Captured at Yorkshire’s captivating Jervaulx Abbey and featuring a host of uber-talented suppliers from across the county, we have gorgeous gowns and pretty details aplenty in today’s styled shoot.
Masterminded and overseen by UNVEILED Network member Kate Clare Couture, the creative collaboration aimed to showcase some of Kate’s stunning bespoke bridal gowns and accessories while inspiring further big-day details, including florals, stationery and confectionery.
Centred around a soft pink palette and romantic floral feels with a subtle nod to vintage Laura Ashley, there’s much to attract your gaze and steal your heart.
In particular, we love how the raw, natural landscape contrasts with the delicate textures and tones of Kate’s whimsical gowns and the carefully considered styling elements to tie the whole ‘secret garden’ theme together effortlessly.
Here to talk us through the concept and creativity in full, is designer Kate.
With images by UNVEILED Network Member Jane Beadnell Photography
Model: Abi Atkin
CONCEPT
Kate says: I planned this ‘secret garden’ shoot to showcase some of my bespoke couture gowns and accessories in the form of a mini shoot. I wanted it to have a romantic, timeless feel with elegant styling for the modern bride but with a hint of vintage softness using pinks and floral elements. I was influenced by vintage Laura Ashley pictures!
LOCATION
Growing up in Yorkshire, Jervaulx Abbey has always been a magical and beautiful place for me, and I knew its classical style architecture and the stunning Yorkshire countryside would be the perfect backdrop for my dresses. I love how Jervaulx Abbey feels like a secret garden, you get lost amongst the ruins like stepping into a romantic fairytale world!
The venue is so versatile, perfect for intimate and larger scale weddings. There are so many secret archways and steps, together with photographer Jane, we found so many wonderful ready-made frames in which to take some artistic shots, and our model Abi was happy to climb up into the ruins and perform balancing acts in her heels to get some great photographs!
Any wedding couple would be spoilt for choice with the number of romantic backdrops at this venue. The wonderful new oak summer house structure is a stunning addition for ceremonies and intimate wedding parties, which we dressed for both.
STYLING
We incorporated tones of pale pinks, whites, sage greens and hints of gold juxtaposed against the stone of the Abbey, I wanted to keep the styling pretty and delicate with a nod to vintage Laura Ashley.
Using the surrounding landscape and natural features of the Abbey, the white of the dresses and veils really stood out, especially the floral wildflower and oversized bow veil! I loved using the archways to frame the dresses and capture the details.
The large hand-tied bouquet, by Lottie Roberts Flowers, with pale green from the eucalyptus and hints of pinks reflected the natural foliage in the abbey and was echoed on the tablescape in the classical urn and above the ceremony area in the summer house. The colours looked pretty against the December light bringing a fresh wintery look. The dried flower confetti from UNVEILED Network Member Adamapple – mixed specially for the shoot – added a softness to some of the images, and who doesn’t love a confetti shot!
Within the summer house structure, Lee from Typical Type did an amazing job using Edison lights and a twinkling fairy light backdrop to create an intimate, atmospheric setting for a ceremony then a romantic wedding breakfast. The relaxed but elegant wedding table was adorned with the large floral urn centrepiece upon white embroidered cutwork linen and a soft pink table runner. French-style ornate plates, modern gold cutlery, lots of crystal glass and cut glass candlesticks and ivory candles finished off the styling. This all reflected the lights and candles to offer a twinkly romantic dining setting where you could easily while away the day into evening.
The sumptuous artisan cakes, by Where The Ribbon Ends, in two and three tiers were styled in the pale pink tones that ran subtly through the shoot and had delicate fresh modern details, such as the dried flowers and gold detailing. Along with the beautiful hand-painted floral favours, these fitted with the elegant theme with a nod to the Laura Ashley iconic florals.
UNVEILED Network Member Jane of JB Creatives, designed the exquisite bespoke stationery and table settings reflecting all of the elements and colours of the shoot in her incredibly pretty creations, which emitted romance and elegance.
ATTIRE
I wanted to feature a range of my Kate Clare Couture designs to show brides that I love to create bespoke couture gowns and accessories that are elegant, stylish, and as individual as the brides themselves. The pieces reflect my personal style of mixing modern fashion and vintage style to create statement wedding gowns that are contemporary originals and something to truly treasure.
The showcased sample designs in different luxury fabrics, styles and silhouettes were all handmade by myself in my Yorkshire studio, following the ethos of slow and sustainable fashion. Some of the designs will become part of a permanent collection coming soon to offer brides a choice of bespoke couture or ready to wear gowns and accessories.
BEAUTY
For the hair and makeup, we wanted an elegant and classic look that was ultimately timeless. Something to enhance the natural beauty of our bride and keep the look super fresh, natural and radiant.
The colours we opted for were warm pinks to bring out the natural flush of the cheeks, which is a really important part of creating a timeless look. With no harsh lines, very soft and muted tones and small details to pop features, this look created by UNVEILED Network Member KH Makeup Artistry, would be perfect for brides who simply want to enhance their own beauty and to feel classy and elegant.
For the hair, we kept things simple with loose curls for a modern classic look and let the veil do the talking. We also opted for a sleek ‘no fuss’ bun for one of the looks, which offered a more regal feel. Whilst keeping the hair sleek at the back, the front was still loosely framing the face to give an overall softness.
RESULTS
We were lucky on the day as the weather had been terrible for a few days before, so we only had to duck in and out of the wind and rain occasionally! But considering it was the middle of December, we saw a few rainbows, and it was lovely to be out in a beautiful setting!
Anna and the family at Jervaulx Abbey were so helpful and accommodating – any wedding party would be well looked after here!
The shoot also provided a lovely opportunity to meet more amazingly creative Yorkshire wedding suppliers, most of them fellow UNVEILED Network Members!
NEWS
I will be offering some ready to wear items on my website hopefully by late spring to complement my bespoke bridal wear. I also have a separate sister site www.festivalbride.co.uk launching this spring/summer, offering more fashion-led ready to wear bridal design.
