styled wedding blog

As lockdown eased I was approached by lovely Holly, from Hair by Holly / Cotton and Wild Bridal to collaborate with her and a very small team of incredibly talented ladies to shoot her new macrame hair accessories. Holly and I went to primary school together so it’s lovely to be working with her again now, she’s a simply gorgeous lady inside and out.

Holly handmakes these beautifully delicate, boho inspired hair accessories from 100% cotton spiral thread, naturally beige in colour, they are free of chemical substances, so they are safe and environmentally friendly, non-toxic and harmless. Looking for something even more bespoke? All the designs can be hand dyed to compliment your wedding colours using natural fruit and vegetable dyes.

The current collection which is available to purchase on Etsy consists of three designs;

ROSE
Perfect for wearing on her own, laid over the top of a veil, with fresh or dried flowers or as an evening replacement for a more chilled bridal vibe. Rose is made from 3mm macrame cord in an off white natural colour.

Slightly more substantial in weight, but remains very light to wear throughout your big day. She is strong, durable and environmentally friendly and has a 24 inch headband which can be adjusted to fit tighter.

ESME
Named after Holly’s adorable youngest niece, Esme is delicate, yet a complete show stopper.

A subtle design from the front, yet as you turn to say your vows, your family and friends will be swooning as`Esme’ drapes beautifully down your low backed lace gown. This design is adjustable to suit your bridal hair design and preference. She looks stunning worn on her own, or with fresh flowers.

Her longest cord measures 31 inches, which can be simply cut to your own desired length.

GRACE
A timeless and elegant design makes her a breathtaking addition to your bohemian bridal look. She is made from 2mm macrame cord and is light with delicate with beautiful details. Strong, durable and environmentally friendly, her long threads can be simply cut to your own taste or hair length.

Holly’s fourth design ‘Annabelle’ is coming soon – I cannot wait to see it!

What I adore about all of Holly’s designs is that you can easily stitch or pin delicate vintage pendants, lockets, fabric flowers or keepsakes to her band. Adding an opportunity for further sentiment and decoration. They are simple and elegant, but really show off Holly’s love for everything romantic and bohemian.

It was delightful to finally have my work captured by Poppy Carter Portraits. I’ve admired Poppy’s work for a long time, the light is so soft and she has such an eye for the details. I am super excited to be working with Poppy and Holly on a festive wedding shoot later in the year! I think you’ll all agree these photos are dreamy… who’d ever of known they were shot at Watermead lakes in Aylesbury?

The models; Lydia and Kelly looked beautiful in soft boho style gowns.

Lydia wore an off the shoulder dress with Cotton and Wild’s ‘Rose’ hair accessory. It was complimented with a fresh flower comb that matched the beautiful bouquet I created with 80% homegrown blooms from my parents horticultural nursery!

The tassels on the back of the dress finished the informal look perfectly. Holly and Poppy have such a wonderful eye for detail. I love the final look amongst the summer blooms and barefoot in the lake, relaxed, soft and light.

Kelly wore ‘Grace’ with delicate larkspur flowers to compliment the pink blooms in her bridal bouquet. Incorporating roses, lisianthus and larkspur from my regular flower supplier, I added delicate heuchera flowers, astilbe, scabious and ivy from the nursery – the combination of imported and homegrown works so well as you get all the delicate, wispy bits, alongside the sturdy blooms that you know will last well into the night.

Holly regularly works with Laura Carroll Make Up Artistry, and it was so lovely to meet her ahead of her studio opening – she’s been very busy during lockdown!

Laura says on her website “After experiencing makeup in many different areas it always comes back to my favourite moments of women’s reactions. The women who aren’t models, celebrities, the women who want to simply feel a million dollars. Brides, bridesmaids, or women going to a special event, the reaction when they first look in the mirror after the make over is priceless. The best part is seeing their confidence sore, I think to myself ‘wow that’s my career, you can’t get much better than that”.

I love that, and her skills are incredible. The looks she created for the girls are stunning. I cannot imagine how excited she is to be allowed to do her thing again, since the restrictions have been lifted.

If your looking for a passionate team, who love what they do then give these ladies a follow on Instagram you’ll be so glad you did; for ideas, inspiration and love – they are truly wonderful.

Have a great week,
Emma x

Image credit: Poppy Carter Portraits

It seem’s a while back now since the lovely Rach from Butterfly Bridal and I first chatted about her Madi Lane Bridal shoot at Hadsham Farm. But we have recently received the most gorgeous set of images from Philippa James Photography and I am so excited to share these with you. The light and atmosphere have been captured so beautifully!

Rach has recently added the Madi Lane collection to her boutique in Bicester. Madi Lane is an Australian bridal designer who designs dresses that are made with love for the free-spirited, wanderlust bride. They are perfect for any boho styled day, soft and easy to wear, with gorgeous detailing and flattering cuts.

Model wearing Madi Lane Bridal Gown holding rose bridal bouquet with boho inspired floral hair crown.

Firstly full credit goes to my dream team for these florals! I wasn’t on site, or even at the shop the day of this shoot, I left it in the very capable hands of Katie and Kirsty. Girls – you smashed this I am so proud of you! I was on a course – oh the joys!

So, I left quite detailed notes, some sketches, and I’d obviously ordered all the blooms and come up with the flower recipes for each item but that was it! There wasn’t even any reception where I was so I had no idea what was going on or what anything looked like… not ideal for a control freak / perfectionist like me!

In terms of colours I liased closely with Anna from Anna Jayne Designs, who had created the most gorgeous floral design on leather jackets for the brides to wear. So I picked up on rich reds, burgundies, pinks and shades of purples and chose my blooms from there. We made one of the bridal bouquets using a combination of all these blooms, and one of just assorted roses with an asparagus fern collar. To compliment the bouquets Katie also made a gorgeous floral crown – I love a flower crown as it means you can be adorned with flowers to dance the night away.

Model wearing Madi Lane bridal gown with texture bridal bouquet.

I went for very seasonal flowers for this shoot using alliums, hydrangeas, chrysanthemum blooms, amaranthus and lisianthus alongside homegrown dahlias and sweet williams – so many beautiful, rich textures nestled amongst ferns, eucalyptus, cotinus and leylandii foliage.

Hadsham Farm is a gorgeous venue located in the Cotswolds, not far from Banbury or Bicester. It’s beautiful! The tipis are a permanent feature between May – October and the best bit – you get exclusive use for not one but three whole days.

Close up of floral arch created by Signature Flowers Bucks and Oxon, in purples and reds.

From 2020 there will be a beautiful Shepherd’s Hut wedding suite, making it the perfect place for you to stay on your wedding night.

Surrounding the lake are some gorgeous permanent structures such as the moon arch which we chose to decorate with two placements of flowers.

I think you’ll agree the models look gorgeous. They were styled by the super talented Debbie from Debbie Mac Hair and Make Up. I highly recommend Debbie if you are looking for a special occasion look for any event, wedding or otherwise! You will leave feeling like a princess.