“We hit 100 donations this week, with a collective retail value of over £70,000, which is such a staggering amount that I literally jumped up and down!
The value was made even more special by the fact it is Oxfam’s 70th Birthday this year and so it is a really humbling moment that shows people are more dedicated to fighting poverty than ever…”
Kate Kellaway-Moore, Oxfam
Good morning my lovelies. Welcome to the first day of a wonderful new week. Today is a special day on Love My Dress. Today is all about Oxfam and sharing with you full details of a project I’ve been involved with for some months now. {By the way, part 2 of this feature is here}.
Oxfam first approached me around August last year and asked if I would support them in raising the profile of Oxfam Weddings – who were planning to do something to celebrate Oxfam’s 70th year. The idea was to run a project that coincided with the 1st anniversary of the Royal Wedding…
“As we approach the anniversary of the Royal Wedding, Oxfam is preparing to launch a fantastic online weddings auction, offering future brides and grooms the chance to bid on exclusive items for a fraction of the normal retail price…”
Love My Dress Wedding Blog, Photography Copyright © 2012, Mintyslippers
Isn’t that ‘behind-the-scenes’ film above from Mintyslippers just gorgeous? I adore how it captures the team behind this photoshoot working so hard for such a wonderful cause, and it takes me back to a day that holds a very special place in my heart.
Let’s learn a little more about the auction the photoshoot is supporting…
“The online auction will run from Sunday 29th April to Wednesday 9th May on EBay. The auction will feature up to 100 one-off gifts with a total value of £70,000, including a John Nassari wedding photography and celebrity hair-styling package worth £15,000, wedding gowns by designers such as Claire Pettibone, Charlotte Balbier, Suzannah, , Joanne Fleming, Sassi Holford and House of Tammam, a fabulous eco-chic Sawday’s honeymoon to the Lake District, a decadent hen party afternoon tea at Fetcham Park, with Idyllic Days crockery and Cakes by Krishanthi cakes and much much more**
The exclusive auction also includes a private consultation with Ian Stuart and a pick of any of his Killer Queen collection, flowers from florists such as By Appointment only Design, Hayford and Rhodes and Philippa Craddock, free venue hire at Senate House and a luxury marquee worth £5000.
This is the perfect opportunity for couples to get their hands on items that may normally be out of reach and help raise vital funds to help support Oxfam’s work with people living poverty around the world.”
Love My Dress Wedding Blog, Photography Copyright © 2012, Eliza Claire + Annamarie Stepney
Beauty & Fashion Retouching by Chanelle Segerius-Bruce at Retouch Me
Image Credits: Stationery design by Sugalily, dress by Caire Pettibone via Blackburn Bridal Couture
Having heard of their exciting auction plans, I suggested it might be nice to organise a photoshoot to assist with the promotion of the auction and before I knew it, I was pulling together a dream-team of suppliers to help turn my idea into something real.
Skip forward a few months, and one cold and rather foggy Friday morning in London, Phil – my husband and I, found ourselves in a taxi on the way to the shoot venue to meet up with Stylist Tiffany Grant Riley, photographers Eliza Claire + Annamarie Stepney, hair stylist Severin Hubert, Makeup Artist Lucy Baker, my Intern Franky and a whole room full of beautiful Models that included the rather lovely Jack Rooney.
We had an amazing day. As far as photoshoot experiences go, it was something very special to everyone involved. For a start, everyone had spared their precious time to attend and work a very long day on behalf of Oxfam, but we had such a giggle too. It was a real bonding experience for everyone. I’ve fond memories of hair stylist Severin Hubert making us all fall apart in fits of giggles towards the end as he improvised a wind machine using his hair dryer – hehehe 😉
The photoshoot was styled by the ever-talented Tiffany Grant Riley and focused on six different era inspired looks; 1920s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s and 70s {yep, all in one very busy day!}.
1920’s Inspired…
The important thing to note is that almost all of the items used in the shoot are actually going to be available to bid for at the Oxfam Weddings auction. And I think that’s pretty darn amazing actually.
The images you see just directly above and below you now featuring model Jack were inspired by the 1920s. The dress is a Sally Lacock design. I adore Sally Lacock, she uses the finest lace in the world is is a true artisan and master of her craft. The floral headpiece the model bride is sporting was created that morning by Tony from By Appointment Only Design, and Jack is wearing a suit from Tweedmans
Paul Antonio, the master scribe, assisted the styling be writing on a mirror, one of his specialities and a beautiful way of styling your own wedding…
A simply beautiful cake designed especially for the occasion by Janet Mohapi-Banks…
The dress the model bride wears below was designed especially for this photoshoot by House of Tammam who specialise in using eco-friendly materials and produciton techniques…
“I was delighted to design this exclusive dress for Oxfam. We have incorporated many traditional crafts done by our fair-trade producers in India to create this spectacular gown in various peace silks, organic and sustainable fabrics. We are sure the bride who wins this will be overjoyed.”
