High Fashion Farm Bride

Edith Stuyvesant Vanderbilt: a Biltmore story.

Edith was a woman marked by gracious hospitality and a deep commitment to enriching the lives of those around her, regardless of social status. I chose the location of the Gardener’s Cottage to depict a vision of Edith as one connected to the land and the people that she employed.

I was particularly influenced by this account by Biltmore’s Chief Forester, Dr. Carl Schenk, “…Mrs. Vanderbilt took a personal interest in every man and woman connected with the estate. … she went to every humble cabin of a forest worker in Pisgah Forest when she was near it; she encouraged the small home industries… at Christmas she had a small gift for every child of every employee of the estate; and whatever she did or said, she did or said so gracefully that she put at ease whomever she met.”

After George’s untimely death in 1914, Edith took on the hefty task of stewarding the Biltmore House, land, and industry, and the responsibility of providing for the dozens of families employed by each entity. She embraced this task with fervor and excellence.

I hope this inspiration pays homage to her character and legacy.

These images were made possible thanks to the following collaborators:

Venue: The Biltmore Estate  |  Creative Director & Photographer: Sarah Bradshaw  |  Stylist & Production: Type A Society  |  Logistics & Planning: Beckon Events  |  Videographer: Chasing Mozart |  Florist: Kate Asire  |  Beauty: Beauty Bespoken  |  Bridal gown: Nardos