Modern Wedding Renaissance at Gunnersbury Park, London

Rita Colson bridal fashion header

What an absolute delight to be get to share these images with your – the result of a collaboration involving multiple Love My Dress recommended suppliers including bridal fashion designer Rita Colson, wedding shoes designer Charlotte Mills and wedding stationery designer Grania of Ink & Paper Design.

The ladies behind the photoshoot vision – Grania of Ink & Paper Design and Planner Stylist Martha of Anemone Style, were keen to ensure that this photoshoot was representative of the diversity and creativity that the wedding industry has to offer, and so curated an inspirational team of suppliers they knew would be able to bring their vision to life.

This shoot, captured at London’s elegant historic wedding venue, Gunnersbury Park. Enjoy!

Concept & Location

Planner/Stylist Martha of Anemone Style and I wanted to offer a fresh take on stately home weddings, juxtaposing a minimalist and fresh colour palette against a stunning Regency backdrop. No Bridgerton vibes here! We imagined a modern couple on their wedding day, revelling in their love and the natural beauty of their surroundings.

Martha has an eye for clean, modern styling with a hint of playfulness. Martha was particularly inspired by Greco-Roman sculpture, so this also fed into our vision, including neutral stone and masonry textures to add further depth and contrast to the brief.

We were keen to modernise and elevate the classic green and white design. The brief was clean, elegant and modern with an organic, British summer feel: zingy greens with sophisticated black accents and a touch of yellow and brown. Mossy texture, and smooth, polished surfaces – a contemporary take on Italian Renaissance style, with a distinct Country House feel.

We chose the stunning Gunnersbury Park and Mansion in West London as our backdrop. This gorgeous Regency stately home has so many beautiful features, from the stunning manor house itself to the Orangery and Temple. We chose to focus our attention on the Orangery, with its striking chequered floor, fabulous foliage, and streaming light.

Models

We were keen to use a real couple to harness authentic wedding day intimacy, and Miniver and Daniel were the perfect choice to bring our vision to life.

We adored their natural and sophisticated style, and their deep love for each other is clear in every image.

Bridal Styling

We chose two outfits from up and coming bridal designer, Rita Colson. A stunning top and wide-leg trouser combo, and incredible fringed dress that brought party vibes to our second look.

These were perfectly accessorised with natural-inspired jewellery from The Vamoose and a striking veil and hair accessories from Ann Marie Faulkner, who specialises in headpieces and veils for stylish, modern brides.

The look was rounded off with a chic pair of block heel George Pearl shoes from Charlotte Mills – perfect when you’re on your feet all day!

We chose to keep hair and makeup simple and elegant to enhance Minnie’s natural beauty. Melinda Bridal created a fabulous modern take on the Sixties with contour eyes using soft brown shades and liner.

Florals

Florals were by the fabulous Catherine Short, who specialises in contemporary, romantic arrangements.

We chose to keep the arrangements foliage-heavy to focus on all the vibrant and zesty shades of green nature has to offer and make the most of the gorgeous textures.

Catherine created a stunning bouquet with fluffy and bold textures paired with a trailing silk ribbon for extra movement.

The ceremony installation was designed to bring the outside in. A meadow around the front entrance perfectly frames the doorway of the Orangery.

Photography & videography

We were thrilled to include Laura Martha a part of the team as we are huge fans of her natural, relaxed and beautiful wedding photography. She has a brilliant editorial eye, so we knew we were in safe hands!

Videography was a key part of our vision, and so we were ecstatic when fashion, lifestyle and wedding photographer Cal Macbeth came on board. We think his film speaks for itself, and showcases this stunning shoot with a distinctive creativity and elegance.

Menswear Styling

Daniel wore suits by London-based designer Sammy Aki, who creates modern and memorable luxury menswear. Sammy prepared two fabulous looks for us: An elegant daytime look featuring a beautifully cut muted deep blue and fawn linen two-piece, and a more laid-back look with a shirt that featured striking a West African print.

Stationery

Pairing ultra-tactile handmade paper with bold, chartreuse accents and minimalist black and white inserts, Ink & Paper created a stunning invitation suite that perfectly complements the bold modernity of the shoot. The invitation features a blind debossed asparagus fern border with two-colour letterpress print pressed on beautifully pillowy handmade paper.

The invitation was combined with a minimal black and white details card and letterpressed RSVP, white ink printed vellum belly band and zesty chartreuse RSVP envelope for a modern and playful pop.

Detail, Decor & Cake

We used neutral, textured linens from Just4Linen to complement the sophisticated wishbone chairs provided by Wedhead.

The table styling was kept low and wild with lots of fluffy texture, neutrals, browns, and bold greens with menus by Ink & Paper perfectly pulling together the chic, modern table look.

White ink on black card menus and chic tile place settings, hand lettered and artfully ink-splattered adds yet more delicious texture.

The chic and minimalist cake was designed and created by luxury vegan cake designer, Avant Garde Cake Studios.

Founder, Sarah delivered a sensational three-tiered cake with a ganache and fondant blend icing, presented on chic frosted acrylic plinths to add height and a sense of occasion. Sarah also incorporated sweetpeas and Queen Anne’s Lace to subtly tie in with Catherine Short’s floral arrangements.

Signage was provided by the mega-talented sign painter and calligrapher, Frankie of Bewilderly. Featuring eco-friendly recycled frosted acrylic and elegant black lettering, the beautiful welcome sign and table plan were the perfect complement to our modern ambience and chimed beautifully with the floral installations.

A Note From the Editor

It is such a pleasure to share this work. Suppliers rely on editorial’s like this to be able to showcase their talent, skill and ability and it’s genuinely a joy to be able to get behind those small businesses doing this with such passion and commitment.

Thank you Grania and team for trusting Love My Dress to share your work.

 

Credits & Thanks

Annabel

Annabel View all Annabel's articles

Founder of Love My Dress. Passionate Podcaster and Editor. Annabel lives in rural North Yorkshire with her husband and business partner Philip, their two daughters and menagerie of furry hounds. She loves photography, meditation, walking, being outdoors and star gazing. She is fierce when it comes to championing talent within the wedding industry and when she's not working on Love My Dress, she supports her husband Philip in the running of the family's sustainable flower farm and floral design business, Moonwind Flowers. In 2013, she became a published author.

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