For those looking for elegant and timeless wedding inspiration, this styled shoot held at the gorgeous Hodroyd Hall near Wakefield is one not to be missed.
The aim for this shoot was to create something that would work for a sleek black-tie dress code, and lean into the vintage charm of the Elizabethan Manor. To use rich and bold colours for an autumn wedding, but using a colour palate that would be able to uphold itself year-round if used for a spring or summer wedding.
Showing couples that they have options outside of the popular burnt orange and browns that many opt for when planning a wedding in the autumn months.
The Venue
Set in the small hamlet of Falkirk, just minutes away from Newmillerdam country park. This sympathetically restored manor house is the perfect setting for intimate weddings of up to 60 guests, which can easily be increased to more than 100 guests when adding a Tipi, Marquee or stretch tent to the lawns at the side of the house.
The unique wedding venue boasts 6 double bedrooms including a spacious and classic bridal suite. This bridal suite is definitely my favourite bedroom, it’s beautifully decorated and standing pride of place is the huge fireplace, making it a perfect backdrop for the photos captured on the wedding morning.
With all this in mind, we of course HAD to include this as part of the shoot, giving real brides an idea of what their own wedding morning may look like at Hodroyd Hall.
Setting the Scene
The statement floral display was right at home in the large fireplace, this had been specifically created by Amy at Leafy couture so that it could be repurposed in other areas.
When planning your floral displays make sure that you discuss what your options are in terms of repurposing flowers. It is a cost-effective way of decorating multiple areas and better still creates a fluid style throughout the day.
(Pic to the right showing the same arrangement being repurposed and making an ideal table centerpiece.)
With the use of candles and drapes, our stylist Hayley from Ambience Leeds was able to elegantly elevate the bridal suite, add real depth to the wedding breakfast table and really create some drama to the cake display. Showing the diversity of candles and how you shouldn’t be afraid of adding some colour and using a combination of sizes and shapes together.
Bridal Prep!
Picture the scene, you are getting yourself glammed up and ready for the biggest and best day of your life. That means you what the best possible people with you on that morning (yes, your bridal party – but I’m not talking about them).
Your makeup artist and hair stylist of course!! These guys are going to make you look and feel a million dollars, but just as importantly you want a team that brings all the vibes.
Lisa Cooper created this classic bridal look while highlighting our bride’s natural beauty. Lisa’s friendly and relaxed manner really helps put her brides at ease, all the while being there to hype them up and make them feel as amazing as they look.
Ella Louise expertly matched hair extensions to our bride’s hair colour, allowing for more volume and perfectly styling this gorgeous updo. Ella is also the owner of Ida and Iris and stocks a wide range of hair accessories. From pins and combs to headbands and now even earrings!
For the shoot Ella finished off this up do with a lovely comb from her collection.
The Little Details
The jewellery featured in the shoot was made and supplied by Cathy Sutherland. Cathy is super talented, not only designing and making gorgeous bespoke jewellery from scratch, but also repurposing pieces that may have sentimental meaning and otherwise remain unworn.
Martina Rochaluz is a local Calligrapher, adding her expertly skilled finishing touches to various elements. This could include signage, invitations and table numbers. One of Martina's (and mine) favourite additions to the shoot, is the love letter. Beautifully written for your other half for the morning of your wedding, this a lovely last gift and before meeting each other at the aisle and a wonderful keepsake.
Ceremony Space
Non legal ceremonies are becoming increasingly popular, with Celebrants and Humanists leading the ceremony instead of a registrar. Giving couples more freedom when it comes to the location of their ceremony, and also a more personal ceremony that is tailored to them and their relationship.
The ceremony space created for this shoot was in the garden, with the dinning room window framing the couple perfectly.
The Dress
I cant go any further without mentioning the dress, or TWO in the case of this shoot. Both dresses were provided by Bridal Reloved in Ilkley. Bridal Reloved are a Bridal boutique that exclusively stock off the peg dresses, these are either sample dresses, or preloved and second hand gowns. Making it a more sustainable and environmentally friendly way to source your dream wedding dress.
The Drinks Reception
Call me bias, but every wedding needs an awesome drinks reception. Our Tobias bar makes a perfect addition to the rugged stone walls of the orangery. This rustic mobile bar features statement lighting and can be dressed and decorated to tie in with the rest of the wedding décor.
Signature cocktails are a great way to add some personality to your drinks menu. The ones chosen for the shoot were specifically to match the colour scheme.
Renaming popular cocktails is a great way to personalise your menu, or having a his and her/hers and hers/his and his cocktail of the day!
The Cake
And quite possibly, saving the best until last...
Laura the owner of Rose and Jam Cakes created this 3 tiered master piece, that fit the brief brilliantly!
In addition to the bold wedding cake Laura also got creative with baked wedding favours.
These biscuits are another great example of how to easily and effectively add some personal touches.
Create a wedding logo and have this added to the biscuits, this could also be added to menus or signage and tie it all in together.
Serving your wedding cake as a dessert is a cost effective option, that also means you don't have to worry about guests forgetting to take their cake home at the end of the night.
Alternatively, have it cut up and ready to serve with the evening food. Other sweet treats can be added such as the cake pops shown below. These are a nice and easy to eat on the dance floor, with a cocktail in one hand and cake pop in the other!
Like what you see? I'd love to know which elements you would like to include for your own wedding. Get in touch and let me know, I'd love to discuss all of your options in terms of bar service and even recommend a dream team of suppliers.