Written by: Val Rasmussen

Three tone-on-tone palettes—and their talented creators—prove that a single color can inspire a spectacular and serene scene.

In a world of chaotic colors and punchy palettes, many of today’s brides seek something calmer and more cohesive. Enter monochromatic design. This tone-on-tone technique layers tints and shades of a single color and uses them to create a haute, high-style scene. Photographer Lindsey Shaun and designer Amber Dickson of Amber Reverie Events did exactly that, choosing charcoal, gray and white tones to prove how magnificent a monochrome moment can be.

Going grey has never looked so good. “So often, I see people pulling in one or two colors that throw a pop,” Shaun describes. “Amber and I wanted to highlight a neutral, flat palette.” Start with a raw wood table and build your scene from there. Layer a loose linen runner—a little wrinkle is okay—beneath crystal bud vases filled with dainty hellebores. Add weight with taper candles inside metallic holders. Introduce a geode or two for a striking organic sparkle.

Catch of the Day
The Cuisine Unlimited team suggests a pan-seared barramundi over a bed of greens paired with a fresh oyster platter presented with a lavender spritzer.

On its own, white screams contemporary, especially with simple round plates and square menus. Add  folding bistro chairs and a richly grained wood floor  and it goes organic. For even more variation, shiny metallics like rose gold flatware introduce shots of glam. “Texture and natural elements relax white and make it more comfortable,” says Shaun, who paid close attention to lighting to prevent a harsh ambiance.

Loose, garden greens pair with soft, feminine blooms including clematis, PeeGee hydrangea and blown-open baby roses. “I like this single arrangement to be the star player without a lot of distractions on the table,” Reverie explains.

Paleo Perfect
The chef presents white asparagus salad (with shoots, sprouts, golden beets and mushrooms) finished with a champagne vinaigrette. It’s served with white wine sangria and white nectarines.

Avoid a total blackout by altering textural tones. “When everything is so dark, keep it simple to avoid it all getting lost,” Shaun says of this moody, organic look. Glossy glazed ceramics and dramatic-colored menus pop off of nubby linen napkins and shiny flatware. Avoid too much clutter and keep the backdrop clean. White space—or in this case, black space—is welcome. Give the decor items enough room to breathe in the space.

Fresh flowers and gold-tinted foliage blast instant warmth to a one-hued scene. “Black brought me to a Dutch masters approach,” Reverie says. “It’s hard to find a true black in the floral world, so I chose darker tones.” Blackberries and cut-open plumbs flavor this centerpiece of anemone, scabiosa and ranuncula.

On the Dark Side
Beef tenderloin with blackberry chipotle follows an artisan cheeses platter garnished with black mission figs and local honey. Thirsty? Sip on plum and blackberry-infused water.

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Photographs: Lindsey Shaun Photography, Mapleton
Design, florals: Amber Reverie, Highland
Hair and makeup: Hair and Makeup by Steph, Ogden
Dresses: Harlow Brides, SLC
Paper, white backdrop, styling: Refine Studio
Catering: Cuisine Unlimited, Murray
Cakes: Flour and Flourish
Wood table: Autumn Rentals, Orem
Jewelry: The Land of Salt, SLC
Rings: Taylor Custom Rings
Silk Ribbon: Adorn Company, Hawaii
White ceramic candlesticks: Loom and Kiln
Plates: Crate & Barrel, Anthropologie, City Creek, SLC
White shoot model: Ashlee Swensen
Grey shoot model: Tiffany Pliler
Black shoot model: Katie Cockrell