R E A L W E D D I N G - C L E O & T H O M A S

S O M E R L E Y H O U S E

You may immediately think that this journal post is an editorial. The result of a team of suppliers brought together by their love of Bridgerton and a longing for the fantasy of the social events and the formality and whimsy of it all. But no, this amazingness is honestly part of the real wedding of Cleo & Thomas. Based at the stunning Somerley House and planned by the lovely Melinda of Luxus Events, this was a truly decadent event. If you are fantasising about a Bridgerton look for your day there are lots of inspirational touches to be seen here…enjoy!

Cleo’s bridal prep images look as demure as any female lead of a Regency drama. The beautiful decor of Somerley House perfectly suited to this too. The vintage inspired under garments the perfect foundations for a regency inspired evening dress, with long satin gloves and finished with a tiara. All nodding to princess vibes, which in anyone else’s hands may have lacked the class these images have, but Melinda as always delivering a fantastical and yet elegant environment, which has all been captured perfectly by Jacob & Pauline. Thomas’s outfit here has to be applauded, every attention to detail ensuring that the outfit perfectly suited Cleo’s, this is a man proving he will be his beloved’s Prince Charming right from the start.

A quick preview of the reception room here, which is just phenomenal! Lots more images to follow, but first in the image below we can see Cleo’s bespoke sally bean couture wedding dress. Which was worn for the ceremony held at Exeter College, Oxford. The church also adorned with decadent floral arrangements by bloominghaus - this really was an event wanting to wow at every aspect. It truly must have been a dreamy day to have experienced.

Adding further to the atmosphere of the reception was a harpist, perfectly positioned on a mini stage at the centre of the room. It must have been quite breathtaking to enter the room to the stunning candlelight, the masses of stunning florals throughout and gentle notes from the harp. All the luxurious touches of gold within the room and table decor, and the beautiful artwork and statues surrounding the tables would have made this a truly romantic scene to never forget.

The stationery produced for Cleo & Thomas was also following a classic aesthetic. Handmade paper was a must for the invitation card. This was alongside a full foil map card, featuring two venue illustrations and then an information card with gold hot foil pressed illustration and details on the palest of blush cards. Each piece different in size to produce a wonderful layered effect in it’s presentation. Then bound together with twine and finished with a bespoke initial wax seal each invitation set was presented to guests in a matching blush envelope, with gold hot foil pressed details to reverse flap and a printed photograph envelope liner of the happy couple. This was the first time I had produced a photo liner before, my other suggestion for a venue as decadent as this one would be to echo the artwork found on the walls. An image in keeping with the age and style of your venue truly achieves a fine art look.

Entering this room would have been mesmerising for me…For two reasons, firstly the obvious - isn’t this just a dreamy tablescape!! Everything about it suits the brief of the wedding and the era perfectly. The presentation of the table and each place setting done with military precision, this shows the true skill and expertise Melinda has gained with these events. Secondly, the artworks are just sensational. What a gorgeous collection to grace the backdrop of your day. I haven’t seen anything quite like the theatre or grandeur of this wedding. I find it really inspirational and my imagination is racing with other ideas and possibilities. I’d love to know if you find this look aspirational, or if it is a tad too niche?! Whatever your thoughts, I think we can all agree the workmanship throughout is exceptional!!

The last outfit change of the day saw Chloe adorn a Monique L’Huillier ruffle dress. I had seen images of Chloe previously in this dress at an engagement shoot in Paris. That shoot was like something out of a magazine, I should have known then that the wedding was going to be next level! If you love the dress and are interested in seeing more, or of course for Paris inspiration for your engagement session please do look at either @luxus_events_ instgram feed or website, or the couple’s photographer for that shoot @maddy.christina.photo. The ruffle dress suits this environment perfectly, again conjuring thoughts of princess-like scenes. This is a couple who truly wanted a fairytale wedding and achieved it!

The reception room in candlelight later that evening honestly reminds me of a film set. It really is magical and such a romantic space. This truly is one of the most stunning tablescapes I have seen and had the pleasure of playing an ever so tiny part in. Melinda’s design and the collaboration between the suppliers and materials involved is exceptional and the roses and florals are some of the most beautiful and decadent, bloomighaus really wowing with this wedding!

