English Literature Inspired, Romantic and Elegant Bridal Style

I’ve been wanting to share this delightful collection of images for sometime so am over the moon that they’re finally gracing my pages this evening. Sent in by Belgian photographer Anaïs Stoelen, who has a personal love and passion for English romantic literature and poetry, this styled shoot took place in the idyllic and historic setting of Cambridge and its surroundings.

Anaïs, with the help of Kelly Spence of Kelly Spence Bridal Accessories gathered together some of the finest UK wedding suppliers to help create this most English of inspirational shoots. The collaborators on this shoot included the wonderful Kate of Vintage Style Hire who supplied all the gorgeous vintage props. You can hire all these props and more from Kate and/or have her style your wedding day for you – find out more by visiting the Vintage Style Hire page in our Little Book For Brides.

‘A lady’s imagination is very rapid; it jumps from admiration to love, from love to matrimony in a moment.’ (Jane Austen)

Photography by Anaïs Stoelen

Drawing references from the rich romantic literary heritage of Cambridge, where poets such as Byron, Tennyson and Wordsworth studied, we used shades of powder blue and old gold to hint at the faded opulence and grandeur of a time gone by, of the gilded spines of dusty books and of tea taken under the apple trees of an orchard. In this secret orchard our groom reads poetry and serenades his bride before whisking her away on a punt down the silky waters of the river Cam past the historic colleges.

Blue shoes by Emmy London

Kate Fletcher of Vintage Style Hire provided the perfect furniture, props and her wonderful styling skills to set the scene for out romantic orchard hideaway at The Conservation Gardens in Thaxted with Sam from Violets and Velvet working her magic to create wonderfully blousy and delicate looking blooms – no mean feat as this was shot on the UK’s hottest July day on record.

We wanted our bride’s look to fit in with our romantic and slightly bohemian feel and so chose three exquisite dresses by Faith Caton-Barber, Catherine Deane (from Rachel Ash Bridalwear) and Sabina Motasem.

Each gown was teamed with Kelly Spence headpieces, silk veils and jewellery and an exquisite pair of Emmy London shoes.

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Hair and make-up was styled by the delightful Marianne of The Beautiful Bride Company from the Netherlands who often works with Anaïs and flew in just for the shoot. Our groom wore a bespoke dark blue suit by tailor Alexandra Wood.

Elizabeth’s Cake Emporium made a spectacular gilded cake & sweet treats complete with details reminiscent of the opulent drawing room of an old stately home and Rose & Ruby designed a beautiful stationery set in dusty blue with gold flourishes.

My love and thanks to all the wonderful creatives behind this photoshoot – I’m so proud to be showcasing you work today on Love My Dress.

Love Annabel x

 

Photography – Anais Stoelen Photography
Hair Accessories & Veils – Kelly Spence Bridal Accessories
Dresses – Faith Caton-Barber + Catherine Deane at Rachel Ash Bridalwear & Sabina Motasem
Shoes – Emmy London
Furniture & Styling – Vintage Style Hire
Flowers – Violets and Velvet Bespoke Floristry
Cakes & Sweet treats – Elizabeth’s Cake Emporium
Stationery – Rose & Ruby
Hair & Make-up – The Beautiful Bride Company
Blue Suit – Alexandra Wood
Bow Tie – Mrs. Bow Tie
Punts – Scudamores Punting Company, Cambridge
Venue – City of Cambridge & The Conservation Gardens, Thaxted
Model – Lucy Scarfe