Greens and Neutrals – Relaxed and Natural Bridal Styling

Ah, Friday afternoon, I have longed for you to arrive much earlier than you actually have – it has been a full on kind of week! We’ve really upped our game with preparation for A Life Loved® – for those not yet in the know, we launch a brand new flipping blog on 19th November and it’s all go here at Love My Dress H.Q.

So Friday arrives with open arms because this evening, I am downing tools and going to enjoy spending time with my family over a huge helping of Whitby fish and chips. You? This beautiful set of images arrived via photographer Sarah Vivienne, who collaborated with stylist Alison Jenner to fulfil a brief of relaxed, natural and organic bridal inspiration.

“The idea for this shoot came about from Nottinghamshire based Norwood Park’s plans to launch ‘Naturally Norwood’ which will cater for couples wanting a more relaxed, laid back and natural style of wedding. Think outdoor ceremonies on top of a hill looking out over rolling countryside and elegant barn receptions.”

Photography by Sarah Vivienne

“We also took inspiration from Norwood Park’s heritage of being the home of the original Bramley Apple tree. They grow strawberries and produce apple juices there too (among other things) so that was a big influence.”“We planned a pretty outdoor shoot amongst the apple trees which would be in full ‘white with a hint of the palest pink’ blossom at the time of the shoot. We saw light, soft, floaty, ethereal images. And then it rained! But not just a spot; it was torrential all day long.”

Thank goodness for the temple on top of the hill and the strawberry tunnels! So the look, styling and photos evolved with the undercover locations but we kept the rustic feel that suited the location.”

“There were apples and strawberries everywhere! We used them as both decoration in the table set-up as well as in the sweet treats, for example strawberry milkshakes and strawberry-topped cupcakes for the little ones.”

“The fruit theme was part of the stationery too, with signs like ‘I pick you’. The acrylic stationery is very on trend at the moment and because of the minimalist look it would fit easily into lots of styles of wedding.”

“We borrowed elegant but mismatched chairs from Norwood Hall and added hay bales and a battered old door to break the formality and also create a focal point to the table.”

“The table itself was crammed with lots of foliage for a very outdoor feel, pinks and whites to fit with the bramley apple blossom colour and lanterns, silks, apples and strawberries added lots of texture and interest.  The crockery was coordinated but mismatched too, with layered pinks and greys.”

“The dresses and little ones’ outfits, hair and make-up were kept soft and informal. The textures were important to bring in a bit of interest and the accessories played a big part. We wanted to make the hair accessories and flowers a big feature because the simpler outfits would allow them to shine.”

“We kept the adult bridesmaid look very simple in white with a single flower stem instead of a bouquet. Little ones wore pretty pale pink and country tweed for the Groom, of course!”