Well, cue a rainy day in December, where myself and an incredible team of suppliers came together to create our Origami Micro Wedding Shoot!
Set at the award winning venue Huntsmill Farm, in Buckinghamshire, this venue had endless possibilities for styling and photography. We were spoiled for choice with the open-brick barn as well as grounds full of quaint cottages, open fields and stunning gardens. When planning the shoot, I wanted the venue to be fit for both smaller and larger weddings. With Huntsmill’s grand barn, we were able to fill the space perfectly with our decor, ceremony and wedding breakfast set up. The venue is truly perfect for 10 guests or 80!
We set up bridal prep in one of the 7 cottages on site, with Rachael working her magic on our couple for the day, Jack and Rose.
They have become a symbol of hope and healing during challenging times, which fits perfectly with our current situation. Working alongside Victoria from Very Special Events, we came up with the idea of having a feature piece for the shoot to really amplify and highlight these cranes, to which she handmade a curtain of origami cranes, making the perfect backdrop and signature piece.
My aim was to target the modern day couple, willing to try anything for their wedding and steer away from tradition. The only wedding they’ll be saying yes to is one bursting with meaning and the love of their friends and family. Small intricate details that speak a thousand words is their direction and pathway to their perfect wedding.
Working with Victoria was the best decision I have ever made. My vision and ideas would not have been possible without her creativity and industry knowledge. She is such a gentle and lovely soul and brings a wave of calmness over you, so I can only imagine what wonders she works on real wedding dates. From prop hire to styling, she is your go to girl, whatever your vision!
For the wedding breakfast, we incorporated staggered-height flowers, dried twigs to frame the tall taupe candles, copper cutlery, soft grey napkins and white chocolate sculpted hearts.
As someone who is so immersed in the wedding industry, it has always been my dream to style in a jumpsuit to a real wedding or a styled shoot, so what better to suit a modern day wedding than a soft lustre wide leg jumpsuit from Star Jasmine Studio? Makes for the perfect evening outfit if you want a switch-up after the ceremony. Combining a low ponytail and Hollywood waves, Rachael created a chic look with a finishing touch of a black bow. The makeup had a soft glam and luxurious feel, with the main highlight on the eyes, finished with a soft pink lip.
Let’s talk about flowers! My chosen florist for this shoot was Danni from Floral Arch. I've worked alongside Danni numerous times on shoots and real weddings and I wouldn't choose anyone else. She brings your visions to life and I am constantly in awe of her talent.
For this particular shoot, taking the colour palette into consideration, she combined white orchids, white anthurium, blush and ivory roses, eucalyptus, dried bunnies, poppy seed heads and palms, asparagus fern, small pampas and white delphiniums plus soooo much more to create a soft, romantic and elegant bouquet and room decor.
Completing the horizontal view throughout the barn was a hand-made origami crane curtain, making for the perfect backdrop full of sentiment and photographic opportunities. Adding a dash more hope and healing, we can't forget the incredible 3-tier cake from JessiCakes, made with sugar paper and more cranes, with a minimalistic and modern feel.
It would be rude not to make the most of Huntsmill’s grounds and more of the open brick wall. The colours throughout the year at this countryside venue are breathtaking, and we were lucky enough to have these warm, orange tones from the ivy.
Switching to the beautifully cut Whiteone Bridal dress by Pronovias, from Silver Sixpence Brides, completing the bride look with a white frosted flower headband from Saint Beth, and not forgetting the show-stopping 'Script' veil from Rebecca Anne Designs, our bride was ready to go. Rachael paired this look with loose curls full of texture, with peachy/pink tones running through makeup.
Aiming to create a micro wedding, we transformed the barn into an intimate wedding setting, with a classic and elegant ceremony room. A white aisle ran through the centre, scattered with silk petals, candles encased in cylinders and chiavari chairs, woven with chiffon. Leading you to the front of the room to be greeted with a copper frame, draped chiffon and finished off perfectly with flowers tied around and displayed at the base.
For those of you who know me, or follow my work closely, you will know I LOVE a smoke bomb, so I had to get a few into this shoot. Layering Rose up with a gorgeous laced biker style jacket, we took to underneath the lights outside the barn as the last of the daylight was disappearing and had a blast!
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