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 1

W O T T O N H O U S E

C H E L S E A W H I T E P H O T O G R A P H Y W O R K S H O P

This truly elegant gallery came from a stunning photography workshop hosted by Chelsea White Photography. With planning, styling and design by Melinda of Luxus Events, I knew this would be stunning! Having worked with Melinda before I know her creative talents curating a shoot produce beautiful stories!

“Our vision for this workshop was to create a fairy tale romance complimented with romantic Milla Nova gowns to get you inspired. A wedding dress full of ruffles is one of our favourite classic looks; it’s ultra feminine, stylish and dramatic” - Melinda, Luxus Events

All the beautiful details captured in beautiful flat lays! “These play an important role in telling your love story and capturing elements of your wedding day. Flat lay photographs are great keepsakes, these photos will be passed down through generations along with the stories behind those details” - Melinda

The pieces a bride chooses to wear on her most special day are probably the most reflective of her taste and mindset. It is sad to think these things can so easily be forgotten when they are the result of months, if not years of planning, shopping and coordinating.

Dainty shoes such as these by Bella Belle Shoes, floral accents and bridal accessories by Botias Accessories definitely deserve a flat lay moment!! This bridal look is so very classically formal, the large layered silhouette of the skirt and it’s train, and the dreamy veil all create a truly timeless look.

“Dramatic elegance is oozing out of every single wedding dress in the new Milla Nova In The Name Of Love Collection. This stylish, dreamy wedding gown crafted from layers upon layers of pleated tulle brings fierce feminine aesthetic and utterly gorgeous style. No doubt it will leave your guest speechless.” - Melinda

The stunning architectural details of Wotton House are breath taking backdrops in these images. When designing the wedding stationery suite it was the Italian gardens that was to be the key venue feature, celebrating the ceremony surroundings. The suite was to have a classic aesthetic, with soft white hand made paper as the base and gold hot foil pressed details reflecting from it’s surface. Delicate Peonies & Paperclips floral inclusions such as the rose envelopment liner help add to a classic feel and echo the wedding flowers in a subtle way without detracting from the overall minimal outcome.

The Italian gardens were framed in gorgeous florals by Early Hours Ltd. With trailing florals wrapping around the epic pillars. Arriving as a guest to this ceremony decor would feel truly magical.

The groom is not to be forgotten during the preparations of the wedding day - masculine flat lays are definitely a thing too as proved here! They too have debated over options for their outfits and accessories and had sentimental pieces included, these all deserving of their own five minutes of fame!

The classic groom style here from TuxLux London and Duke Dexter Bespoke

“When designing the ceremony and reception set-ups for this beautiful wedding workshop we wanted to highlight the key features of the breath taking Wotton House, such as it’s mesmerising gardens with a real Italian influence. The fairy tale like secret garden offers the perfect setting for an elegant outdoor reception for both intimate and larger numbers. We turned this space into a ‘Chandelier Garden’ to add a wow factor to the scenery.” - Melinda (Luxus Events)

For this stunning table scape Melinda and I spoke about longer in length indulgent menus. With so much to feature on the tables I knew I wanted to keep the design very simple and minimal, I loved the idea of using vellum. The almost see through effect and the layering to the eye these creates. Each place setting has it’s very own scroll menu. Not only are these practical to be rolled up and out of the way whilst eating, but they are also very chic keepsakes of the day. They can be finished with coordinating ribbon, or sealed with twine and a wax seal; they are great little pieces easily adapted to any scheme.

There were a few bridal looks showcased at this workshop and a huge variety of talented suppliers involved, creating far more than I have shown here, in fact probably enough looks for a few journal posts!! These were just my favourites - so if I have you intrigued please do be sure to look at the other suppliers in the team and the images they showcase, it will continue to be this elegant fairy tale vibe - you wont be disappointed!

