Be inspired by the opulence, glamour and moodiness of a bygone era.
Set within the walls of the historic Savoy Theatre at Katoomba is the Avalon Restaurant and Cocktail Bar, a quirky establishment oozing loads of art deco charm and the perfect setting for a wedding. Or even a styled photo shoot!
To keep the creative juices flowing during the pandemic-induced wedding hiatus, the dynamic duo Cass Scully of Bloom Mountains Designs and Trish Scully of Trish Scully Designs, collaborated with local wedding industry talents to produce a photo shoot that celebrates the Blue Mountains’ art deco era and Australian native florals. “We thought it was a great opportunity to showcase how to use modern fashion, photography and floral designs to achieve a luxurious art deco look,” Cass says.
Where better to host an art deco-styled shoot than the magnificent Blue Mountains. Even Baz Luhrmann thought so, choosing Mount Wilson as the setting for scenes featured in The Great Gatsby. With many local landmarks having been built in the 1920s and 1930s Cass and Trish were spoiled for choice for venues, eventually being lured in by the Avalon’s unique spaces and playful art deco charm.
Local models Emily Hill and Faith Birkett wore gowns by Sass and Bide and Lover the Label in designs reflective of the era. While Emily donned her own ballet slippers, Faith wore the stylist’s vintage wedding shoes – very authentic! Cass says “For hair and make-up, we were hoping to create a subtle homage to the 1920s grit and moodiness of John Galliano’s Paris runways of the early 2000s. We’re thrilled with the outcome.” Weddings by Tania nailed the brief, creating a beautiful vintage look with just-pinched rosy cheeks!
Cass was eager to use Australian native flowers (such as king proteas, flannel flowers, leucadendron, banksia, mulla mulla, eucalypt and billy buttons) in a colour palette reflective of the era. It was important to her to showcase the spectrum of native flowers available to suit any wedding theme, not just the traditional reds and oranges we often see.
The talent behind the lens, Chris Gray Photomedia, perfectly captured the opulence, glamour and moodiness of a bygone era that was the result of beautiful styling by Trish Scully Designs. Surrounded by masses of flowers in golden yellows, creams, whites and mauves with contrasting grey-green foliage of the eucalypt the styling was completed by quality pieces hired from Penny Lane Studio and plants supplied by The Plant Doctor. The scene was softly illuminated by brass candelabras radiating a warm candlelight that sweetly sang decadence and romance.
“We hope this shoot inspires couples to celebrate this sublime period and region in their own way,” says Cass.
