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_

E D I T O R I A L . 1 4

M O N I Q U E L ‘ H U I L L I E R

This studio based shoot has such a refined fashion editorial aesthetic. Captured by Claire Graham Photography.

I love working with Claire as her attention to detail shines through. When so much of my own work concentrates on details it’s amazing to find a photographer that focuses on them and does the pieces justice.

The key elements are stunning Monique Lhuillier dresses with pillowy sleeves, and ethereal touches throughout. These dress are all about the tactile finishes and the resulting silhouette.

So what style of pieces would an understated Monique Lhuillier bride pick for her day?

I’d like to think classic invitations that suit the classic elegance of the dress, timeless with hand made paper and a gold wax seal; tied with simple white twine, matching the barely there sleeves perfectly. This bride isn’t about design screaming things at you, there’s no need, the elegant fine art suite gives a perfect indication of the day. Finished with sumptuous tassels and wide hand dyed silk ribbon, these paper pretties are just as tactile as the dresses.

The pleats and gentle sway of the second dress are echoed on the wedding tables with further layering of fabrics. Even these Peonies and Paperclips fabric menus feature not only print but also delicate embroidery.

The transparent, textured glassware also reflects the ethereal look, again this shows the attention to detail how each element has been chosen with purpose and that is exactly what your wedding table should show. Do not feel the need for generic, or venue based supplies, feel free to practice with set ups and see which gives you the best feeling of pretty with purpose!