Movie Elements: Coming to America

This 1980's movie has become an iconic romantic comedy for generations.  For those very few people who have not gotten the opportunity to view this golden nugget of pop culture, this movie is about a man's pursuit of the woman he loves. Prince Akeem (Eddie Murphy) is the prince of the fictional African country, Zamunda, and he comes to NYC, disguised as a foreign student, to find a wife that will love him for him. While working at the fast food restaurant, McDowells, he meets the owners daughter Lisa (Shari Headley) and falls in love. Throughout the movie he pursues her to win her heart and eventually....they get married.

Besides the plot, the gorgeous wedding scenes are something to admire.  From the feather-clad dancers to Lisa's fashion-forward pink wedding gown, this movie has elements to admire for an African-inspired celebration. 

[Inspiration]

A Coming to America-inspired wedding doesn't necessarily need to have the look of Prince Akeem's extravagant nuptials (although it would be a dream...), but elements of some stand-out scenes can certainly inspire a romantic pared down version.

[Elements]

Photos via: Fruit Bowl // Pearl Headband // African-inspired Invitations // Blush Bridesmaid Dresses // Mr. & Mrs. Signage // Exotic Bouquet // Pheasant Feather Centerpiece // Fruit Naked Cake // Feather Escort Cards

Movie Elements: 27 Dresses

The movie 27 Dresses was about a lovable woman, Jane, played by Katherine Heigl who is always the bridesmaid, but never the bride until she is faced with having to be the maid-of-honor for her sister's wedding to a man she is secretly in love with. Eventually, she falls in love with a more compatible man and...you guessed it...gets married. The iconic scene in the movie is when Jane tries on all 27 hideous bridesmaid dresses in front of her soon-to-be husband. The scene coupled with the last scene where all her bridesmaids wore the dresses she wore inspired a rainbow wedding theme.  Here's our version:

[Inspiration]

[Elements]

Images via: Bridesmaids // Bouquet // Cake // Groomsmen // Beverages // Menu

Movie Elements: Casablanca Wedding

Photo Credit: Rotten Tomatoes

At times a movie can have such an emotional tug on our heart strings that it seems befitting to try and re-create the environment, feeling or ambiance of the movie to bring back that feeling. The movie Casablanca is a classic movie to be seen. With the theme of complicated love, it may not be a brides first choice for inspiration, but the Moroccan elements of the movie may be.

[Inspiration]:

Even in black and white, the details of the scenes from the quintessential doors of Rick's Cafe to the lanterns and the possibilities of rich reds floating everywhere (if the movie were in color) that Morocco is known for, a bride could draw inspiration by re-creating these elements.

[Elements]:

Sometimes the sequel is better than the original.

~Stay Sweet

Photo Credit:

kaftan // red vases // cake // table decor // wooden room divider