E D I T O R I A L S H O O T T E A M

Photography- @Chelseawhitephotog

Planning, Design & Styling - @Luxus_events_

Venue - @Wotton_house_hotel

Videography - @jakeburgessfilms

Florals - @Earlyhoursltd

Dresses - @Theweddingclubofficial

Suits - @Tuxtuxlondon

Men’s shoes - @Dukedexter @Dukedexterbespoke

Bridal Shoes - @Bellabelleshoes

Accessories - @Botiasaccessories

Stationery - @Peoniesandpaperclips.uk

Cake - @Uniquecakesbyyevnig

Models - @abi__uk @abbierichards @callumcichon @laurentrent_ @oliverandrosi

MUA - @Laurahulbertcreative

Hair - @Treats4hair

Furniture & Tableware - @Optionsgreathire

Linen - @Just_4_linen

Chandeliers - @Crescent_moon_events

Styling mats - @Oliveandoakmat

Harpist - @Soraya_says

E D I T O R I A L . 1 0

H A L E P A R K

The very talented Charlotte Wise Photography captured this stunning editorial - let me tell you a secret - she did such an amazing job that I could actually share with you hundreds of images!! In fact choosing the ones to show case has been the hardest part of this post. So if this look inspires you please do go seek out the other suppliers involved and see their favourite images from this editorial - hopefully between us all we may be able to do Charlotte’s talent justice!

Inspired by Parisian details, and a wysteria colour palette, this editorial proves you can create a dreamy French aesthetic in the English countryside.

Set in Hale Park , a stunning wedding venue that sits on the top of a hill in a quiet, hidden corner of the New Forest. It’s stunning architectural details and landscaped gardens are as stunning as any French chateau.

Our story begins with these gorgeous couple images, where the star of the show has to be the pale lilac ruffle dress by Millia.London. These colours completely depictive of the wisteria inspiration.

The stunning make up by Laura Carroll Make Up Artistry and hair by Samantha Stevenson Hair on bride Leyla Ucarx are definitely deserved of attention and are obvious in these beautiful bridal portraits!

The bridal accessories from Rachel Sokhal Bridal are stunning throughout this shoot! The jewellery and the hair accessories help elevate our bride’s modern look. I love that the details and feminine touches are truly celebrated in these images! The palette is unashamedly girlie and this is especially portrayed through the delicate blush tones of the beautiful roses from Blush & Bloom Floral Design.

Lucy Ann Events and Charlotte Wise Photography have used gorgeous heirloom pieces that fit the theme perfectly. Ornate gold trays, mirrors and decorative pieces echo the Parisian feel.

For the stationery I choose to use hand drawn elements throughout, decorative architectural sketches - all inspired from Versailles details. The hand made paper and gold hot foil pressed text creates a classic suite with small floral accents in addition, that are delicate but not detracting from the classic aesthetic.

My favourite pieces were the antique frames I used as place names. These floral discs were each gold hot foil pressed with guest names and then threaded with a blush tassel. They truly are so very beautiful and can so easily be adapted to suit any palette/design. It was such a pleasure to see them with these beautiful tones!

The second bridal look features a blush Aurelia Rose London gown. It’s fabric detail seems to be replicated in the artistry of this amazing cake by Hayley Elizabeth Cake Design! Both such a perfect pairing and very elegant!

The billowing sleeves of this dress get me every time! Such a dreamy feel for the bride and as photogenic as can be - a princess dress if ever there was one!!

H A L E P A R K

Editorial shoot team

Photography - @Charlottewisephotography

Planner & stylist - @Lucyannevents

Floral Design - @blushandbloom.floraldesign

Venue - @haleparkweddings

Models - @tomfowlie95 @leyla_ucarx

Bridalwear - @millia.london & @aureliaroselondon

Menswear - @charlestyrwhitt

Accessories - @rachelsokhalbridal

Stationery - @peoniesandpaperclips.uk

MUA - @lauracarrollmakeupartistry

Hair - @samantha.stevenson.hair

Cake - @hayleyelizabethcakedesign

Furniture hire - @academyfurniturehire

Chandeliers - @crescent_moon_events

Candle holders - @luxemywedding

Ribbon - @silkandpurl

E D I T O R I A L . 8

C A M E H O U S E W E D D I N G I N S P I R A T I O N

When the vision for this editorial landed in my email it immediately conjured up such a classic, elegant, fine art story. A concept by Amy ‘thetimelessstylist’ to produce imagery celebrating the iconic David Austin Wedding Roses.

