To celebrate the reopening of The Plaza in Cheshire as an iconic new wedding venue, a dream team of suppliers created a simply stunning and unique styled shoot for your viewing pleasure.
And let’s be honest, it had to be something really special to complement the grandeur and scale of this former cinema, recreating a fabulous party straight out of the roaring 20s!
Karen (from Tipi Unique) and co wanted to design a sense of space that would set the scene for a reception with all of the razzmatazz of the era. We loved the bold use of colour and the exquisite bouquet wrapped in luxurious hand-dyed, silk eye-lash edged ribbons, and we’re obsessed with the idea of an indoor tipi, really making the afterparty feel heaps more intimate and exclusive.
We’re handing over to Karen to hear more about her inspo and vision for this film-worthy shoot.
With images by Nick Mizen Photography
INSPIRATION
Karen says: We roused a passionate team of local wedding professionals to celebrate The Plaza in Northwich, Cheshire – an iconic 1920s Grade II-listed picture house (and later a bingo hall), ready to open its doors as a distinctive wedding venue.
Our aspiration was the glamour and elegance of the 1920s, paying homage to the fun-loving, carefree vibes of this dazzling decade. Our models, Kerry and Phil, brought so much energy, creativity and professionalism to the shoot and definitely nailed the vision!
We wanted to give couples the confidence to think outside of the bridal box when planning their modern-day wedding spaces. Whether it’s a large-scale soiree, or a more intimate celebration, a little know-how can help to connect areas and elevate the experience! Cue our giant razzle-dazzle tipi reception space – more on that later!
A bold vision meant we needed a photographer who’d make a grand impact! Having worked with Nick before, and knowing how much we LOVE his vibrant, edgy and super-cool style, we knew he was the one!
LOCATION
The Plaza’s striking Art Deco exterior and grand chandelier-lit lobby, make a memorable first impression. We love the dramatic stairways that flood with light from decorative stained glass windows, and which lead to the upper balcony area – boasting all of the original plush velvet cinema seats. Amazing!
Deep rouge and gold tones, ornate fixtures and luxurious detailing throughout provides an opulent feel – while signs of graceful ageing contrast, adding a modern sought-after urban and industrial twist.
Our show-stopping giant tipi was added, boasting dazzling lights and dressed to the nines, it filled the incredible vaulted picture house interior fabulously. We loved the feeling of privacy and intimacy it created – perfectly suited for a VIP, invite-only affair!
STYLING
Our aim was a lavish and glamorous re-interpretation of The Plaza’s interesting spaces, bringing these to life for a modern-day wedding. Fine furnishings, subtle lighting emphasising the arched architecture, along with a rich palette of complementary tones and textures set the scene and exuded a sense of luxury and romance!
Choosing key pieces that resonated with the era was an important thread throughout the styling. From our Uniquely Styled collection, we featured our antique leather Chesterfield lounge set, complete with opulent scrolling arms and deep comfortable padding, along with ‘sweeteasy stations’ set on aged barrels to offer an indulgent and extravagant touch. Our high bar tables and stools, hand-crafted in natural materials, served up a sophisticated spot for private dining, and a contemporary new look for this century’s cocktail parties.
For the tablescape, we wanted to combine romantic understated elegance with decadent off-the-table floral ornamentation. Reclaimed dark tables with metallic accents were adorned with luxurious gold patterned plates, coupled with striking blush toned menus, and finished beautifully with refined coloured cocktail-ware and candles. A rustic ‘mantelpiece’ offered the perfect platform for the voluminous and grand floral statement. Caroline from Flowers at the Dutch Barn masterfully mixed an eclectic arrangement of palms and eucalyptus with blown out roses for texture, while trailing stems, chic calla lilies and vibrant stand-out blooms gave a nod to the era, and a definite feeling of wild and wonderful!
