E D I T O R I A L . 5

B O U R T O N H A L L

- P A R T O N E -

C E L E B R A T I N G T H E F I N E A R T O F L E T T E R W R I T I N G

After participating in styled shoots over the years I began to wonder if I could do one myself!

I had a very definite story I wanted to tell and was completely surprised and thrilled when so many suppliers agreed to come on this journey with me! I can confirm being an organiser is a new level of stress - this has considerably increased my respect and admiration for those that do these frequently!! I felt I could have slept for a week afterwards! But a huge part of that was probably due to the sheer ambition of the shoot! In one day the fantastic team and I brought to life a three part love story; full of stunning unique details and I hope created lots of inspiration for future couples.

When covid caused a nationwide lock down, like so many our couple who lived separately due to work, found themselves apart for months. This confirmed for our gent Will that he definitely couldn’t take being away from Jess for long. He spent their time apart planning…their reunion, and something else very special!

Throughout the weeks apart Will commissioned love letters, or lyrics of favourite songs to be hand written by Lenka Calligraphy. Lenka’s calligraphy style is so elegant and captivating! Maybe because we are used to text messages and emails now, the traditional art of letter writing seems to mean so much more. To have not just a love letter, but ones so beautifully presented arrive on your doorstep can mean so much!

When our couple are able to reunite, A special keepsake box holds this meaningful correspondence and the two are able to laugh and reminisce over these heartfelt notes.

The hand calligraphy letters are bound with a Peonies & Paperclips ‘love story’ wax seal stamp and trailing silk ribbon, they fit perfectly in the bespoke wooden keepsake ‘love story’ box. Turning a negative time in to one full of beautiful messages to be treasured.

The idea behind this first part is to capture our couple happily reunited and able to enjoy quality time together again. Will has organised a special weekend away. Bourton Hall is our chosen venue here, it’s bridal suite is one of dreams!! With stunning windows, the light throughout this suite is quite magical!

This image (above) Is one of my absolute favourites from this part by Natalie D Photography.

It perfectly shows Lenka’s stunning calligraphy and the tenderness between our couple. The way Will watches Jess whilst she reads the letter is just so beautiful - such a perfect capture!!

The natural moments are always my favourites.

These last two images of our couple also tug at my heart strings because let’s be honest this is a happy long awaited reunion and there would be so many smiles - the sheer joy and genuine looks of love in these just gives me all the romantic feels! Whilst this section comes to an end and Will has to make his excuses for a further surprise (no spoilers here but that’s part two!) Jess is gifted a bespoke blanket featuring a meaningful quotation. This draped over Jess giving glimpses of the stunning lace on the Shell Belle Couture long chemise whilst she enjoys those stunning countryside views.

I really enjoyed making this blanket! The quote was hand lettered using a special fabric pen, so it is washable and will last forever. It’s so beautifully soft and the finishing touches of a tassel at each corner just adds a luxurious feel. I think these would be such a gorgeous gift for an engaged couple, and for anniversaries. To have a special quote that resonates for you as a couple, on a bespoke blanket to snuggle on the sofa with each evening is just the sweetest!

B O U R T O N H A L L - P T . 1 -

Editorial shoot team

Concept, Planning & Bespoke makes - @Peoniesandpaperclips.uk

Planning & Styling - @vanillaroseweddings

Photography - @Nataliedphotography

Videographer - @russellkentnicholls

Real life couple - @w.j.couple

Hand calligraphy love letters - @Lenkacalligraphy

MUA - @sjm_beauty_mua

Hair - @elegance_hair_design

Chemise - @shellbellecouture

F E A T U R E D W I T H