Today on the blog we’re heading to the wonderful Gawsworth Hall – a Tudor manor house in Cheshire that was once home to Mary Fitton – the dark lady of Shakespeare’s sonnets – for an autumnal styled shoot that beautifully captures the true splendor of this vibrant season.
Led by Deborah from Adeava Bridal, the shoot brings together creative suppliers who really know how a thing or two about making the most of those autumnal feels. We’re talking sumptuous floral arrangements complemented by berries, textured ribbons, satin and pearls; and a deep plum and pink makeup palette, offset by textured, tousled tresses.
The tres sophisticated gowns – three no less – showcase a vintage twist, with a heavenly illusion back, sweeping tulle and crystals all making an appearance, providing us with a fabulous dose of 1930s inspired glamour.
The setting is what really brings this shoot to life though, and we can’t help but be swept away by the venue’s beautiful Elizabethan gardens, stone steps and courtyard rose garden. Just wait until you see all the wonderful photographs for yourself!
With images by Jenny Appleton Photography.
Deborah says
: I teamed up with a group of local suppliers to do a styled shoot, to generate some media images and show off our goods and talents. We decided on a theme of autumn dreams. We wanted to use autumnal colours to match in with the season of the surrounding gardens and it all worked so well with the style of the venue, Gawsworth Hall.We chose the location as it is known as a local beauty spot, and with its beautiful Tudor buildings and gardens – there were so many photo opportunities.
Julie from The White Room Floral Design takes inspiration from the amazing choices of stunning flowers, berries, foliages and twigs that are available direct from Holland, which invariably influence the designs she creates. Julie loves using textured ribbons, lace, satin and string with diamante and pearl additions. The bridal bouquet of a vintage style for this bridal shoot was influenced by the surroundings of Gawsworth Hall on this autumnal day, using mango calla lilies, hypericum berries and a pop of lilac memory lane roses, amnesia roses, hints of hydrangeas, populous and eucalyptus foliage with copper beading which worked perfectly with model Danielle’s makeup and hair colouring. The bouquet was finished with several shades of ribbons which trailed down. To complement the look, the hair garland consisted of a circlet of mainly foliages, berry and hydrangea pieces.
The dresses used in the shoot were chosen for their different styles and details. I picked out three different dresses that showed how three totally different styles can all work with the same makeup, flowers and venue.
The first gown – an Ellis dress – is both contemporary and striking, and an ode to the modern bride. Sensual and figure-hugging, the fit and flare shape is beautifully simple in flowing crepe. Lace is given prominence in the detail, from the plunging neckline to the heavenly illusion back, continuing to the sweeping cut-out lace train. From a sandy destination wedding to a chic city loft, this is contemporary glamour at its finest.
As for the second dress, also Ellis – a touch of 1930’s styling enhances its elegant fit and flare shape. Sweeping tulle is beaded head to toe in vintage inspired patterns with an intricacy that catches the light just beautifully. Fluted cap sleeves gently flutter, leading to the soft V-neckline shape. This is a gown to be adored.
The final dress is a Margaret Lee gown – an instant classic from every angle. The striking silhouette is perfectly enhanced by the shaped neckline that is bordered with pearl and crystal beads, and this detail is continued on the belt around the waistline. Clean in its detail, this style lends itself perfectly to be accessorised with statement jewellery and hairpieces.
Saskia from Hair and Makeup by Saskia went for a textured up do to complement the gorgeous dress. She wanted to show a modern take on a classic bridal style. For the makeup, she went for deep plum and pinks on the eyes, picking similar colours to the gorgeous bouquet. A little different from the typical bridal makeup style – these colours really made Danielle’s eyes pop, paired with glowing skin and a nude pink lip to complete the look.
For the second look Saskia kept the same makeup and let Danielle’s hair down, creating big loose waves and adding a statement flower crown and veil. This look didn’t need a detailed hairstyle, as the natural hair with the flower crown made for the perfect edgy bridal look.
All in all, the shoot went really well on the day – the weather was kind in that it didn’t rain. It was a little chilly but that all added to the autumn dreams theme. We managed to get some amazing shots and Danielle was a great model. Our main aim was to get images that each supplier could use to promote their business, which I think we achieved. There are some great close-up detailed shots of the hair and makeup too. The flowers looked so pretty and they really complemented the dresses. We managed to move around the venue and get into some great locations. We are hoping to do more in spring 2019 and can’t wait see what colours will inspire us then!
