In March last year, I found myself early pregnant. Excited. Thrilled. Scared to death. And frankly, dying to share my news with someone.
As I was browsing through my Twitter Feed one morning, I noticed a message from London based Vintage Wedding Planner Tiffany Grant Riley "Tell me something about yourself…". With not much else to do, I replied… "I'm pregnant!". What the heck I thought. Time to let the cat out of the bag.
A swift private Twitter message (A 'DM' to those in the know) followed from Tiffany… "you are? So am I!!!". Well that makes three of us I thought, as I also considered the fact that the lovely Vicky Rowe, owner of Vintage Teasets and Clara Bows had also just shared some special news with me. Three of us 'wedding ladies' pregnant – and all due within 2 weeks of each other. Not that that's quite how it worked out in the end, but that's another story 🙂
Of course, it was a photo-opportunity not to be missed and before long, we had been asked by Photographer Emily Quinton if she could captures us and our growing bumps together on camera.
The shoot was originally pitched so to have a little fun – but in the end, it turned into something way more meaningful. By the time the very hot and sunny day came round in July last year, Emily had announced that she was 8 weeks pregnant and our hair stylist Sally Riceman was also 21 weeks pregnant. Furthermore, the majority of accessories/items were lent to us from women working in the bridal industry who already had children. It felt a bit like being part of a special sorority, and it quickly became evident to us all that we were doing something beautiful, and positive to help promote the work of self employed women in business (particularly the wedding industry), not least inspire and convince Pregnant Brides that they can dress up and look gorgeous on their wedding day. This was a bit of a personal mission of mine, since discovering that the number of pregnant Brides in the UK has soared in recent years.
I have been a little nervous about sharing these photographs with you – I'm not an out and out 'hey, look at me!' kind of girl, but you know what? I love these images, and I hope you do too…
Love My Dress Wedding Blog – Photography Copyright (c) 2011, Emily Quinton
The Blogger…
Of course, we didn't take ourselves too seriously at all in this photoshoot. The whole idea was to have fun and hopefully inspire one or two others with the outcome!
Unlike my first pregnancy, this one was very tough – there were several major scares, numerous hospital visits and overnight stays and a premature baby. It was not a pregnancy I felt great in at any part – I think I was 'blooming' for probably all of a day. Most of the time I felt pretty bad, and yet, the wonderful Emily Quinton has somehow made me look so much better…
I just loved this beautiful 'Savona' maternity bridal gown by Tiffany Rose, it was such a comfortable fit and so very flattering. It's difficult when you are carrying such a huge bump around with you to feel anywhere near fabulous, but on this day, I truly did.
My headpiece was by HT Headwear and I also sported some sparkle by Magpie Vintage.
These gorgeous 'Save The Date' cards were designed for each of us expectant ladies by the lovely Brown Betty Stationery {my little lady actually arrived a whole month early in September!}
My little girl Leanora Rose arrived just over 7 weeks after this photograph was taken…
TIffany had the wonderful idea of photographing us each holding an image of when we were but tiny babies ourselves.
My Mummy and me when I was a baby {thank you Mum for taking the time to find these lovely photographs for our photoshoot}…
The dress I was christened in…
Me, with me 🙂 ….
The Vintage Wedding Planner…
This photoshoot cemented a very special friendship for me, with the beautiful Tiffany Grant-Riley. God I love that woman! She is kind-heated, funny, cheeky, and what a creative talent – an unbelievably talented Vintage Wedding Planner…
Is she not just incredibly beautiful?
Tiffany wore the Clementine Long Dress by Tiffany Rose and a vintage necklace and headpiece by Magpie Vintage. Flowers by Miss Pickering…
The Vintage Teaset Hire and Wedding Styling Professional…
Meet Vicky Rowe, the beautiful and talented owner of Vintage Teasets. Vicky is a vintage china collecting obsessive and huge fan of the 1920s. In fact, Vicky's 1920's inspired wedding was one of the very first I featured on the Love My Dress Wedding Blog. What Vicky doesn't know about the art-deco era isn't worth knowing.
