Country Luxe at Thurning Hall

Showcasing everything that makes Thurning Hall unique, from the period interiors through to the stunning grounds in the depths of the unspoilt Norfolk countryside, this shoot combines super pretty, inspirational aesthetics with the uniqueness of Thurning Hall.

If you’re a bride or groom wanting to combine historical elements with decadent touches then this one’s for you.

Lara says…

The shoot concept was developed to best illustrate the earthy, natural quality of Thurning Hall with hints at its heritage and the faded glamour. Your Norfolk Wedding coordinated this concept with the team, recruited them and on the day pulled all the elements together to create a beautiful selection of styled images.

The interior rooms, which are licensed for wedding ceremonies, were dressed with pretty florals inspired by the summer time and seasonal blooms. With so many stunning period elements very little additional styling was required. We used a marble framed fireplace as the key focal point in the morning room for our images as well as incorporating some of the antique furniture and the family piano.

A ruined gothic tower, with its wrought iron fireplace, made for a stunning backdrop for our models in their hand crafted gowns by local couturier Katrine Mogensen. Katrine specialises in bespoke gowns that infuse the romance of the pre-Raphaelites into soft, elegant designs. Her signature look is very ethereal and romantic using delicate fabrics and handmade detailing such as fabric flowers and French lace, all created and finished by hand. These bespoke gowns added a uniqueness to the shoot and a luxurious feel. There were four dresses that Katrine created for us, a demure lace jacket and a vintage, full length veil.

The walled garden at Thurning Hall was set for an intimate wedding breakfast using tableware curated from the wedding gift list company, Prezola and stationery from White Olive Design Studio. We wanted to give a luxurious quality to the tablescape without making it too staid and oppressive. The table was dressed with a beautiful flower and foliage garland, highlighted with candlesticks and soft pink florals. The refined Dartington crystal glassware, ‘ivory’ handled cutlery from OKA and delicately patterned Monsoon crockery by Denby (all from Prezola) hinted at elegance and the heritage of the venue. We layered the look to give a decadent style. Each place setting was completed with a mini donut from Sugar Buttons adorned in pink icing and sugar decorations to add a cute, and contemporary touch to the table. Prezola also provided mercury silver candlesticks and tea light holders in a selection of soft metallic lustres  which added to the softness and romance of the shoot. The table was crowned with a hanging chandelier to create an even more dramatic and opulent visual feast.

The stationery suite from White Olive Design Studio was created in delicate pinks and florals to complement our flower arrangements and the overall classic beauty of the shoot. Jacquie designed place cards, menus, invitations and hand-wrote envelopes for us.

The reclaimed yew tree swing made a perfect setting to display the full array of sweet treats from Sugar Buttons. Show-stopping cakes balanced on the swing is a highlight of this shoot. With gilded tiers, pink marble icing, delicate white ruffles, cupcakes, mini donuts and cake pots, the dessert swing was a plethora of sweetness in candy pink hues.

Even the resident Shetland ponies, Bongo and Spike, were given the wedding treatment with floral crowns by artisan florist Flower 30. The flowers were in shades of the palest peaches and pinks with the iconic and blousy peony taking centre stage. Hydrangeas, roses and jasmine all played roles in the arrangements to create a romantic, decadent and beautiful floral style. Sharon from Flower 30 created free flowing, unstructured arrangements which tied in perfectly with the countryside element of the theme. One of the bridal bouquets was an oversized, dramatic teardrop style which really felt opulent and completely in keeping with the country luxe style.

The jewellery for our models was specifically curated from Liberty in Love for their antique quality and refinement. The hairpieces and earrings were so pretty and the pearl, gold and crystal details complemented the delicacy of Katrine’s gowns perfectly.

Thurning Hall is nestled in a quiet corner of the Norfolk countryside, having been in the current owners’ family for 70 years and has a fascinating past. Set in over 12 acres, the outside space is extensive and varied with woodland, informal walled gardens, meadow furthermore unbroken agricultural views offering many photo opportunities for our shoot. The interiors are filled with antiques and period features giving Thurning a unique character. This character has led it to be commissioned as the setting for period dramas (including BBC productions) and various editorial shoots.

Our photographer, Benjamin Mathers, is a fine art photographer, most at home creating images in natural light. Ben’s images have a certain rawness and grittiness to them which fits the unpolished, characterful Thurning Hall perfectly.

Venue Thurning Hall

Photographer Benjamin Mathers Photography

Styling & Creative Director Emily Andrew Events

Dress Designer Katrine Mogensen

Flowers Flower 30

Stationery White Olive Design Studio

Silk Ribbon Silk & Purl

Cakes Sugar Buttons

Jewellery & Bridal Accessories Liberty in Love

Tableware Prezola

Bridal Boutique La Creme

Hair Tracey Sands

Make-up Michelle Killingback & Lara Lacey

Special Thanks to Models Cathy Wilson, Hollie Harrington, George Lacey and Kitty Lacey.