The concept for this styled engagement shoot was ‘antique sophistication meets modern edge’. Stylist Margot Watt of Petite Pearl Events said she wanted to create a unique balance between those two styles by playing with mixing classically antique or vintage elements with vibrant, modern touches. The goal being to find harmony in opposition and create something whimsical and just a little unexpected.
This editorial features some damn cool bridal fashion ladies – as usual, you’ll find a full list of suppliers/places to find at the end of the article. Enjoy!
Photography by Rachel Takes Pictures
“Rachel of Rachel Takes Pictures did an amazing job of capturing not only the intricate details from this shoot but also the overall feeling and style we were trying to express. Her modern, yet timeless style was the perfect fit for this concept.”
“Our amazing venue, Paradise by Way of Kensal Green, also played a large role in bringing the concept to life. The private event spaces upstairs were just the right mix of cool, quirky and charmingly “old world” and I found so much inspiration in everything from the mottled blue walls and elegantly mismatched wooden furniture, to the distressed tin ceilings and eclectic decorative touches hiding around every corner.”
“I wanted to take some risks with this shoot and challenge myself to design with a medium that was totally new to me, neon. I love the edge and cool-factor that modern neon brings to a design and decided to try something a little different by purchasing lengths of flexible neon tubing from DDS UK LTD to create a one-of-a-kind installation.”
“Our amazing florists, Floribunda Rose, did such an incredible job building a free-standing branch and floral installation and weaving the neon tubing through it. The result was an incredible art piece that we paired with vintage furnishings and accents from Classic Crockery to create a dynamic lounge vignette.”
“Across the room, an intimate dining corner was framed by another free-standing branch and floral creation. The table was flooded with gorgeous seasonal blooms in rich wintery tones and accented by Ester & Erik taper candles provided by Scandinavian Homeware. The table was also styled with a mixture of edgy elements like the slim modern cutlery and black stoneware plates set against antique touches like pewter charger plates from Jones Hire and distressed candlesticks to further bring together the melding of the two styles.”
“Another major element was the bespoke outfit created specifically for this shoot by Canadian designer Joanna Delaney. We wanted to reference upcoming bridal trends but pull back from going all the way bridal with a gown. To do this, Joanna created a versatile outfit of modern wide-legged culottes with a strapless lace bodice and cropped bolero jacket. A sheer removable overlay skirt with lace detailing on the hem capped it all off and added some playful and dramatic flair.”
“Keeping with the lux contemporary theme for the styling, we accessorised our groom with a navy velvet bowtie from Le Colonel Moutarde’s London location. Knot Your Average Bride gave the bride a fresh glowing face and subtle smoky eye while weaving luxurious silk velvet ribbons into her hair for an intricate up-do that was both romantic and slightly edgy.”
“For the bride’s second hair style we re-purposed these ribbons and the hair & makeup team styled a sweet headband to go with a messy-chic ponytail and bold lip.”
“The ribbons, from Pompom Blossom, were also the perfect styling accessory for our flatlays and place settings and paired so beautifully with the custom stationery created by Merrie & Bright. These pieces again mirrored the blending of contemporary and antique by incorporating vellum and modern layouts with romantic brush lettering and a vintage floral motif.”
“The final piece of the puzzle was that we wanted to run the shoot as a giveaway for a recently engaged couple so we needed an adventurous pair willing to go with the flow and have a totally new experience. Our bride and groom were so much fun to work with and the beautiful connection they have with each other really comes through in the photos!”
Credits & Thanks
- Planning & Design/Styling – Margot Watt, Petite Pearl Events
- Photography – Rachel Takes Pictures
- Florist – Floribunda Rose
- Bride’s Outfit – Joanna Delaney
- Bow Tie & Pocket Square – Le Colonel Moutarde
- Hair & Makeup – Knot Your Average Bride
- Hair & Makeup Assistant – CLB Hair, no website
- Venue – Paradise by Way of Kensal Green
- Décor & Furniture Rentals – Classic Crockery
- Pewter Charger Plates & Accents – Jones Hire
- Neon Tubing & Accessories – DDS UK LTD
- Stationery – Merrie & Bright
- Ribbons – Pompom Blossom
- Candles – Scandinavian Homeware (supplying Ester & Erik candles)
- Shoot Assistant – Bride Goes Wild
- Real Couple – Rachel Anderson & Rory Dickens, no website