Vicky wore wore the Long Ayla Silk Bridal Gown by Tiffany Rose, and a beautiful feather headpiece that Vicky designed by herself – you must see Vicky's 'Clara Bows' website for an exquisite collection of 1920's style hats and fascinators. Flowers by Miss Pickering…
The Details…
The beautiful vintage props and vintage china were provided by Vicky Rowe of Vintage Teasets – who was of course also modelling a beautiful bump! 😉
Accessories were provided by Magpie Vintage…
Flowers were provided by the legendary (in my books anyway) Miss Pickering…
The most delicious cakes in the world (I know, I ate about 10 of them), which had been delicately decorated with little baby motifs were provided by Charlotte Gamble of Restoration Cake. Tiffany and I met Charlotte the day prior to collect the cakes and have a spot of lunch in London. What a fabulous and inspiring woman she is! Everyone should try a Restoration Cake…
Behind The Scenes…
Of course, a little high jinx was the order of the day. We had a lot of fun, and we laughed hard 🙂
Vicky reading her original copy of 'Delta of Venus', by Anais Nin… a bit of a brow-raiser, apparently!
Hair Stylist Sally Riceman and Makeup Artist Lina Cameron work their magic – these ladies were such AMAZING fun to work with 🙂
♥ ♥ ♥
Credits:-
Thank you SO much to everyone involved in this photoshoot:-
Photography – Emily Quinton {see more from Emily Quinton on Love My Dress here}
Styling – Tiffany Grant Riley of Grant-Riley Weddings
Models – Myself, Tiffany Grant-Riley and Vicky Rowe
Bumps – Leanora, Oscar and Reuben (who eventually made their appearances in that order) 🙂
Venue – Emily Quinton's glorious back garden
Bridal Wear – Tiffany Rose
Accessories – Magpie Vintage
Flowers – Miss Pickering
Hair – Sally Riceman {who was also pregnant!}
Makeup – Lina Cameron
Headpieces – HT Headwear & Clara Bows
Vintage China & Props – Vintage Teasets
Cakes – Restoration Cake
Stationery – Brown Betty
♥ ♥ ♥
I hope this inspires any of you expectant ladies out there due to be married soon :)
And if you are expecting, Emily Quinton has just launched a brand new Maternity and Newborn Photoshoot service – click here for further details.
Leave a comment and let us know what you think – your feedback is so valued 🙂
Much love,
Annabel xXx
♥
Annabel View all Annabel's articles
Founder of Love My Dress. Passionate Podcaster and Editor. Annabel lives in rural North Yorkshire with her husband and business partner Philip, their two daughters and menagerie of furry hounds. She loves photography, meditation, walking, being outdoors and star gazing. She is fierce when it comes to championing talent within the wedding industry and when she's not working on Love My Dress, she supports her husband Philip in the running of the family's sustainable flower farm and floral design business, Moonwind Flowers. In 2013, she became a published author.
Fabulous!
You ladies look delicious.
It makes me yearn for a baby bump!
Gorgeous ladies! And congratulations to you all 🙂
Wow girls you look amazing! How beautiful were all your bumps, you look positively glowing. Such a beautifully styled shoot and gorgeous photography. What images to treasure and show your babies when they are older 🙂 Pregnant brides are oh so special 🙂 xxx
So lovely! you all look blooming (you might not have felt it Annabel, but it really doesn’t show), what a lovely memento to have of your pregnancies, as well as a great inspiration for any pregnant brides out there.
Ladies, you all look absolutely stunning, and I particularly love the first two behind the scenes photographs! – if these are your before shots, I hope there is going to be an ‘after’ shoot too! xxx
AMAZING!! you all look fabulous! What an incredible memory you all have recorded so beautifully.
Great work from everyone involved xxx
lovin this Bumper edition post 🙂 Gorgeous Dahlings
What a lovely post – just makes me smile! You all look fantastic, love the idea of the baby pics. I’m sure you will provide lots of inspiration for pregnant brides. x
Wow, what an amazing set of photos – all three of you look so very beautiful. What a fantastic celebration of being a woman and being a mother. xx
You all look amazing! What a fantastic shoot and such lovely memories to capture. Beautiful ladies 🙂
So cute, well done girls x
I love this post – what a fabulous idea and thanks so much for sharing them! They’re such welcoming photographs, yet wonderfully intimate too.
Beautiful baby names too.
