel like instant royalty!

The décor perfectly blended English garden elegance with a modern-day soirée, creating a scene that felt both timeless and refreshingly playful. A caterpillar-style dinner table wound gracefully through the room, inviting conversation like a Regency ball. Ombré lace linens flowed from blush to mocha, while vintage arches, Greek columns and eclectic dinnerware from Celadon & Sage’s secondhand collection blended history with sustainability. Jennifer and Kayla explain, “As with all of our Celadon & Sage tablescapes, mix-and-match dinnerware and décor makes for a truly unique experience for each guest, as each table setting is one-of-a-kind." And of course, there were parasols—a playful nod to London strolls and the perfect touch of whimsy! We also love the ornate drapery, provided by AAYS Event Rentals!

Instead of overwhelming the palette, Celadon & Sage used the 2025 Pantone Color of the Year, Mocha Mousse, as the grounding note in their romantic ombré scheme. It appeared in the groom’s suit, the table linens, scattered cherries on the tablescape, and even in the cake design. The result was an understated yet luxurious color story that felt organic and deeply romantic!

The shoot's floral design was pure poetry. Lush blooms flowed in a delicate ombré from blush to mocha, with sculptural shapes that blurred the line between classic and modern. The bride’s bouquet featured hydrangeas and roses—the ultimate English garden staples—paired with anthuriums, an exotic Regency import that added an unexpected edge. Pearls were even worked into the groom’s boutonniere for an extra dose of opulence!

The bride was the very definition of modern royalty! She donned a satin gown featuring a corset-style bodice and flowing skirt which gave classic princess energy with a modern silhouette. Her hair was styled half-up with soft curls and topped with a dainty tiara, while her makeup by Jenn Martz Makeup Artistry stayed light and rosy with soft peach undertones.

Because no Regency-inspired celebration is complete without an extravagant dessert display, the team included a tiered cake that channeled the ornate beauty of the era. The intricate frosting and contrast of soft and bold tones kept it timeless yet trendy. Displayed on a pedestal—a cheeky nod to Regency architecture—it was joined by a tower of macarons at an afternoon tea station that would’ve made the Queen of England smile!

Staying true to their D.I.Y. roots, Jennifer and Kayla designed their own menus for this shoot, adorning them with delicate ribbons that echoed through the décor. The simplicity of the stationery allowed the other details to shine while still carrying that soft, romantic energy. With its dreamy florals, delicate details and commitment to sustainability, this shoot proves that you don’t need to live in a palace to feel like royalty—just a vision, a talented team and a touch of Mocha Mousse!

 

 

 

Style Shoot Design Contest sponsored by: AAYS Event Rentals
 

 

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