Lucy Tammam, ethical bridal designer, House of Tamman
1930’s Inspired…
The 1930’s inspired look featured two beautiful dresses by Caire Pettibone {via the wonderful Blackburn Bridal Couture} and Sassi Holford, with that stunning veil by Vivienne Sheriff and shoes by Emmy….
Beautiful coral wedding shoes by Emmy…
1940’s Inspired…
Our 1940’s inspired look featured a stunning Jubilee inspired coronetheadpiece, especially created by the Oxfam shoot by Cherished Vintage. using elements that were found at Oxfam shops. How wonderful is that?
It also featured a dress by Suzannah and bunting by Vicky Trainor via ‘The Vintage Drawer’, as well as cakes and sweet treats by Olofson Design and stationery by Dottie Designs and florals by Hayford and Rhodes.
The vintage crates used to style the shoot were provided by Vintage Style Hire…
1950’s Inspired…
Our ’50’s inspired look featured writing {yes, on the model’s back} by Paul Antonio, lingerie by Gilda & Pearl, the most glorious petticoat by Doris Design and gowns by Ian Stuart’s and Charlotte Balbier…
1960s Inspired…
The ’60s inspired look featured such a cute dress by Minna. Model Jack wore an original vintage suit by Tweedmans and buttonhole by Hayford & Rhodes. Don’t you just adore those daisies?
The cupcakes and Oxfam branded biscuits hanging from the tree {which were utterly delicious!} were by Olofson Design, and the gorgeous vinage bicycle was donated for this shoot by ‘LuvHandles’.
By the way the coat the model is wearing is my own – from a vintage clothes store in Whitby…
1970’s Inspired…
Our gorgeous 1970’s inspird look featured dresses by Joanne Fleming, shoes by Harriet Wilde and a stunning gold bouquet by By Appointment Only Design…
Beautiful cake by Cake Maison….
Isn’t this Buttonbelle dress a beauty? Donated by Luella’s Boudoir. And thos 70’s glam rock shoes were donated by the wonderful Harriet Wilde…
The fabulous Rosette dress, donated by twobirds bridesmaid…
The Oxfam Wedding Auction…
Almost all of the items used in this photoshoot can be bid for in the Oxfam Weddings auction, listings for which will start to go live on EBay this week and the full list of items that can be bid for will be available from 23rd April.
Further details of how monies raised from this auction will go to directly assisting those less fortunate than ourselves will be included in this afternoon’s blog post, with a neat set of info-graphics supplied by the talented Alexis, of the OMG I’m Getting Married blog.
There were so many wonderful, generous, talented donators involved in this photoshoot and many donators have since come on board {including, I believe, a certain Jenny Packham!}. A full list of items that will be at auction and available to bid from will be included in this afternoon’s blog feature.
This just leaves me to say, an immense thank you to all and everyone involved in this project, from the creative team you see credited below you there to all the donators. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. We would not have achieved success with this project without you.
So many people worked so very hard on this shoot – freeing their precious time and working their socks off to create these images to support Oxfam and inspire you. It would be amazing if you could show them your support by leaving a comment and a little blog love. I’d also love to know if any of my readers fancy bidding at auction! And finally, which era is your favourite? I cannot decide between the 30’s, 40’s or 60’s…….useless! 😉
Come back this afternoon for part 2 of the big Oxfam Weddings project.
Lots of love all,
Annabel
♥
Creative Team Credits
Photography Copyright © 2012, Eliza Claire + Annamarie Stepney
Beauty & Fashion Retouching by Chanelle Segerius-Bruce at Retouch Me
Film Production – Mintyslippers
Stylist – Tiffany Grant Riley
Photoshoot Curator – Moi, supported by my Intern, Franky
Venue – Drapers Hall, London
Models – First Model Management
Male Model – Jack Rooney
Hair Stylist – Severin Hubert, Hepburn Collection
Makeup Artist – Lucy Baker
Make-up (for 70’s look) Frontcover Cosmetics, via PR agency Gloss Communications
Nails – Gemma Timms
** Full list of donated items will be featured in this afternoon’s blog post on Love My Dress
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.
