There’s nothing wrong with a taste for the finer things in life and Kellie of Kellie’s Flowers knows it. In fact, she’s based today’s whole featured styled shoot around that ethos, giving us lots of elegant wedding feels, capturing the beauty and timelessness of Hirst Priory.
Wedding days are often the times when couples fantasise about having the best of everything; venues, styling, florals and The Dress. With this shoot, the whole day is encapsulated in a selection of images which Kellie hopes will enable couples to envisage a luxurious, classic day with timeless elements and personalised touches.
It’s a grand, classic and extravagant vibe and yet still feels elegant, light and fresh, and we love the modern touches, like the illusion tier in the amazing cake and the choice of gowns. We reckon the team behind today’s featured shoot have nailed it – and the best bit? Every single one of them is an UNVEILED Network Member!
With images by UNVEILED Network Member Ailsa Reeve Photography
CONCEPT
Kellie says: Weddings can take on many different forms with various themes and details, but the draw of a classic, timeless occasion is still a firm favourite, with many couples opting for opulent neutral themes to embellish décor and dreams of their big day. I wanted to provide visuals of exactly this, to help imagine the possibilities of combining exquisite tastes with traditional elements to establish a luxurious and grand affair.
LOCATION
Hirst Priory is a beautiful manor house with regal décor, decadent historical features and picturesque setting in lawned gardens. It’s neutral palette was perfect for the white and green colour scheme that I had in mind as I wanted to style a shoot with timeless beauty, classic design and a real touch of opulence.
STYLING
The most beautiful sweetheart table and guest tables were styled by Howards Events to reflect a majestic setting with engraved charger plates, ivory table runner, blush napkins and crystal glasses for the ultimate plush finish. Chiavari chairs were teamed with ivory chiffon sashes and a sprig of French ruscus to finish. An abundance of candle light, florals and name plates completed the look and the results are simply stunning.
I wanted the florals (Kellie’s Flowers) to really embellish the beauty of the venue and compliment the natural, yet lavish look we were striving for. They needed to accentuate the opulence of the manor house, but also help couples to imagine the glamour and deluxe look they could achieve for their big day. I opted for a classic white and green colour palette with delicate accents of blush and gold. A popular colour scheme with many couples, but it’s easy to see why. They provide a neutral charm with versatility and the option to add further colours to suit any palette. The sweetest of O’Hara roses, sweet peas, lisianthus and ammi visnaga complimented the lush green foliage to add splendour and charm to both the tables and cake display, but also the magnificent feature fireplace.
To accompany this rich scheme, I asked the fabulous Walter and Winnie Paper Studio to produce stationery which would not only compliment the styling, but also reflect a natural, simplistic beauty with opulence and grandeur for the modern couple. The finished designs were amazing and a perfect complement to the shoot. With a delicate blush floral pattern and pale grey typography, the seating plan, invitations, menu and name plates added a sweet, yet contemporary finish with bespoke metallic wax seals and luxury ribbon.
With natural beauty being the theme for this shoot, I was conscious that the cake needed to reflect this, whilst providing an edge of luxury and of course, tantalising glamour. Cherry Blossom Cakes suggested using the prettiest of cake swings to display the cake and dressed with rich green foliage, it was the perfect romantic setting for this three-tier work of genius. With intimate weddings becoming increasingly popular (and necessary in current climates), the idea of having a traditional tall tier cake could also be achieved without the need to waste and this white and gold wonder with handcrafted sugar flowers and home-made treats really delivers.
ATTIRE
How can you create a luxurious shoot without the best selection of designer dresses? I just couldn’t resist the opportunity to bring in The Bridal Rooms and their fabulous range of exquisite gowns and veils. With a selection of looks to be achieved, we selected both striking silhouette gowns with embroidered embellishment and elegantly flowing dresses to create those picturesque shots which just emanate splendour and romance. Modelled elegantly by the wonderful Abigail Kate, my vision of purity and sophistication was realised and made to look effortless with statement bridal wear and sheer beauty.
BEAUTY
Creating ideas and styling for a natural and elegant shoot led me to envisage soft, dreamy curls, texture and romance and I knew exactly who would get my vision. Kelly of Kelly Hanks Hair Design had exactly the same excitement and ideas for this timeless look, but with a contemporary and captivating edge. With three different looks, intoxicating beauty and tousled glamour, brides and bridesmaids can take three very different looks from the shoot.
Whilst timeless curls and waves are a classic style, an ever increasing choice is the half up and half down design where a range of accessories can embellish and complement. Teamed with a gorgeous and stylish ponytail, Kelly made the most of every opportunity to style every option.
Accessorising a look can often add the finishing touches which are often overlooked. I wanted to create the opportunity to show how bridal accessories can really add those last elements of glamour and complete a look without being too overpowering. Delicate, stylish, luxurious accessories with a contemporary edge was the brief for Victoria Louise Accessories and she definitely didn’t disappoint. A collection of flawless beauties landed on my doorstep ahead of the shoot and I just couldn’t believe their exquisite charm. With pearl and gold detail, engraved leaves and petals, every element of this magnificent set was adorable. Hand crafted with the finest materials, they were the perfect accessories for finishing Kelly’s styling and accompanying the finest principles of the shoot.
In challenging times, it’s been so difficult for the beauty industry, but I was determined to utilise the skills and gain invaluable knowledge from the experts. I asked Natalie Kate MUA to join us via Zoom to enable Abigail Kate, our model, to select and apply her makeup to achieve a natural look, designed to simply enhance her beauty and extenuate a flawlessly soft result. Calm, collected, direct and knowledgeable, Natalie was fabulous and although her presence was purely virtual, her impact was immeasurable with a final striking red lip to add passion and attitude to those statement shots.
RESULTS
I wanted to capture the natural beauty of both venue and styling, but also the soft, romantic ambiance that we were striving for. Ailsa of Ailsa Reeve Photography captured everything I could have hoped for and more. Using natural light, the most beautiful styling and surroundings, we have an abundance of magical moments that just ooze luxe and glamour. Who wouldn’t want these timeless memories from their own wedding day?
Contributors
This is a sponsored post
Contact us to work with UNVEILED in print or online.