Styled Shoot

SWAN LAKE. A STYLED SHOOT AT THICKET PRIORY

Sarah Symonds

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Lose yourself in this captivating and breathtaking styled shoot, inspired by one of the most famous ballet tales of all time.

We’re ruffling some feathers today as we get the low-down on this classic and undone styling, as graceful and timeless as the ballet that inspired the shoot. Demonstrating both ‘white swan’ and ‘dark swan’ looks for the big day, the model looks stunning in both of the couture gowns being showcased, and highlights a versatility you could make the most of for your own big day. There’s bound to be something here that will inspire you.

We’ve been speaking to Stephanie Moran of the gorgeous Stephanie Moran Couture to get the behind the scenes inspo for the shoot.

With images by Victoria Baker Weddings

INSPIRATION

Stephanie says

: We started on a swan-like approach with grace, beauty and pose. Between a team of talented North Yorkshire suppliers, we created a picture of luxury wedding inspiration at the new and already acclaimed Thicket Priory, an exclusive-use venue nestled amongst the Yorkshire countryside.

The shoot was captured by Victoria of Victoria Baker Weddings. Her creative wedding photography leaves no stone unturned and her attention to detail was second to none. The light and airy nature of the images created a luxurious feel which was perfect for the inspiration we wanted to create.

LOCATION

Thicket Priory promises a fairy-tale wedding, so giving copious amounts of inspiration to create this was paramount. Thicket is the perfect mixture of grand splendour and homely comforts for couples looking for something extra special for the big day. It was the perfect backdrop for the shoot; both the exterior and interior of the venue screams luxury, and it’s traditional yet modern décor means that it lends itself to numerous themes and styles, depending on the couple and their requirements.

When hiring professionals for your big day it’s about putting your trust in them to deliver your vision, so I always work in the same way when it comes to shoots. The inspiration and theme is given and the suppliers bring their interpretation to the table. After all, it’s not about micromanaging every aspect, otherwise you may as well have done it yourself for the big day!

It’s then not about necessarily re-creating a shoot for your own wedding, but more about taking inspiration from it. You may like a certain aspect of the detail that would complement your own vision perfectly!

STYLING

The shoot was all about maximum luxury so, when it came to the styling, both Pamella of Pamella Dunn Weddings and Kath of Fleuradamo created drama with big details and simple luxurious touches

Pamella’s table styling was modern with a nod to tradition, with candles in exaggerated holders as the focus. This was paired with a collection of modern and vintage crockery and bespoke napkins with a signature feather for the shoot created by Extra Special Touch, with minimal dried florals and the most beautifully created feather-adorned stationery by Raspberry Toast to complete the look.

The florals created by Kath were a mixture of dried florals, Pampas grass and feathers, creating the most beautiful on-trend and laid-back luxury bouquet and table pieces. For the chapel and staircase, huge planters with pale pink florals and greenery mixed with Pampas grass brought the modern and traditional floral elements together.

The cake and dessert table, by Where the Ribbon Ends, was all about simplicity. The clean lines and white colour palette, mixed with dried floral touches, almost made them look too good to eat! A trio of cakes paired with mini cake delicacies, cookies and macaroons made the perfect addition, and this style would fit almost any wedding theme. Just mix up the flowers or added details and you have an extremely versatile style.

The beauty and grandness of the venue and shoot was also captured by Wheel and Spoke videography, they told the most romantic story throughout with both a teaser video and full video of the shoot. This is exactly what you would expect from them for your own big day! Their work is impeccable, dramatic and a modern way to capture your wedding day.

ATTIRE

It was important to have a clean chic look for this shoot. Two designs were used; the first from our Stephanie Moran Couture Signature Collection, a fit and flare, scoop neck style with an ostrich feather trim worked for the theme. A classic shape with a vintage twist. This style works for most body types and is perfect for brides looking for a pared-back look with a bit of drama. We styled this with our two-tier bespoke veil with beaded crown to add a welcome traditional aspect as a nod to the venue.

The second look, from our Bespoke Bride Collection, featured a high neck and open back with a full skirt. This really worked for the drama and luxury we wanted to create. A traditional look and very on trend. It was paired with the most beautiful feather headband by Hannah Lauren Millinery which is a chic, luxurious alternative to a veil and finished the look off perfectly.

We wanted the suit to compliment the vintage style but still be modern. The light blue suit and floral tie by Dandy Threads fit the theme perfectly and gave a welcomed alternative twist to the morning suit which you expect to see in this type of venue.

BEAUTY

For the hair and make-up, it was about creating something that complimented each dress and look. It was important to show the versatility of the dresses and venue when it came to hair and makeup. Emily of Makeup Artists Yorkshire created two looks. We wanted to mimic the black/white swan in a less literal style and show how both natural make-up and heavier make up can work when it comes to your wedding day, depending on what style you are looking for.

Both up-do hairstyles showed an alternative and simple style. Hair and makeup is so important to get right on the big day. It’s not about doing something completely different and not looking like you, but using your natural features to highlight your beauty and feeling like the perfect version of yourself!

RESULTS

With a clean, chic approach juxtaposed against the historic backdrop, traditional and modern mixed florals, flamboyant table styling, and intricate delicate details, a luxury Swan Lake inspired shoot was successfully created. Everyone involved did an amazing job.

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