I felt so privileged to be involved in this shoot. There was so much talent and creativity in that building that day it blew my little intern mind. The images look spectacular, I’m not sue I can pick a favourite decade! Maybe 30s, no wait 40s… Oh I just love them all!
Everyone who participated should feel so very proud of themselves.
Franky xxx
Oh MY, I just LOVE the 70’s images, Just LOVE.
Well done on a spectacular shoot and good luck with the auctions.
xxx
Incredible work can’t get over how gorgeous it all is, and can’t wait to see part two… brilliant work!!!
I don’t always comment but I think this was a stunning job, and beautifully professional as well as charmingly for a good cause. I just hope it also encourages people to donate their beautiful dresses (if they can bear to or can afford to) to Oxfam so even more brides can benefit.
Totally gorgeous photo-shoot, refreshingly different and absolutely in love with the sixties style images. Well done to the whole team involved. I will definitely be looking up this auction as I still have so much left to purchase!
Absolutely gorgeous! I’m in love with the amazing gold bouquet, the writing on the back + the cutest of them all… the 60’s inspired shoot. Congratulations and well done to everyone + I cannot wait for Part 2 now! Most of all, lots of luck for the auction for a fantastic charity too x
Wow – Annabel, such a high flyer at the best of times, this is really really something special – good for you!
Stunning shoot (what a fabulous team!) and I can’t get over how amazing the list of things to bid for is.
Good on ya!
Bless you Franky, thank you so much for all your hard work and support on the day xXx
Thanks lovely – part 2 is actually all about information and how this photoshoot and auction are going to go to supporting such a good cause. We’ve had a little help from Alexis over at OMG I’m Getting Married on some super-duper info-graphics 🙂
xXx
Well thank you so much Amelia for your comment today. We truly appreciate it, so much love and hard work went into this, we are all so delighted and really want to see Oxfam do well 🙂 xXx
Thanks so much Elsie, so lovely of you to say so 🙂 xXx
Didn’t the boys at By Appointment Only Design do well with that gold bouquet, gorgeous isn’t it?
xXxXx
Thanks Isabel, I only pulled the team together – the whole creative team are responsible for producing this magic, they are brilliant, each and every one of them 🙂
Huge thanks for taking the time to support this shoot and leave some kind words.
xXx
Lots of good luck chanelling Oxfam’s way today 🙂 xXx
Oh my goodness I simply love it all… I love the step through all the themes and I love all the wedding flowers done by some of the top florists i adore.
So much time and effort has gone into this and is shows
Well done to all. It’s always a fun shoot with Sev involved 🙂
As I was editing I had all these ideas about what I could have done with the bike shots if we had more time. Camera in the basket, more running with the models. Oh the ideas.
We also have a version shot on a new 3D camera coming up at some point (no idea when).
Photos look cosmic.
Wow! What a fab selection of pics. I love the 50’s dress, and the gold bouquet is amazing. Well done to all involved. Can’t wait for the auction to start now!
Wow, Wow, Wow, Wow Annabel!! Oh how I would love to get involved in a shoot like this! It’s all too beautiful! Great work and great concept. I only wish I needed that Vivienne Sheriff veil…xx
stunning.
great selection of images.
looks amazing guys you should all be really, really proud xx
oohhh my goodness these images are gorgeous! can’t wait for part 2. how awesome is that calligraphy on the model’s back!! x
That last dress is STUNNING! Love the video too xxx
Gorgeous shoot, so inspirational, beautiful photographs. The whole team have done brilliantly.
My have look is definitely the 30’s, such elegance!
Thank you Sally-Ann, I’m so pleased you love it! xXx
Ah, yes, the Rosette dress by twobirds Bridesmaid. We all secretly wanted to try it on ;)) xXx
Huge thanks Abbey – your input to this project was key and we are all so grateful to you for helping us produce such a beautifully styled photoshoot 🙂 xXx
Oh Danny, each time I work with you, you just exceed yourself creatively. You guys are amazing. Have you any idea ‘quite’ how amazing? I am not sure!
Thank you SO much for crafting together such a gorgeous film to accompany our shoot. You brilliant people you 😉
Now let’s see the 3D version please! ;))
xXx
Clare, we were so lucky to have all the suppliers on board, top florists included! How privileged we were to be able to work with such creative talent!
xXx
Great shoot, I love the 40’s and 70’s looks! Such a great cause to support too xo
Hooray! We are very excited about the auction too 🙂 Thank you so much Caroline 🙂 xXx
That veil was out of this WORLD…. simply divine!
