This spring I had one of my most favorite adventures. I returned to Selma Plantation. Selma is where I did my very first wedding. The estate has been abandoned for 11 years. On many occasions I have partnered with photographer Anne Robert and Dawn owner of Something Vintage Rentals. Dawn and Anne told me they were dreaming of an abandoned mansion shoot. I assured them I had just the right place. Selma is 3 miles from my house and she is sitting there just like a ghost. Dawn and Anne nearly died when I showed them Selma. I received permission to enter the mansion in hopes that a feature on Selma would hopefully inspire someone to bring her back to life. I hope someone sees this and rescues one of the most beautiful homes in Loudoun.
Much to my surprise the house in spite of its abandoned status is still remarkably beautiful, crown molding is still in tact, even the piano is still waiting for its family to return. My heart nearly collapsed when I saw the swing still hanging in the tree. My sister was the last Selma bride and I can clearly remember her sitting in that swing, in fact every Selma bride sat in that swing for her bridal portrait. I was 25 years old when I did my first wedding at Selma, this venue was the grandest wedding site in the area. It was very moving to sweep out the dust and bring the pretty back into the house. I seriously had flashbacks in the mansion. I could clearly remember hanging garlands on the grand staircase 20 years ago. This shoot was also very special because several Chapel Designers came to design with me on this big project. Many thanks to Daevid of Daevids of Norfolk, Trish Van De Merkt, and Donna Sue of First Dance Floral. The flowers purchased for this shoot were from my garden or purchased from local growers. I have never seen flowers so pretty.
Bouquet by Holly Heider Chappple Flowers
Crushing on the vintage rentals from Dawn.
This picture says so very much!!!
Bouquet and hairpiece by Holly Heider Chapple Flowers.
Yellow peonies and clematis from my garden bouquet by Holly Heider Chapple Flowers.
My flower cape that I was obsessed with creating. Holly Heider Chapple Flowers
This bouquet was created by Donna of First Dance.
This bouquet was designed by Daevid.
Piano design by Trish Van De Merkt
The grand stairway.
A very exotic and garden influenced bouquet by Holly Heider Chapple Flowers.
Hair by Julie Jackson Stylists, Make up by Suzanne Della Pella for Amie Decker Beauty, Models from the Artists Agency.
Dresses by Reem Acra and Jenny Packham from Gabriella New York.
Paper: Va. Paper Suite
Event design Anne, Dawn, and Holly.