Earlier this year I was contacted by Mari Chase to contribute wedding stationery and on the day pieces in a beautiful styled shoot at the stunning Hedsor House. Her concept was “soft, romantic, timeless and elegant with a touch of opulence to suit the venue and all its surroundings”. I created a bespoke wedding stationery suite on 300gsm ivory cardstock from GF Smith Papers with all elements handwritten in shimmering gold ink, paired with a vellum wrap with ivory twine and antique gold seals. The place cards were made using card with a vellum layer with rich gold ink and twine held with a matching antique gold wax seal. Mari had asked if it was possible to include a monogram which I designed specifically for the suite and was matched beautifully by Elizabeth on the wedding cake.
I am delighted to bring to you the inspiration from Mari:
Inspiration
The inspiration for this shoot began when I first visited Hedsor House last year. Walking around this impressive privately owned stately home I was reminded of the famous poem ‘She Walks in Beauty’ by Lord Byron. I fell in love with this poem which recalls how Lord Byron was struck by the beauty of his cousin’s wife whilst attending a ball. I could imagine her walking elegantly and smiling as she entered the large doors of the ballroom in the most incredible bridal gown. I wanted to capture the modern bride wearing the most romantic of bridal dresses with a nod to royalty in light of the Royal wedding this year in her beautiful hand crafted gold crown smiling and laughing as she swept through this incredible house with all its charm and history.
The Bride
I wanted to showcase two dresses. The first dress by Pronovia was fit for a princess with its layers of tulle and long train, modest lace sleeves, it was in sharp contrast to the more detailed crystal encrusted elegant fitted dress which cut a sophisticated look perhaps for an evening change. The whole look was softened with delicate flowers in true fine art design and accompanied by blush pink glass candlesticks, crystal glasses, plates with gold edging and gold cutlery to give an opulent and luxury feel. The cakes carefully designed by Elizabeth who matched the flowers beautifully and gave a personal touch by adding the gold monogram. Gold baroque detailing trimmed the base of the cakes with small gold leaves nestled amongst the flowers adding a delicate regal look. The second cake offered a marbled pink and gold effect on the icing harmonising the colour palette with the regality of the shoot. Other edible treats included beautiful cupcakes, all embellished with regal designs and large blush pink roses. The treats were interwoven amongst the table décor of flowers to create a decadent feast fit for a princess. The stationery featured luxury invitations, menus and place cards in pale ivory accompanied with soft romantic sheer paper, overlapped and held in place with wax seals in gold. Beautifully handwritten calligraphy in gold and a bespoke gold monogram in R for Royal. The stationery and delicate stamps added to the personal detailing. A pretty blush crystal perfume bottle displayed on a gold heirloom tray with hand crafted gold hair accessories resulted in soft romantic personal details that any bride would wish for on her wedding day.
The stunning Pronovias gown demanded drama and the Rafaella crown certainly met the style call. A statement headpiece that harmonised gold plated leaves with soft ivory hues of pearls, fusing together the perfect balance of grandeur and romance.
The Fleur hair piece gave rise to the low back of the Nurit Hen gown. Inspired by nature, this utterly romantic piece of exquisite handcrafted flowers, nestled amongst crystals and pearls, shouted ethereal in every sense of the word.
Colour Palette
I chose blush pink, soft pink, gold and white with hints of the pantone colour ultra violet. Blush pink and soft pink for it’s romance and feminine touch. White for its purity and clarity, combined with gold gave an opulent feel with hints of ultra violet to showcase how you can use this colour in a soft muted tone for a truly elegant look that gives just enough colour to the overall palette.
Location
I visited Hedsor House last year and fell in love with this magnificent building hidden away within its stunning grounds and far reaching views. When I saw the ballroom and the huge bridal suite I knew this was the place for my shoot. Hedsor is filled with royal grandeur, beautiful paintings and the most impressive domed ceiling in the stunning Centre Hall. Just walking through the ballroom with its striking cut glass chandeliers which reflect in the mirrored glass so cleverly cut out to emulate arched windows that run down the entirety of this amazing space. I could imagine the bride walking down the impressive staircase to enter this light filled room in all her grace and beauty. It was the perfect place and fitted the name I chose to give this shoot perfectly.
The Flowers
Floral designer, Brigitte from Moss & Stone styled the top table using a combination of narcissus, viburnham tinus flowers, astrantia and clematis, ranunculus, hellebore, blossom with touches of jasmine, nigella seed heads in shades of blush pink, soft pink and white with hints of soft muted ultra violet in the vintage roses. The look created a soft feminine and elegant style to compliment the table details and add a beautiful contrast between the light delicate coloured flowers against the dark wooden carved panels around the ballroom.
Favourite Details from the Shoot
As a creative person there are many elements that I love and really appreciate and admire from this shoot. Not to mention the skill and artistry that each one brings individually. The standout elements have to be the Pronovia bridal gown with all its layers of tulle and huge long train. It’s a real statement dress, and a must for any bride who wants to make an entrance and wow her groom. My personal favourite details have to be the custom made showstopping main cake which featured six tiers and a separate tier of edible roses crowned with hand crafted large roses and gold leaf to match the colour palette and gold monogram. It is an amazing piece of art and design and one that has a royal and opulent presence all on it’s own. It looked amazing placed on the antique dresser.
How would a bride translate this vision?
My best tips would be to look at current bridal trends, but add your own twist to let your personality and style shine through. Change your hair or makeup look for your evening party. It can be as simple as applying a darker lipstick or gloss, perhaps an elegant updo. To create an opulent style think about all the details from gold cutlery through to gold hand written stationery and maybe adding your own personal monogram. Using an abundance of flowers on your top table will create impact and a luxury feel. It’s all in the thoughtful individual elements that compliment each other perfectly.
– Mari Chase
The feature is in the current issue of You and Your Wedding (Oct/Nov 2018). Please see the gallery below for a full collection from this stunning shoot, photographed by the very talented Roberta Facchini.
THE DREAM TEAM⠀
Concept & Coordination: @chasemakeupandhair ⠀
Styling: @thetimelessstylist
Photography: @robertafacchiniphotography ⠀
Venue: @hedsor ⠀
Floral Design: @mossandstonefloraldesign ⠀
Cakes: @elizabethscakeemporium ⠀
Makeup: @chasemakeupandhair ⠀
Hair: @amylaceybridalandbeauty ⠀
Hair Accessories: @afshanshamas
Stationery: @fineartcalligraphy.co.uk ⠀
Bridalwear: @mirrormirrorcouture ⠀
Tableware: @duchessbutler ⠀
Linens: @overthetoprentallinens ⠀
Ribbons: @katecullenstyle
Dresses: @mirrormirrorcouture
Shoes: @freyaroselondon
Ring: @ormoloulondon
Model: @danifaccinelli
All images copyright Roberta Facchini
The post You & Your Wedding Magazine – Regal Romance Feature appeared first on Fine Art Calligraphy and Design.
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