Well, here it is at last - and so very much worth the wait. I promised you some serious wedding eye candy - and now you have it!
Organising and designing this shoot at Whirlowbrook Hall is honestly one of the most rewarding things I have ever done. It looked sooo beautiful. I can hardly believe that our models had never been in front of a camera before - and the sun shone for us big time! We were after a 'summer' look - and we certainly got it. Four gorgeous girls posing in freezing temperatures - but you'd never know. Not a peep of complaint out of any of them, and it looks like a balmy summer day - perfect!
It all started at the Jam hair salon on Oakbrook Road. I met there with the four models (Hannah, Hannah, Lauren and Rose) Julia Jeckell (make up artist) and our four brilliant hairdressers; Natalie, Hayley, Alex and Kirsty. The work began, and off I shot up to Whirlowbrook to start 'at the business end'.
So, here is Part 1. Before the models arrive, the fabulous Jo & Simon of Shoot Lifestyle Photography motor on with photographing the set. I'd been inspired by some exquisite china; Royal Albert's 'Old Country Roses'. I fell in love with the rich plummy and apricot colours, and decadent gilt edging. From there sprang all the ideas - luscious fruit, gold pearls, lace cloth and antique furniture. Traditional Old English styling with a romantic, opulent twist.
A sumptuous spin on the traditional tea table, with antique cut crystal and elegant lace. Silver and chrome finishes have been very popular in recent years. I really wanted to go back in time to the era of gilt and gold. I loved the dimpled gold vases, and I set too and made gilt scatter roses and favours boxes. I deliberatley 'crammed' this table full of all things pretty. Sometimes less is more, but on this occasion I wanted it to brim full with gorgeousness.
I just love the colours and the way the sun strikes the flowers and the glass on the next shot. Not to mention the composition. Jo & Simon are sooo talented and have captured the essence of the theme beautifully.
And a million thanks go to Catherine of Petalis, her
flowers couldn't have been more perfect. They had a real
country garden look, but mirrored the deep, luscious colours
of the china. Catherine just 'gets it' when you explain a brief - you can see the light go on and you get instant confidence that she totally understands what you're trying to achieve. And how I loved the way she decorated the hanging bird cage lantern - just beautiful!
A few more detail shots, just because I have no self control and could look at them all day long!
Whirlowbrook really is such a lovely venue, and the ceremony room below is wonderful. The sunlight flooded in through the huge casement windows and the whole room took on a honey glow. If you've ever visited, you will know that the gardens and building speak for themselves.
And Part 1 isn't over yet. Oh no - you haven't seen the cakes! There is no-one that can match her; Rachel Edwards is THE best cake designer I have come across. If you want attention to detail - just look at this! All I did was brief the theme and give her the Old Country Roses jug so she didn't have to memorise the colours. And this is what she produced...
And yes, every single rose and leaf is hand made with sugar. And that's not it by the way - check these out...!
A tea setting wouldn't have been complete without cupcakes; and they were just perfect. Colour matched to a tee, and made with utter dedication. And we're not quite finished yet. I think this might just be my favourite...
Thanks to Shoot's amazing photography, you really can see the detail and the passion that has gone into making these cookies. It doesn't get much better than this!
I am now bursting to write Part 2. For models, make-up, hair and dresses that will make you swoon - watch this space!!
No comments:
Post a Comment