I've been waiting all year to publish this stunning shoot, but I thought I would save it as a little Halloween treat. I have worked alongside Sarah Folega (Photographer) and Kelly from 'KMR Bespoke Bridal Wear' for around three years now and with the help of the two ladies, I think we managed to create something rather spectacular. I've always been desperate to be involved in something as beautifully dark and 'Gothic' as this shoot, so I hope you're all as excited as I am!
Growing up, my father belonged to a Bike Club, so it was only natural that I was a little bit different to everyone else. I have always been attracted to the colour black and hold the firm belief that Halloween shouldn't only last one day. It's fair to say that I am, and always have been obsessed with the darker and more Gothic side of life; it's haunting beauty has just always fascinated me.
The shoot took place in Cusworth Hall's West Wing, which added an exceptionally eerie and bespoke feel, as this wing isn't open to the public. At all. It's old, aged walls provided the perfect backdrop for both the dress and the flowers, and added to the elegancy of the shoot.
I wanted to make the bridal bouquet as lavish and opulent as possible, and I felt that nothing other than David Austin Roses, “Beatrice”, Quicksand Roses, mini Anthuriums, “Black love” Succulents and burgundy Anemones could do the trick. The addition of eucalyptus-edged Protea’s and umbrella fern added down-to-earth foliage and the hand-tie was completed only after cream ribbon and black lace from the dress was wrapped around it.
The floor arrangements were my first priority, to really 'set the scene' of this shoot. No Gothic-themed wedding, party or shoot would be complete without black candelabras, so of course they were included. Old nails in the wall allowed me to wrap French Ruscus foliage around the arched windows, which I believe made the room look ivy-clad, heightening the mysterious and spooky vibes already present.
'The Snowdrop Cakery' created this fabulous cake, which balances perfectly between the Gothic and opulent themes we were hoping to achieve. Angela's sugared flowers are amazing!
Dark fruits such as figs, black grapes, cherries and blackberries adorned the table alongside bell jar centrepieces, which housed succulents, roses and ferns. Bell jars are usually associated with taxidermy, and of course the famous Sylvia Plath novel, and I believe both connotations highlight the darker side of this shoot.
Lucy was an amazing model for this shoot, and on such a cold day too. Sarah Gray did the MUA and so elegant too along with her friend Hannah who created the hair designs
I also fashioned a floral choker with succulents and burgundy anemones from a black-jewelled amulet I had had for years. You can see from the picture below that the choker was the perfect finishing touch to such a magnificent dress.
Bringing in some real life history into the shoot: the owner of the Hall, Lady Isabella, was marrying her partner William on the same day, so the beautiful stationary was commissioned for and made by the fabulous 'Bonny and Clyde'.
The absolute highlight of this shoot was the access to the roof. It was an experience that not many people will be able to say they have had; it really completed the day in the best way possible. Lucy's hair almost shone against the dreary grey sky and her dusky veil. She looked absolutely beautiful.
The fabulous suppliers were
Photography Folega Photography
Dress Designer KMR Bespoke Bridal Design Bridal Wear
Make Up Sarah Gray
Hair Hair by Hannah
Stationary Bonny and Clyde
Cake The Snowdrop Cakery
Venue Cusworth Hall
Model Lucy
Also now been featured on StoryBoard Weddings http://storyboardwedding.com/chic-gothic-wedding-cusworth-hall/