Thank you so much Sue xXx
Huge thanks Louise – I really appreciate your feedback my lovely 🙂 xXx
How brilliant…. the amount of work that went into this must have been huge. I love the end results, i think the 60s look is my favourite 🙂
Congrats to everyone involved i hope you raise lots of money for a brilliant charity xoxo Lou
What a gorgeous shoot! I went to my friends wedding end of march and she had an Oxfam bridal dress, she looked stunning. I love the idea of things being resold/reused! WEll done for highlighting this!
Aww, thank you so much Nicola Wellard! But please note, ALL the items that have been donated for this auction are brand new, never been used before! Which kind of makes it even more amazing, doesn’t it? 🙂
xXx
I have bought myself an Oxfam wedding dress, and it is one of the best things i think i have done for my wedding. I am not ashamed of where it has come from and in fact I am very proud. I am sure I will be returning it to an Oxfam when I am done with it in August. I cannot think what is better than to give money to Oxfam in buying it and then returning it for it to happen again. I really hope this event does raise the profile of oxfam weddings as I was very unsure as I had not really heard of it, but it is the best thing I have done. Many thanks for spreading the word.
Such a beautiful way to launch a wonderful event – we are so chuffed to be involved. The hard work of the team has really paid off – let’s hope Oxfam raise a load of money out of it all.
Annabel – Just beautiful! Absolutely love the Joanne Fleming dress and the gorgeous By Appointment Design gold bouquet. Congratulations to everyone involved in the wedding shoot and the auction- some amazing wedding items for such a great cause!
What a dream crew and some of my fav people in the industry! Beautiful results and a lovely cause x
Thanks SO much for such a sweet supportive comment Sarah 🙂 xXx
Thank you. We were trying to create a distinct look for each shoot that would also appeal to most. I think we, or should I say the cretive team pretty much nailed it 🙂
Thanks again Valerie xXx
Really appreciate your reply Neda, thanks a million 🙂 xXx
Well done on a fab shoot! The images and video are wonderful, love them!
The groom suit & accessories we provided look pretty cool also ; )
Denise xxx
p.s. Best of luck with the auctions, hope they raise lots!!!
Very romantic photo-shoot. The cupcakes are always been a great alternative for wedding cakes and great accessory for lovely photo.
So well done to all involved and what brilliant images to encourage brides to bid at the auction.
So nice to see you doing this for charity Annabel and team, really impressive. Others should follow your brilliant lead.
Kim x x
It all looks stunning! You have told a beautiful story through the photographs. Looking forward to the auction.
Great job, Team! What a lovely shoot and for such a worthy cause! You guys are aces!!! Can’t wait to see Part II! xx
I love this shoot! All the pics are amazing and it’s even sweeter that it’s for such a good cause. I am going to make a list for all the stuff I want to bid on! xxx
I can’t decide whether I want to be the 60’s bride or if I want Paul Antonio to write on me. Hmm. In the meantime – a brilliant fund raising idea – glamour through giving xxx
Just WOW – lovin’ the 60s shoot in particular…this is the decade I want to nod to at my own wedding. Beautiful images – brilliant sentiment. Jx
A remarkable set of images – each telling a really captivating ‘story’ – for a truly remarkable project. Good luck Oxfam Weddings xxx
Thank you so much Denise, we could not have done it without you and your beautiful vintage suits!! Can’t wait to feature you on my blog soon!
Thank you 🙂 x
Thanks so much Ann – thought you might like that Vivien Sheriff veil!? 🙂
xXx
Huge thanks Kim! I’m so proud to be involved with this – it generates a real feel good factor 😉
Beautiful concept. i like the wedding gowns! all of them are beautiful!
Very cool! Some great work here 🙂
Oh I hate that I’m always so late to the pretty party now…this is absolutely bloody AMAZING!!! I just loved scrolling through all the different eras, so beautifully styled and for such a wonderful cause. Well done to you and all the talented people involved in the shoot xx
Spectacular!
I love the the selection, perfect timing from me, I’m brimming with inspiration now! Thank you! I have a wood panelled room and wasnt sure what could be done, I love the hanging stars in the first shoot- I assume they werent home made? Where were they from? Thanks! xxxx
Here you go Nina! The stars were all handmade, a little DIY project by our stylist who recently blogged a tutorial here:-
http://thecuriositybox.blogspot.co.uk/2012/04/diy-star-garlands.html
Enjoy! 🙂
xXx
Perfect dressing and nicely clicked by the photographer…. Totally stunning.