When a wedding shoot is infused with the timeless elegance of Europe, it invites you to travel without a passport—to feel the romance of ancient stone walls, to breathe the lush greenery of a secret garden, and to linger over an intimate dinner table under soft light. That is the vision crafted by photographer Shannon Elizabeth as she brought her European summer inspiration into an American setting.
A few years ago, Shannon was fortunate enough to attend a wedding in the south of France—her first trip to Europe. It was there, among the old architecture and the emotion of a wedding celebration, that she fell in love with the aesthetic and atmosphere. That experience stayed with her, and she decided to recreate that essence stateside. Rather than merely copy a European look, she aimed to reinterpret it in her own voice—infusing it with modern sensibility and personal style.
The right location was eventually found: a castle just outside Salt Lake City, Utah. Although it is in the United States, the castle’s stone walls, climbing vines, and green surroundings evoke the Old World in a way that felt entirely authentic. Shannon describes how the venue fulfilled exactly what she had envisioned—classic architecture, romantic decay, and the feeling of stepping into another era.
To bring her concept to life, Shannon enlisted the help of close friends—florists Renee and Jill from City Blossoms, who travelled from Las Vegas to assist. Together, the team approached the shoot with precision and passion, intent on creating perfection down to the smallest detail. The goal was not to copy Europe slavishly, but to channel its spirit: old-world architecture, refined stationery, the type of dinner table that feels more like an intimate gathering in an Italian villa than a slick modern banquet hall.
The newlyweds chosen for the shoot exude the temperament of Southern Europe—their expressions and body language reflect warmth, intensity, and elegance. They become the living element that ties the setting and styling together: human, emotive, natural.
The stationery is ornate and textured; the dinner setup is intimate and refined. Each prop, each design decision, ties back to the central theme: capturing European charm in a modern way. The entire look feels both timeless and fresh, drawing from historical aesthetics while remaining accessible and contemporary.
In essence, Shannon’s work reminds us that inspiration need not be literal nor location-bound. One need not travel to Provence to feel that ambiance—instead, one can channel it through thoughtful styling, architecture, nature, and the human element. When the space echoes the old world, when the light is soft and the details carefully curated, the resulting images transport the viewer to another place and time.
What stands out in this shoot is the careful balance between romance and realism. It’s not an overwrought fantasy; it’s grounded in genuine emotion and craft. The stone castle provides a majestic backdrop, yet it is softened by the vines and greenery. The dinner table might recall a European villa terrace, yet it is approachable, not overly staged. The bride and groom look elegant enough for a magazine spread, yet natural enough for a personal moment.
For anyone planning a wedding or styled shoot with a similar vision, the takeaway is to focus on three key elements:
- Venue with character – Whether you’re actually in Europe or not, finding a location with aged architecture, stone, vines, and nature can go a long way toward establishing that old-world mood.
- Thoughtful details – From the stationery and invitations to florals and table setting, aim for a refined but not over-the-top aesthetic. Ornate touches, layered textures, and rich materials help evoke charm without feeling kitschy.
- Emotional authenticity – The setting and styling serve the people. The couple should feel comfortable, natural, and emotionally present. Their expressions and gestures make the vision feel lived-in, real, and connected.
Ultimately, this style is about embracing the beauty of the past and bringing it into the present with intention and purpose. The result is an atmosphere that feels regal yet intimate, dreamy yet tangible. Whether you’re a photographer, a stylist, or a couple planning your day, the lesson lies in capturing the spirit of a place—not necessarily the place itself.
In a world where weddings often lean toward ultra-modern, sleek, or highly themed looks, there is something refreshing about turning to the romantic, the aged, the soulful. With careful planning and the right team, you can craft an experience that feels like Europe—but is still within reach. And that is the enduring charm of this inspiration shoot.