W E D D I N G S U P P L I E R S I N V O L V E D

Ceremony Venue - Exeter College, Oxford @exetercollegeox

Reception Venue - Somerley House @somerleyweddings_events

Planning, Design & Styling - Melinda @luxus_events_

Photography/Videography - @jacob_and_pauline

Florals - @bloominghaus

Bespoke Bridal Gown - @sallybeancouture

Ruffle Dress - @moniquelhuillier

Bridal shoes - @jimmychoo

Bridal Jewellery - @davidmorrisjeweller

Ceremony hair & make up - @hairandmakeupbygabrielle

Evening reception hair & make up - @marie.bogaert

Tiaras - @edenluxebridal

Stationery - @peoniesandpaperclips.uk

Cake - @byyevig

catering - @kalmkitchenltd

Next day event catering - @gingercateringcompany

Tableware - @duchesbutler

Entertainment - @blackrabbitprojects

Harpist - @soraya_say

Magician - @french_magician

Live Painter - @lissie_art

Live calligrapher - @delfont.ink

Production & Lighting - @eventdecorhire @carbyandco

Linen - @just_4_linen

Fireworks - @flashpointfireworks

E D I T O R I A L . 1 6

A V I N G T O N P A R K

When Leah of @Leahmariephotography_ reached out to me regarding a collaboration between herself and Pippa of @The_w_collection I was thrilled to read the brief. Firstly it was to be set in the stunning Avington Park, which I couldn’t resist drawing. It has such beautiful ornate details and the symmetry and order of the building and landscape make the illustration a dream for print purposes. With a white and French blue colour scheme and a creative brief that states florals a definite inclusion, it was a pleasure to be involved…And of course how could I not mention there are HalfPenny London dresses!

The day, as any wedding day would, began with bridal prep. The bedroom at Avington Park echoing the colour scheme of the shoot perfectly, even complimenting the darker blues and the gold hues throughout. I always love how a colour so stereotypically perceived as male can prove this wrong and look undoubtedly feminine. The delicacy created by the tiny florals and the sheer bows echo the femininity of this gallery and a perfect example of the magic created when a design brief is so cohesive.

The stationery created for the suite was a culmination of a few projects being created in the studio at the time. The star of the show without a doubt the new mini die cut tags that could adorn not just the invitation suites, but also favours, and menus for example. I couldn’t wait for these to be featured in this editorial and am thrilled with the care that Leah took to capture them so beautifully. The possibilities for how these can be used are endless. This suite was very much created using the Anna’s Blossom collection (for more details please see here.) The delicate Gentle Hermione florals fit perfectly with this design brief as the vellum wrap and liner details. The tablecloth floral is so stunning in this shoot and also features in the cake design. If you love this idea please do allow your suppliers to communicate with each other because it may be that your stationery designer could use the floral too. That way a stunning cohesive vision can be created.

The cake is a stunning piece from the always amazing Anna Lewis @annalewiscakedesign Anna’s pieces are always flawless. The fact that the cake matched other decor elements of the wedding furniture and bar details really made it an additional feature. I really love this idea and hope it increases in popularity.

If bridal portraits are something you are currently researching or ‘pinning’ I hope you will love this assortment from this editorial. Leah has a lovely way of capturing the bride’s joy and the shots with a sense of movement really help convey the excitement and anticipation of the day. When having your bridal portraits taken, don’t be shy in asking for a variety of locations. The range of backgrounds and light will really help you to achieve a library of dreamy images to pic from.

When I viewed the gallery I was instantly wowed by Leah and Pippa’s attention to detail and the way the blue and white theme was used to truly inspire future couples. I also love that two aspirational looks were shown. The first a formal table with decorative tablecloth and abundant floral details, and the second seems like a more intimate gathering arrangement. Set in the orangerie this paired down version creates a more relaxed environment and is perfect for bridal showers, the wedding breakfast for a bride and her girls or even a less formal wedding vibe. Both inspired looks are finished with matching cocktail hour furniture and bar, This is a set up that your guests are sure to remember.

A V I N G T O N P A R K E D I T O R I A L T E A M

Co-Planner & Photographer - @leahmariephotography_

Co-Planner & Styling - @thewstudiostyle

Venue - Avington Park @Avingtonp

Bridal Dresses - @halfpennylondon

Shoes - @bellabelleshoes

Jewellery - @kiriandbelle

Florist - @blueskyflowers

Videographer - @Jacob_and_Pauline

Make up artist - @sylwiakunyszmua

Hair stylist - @id_makeup_hair_beauty

Stationery - @Peoniesandpaperclips.uk

Cake Designer - @Annalewiscakedesign

Furniture & Bar - @the _w_collection

Tableware - @neptunechichester

Napkins - @theknottednapkinco

Cocktails - @thedrunkenjockeys

Models - @anabeardsworth @kelly_whiteside @sophiathorogood @claudiaostlers @kieraashley_