Oh I love this so much! You all look incredible! And your description of Tiffany is spot on, she really is fab, isn’t she! Can’t wait to work with her at some point!
I love the props you used here, too. So gorgeous!
Oooh – I have been waiting to see these photos. When I met with Tiffany last year she briefly mentioned this shoot and I was so looking forward to seeing it.
You all look so beautiful – huge congratulations to you all xx
This shoot is STUNNING! Gorgeous styling, dresses and very hot bridal mamas!
Beautiful post xx
Thank you so much for this post it gorgeous and cheered me up so much!!! I’m currently 20 weeks pregnant and not having the easiest of pregnancies (and it’s my first). I feel fat, spotty and generally yuk today but this post has lifted my spirits so much – you all look so beautiful.
Thank you for putting a smile on my face (and almost a tear to my eye)
C xxx
I love this so much, what a fabulous idea, so inspirational – you all look FAB!!
So lovely to finally share these! Thanks Annabel 🙂 And thank you to everyone involved. It was a wonderful day and very inspiring to shoot.
Hugs all round!
xxx
Wow my goodness, so much love! Thank you everyone, you are too kind 🙂 It was an absolute BALL to be involved in this photoshoot, and already I see it is inspiring those with bumps.
RESULT! So so happy 🙂
Much love to you all 🙂
Annabel xXx
What a fabulous shoot – ladies you all look beautiful! X Such wonderful, special images Emily X
Hello Cath-never fear, we ALL felt like that, and to be honest it takes a while afterwards too, I still have a great flabby belly and looking at these makes me smile and suddenly I forget all about the chronic heartburn, sciatica…need I say more?
Emily did such a beautiful job of putting us all at ease, quite a difficult task when you feel the size of a cow and you’ve got massive boobs! It was a joy to style and I had great fun rummaging around in the attic for bits and pieces (including my beautiful gramophone given to me by my mother). It was also such a treat to be pampered by two real professionals who knew exactly what we wanted.
Thanks also to the contributors, you were all so open and happy to be a part of it.
I’ve made such wonderful friends, who, although miles apart I still manage to speak to most days-Vicky and I managed to meet up with our boys at the weekend.
Thanks for the beautiful memories and if you’re a pregnant bride, show em’ what you’re working with with pride! x
Oh these are just beautiful! What a great idea, love the outfits and styling.
This is such a fantastic shoot, what a great idea. You all look lovely!
sickeningly beautiful Annabel
xxx
You ladies are blooming beautiful! So so cute! X
Aw how lovely! You all look so beautiful, absolutely stunning photography from Emily!
x
yay! I have waited such a long time to see these photos and always Em, you have done a stunning job. What beautiful bumps too. You all look amazing pregnant. Congrats on all your little bundles x x Brilliantly, stunning! 😀
Wow you all look so beautiful, such tasteful photographs!
OH MY….! I have been waiting to see this, stunning, just stunning, you all look amasing, I can’t eblieve how many preganant ladies worked on this shoot! I think I may have to become pregnant again just to have some memories of my own like this… SO glad all mother’s and babies are well xxx
Orr wow! I really love this, thank-you so much for sharing, you all look amazing you really do, much admiration for you all xxx
You all look completely beautiful!!
You all look so elegant and yet so touching and full of love for your bumps! An inspiring shoot for any blooming bride out there!
You all look sooo amazing and blooming!!! What an inspiring shoot!! Thank you for sharing!!
Xx
You all look absolutely stunning! Looks like a lovely way to spend a day :0) x
Thank you to everyone involved in this gorgeous shoot it has been a pleasure to see it. x
I love the last pic the most – very stylish and feminine! XxX
LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!!! You all look stunning and the styling is simply beautiful. Annabel that first on need to be massive on your wall….lots of love to all the ladies and their babies! xx
Absolutely beautiful!
Thank you so much!
Cath – believe me, it won’t last! These kind of days are sent to test us. I am so pleased these photographs have helped to lift your spirits 🙂 It was really important to all of us involved in this photoshoot that we did something that inspired those Brides to be who are also expecting, or really, just anyone expecting! Hang on in there – it gets better 🙂
Much love,
Annabel xXx
This is fabulous, much kudos to you ladies, what a wonderful project – beautiful, inspiring, I love it!