Including props from The Plaza’s interesting and original décor was a must! We paired a bright red, period panelled mirror against a dark brick wall, and draped cool, industrial full-height ladders with strings of warm fairy lights. Fun signs, in a minimalist monochrome design by Emily from Luna June, completed the stationery set and added to the overall playful feel.
ATTIRE
Tracy from Cherish Bridal, chose a stunning selection of Ronald Joyce and Romantica gowns which draw upon hints of the Victoriana trends, but have been brought bang up to date for today’s bride.
The inspiration for the gowns came from the fashion forward, style icons of the era. We wanted them to be super chic, and ultra-glam! Delfina’s sheath style, daring crepe and hand-beaded tulle cap-sleeves, exquisitely embellished bodice, cinched waist, and dipped back created an enviable silhouette – perfect for our ravishing arrival and at-the-altar looks.
We know headpieces with historical flavour are set to be huge bridal trend. Our bride donned a cathedral-length Juliet cap veil providing a vintage purist and nostalgic feel to her ceremony attire.
We used two evening looks – both soft, delicate and romantic, and with pretty cross-over sequin strap detailing, illusion lace back and necklines, and flowing flouncy skirts – these gowns definitely channelled the flirtatious energy of the era.
Having seen a rise in grooms keen to express their personality, we wanted stand-out statement attire to suit the order of the day! Cut to a modern design, Nicola from Whitfield and Ward dressed our groom in two luxurious collections. The dinner suit complete with crisp, white Marcella shirt, black bow tie and satin peak lapels offered a more formal, polished style. A custom three-piece that blended navy trousers and waistcoat, paired with a brown jacket gave a modern relaxed look.
Influenced by the female greats of the day, and poised perfectly against the aged setting, the femininity of the gowns allowed our bride to radiate strength and beauty – while we depicted a softer, loving demeanour for our groom.
BEAUTY
We knew that, as a duo, Sophie and Hayley from Petite Beautique would create a truly gorgeous, and coordinated look.
Taking inspiration from super swanky, Hollywood starlet, bold evening looks, and working with our bride’s dark features and gorgeous smile, Sophie applied a soft smokey eye, a matte red lip and glowing cheekbones. The soft-glam look was perfect for showing off natural beauty, yet adding a dramatic and authentic vintage feel.
With the model’s hair being long and luscious, stylist Hayley produced a Glam Curl, 20s inspired chignon that opened up our bride’s features and was so elegant! To get the look, Hayley styled a stunning sweeping fringe, flowing into a softly curled upstyle, which was pinned to the nape of the neck, and adorned with a beautifully bejewelled statement headband to finish the overall look. Worthy of all the admiration, this illusion ‘short hair’ can be easily loosened for a longer, waved look that oozes romance. Gorgeous darling!
RESULTS
The shoot was a ‘roaring’ success. Sharing a collective vision and seeing it grow was incredible. We LOVED how it offered plenty of ways to incorporate a 1920s ‘theme’, but how it encouraged us to think about whether it was an authentic, or a modern interpretation of the era, or of course both!
With a charismatic team fuelled by Nick’s exuberance, fun (and often impromptu) ideas, we had a hoot from start to finish, and the day whipped by. As friendly locals watched on, the sense of nostalgia and historical impact, coupled with optimism for The Plaza’s future was incredibly moving.
As a celebration of the era, Mike, our second shoot photographer, captured a handful of moments and presented these mementos with a vintage-film-inspired style – making our couple silver screen stars at their own wedding premiere. Stunning!
Designing the interior, and curating a styled look has to be one of the best parts of our job. Come October, once again we’ll be partnering up with the famously fabulous Brides Up North team (and some of the awesome team from this shoot), to deliver the WEDFEST Tour. If you’re taken with the idea of a unique wedding, wait ’til you see the masterpiece we’re creating! We don’t want to say too much, but without doubt, the tipis and furnishings will be looking magnificent, and the floral styling will be next level. See the Shows section above for more. We can’t wait to see you there.
