Anthurium & Sea: A Timeless Mediterranean Love Story
In the heart of the Mediterranean, where the horizon kisses the sea, a poetic love story unfolds on the secret island of Île de Gaby, just off the coast of Marseille. Anthurium & Sea is a stunning styled shoot that weaves together timeless elegance with the raw, unbridled power of nature. Against the backdrop of this historical island, rich in charm and authenticity, the shoot becomes a vibrant celebration of love, history, and art. Every detail, from the flowers to the landscape, tells a story that feels like poetry in motion.
Find Your Perfect Wedding Vendors
A Tribute to the Mediterranean and the Art of Love
The inspiration for this shoot came from a desire to fuse two seemingly opposing forces: the modern elegance of the anthurium flower with the raw, untamed beauty of the Mediterranean Sea. The anthurium, with its striking, almost sculptural form, was chosen as the centerpiece for the design, representing strength, beauty, and sophistication. The contrast between the delicate petals of the flower and the wildness of the sea captures the very essence of love — delicate yet powerful, fragile yet eternal. In this shoot, the island itself became a symbol of the many facets of love: passionate, calm, strong, and enduring.
The combination of flowers, natural elements, and the rugged beauty of the Mediterranean coastline created a perfect setting for this romantic vision. The anthurium, paired with bright roses, their sweet fragrance filling the air, represented the delicate balance between elegance and nature’s wild spirit — an apt metaphor for the intimacy of a wedding, where love blooms in every form.
A Dream Team of Talents
Behind every beautiful shot of this shoot is an extraordinary team of professionals, each contributing their talents and vision to bring this dream to life. Amel Montel Design was the creative force behind the direction and planning of this styled shoot, setting the stage for a journey that would evoke both elegance and mystery. Amel’s concept was to create a world where the modern and poetic coexisted harmoniously, and the result was nothing short of magical. The shoot reflects Amel's meticulous eye for detail, as each piece of the environment was crafted to bring that vision to life in its full glory.
The photographer, Marjorie Manfré, captured the essence of this love story with her artistic mastery of light. Through her lens, the landscape became more than just a backdrop — it became a character, a silent witness to the vows being exchanged under a starry sky. Her ability to capture fleeting moments of emotion, from the quiet gaze of the bride and groom to the intensity of the evening light, gave each photograph a timeless, cinematic quality.
Accompanying the visual magic of photography was the cinematic brilliance of Thant Chay Steinbacher, the filmmaker whose expertise brought the entire atmosphere to life on screen. Thant’s film adds another layer of intimacy to the shoot, turning each frame into a powerful narrative. His ability to immerse viewers in the moment allows the shoot to transcend a simple styled wedding — it becomes an experience.
From stationery to jewelry, every detail in this shoot was carefully considered. Atelier Novem designed the refined stationery, keeping with the shoot’s graphic elegance. The stationery became an extension of the modernity and sophistication conveyed by the anthurium flower, its clean lines and minimalistic beauty elevating the overall aesthetic.
The custom-designed jewelry by Sohelo and Le Baiser de la Mariée added an extra touch of romance, featuring timeless pieces that incorporated pearls, symbolizing purity, elegance, and everlasting love. These pieces were not just accessories; they were part of the story, representing the bond being formed.
For the bride and groom, fashion was central to the shoot’s narrative. The bride, draped in Rime Arodaky’s beautiful gown, embodied modern bridal elegance. Her dress, with its fluid lines and romantic flair, captured the ethereal beauty of a timeless love story. Sonia B. Marseille’s evening gown mirrored the soft power of the island itself, its structure representing strength and grace, a perfect complement to the bride’s character. Espace Homme Cérémonie dressed the groom in a sharply tailored suit, his sophisticated look exuding confidence and elegance, making him the perfect counterpart to the bride’s beauty.
On the beauty front, Sam Beauties and Delphine Ruffini brought the models’ natural beauty to life. The makeup and hair, delicate yet striking, highlighted the ethereal quality of the shoot, while also allowing the models to exude authenticity and raw emotion.
Creating a Sensory Experience
The ambiance of this shoot was as much about sight as it was about touch and scent. The venue itself — Île de Gaby — played a pivotal role in the creation of the overall experience. The island’s rustic charm and sweeping views of the Mediterranean Sea provided the perfect backdrop for an event that was as much about atmosphere as it was about love.
The furniture, carefully selected by Maison Options, brought a refined elegance to the island’s rugged terrain. Each piece, from the tables to the chairs, fit seamlessly into the setting, creating a contrast between modern sophistication and the wild beauty of the Mediterranean. The Les Délices de Gladys cake design was not just a treat for the guests, but an art piece in itself. With its intricate details and delicate design, the cake was a visual masterpiece that reflected the shoot’s overall elegance.
A Message to Couples and Vendors
The Anthurium & Sea shoot sends a powerful message to couples planning their weddings. “Don’t be afraid to express your uniqueness,” says Amel Montel. This shoot is proof that when you step off the beaten path and embrace your personal story, you create a wedding that is truly reflective of who you are. Couples should feel empowered to break away from traditional expectations and craft a celebration that feels authentic and meaningful.
For vendors, collaboration is key. “The key lies in collaboration and trust. It’s thanks to passionate and committed professionals that a vision can truly be transformed into a unique and memorable experience,” says Amel.
Team Credits:
-
Direction Artistique - Planning & Design: Amel Montel Design
-
Photographer: @marjorie.manfre
-
Filmmaker: @thant_chay_steinbacher
-
Bride's Dress: @rimearodaky
-
Evening Dress: @soniabmarseille
-
Groom's Suit: @espacehommeceremonie
-
Makeup Artist: @sambeauties
-
Hair Artist: @delphine.ruffini
-
Furnitures Rental: @maison_options @options_aixenprovence
-
Stationery: @ateliernovem_
-
Venue: @ile_degaby
-
Jewels: @sohelo_bijouxmariage
-
Evening Jewelry: @le_baiser_de_la_mariee
-
Cake Design: @lesdelices2gladys
-
Shoes: @rimearodaky
-
Models: @axelle_aires @monkey.businessz