You know what’s my favourite photo? – the one where you hold a picture of your mum holding you… Almost made me cry, so touching… To all you ladies – you look fantabulous! x
I love that last one of all three of you particularly, you all look in your own little moments with baby 🙂 The nicest thing about these I think is that one day your children will see them and see how special it was for you even then.
I think you missed one thank-you out 🙁
Great shoot. Beautiful pics but not as beautiful as the 3 babies that came from those bumps 🙂
You are right Mr Riley – I forgot to thank the AMAZING Husbands Mr Riley & Mr Quinton for being so utterly fabulous on the day 🙂 And you were – ferrying 2 hormonal woman around and generally dealing to our every need for a whole weekend! Thank you so so much 🙂 We couldn’t have done it without you 🙂
So much love,
Annabel xXx
What a beautiful way to celebrate and commemorate your pregnancies – and how wonderful that each of you had two friends with whom to share the experience in such a fabulous and stylish way! 🙂
You all look simply gorgeous!
Jem x
Gorgeous!
wow you’re all so gorgeous and blooming!! Such an inspiring shoot!!
LOVE this shoot xxxxxxx
This is so inspirational, bravo to every woman involved with this – you do us women everywhere with babies and bumps and businesses proud!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Leanne x
What a fabulous post and gorgeous pictures … all three of you look amazing! Thank you so much for showing how beautiful real women look as pregnant brides.
Annabel you look so beautiful, as do all of you!
Such wonderful photographs, simply stunning, it must have been such a fun day 🙂 x
Definitely the images that should be put next to ‘yummy mummy’ in the dictionary!!
If my mum showed me a pic of her like this with me inside I would treasure it forever. What a beautiful thing to have to pass on. x
You all looked fabulous & gorgeous; will be lovely to have them to show Leanora Rose when she is older. x
How wonderful, how inspiring, how gorgeous you all are. What a beautiful thing to do for you, and for all ladies with bumps out there! Photographs to be treasured forever.
Well done to the whole team involved.
Love Adele x
Wow you all look so beautiful! Congratulations to you all, such a great idea! :-0 xxx
The shoot turned out beautiful! I love the special touches.
Gorgeous… gorgeous… & gorgeous! xxx
The shoot is fabulous, I especially love the fasinators/headpieces!!! Super gorgeous and hurrah for brides going for something different!!
How did I miss this!!!!!! This is just gorgeous, gorgeous! You all look amazing!!!!
The shoot is fabulous; I especially love the fascinators/headpieces!
The shoot is fabulous; I especially love the fascinators/headpieces!!! Super gorgeous and hurrah for brides going for something different!! The shoot turned out beautiful! I love the special touches. How wonderful, how inspiring, how gorgeous you all are. What a beautiful thing to do for you and for all ladies with bumps out there! Photographs to be treasured forever. Well done to the whole team involved. What a fabulous post and gorgeous pictures … all three of you look amazing! Thank you so much for showing how beautiful real women look as pregnant brides.
Just touching in on this blog post after a few months, such good memories of such a fun time – thanks for all the lovely comments :)) xXx
I especially love the fascinators/headpieces! Super gorgeous and hurrah for brides going for something different! The shoot turned out beautiful! How wonderful, how inspiring, how gorgeous you all are. What a beautiful thing to do for you and for all women with bumps out there! Photographs to treasur forever. Well done to the whole team involved. What a fabulous post and gorgeous pictures. All three of you look amazing! Thank you so much for showing how beautiful real women look as pregnant brides.
The shoot is fabulous; I especially love the fascinators, headpieces!!! The shoot turned out beautiful! I love the special touches. How wonderful, how inspiring, how gorgeous you all are. What a beautiful thing to do for you and for all ladies with bumps out there! Photographs to be treasured forever. Well done to the whole team involved. What a fabulous post and gorgeous pictures. All of you look amazing!
Hey ladies you look absoloutly amazing! love the shoot and all the colours…………..how wonderful and inspiring your shots are! xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
These ladies look truly gorgeous in even in their pregnancy. I find it really touching, you can see the love in their eyes.
Cindy
Interesting post. Would love to find more resources like this. I will have a look at your blogroll – hope you have one! 🙂