I experienced one of those breathtaking moments when I first saw these images. I have a love all things outdoor and ethereal and I love it when real magic occurs when a team of creative suppliers come together to produce something incredible like this.
These images were sent in by creative designer Caroline of Fleur Provocateur, whose words are below, and from whom I don’t wish to detract a moment further because these photographs and this entire editorial shoot really is everything. Over to you Caroline, you talented lady…
Film by GandT Film
The Vision
This gorgeous woodland inspiration piece is loosely inspired by Ceres, the Roman goddess of Agriculture, together with the celestial qualities of the Harvest Moon. Creating this ethereal piece, I collated together some of the most talented creatives across the South-West England.
Images by Studio Westlake
In a colour palette of golden hues and earthy tones, this shoot initially captures the couple in their human countenance with woodland ceremony, before their wedding feast and transforming into celestial beings bathed in dappled light.
The Venue
The natural greenery of the woodland, and meadows at Marshwood Manor provided a backdrop of natural tranquility, reminiscent of folklore and magic. On this particularly drizzly day, the aged oak offered shelter beneath its protective canopy, and framed the tablescape.
The meadow is a place of beauty and harvest, utterly desirable for our narrative. The couple walk along fern lined paths to the secret ceremony area. The Bower is nestled in ancient woodland, with a natural amphitheater created by benches carved from fallen tree trunks. The beautiful wooden ceremony structure is approached over a meandering stream by wooden bridge.
The Dress
Jo at Julita London is a supreme talent, and all-round lovely lady. Her gowns are incredibly detailed, and encapsulated our storyline perfectly. The modern romantic White Wisteria gown with its sheer lace that has been hand-beaded and winged by dramatic open-caped sleeves.
The lace floral climbs with woody bines, and three-dimensional flower clusters that cascade. A high neck in front is contrasted with the low v at the back, highlighted by a vintage back necklace sewn into the dress. The skirt fitted at the waist, cascades to the floor, sweeping into a beautiful full train finished with beautiful chiffon fluttery flowers and beaded leaves.
Shimmering softly in the light, the Moss Cape adorned with micro sequins on a silk georgette base, drapes like liquid metal. Embellished with two beaded love birds at the centre clasp, the cape creates the most magical transitional addition.
Ethereal, empowered and enlightened the Gilded Lily dress is a celebration of individualist spirit; glistening in the setting sun transforming the scene for when day becomes night. The textured mix of glittering white gold and brushed oyster coloured two-tone sequins adorn the surface creating a celestial aesthetic.
Fitted three-quarter sleeves falls into a flowing asymmetrical bell. Seam paneling through the body draws in the waist, whilst the open back elongates down to the dramatic fluid mermaid train. These were enhanced by the gorgeous backless body of Ender Legard.
The Flowers
Luxury Floral Designer, Caroline at Fleur Provocateur created a bouquet of abundance, reminiscent of Ceres’ appointment as Goddess of Fertility. Mixed hues of rose-gold and yellow, ears of golden wheat and oats, earthy tones of dried bracken, and old-man’s beard foraged from the hedgerow.
This was complemented by the bountiful gorgeous ribbons of CFleurs Design. The ceremonial bower and bridge was decorated with foraged foliage, trailing amaranthus, golden and cream roses, David Austin’s ‘Lady of Shallot’, and ‘Romantic Antik’, and hand-gathered wild oats.
The Tablescape
The Tablescape, set beneath an ancient spreading oak, was styled by Beth of Apple and Bramble Events. The natural wooden table of Taddle Farm Tents was spilling with hand-gilded fruit, and flowers. Amber tones were invoked by the gorgeous glassware and candlesticks of Fabulous Company, complemented by the rattan charger plates of Artichoke Sherborne.
Stationery
The stationery’s concept was opulent and textured created by Beth of Flick & Flourish. Using beautiful Khadi handmade papers from Southern India, designed with the golden setting sun in mind, with touches of gold leaf and sepia inks. The gorgeous wax seals by Heirloom Seals, held the gold wire around the invitations and embellished the envelopes. Beth created a clear acrylic disk that mirrored the moon and lay on top of the plates.
Cake
The luxurious cake is the work of talented French Pâtisserie Chef, Isabelle of Zaza Marcelle. The three layered decadent cake was decorated with textured gold, fresh flowers and ears of corn, bringing in the elements of the Harvest theme.
Hair, Makeup and Accessories
The fantastic team of Caroline and Elke at Amazing Face Dorset, masterminded the looks of our two models from Gingersnap. Coppers, golds and charcoals threw subtle celestial light into Rachel’s hazel eyes using Charlotte Tilbury eyeshadows. A moonlight golden shimmer highlight & Nars ‘orgasm’ blush with an Hourglass nude lip, created a classic yet warm earthchild natural beauty. Initially the hair started off with a tangled web of woven curls and later loosened it into river waves, soft, lush and tumbled curled ends.
Wearing the enchanting ‘Meissa’ earrings of Tilly Thomas Lux, which the name aptly means ‘shining;’ reminiscent of the graceful glow of a full moon. These were accompanied by a beguiling selection of hairpieces adorned with swarovski crystals.
The Photography and Videography
Supremely talented is an understatement with Charlie of Studio Westlake. The day of the shoot had very challenging weather, yet Charlie created evocative and enthralling images, encapsulating the misty and magical atmosphere that enveloped the woodland.
G and T’s film captured the very essence of the storyline; redolent of folklore with a celestial aesthetic. With unparalleled eye for capturing beauty, and unwavering enthusiasm, Gaby and Tye were an absolute must to film this editorial.
Credits & Thanks
- Photography - Studio Westlake
- Planning and Florals - Fleur Provocateur
- Videography - GandT Film
- Venue - Marshwood Manor
- Bespoke Bridalwear - Julita London
- Styling, Props + Stationery - Apple and Bramble Events
- Models - Gingersnaps
- Hair and Makeup - Amazing Face Dorset
- Cake - Zaza Marcelle
- Backless Undergarment - Ender Legard
- Accessories - Tilly Thomas Lux
- Silk Ribbons - CFleurs Design
- Furniture - Taddle Farm Tents
- Glassware - Fabulous Company
- Chargers - Artichoke Sherborne
- Wax Seals - Heirloom Seals