Intricate, Bold and Brilliant: Kehinde Wiley Inspired Styled Shoot -Munaluchi Bride

MunaLuchi Bride Magazine Fall 2018 Feature: Inspired by Kehinde Wiley
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Intricate floral patterning, emboldened juxtapositions, classic European motifs, and a brilliant color palette are the terms that come to mind when enjoying this gorgeous styled shoot. Inspired by portrait artist Kehinde Wiley, who was commissioned to paint the portrait of President Barack Obama now hanging in the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery, this event brings a Wiley painting to life in the form a gorgeous bridal styled shoot. Featured in the Fall 2018 issue of MunaLuchi Bride Magazine, read all about the design details and see the vendor list below!

This photoshoot was inspired by the portrait work of artist Kehinde Wiley, and paid homage to his gorgeous floral pattern work and bold juxtapositions between urban culture and nature, often re-imagining classic European portraits with everyday African Americans. “Kehinde really inspires me as an artist. He takes the boundaries, the stereotypes of black culture, and places them in this gorgeous, colorful setting, usually involving ornate floral elements wrapped around his subjects”, says designer, Sugar Taylor. “His clever theme of painting African Americans in historical contexts they would never otherwise be represented in intrigues me, such as his American, born 1977 piece. It shows a black man in the same pose as a Napoleon Bonaparte painting, ready to lead an army. I love it.” Taylor of Taylor + Hov Events was commissioned by photographers Steve + Bernadette Dalgetty, who wanted to photograph a unique wedding shoot in the historic venue.

Tudor Place is tucked away in the heart of Georgetown DC, had a lush garden backdrop that lent perfectly to the theme. The creative team wanted the overall feel to be a mix between the old, the new, the opulent, and the minimalist, which are some of the underlying tones in the work of the artist who inspired the design. The Hair Wiz created a very modern natural updo for the bride, which played perfectly against her gown, the entire look curated by Vainglorious Brides. Selina Howard, bridal stylist, wanted to give the bride a look that was a peek into the past, as well as a perfect gown for today’s more traditional bride.

For the table settings, handmade clay plates with bold blue cutlery and calligraphy, played nicely against the golden yellow goblets, and custom stenciled dining table. It was a quite unique way to incorporate the floral works, which were also tied into the napkins. The pattern play was important and the tablescape danced on the verge of ornate while remaining a clean look. Mismatched chairs gave the setting a whimsical look, as designer Sugar Taylor loves to put together unexpected elements.

The cake by Couture Cakes by Sabrina, was a real treat to the eyes, having multiple layers of color and texture, and even had a tiny chandelier in the center of one of the tiers. The actual pattern work of Wiley was featured here, and tied the theme of the shoot together in a bold, creative way.

~ Anna Smith of Taylor + Hov Events and Design