The Art Deco architecture of the Renaissance Cincinnati Downtown Hotel, housed in the renovated Bartlett Building, was the inspiration behind this styled shoot with vintage 1920s flair and trendy touches by Mandy Paige of Mandy Paige Photography and her team. “We designed the shoot with a blush and gold palette to accentuate the colors already present throughout the historic hotel,” explains Mandy. This was exhibited first in the rosy invitation suite with gilt details.

The bride modeled two looks. First, she donned a cap-sleeved wedding gown with intricate beading, very much in the fashion of the Gilded Age. Her hair fell around her shoulders in loose waves. She then appeared in a lace sheath dress with an illusion neckline and curled updo. While dramatic smoky eyes, chandelier earrings, and sparkling hair clips were a must for each of the stylings, for the former she used a neutral lip shade and for the latter, a vibrant scarlet. She carried a bouquet of white and pink blooms. Her dashing groom was attired in a timeless black tuxedo.

In a ballroom, tall tables were draped with gold sequined linens for the cocktail hour. Natural light filtered in through floor-to-ceiling windows framed in gold, allowing glimpses of the snow flurries beginning to fall. A three-layer cake – embellished with vanilla rosettes, gilded brushstrokes, and sugar flowers in blush and gilt – gave guests a glimpse of dessert.

The reception was held in Burnham Hall, which features a majestic 40-foot tiled domed ceiling. Azure uplighting seemed to reflect the winter day. Tables were dressed in a variety of silken and textured champagne linens. A tall centerpiece of roses, orchids, and hydrangeas in pink and white tones anchored the space. Smaller versions of this compilation in golden mercury-glass urns and candelabra with dripping crystals – adding another touch of glitz – decorated other tables. Glittery succulent place card holders were perfectly paired with bullion chargers and embroidered napkins.

Two décor approaches were presented for chairs. First, seating was clad in classic ivory sleeves and finished with gilt rosettes. Second, gilded chairs blended in with ruffled and patterned throw pillows. One set showcased swaths of satin material threaded through the backrests to stunning effect. “Michelle Kinne of Blue Dahlia Events did a great job picking fabrics, textures, and unique items to tie the look together flawlessly,” concludes Mandy.

For brides who think vintage style is the bee’s knees, get some tips from Kleinfeld Bridal's fashion director or browse Claire Pettibone’s latest collection, “The Gilded Age,” hot off the runway at bridal fashion week. For more inspiring celebrations, visit our weddings page.