To me the actual outcome produced two stunning stories and I want to highlight to you the one that tugged at my heart strings the most….

Let me share with you the truly intimate images of a bride before her wedding! Captured so beautifully by Imogen of Imogen Xiana Photography. These light, ethereal images show so much more than pretty imagery; the precious details and more importantly the raw emotion has been immortalised in these precious stills, each one it’s own mini fine art print.

Each and every detail shown so beautifully in such a classic way. Not just the pieces chosen by the bride just as these gorgeous pieces by Rachel Sokhal Bridal, but the stunning details of the venue.

CAME House is a beautiful historic building based in Dorset, England. Its neutral tones help the stunning architectural details shine naturally. The bridal suite is such an elegant space, it’s large windows flood the room with natural light and highlight the exquisite antique details within the room’s decor.

Here in this bridal suite we see our bride to be for the first time. Her excitement and elation is obvious to see and I simply adore these images of sheer joy!!

I’m actually jealous and it makes me want to go back and do it all again! Some of us are too full of nerves, or the room (those in it) don’t always allow us to fully open up. Maybe a beautiful consequence of the past year’s micro weddings is that we have simply seen what the couple deem to be important! The things they cannot be without, the feelings and love between them and not the stress of pleasing everyone else.

These images show some nerves there’s no denying - the tender rubbing of the hands is something we can all identify with when nervous, but how lovely to just be able to be excited! To be childlike with it, to enjoy every moment!

The absolute star of the editorial has to be the gorgeous David Austin Wedding Roses used throughout.

Amy deliberately kept the styling minimal, a vision of understated luxury and pared back elegance allowing the true beauty of the roses to headline. The floral design created by Joanne Truby Floral Design with assistance from Clementine Moon Floral Design included Keira, Leonora and Purity roses.

The bouquet designs show these showstopper roses mixed with white ranunculus, white lilacs, anemone, green hellebore and beautiful trailing foliage.

The roses were to be the absolute stars of the stationery suite too, but not in the usual way - The wedding suite was minimal and classic. Soft white, recycled cotton paper stock was the canvas for the palest of grey and luxury pressed gold text. The neutral tones were mixed in ever such a subtle way, adding more depth than simply all white only, but still keeping a very minimal outcome.

Detailed rose illustrations can be seen alongside the suite. The all blue piece a bespoke illustration showing in greater detail the Leonora roses. Inclusions like this are such a special keepsake of your day and such a beautiful, subtle every day reminder when framed and proudly displayed in your home.

The bridal gowns provided by Morgan Davies Bridal are both so soft and feminine, but each in their own way. This second gown by Anna Georgina is more demure. A refined elegance with stunning lace details. The high neck and those all lace fitted sleeves showing the intricate lace details beautifully. The tight fitting body and that delicate lace train gives such a classic silhouette - A truly timeless fine art bride look.

If any bride is ever deliberating ‘a veil, or no veil?’… I urge them to look at the artistry of these next portraits for proof of a definite yes, do it!! This stunning veil by Ami Elisah Bridal. There is something so traditional, so classic and expected about a veil on a bride and whilst it doesn’t symbolise what it used to, it still remains a beautiful accessory. Maybe it’s the Marmite of bridal fashion, but for those that have dreamt of their Princess moment since childhood and a veil has been part of that I say embrace it confidently, with all the pride you would have as a child!

I find the movement in a veil mesmerising! I love layering sheer fabrics and in my case papers, to see glimpses of what is below softer, unfocused and it’s this effect that is almost magical!

C A M E H O U S E

Editorial shoot team

Produced for - David Austin Wedding Roses - @davidaustinweddingorses

Concept, Planning and Styling - @thetimelessstylist

Photography - @imogenxiana

Floral Design - @Joannetrubyfloraldesign

Floral Assistance - @clementinemoon_floraldesign

Bridal Gown One - Stephanie Allin by @morgan_davies_bridal

Bridal Gown Two - Anna Georgina by @morgan_davies_bridal

Hair and Make Up - @hollieadanby_makeup

Stationery - @Peoniesandpaperclips.uk

Bridal Accessories - @Rachelsokhalbridal

Bridal Veil -@amielisahbridal

Napkins - @theembroiderednapkincompany