Yorkshire-based photographer Natalie Hamilton specialises in natural, romantic and timeless wedding photography. So, when it came to capturing a dramatic outdoor elopement shoot inspired by historic romance novels by the likes of Emily Brontë and Jane Austen, it’s fair to say she was in her absolute element!
The steep limestone valleys and rolling green landscapes of the Peak District form the earthy backdrop for this bold and blissfully intimate shoot that makes us feel a part of the couple’s unique love story.
We simply can’t take our eyes off the breathtaking windswept shots captured high up in the clouds, and we just adore the organic muted colour palette with chic pops of rust and coral.
A stellar team of fellow Yorkshire suppliers helped execute Natalie’s period-drama esque elopement vision, complete with dapper menswear, dreamy bridalwear and some super gorgeous details too. Here’s Natalie to tell us more.
With images by Natalie Hamilton Photography
Models: Victoria Lindsay and Matt Stobbs
CONCEPT
The shoot concept centred around ‘love in the clouds’. My goal was to inspire adventurous couples to consider escaping the chaos of wedding planning and opt for an intimate elopement instead. And what better way to do so than to embrace the elements in a truly breathtaking backdrop?
Ever since I can remember, I’ve been obsessed with the romanticism of period dramas. There’s always one scene featuring the rolling landscapes of somewhere beautiful in the UK and a gripping love story paired with it. Just look at any Heathcliffe or Jane Austen novel, and that’s what I wanted to emulate with this shoot.
LOCATION
I’m always on the hunt for new and exciting locations for shoots, and the Peak District has been on the list for a while now. It just so happens everywhere you turn, there are endless photo opportunities with steep limestone valleys and rolling green landscapes that stretch for miles. The area is just breathtakingly beautiful and perfect for an elopement.
STYLING
I wanted the overall look to be earthy muted tones. Usually, when there’s so much greenery in the backdrop, going with similar colours to the landscape can get lost, and it can be better to contrast the colours to make the scene pop. For this shoot, though, I wanted our couple to be totally absorbed and immersed in their surroundings, just like it was meant to be; two people on top of the world, declaring their love for each other.
Emma at The Petal Studio created the most beautiful romantic bouquet. I sent her the brief, and she blew me away with her creation, tying all the colours together with sage greens, soft pinks, creams and rusts.
For the stationery, we wanted something a little different. As with most elopements, usually, it’s just the two of you. Lo at Somers Creative designed a matching pair of vow books. These were incredibly beautiful and such a nice alternative to reading from folded pieces of paper or phones. They would also make a beautiful keepsake.
To complete the scene, we wanted our newlyweds to enjoy a little picnic. I mean, they are in such an idyllic location; it would be rude not to sit and take it in with a prosecco and cake, right?!
As the locations were a bit of a walk, we couldn’t exactly take a full cake, so Sweet Chic created a beautiful selection of cupcakes and treats that were perfect to share as they took in their surroundings.
ATTIRE
For the dress, I knew as soon as I saw A Country Bride’s bespoke blush pink dress that it had to be the one for this shoot. It features a velvet high neckline adorned with hand-finished embellishment and a sheer embellished back with a sparkly tulle skirt. This gorgeous gown was provided by Beverley-based, UNVEILED Network Member bridal boutique Elizabeth Lucas.
For our groom, we went with a three-piece sage green tweed suit finished with warm brown velvet detailing on the cuffs and pockets. The colour and texture were so perfect. Howarth Menswear styled our model Matt to perfection and ran with the vision opting for a contrasting rust waistcoat and tie.
BEAUTY
For the makeup, we wanted a subtle soft glam look, keeping to the colour scheme. UNVEILED Network Member Kate Howard of KH Makeup Artistry created a copper smokey eye and a darker nude lip.
Kate kept the hair as natural as possible as it was super windy up on the top, so we knew windswept would be the overall look.
RESULTS
The shoot was amazing! It was bitterly cold and windy on the top, so we did have to improvise and cut the time shorter up there. But everyone had a blast!
Eloping is such an amazing way to get married. It brings the focus to the couple and their love for each other, and I’m totally here for them. In short, I feel the team for the shoot smashed this brief, creating something truly beautiful!
I also invited Alfie from Clique Visuals along, who brought all the dad jokes and kept everyone laughing through the cold. Check out his awesome video of the shoot here.
