An Alternative Ballet Inspired Styled Shoot at Elmore Court

We’re not opposed to a spot of drama here at Coco HQ and so when Laura Power sent across this alternative, dark and Black Swan-esque vibe of a shoot I knew I had to feature it.

I’m a big fan of styled shoots but I’m always drawn to the ones that are achievable whilst still maintaining an air of aspiration. Reflections is such a shoot. I love the Bride’s moody lip colour and her toppling updo, the wedding breakfast decoration in the Gillyflower is beyond beautiful and the fact this whole shoot is based around Elmore Court’s very own crest, well I love it. Take inspiration from your venue folks!

Over to the fab team…

Reflections, An Elmore Swan Inspired Shoot

Laura Power Photography:

Myself and Maria (from Sorori Design) were co-designers on the shoot, coming up with the initial concept from the Elmore Court crest, which features a swan sitting upon a crown. From this sparked the ideas of the black swan/swan lake with an artistic edge and subtle wedding touches.

We were drawn to a monochromatic palette, lots of metallic; silvers, greys, white, gold and black. We had a loose theme of the black swan in mind and the idea of the doppleganger. So of course we needed two models, with an interest in dance. Felicity, our white swan ballet dancer did an outstanding job. Watching her dance in the gillyflower surrounded by smoke was incredible and almost spooky. Whilst May our black swan model played with the haunting interiors of the elmore estate, really bringing the character to life.

Sorori Design created a fantastic mirrored sculpture in the middle of the Gillyfower. Using mirrored tiles, blossom flowers and contorted willow, she brought the outdoors indoors, creating a beautiful reflective pond like structure in the middle of the room. It made a real unique event out of the flowers and brought them to life.

Lauren Grey Stylist designed the tables to reflect the metallic theme. Upon Grey velvet tablecloths sat clear glass charger plates and simple feather napkin holders. Floating candles also sat in the centre, surrounded by decorative mosaic orbs and shrouded floral centerpieces. Every event Hire really helped to create the atmosphere with their variety of lighting, smoke machine and smoke bombs!

Curtis & Co Cakes created an outstanding black swan inspired cake, sitting on a bed of black feathers. Silver leaf, delicate lace, grey ribbon and hand painted touches made this four tier cake the star of the show!

Alexandra King supplied the dresses and styled our models on the day. Her variety of tulle wedding gowns, skirts, overlays and victorian inspired underwear brought the ballet theme to life. Alex also designed a custom dove grey ball gown for the shoot, which looked incredible on May with her giant white swan wings.

Fordham Hair Design & Jessica Mills did a wonderful job on hair and makeup, with an exaggerated big ballerina bun and curls. Jess was also on hand to switch our models from black swan to white, maximizing lashes and bringing a more theatrical look.

Reflections || An Elmore Swan Inspired Shoot from Vogue Wedding Films.

Credits

Now, whilst I’m not necessarily expecting you all to run out and buy some swan wings to go with your bridal gown, you can’t deny there’s some pretty awesome inspiration here!

Have you ever considered black as a colour for your wedding day…? I toyed with the idea of black Bridesmaids dresses until the date was set for August! But this monochromatic palette is luxe and elegant and would make quite the seasonal statement.

Oh and how about a coloured gown…? This dove grey beauty is divine.

For full fabulous supplier info see above, however a last thank you to co-designers Laura Power and Sorori Design, and to Alison from Vogue Wedding Films for the behind-the-scenes feature. As for Elmore Court, you can find this epic wedding venue in our collection here.

Lots of love…

A Ballet-Inspired Styled Wedding Shoot at Elmore Court, Gloucestershire