Learn How To Bring The Outside In With This Casablanca Inspired Shoot

Elegant couple embraces on their wedding day with palm tree decor

Inspired by the classic romance Casablanca, this team of Salt Lake City vendors created a Morrocan-themed love story right here in the USA. Potted palms and other tropical plants bring the outside into this historic venue, giving it the feel of an outdoor wedding without having to gamble on the weather. This shoot is the perfect example of how to take your inspiration and translate it into a design without being too literal. Everywhere you look, there are subtle nods to the time and place that they pulled inspiration from, but never an overt reference to the film itself. Layered woven rugs, cane, and bamboo furniture also help bring the jungle vibe to life. The couple is also dressed the part, each wearing 1940s inspired ensembles that definitely evoke that Old-Hollywood glam.

Betsy Barker not only designed this stunning shoot but the gown too! The Commercial Club was the perfect backdrop for this modern wedding design inspired by an old classic. Playing with the trees and the ornate architecture of the space, Julia Mather Photography framed each of these photos beautifully. These floral arrangments and greenery were designed by Wishblossom Flowers who used living potted trees where they could to give that full green feel to the shoot while keeping it sustainable. To see even more photos from this shoot, check out the full gallery. Read on to hear more from Betsy Barker about the inspiration and how it came to life.

Elegant wedding details with invitation, shoes and rings on a rug

Close-up of a white orchid boutonniere on a vintage bronze pedestal

Woman with crown and red lipstick laying down, looking upwards

Elegant bride in white dress holding a wedding bouquet of white flowers Elegant hand with engagement ring and floral bouquet

Elegant bride wearing a jeweled crown and red lipstick with earrings

Elegant woman in white dress lounging in stylish room

Elegant bride in a white dress stands near a floral arch

AN ICONIC ROMANCE

Newlyweds share a romantic kiss on a beautiful wedding day

The idea behind this shoot was to capture the iconic 1942 Hollywood Glamour that was Humphrey Bogart & Ingrid Bergman in the acclaimed film Casablanca. This romantic drama film, set during WWII, takes place in Morocco, in a small café that was the setting for romance. Our real-life couple, Mekall and Josh, portrayed the Casablanca lovers beautifully and effortlessly. And all was shot beautifully by Julia Mather Photography.

Romantic wedding couple sharing a tender moment, embracing and kissing

OLD HOLLYWOOD GLAM

Elegant wedding table decor with palm trees and white chairs

The gown for this shoot needed to be as iconic and true to the 1940s as the movie itself. The 'Myrna' gown by Betsy Couture is a true-to-period silk champagne gown that epitomizes the glamor of that era. With a formfitting and sleek, heavily beaded empire bodice that hugs the body to become a fit-and-flare see-through silk chiffon skirt, this gown shows just enough leg through the gown to catch your attention. The flowing bell sleeves and the detachable Watteau cape add the needed drama. Of course, the incredible crown by Amaroq was the perfect topping for the 1940s dramatic bride.

Elegant wedding seating chart framed with lush greenery for guests

Elegant table setting with white orchids and tulips centerpiece

Elegant table setting with pineapple bowl for tropical dining

Tropical themed table setting for a special event with palm trees

Elegant wedding cake with orchids and golden swan decoration

"OF ALL THE GIN JOINTS..."

Bride and groom holding hands walking up the stairs on their wedding day

The Commercial Club in downtown Salt Lake City was the perfect venue for our recreation of this Moroccan French Café. Casablanca translates to, “The White House”, and that is exactly what The Commercial Club is. It provided the right cosmopolitan and French Art Deco-styled base, and didn’t need anything except palm trees! Palm trees, bamboo, wicker, wistful flowing linens punctuated with brass, old trunks, and rattan formed the backbone of the décor. The ornately beautiful 'Colonial Bamboo' china pattern by Lenox, with all its variations of palm tree motifs, soft aqua coloring, and gold bamboo lattice borders, was the perfect selection for this shoot. Creating a bold, beautiful Moroccan tropical jungle on the table tied it all together. The wicker Queen Anne chairs, sweetheart table, and hoop provided by Rustic Urban Goods brought a soft, elegant jungle feel to the room. It also provided the perfect base for the simple white off-center wedding cake created by Something Frosted.

Couple sharing a kiss at a wedding, with beautiful decoration

Romantic bride and groom at a beautifully decorated wedding table

EVERY FLOWER TELLS A STORY

Bride and groom share a kiss at an elegant wedding reception

Wishblossom Flowers provided the exotic, luxurious thread of orchids, white tulips, and ranunculus that tied everything together. The perfect pairing of these glorious blooms creates the very aura and mood of Casablanca! When a gentleman bequeaths orchids and white tulips to his bride, he shows that he honors her with their symbols of love, rare beauty, respect, and quiet strength. Isn't that everything that a bride wants? The beautiful ranunculus represents charm in all of its forms. This gentle flower is a perfect way to say to someone that she is charming and that you are mesmerized and attracted to her. The crowning touch is the feathery greenery and exotic tropical leaves which complete this old-world charm with divine modern perfection!

Bride and groom dancing at wedding reception in elegant hall Groom carries the bride during a wedding celebration, romantic moment