Cliche-free Fashion Inspiration for the Modern Bride

It fees like we’ve spoilt you with a choice of beautiful editorial shoots this week. This latest collection of images comes from Katey over at Ghost Orchid Bride, a rule-breaking bridal fashion boutique based in Hessle, East Yorkshire.

Katey wanted to illustrate the harmony between strength and delicacy in these images – this is her interpretation of femininity and modern, bridal cool, using designs that are all available at her sublime boutique. Over to you Katey…

“My path first crossed with photographer, Charlotte Ridley, through a mutual customer, and we bonded immediately over a shared ethos and vision. We wanted to set about creating a fuss-free, empowering editorial for the modern bride. Femininity doesn’t necessarily equate to florals and frills, although we love that too, but for many – being a woman is about feeling strong, powerful and in control.”

Photography by Charlotte Ridley

“Feeling that way does not mean you’re not feminine, I mean – who decides what being feminine really is anyway? That’s what our shoot is all about.  We really had a lot of fun playing with contrasts between modern and traditional notions of what it means to be not just a bride, but a female. This is a shoot which focuses on the interplay between these concepts to create a look that is both dark and light, icy yet warm, tough but sensual, laid-back but totally killer.”

“We created a stripped back, sultry editorial, keeping the tones hazy and muted, yet maintaining a touch of luxury bridal glamour. A personal favourite, and a shot which I feel really reflects the whole vibe of the editorial, is the picture of our model, Neave Hodgson-Ali, in the sequinned gown and angel wings fashioned with Pampas Grass. I love the contrast between the soft and angelic themes and textures, against the cool tones of the harsh concrete backdrop.”

“In keeping with the theme, we wanted our makeup artist, Rachel Key, to create a look that wasn’t necessarily what you would expect from bridal make-up.  The makeup was kept duey and neutral in order to let Neave’s natural beauty shine through, with a dark smudgy eye to bring a grungey edge to the look.”

“Charlotte and I hope that women see the shoot as refreshing, something they can relate to. As a bridal shop owner, I so often hear women tell me how they are finding the whole wedding planning process daunting and overwhelming – as they are inundated with traditional bridal inspiration that is so far removed from their personality and every-day style.”

“It can really be a struggle to not lose sight of who they are, and if you’re reading this and nodding along – we hope this inspires you! All the dresses featured, and the accessories too, are from the designers we stock here at Ghost Orchid Bride. These include gowns by Alexandra Grecco, Daughters of Simone, And For Love, Chantel Lauren and Marquise Bridal. With accessories and veils by Luv AJ, Luna Celeste, Alexandra Grecco and HM Veils.”

“The symbol of our boutique is, of course, the Ghost Orchid. This is a rare and unusual flower. It refuses to behave like other flowers, it rejects the normal rules, grows in it’s own direction and chooses to flower only when the conditions are just right.”

“Like this flower, we believe brides should make up their own rules, and it’s always our goal to help women to explore their own sense of style, rather than conforming to the expected. Charlotte and I hope that this editorial can show women that being a bride doesn’t mean that you have to be so…well…bridal.”

Photographer Charlotte Ridley says “When it came to the photography, we knew from the start that we wanted to keep it as minimal and stripped back as possible. The dresses, the model, and the makeup were gorgeous, and so bold that we opted for a super minimal colour palette – neutrals only! The warmth in Neave’s skin tone against the cool surroundings worked perfectly, and the delicacy of the greenery, the dresses, and the pampas grass really complimented the darker elements we’d chosen.”

“One of my favourite things about this shoot – glamorous venues, pretty barns and scenic landscapes are amazing, and I love photographing them – but it’s also pretty nice to know you can shoot something pretty nice against nothing but concrete!”