“Rustic Love” | Historic Venue Series
The Ruins at Sassafras Museum
Photo by Alicia Daw.
Nestled away between the Berkshires and the Taconic Mountains in New Lebanon, New York lays the charming Ruins at Sassafras. Settled by a Shaker community in 1790, the lovingly restored Shaker Second Family property contains a Chair Factory, Brethren’s Workshop, caretaker’s cottage, and the ruined foundations of many other significant buildings.
Carol and Jerome, the owners of The Ruins at Sassafras, have an infectious love for the history of the site that comes across in every restoration and design decision.
In keeping with Shaker philosophy, The Ruins at Sassafras puts a refreshing pause on the distractions of daily life and helps you to focus on the simple beauty of nature and community.
Photo by Alicia Daw.
A Taste of Italy in Upstate New York
The Shakers’ simple but profound connection with nature, community, and love is what made The Ruins at Sassafras the perfect venue for this Tuscan inspired editorial. Like the Shakers, Tuscans also have a strong connection with their land, community, and heritage.
Leaf-entwined pergolas and sweeping valley views along with the historically rich environment magically transported us 4,000 miles from New Lebanon, New York to the Tuscan countryside.
Photo by Alicia Daw.
Reimagining the Gold Leaf Crown
The bridal industry is saturated with “Greek leaf crowns” that are worn at the back of the head. While there are historical examples of similar Greek crowns, this style is actually much closer to the Roman laurel branch wreath than to ancient Greek designs.
Gold Leaf Olive Crown.
Even though the laurel wreath is an Italian motif (particularly around Rome), I wanted to capture more of Tuscany’s rich artistic history from the pre-Roman era when the Etruscans lived on the many hilltops in the Tuscan region. Like the Shakers, the Etruscans believed strongly in the beauty and potency of nature, and had a strong sense of community.
To capture the spirit of both Tuscany and the Shakers, I decided to create a new style of branch crown based on another plant with a rich cultural and artistic history: the olive tree.
Photo by Justin Schwalbendorf.
Each leaf in the crown was painstakingly shaped and cut from brass and layered with delicate gold leaf. Clusters of lustrous black-green Tahitian pearls create the effect of olives growing along the branch.
The final effect is a beautiful contrast of gorgeous luxury materials with the rustic beauty of nature.
CREATIVE TEAM
Featured Photographers: Schwalbs Photography, Alicia Ann Photographers
Planning & Host: Rebecca Castonguay Photography and @rlc_retreats
Assistant Director: Taylored & Thyme
Venue: The Ruins at Sassafras
Custom Crown & Jewelry: Marian May Atelier
Couture Gown: CassB by Design
Hair: @mcshairstyles
Makeup: @styledby_missi
Models: @amberemerson @tyler.dambrosio.entertainment
Florals: Dazy Florals
Cake Artist: Sweet Tales Cake Boutique
Linens: BBJ La Tavola
Tablescape: @curated_rentals
Rentals: Classical Tents
