A Nóbl Editorial Shoot

Stunning antique details and understated elegance come together to “tell a tale as old as time” in our fine art wedding shoot “La Belle et La Bête”.  This mid-1700’s provincial France love story, embraces inner beauty, intellect, and charm resembling the same powerful romance shared between this real-life couple. Needless to say, we had a ball working with our vendor team on this classic.

THE LIBRARY AT THE ROYAL CANADIAN MILITARY INSTITUTE

The Library at the (RCMI) is one of the most intimate and charming, fine art wedding venues in Toronto. It’s humble, old-world presence defies the bold urban nature of downtown Toronto’s hustle and bustle. This hidden treasure is a historic time capsule.

With a sliding ladder, wall to wall bookshelves, striking crystal chandelier, a blazing warm fireplace, and a dramatic intricate rod-iron railing staircase, this petite room is perfect for the sweetest of celebrations. It awakened our creativity, and inspired us with vivid images of the iconic moment Belle and the Beast fell in love.

Discovering this quaint little library, we knew at last, we’d found a stage deserving of Parisienne novelist Madame Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve’s love story, and perhaps you will find… of yours too!

FINE ART DECORATION, THE NÓBL WAY

Comparing the first version of the design deck to the magic of our final portrayal of la Belle et la Bête was wonderful. We intended to showcase the indulgent furniture, French architecture, and grandeur of Europe. Knowing that, our creative team spoiled us with choice! So it was no surprise, that most of the details and creative aspects came about organically during the planning process, further making it easy for the Nóbl team to carefully chose each enchanting antique piece, lush floral, and vintage furnishing. Not to mention the irreplaceable, must-have pieces we hoped would cause nostalgia for Beauty and the Beast.

THE DIVINE IS IN THE DETAILS 

The fireplace mantle is adored with an ornate, gold-moulded, elegant cage. To honour the beloved Cogsworth, Mrs. Potts and Chip, a small grandfather clock, and floral ceramic cups and teapots were featured. Topping it off with an embellished tray displaying a small handheld “magic” mirror with delicate satin ribbons loosely bowed on it’s handle.

Finely embossed patterns danced around the brims of white dining plates, framed by gold utensils. A frosted glass dome encased a singular stemmed, blush garden rose. The rose poised modestly inside, bending ever so slightly at the base of the bloom, as if the weight of it’s fragile head were too much to boast.  Classic dining chairs upholstered in ivory fabric with a luxurious damask pattern eagerly awaited their guests at the table. Could it be by chance that this remarkable pattern perfectly matched the design of our groom’s attractive midnight blue jacket? By chance, indeed! We selected this item for its popular fit and subtle sheen from Andrew’s Formals. It was only once the day commenced, we realised how wonderfully it coordinated with the divine furnishings outfitted by the RCMI. 

Martina Liana’s signature romance is on full display with this impressive gown, worn by our beautiful bride, emphasising spectacular allusion lace with delicate floral embroidery trickling from the sweetheart neckline to the chapel length train. The train flows elegantly from the natural waistline at the lower back, cascading effortlessly across the library’s flight of stairs and picturesque elephant ladder. A soft and tasteful open back curves around the body to meet darling sheer off-the-shoulder sleeves. 

PENMANSHIP & PETALS

Strands of white waxflowers, and formal escort cards are placed along the top right corner of each place setting. Hand-drawn calligraphy on deckled edge paper mirrors a worn finish true to the stationery of that era. Each card was curated with intention and an important guest in mind. The eloquent names of French literary masters were executed at the steady hand of Miss Sonia of Olumis Calligraphy. Our guest list included the finest literary talent:

• Colette– known as Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette
• Simone de Beauvoir 
• Marguerite Duras 
• Noemie – utilise juste pour son beau son 
• Gaston Leroux
• Michel De Montaigne
• Andre Gide
• Jean Baptiste Alphonse Karr

et

• Francois Rebelais

 What’s more, a full stationery suite including: invitations, response notes, and envelopes stamped with a custom emblemed, wax seals, echoing the design and flow of the escort cards’ penmanship. 

Our florals were bountiful, fresh, and simple. They were common and pure, yet beautiful – like Belle. Forest green, eucalyptus stems laid the background for prominent, garland installations, bouquets and tall tablescape arrangements. Spotted among the eucalyptus were cream, snow-white, and blush roses of the garden variety. Black-eyed, white anemone, white lisianthus, and simple white waxflower with a touch of pink ranunculus fashions the accent, bridal bouquet. Both stairwell railings and the hearth of the fireplace were dressed with a waterfall of greenery and blossoms mimicking the curves and angles of the library’s architecture. 

TALE AS OLD AS TIME

“Ever just the same. Ever a surprise. Ever as before. Ever just as sure. As the sun will rise”…Lyrics that deeply moved us to embark on this creative endeavour. We were able to capture the love shared between Belle and the Beast in a unique way with, surprising and meaningful details. In all, remaining true to its heritage and the fine art motifs portrayed in this classic story, we were more then pleased with the outcome. It is a wondrous, magical thing – to create! And we certainly plan to do more of it. 

We implore you to enquire here, to discover how the ladies of Nóbl Events can enhance your most special day! 

Contributions by:  Venue + Furniture: RCMI  | Videography – Steven from HS Ward Productions  | Floral: Moon’s Flowers | Stationery: Olumis Calligraphy | Table Scape: Table Tales | Linens: Susan Murray International | Hair & Makeup: Faye Smith Agency | Wedding Dress: Felichia Bridal | Groom’s Attire: Andrew’s Formals | Mirror Calligraphy – Caddie from Made by Caddie | Specialty Rentals – Kathie from Southern Charm Vintage Rentals | Engagement Ring Design – Rahman Yusufov from Shel-El Diamonds |