Mediterranean Rustic Luxe at Maunsel House

The team deliberately chose to shoot in early June, at the crossover of the spring and summer flowers so were able to capture both the wisteria and early roses in full bloom (hoorah!). I absolutely love how much lush greenery has been included in this feature. The perfect addition to showcase an English country wedding at Maunsel House but with a luxe Mediterranean edge through the inclusion of olive branches and rustic, textured linens. This editorial is bright, breezy and effortlessly cool and I LOVE it a lot…

Holly says…

With outdoor ceremonies and receptions proving so popular at the moment, we were keen to select a venue with spectacular outdoor space and Maunsel House is the epitome of this!

Aside from the fabulous, quirky mansion house the 100 acre gardens and parklands feature many beautiful areas, each evoking distinct styles and feelings. From the impressive sweet chestnut lined avenue to the wisteria draped bandstand and shimmering lake, the grounds are bursting with colourful flowers and the friendliest peacocks you’ll ever met (they are always happy to pose for a photo opportunity!). It was also important to us that the outdoor spaces be flexible and practical (as we are all at the mercy of the unpredictable British weather) and the Pergola at Maunsel is the ultimate outdoor space. The roof is covered in roses, wisteria, jasmine and honeysuckle, which not only look incredible, but also smell fantastic. It’s like entering a magical secret garden that envelops and delights the senses and seemed the perfect setting for our shoot.

The concept for this shoot was a Mediterranean Rustic Luxe feel. We wanted to showcase another side to the English country wedding brief. Looking beyond bunting and hay bales, we wanted to create a feeling of the relaxed luxury, elegance and effortless glamour of the Mediterranean.

The editorial style imagery, expertly captured by James & Kerrie Photography, is a light, bright and elegant fine art photography style, perfect for our high-end concept.

Our beautiful model, Josie, wore a stunning Enzoani gown, provided by Bath-based boutique Krystle Brides. The off the shoulder design features embroidered and Chantilly lace throughout, with a spectacular, semi-sheer boned back. Brimming with contemporary romance and elegance, it perfectly suited the concept and was accessorised with delicate, minimalist accessories by Sarah Vuong. The make-up and hair, by Leanna Briggs, enhanced the model’s natural features with a dewy, natural look, brought alive with a strong, rich lip and finished with a relaxed, textured ponytail. Our groom, Aaron, mirrored this contemporary, luxury feel with a slim fit, black tie ensemble which oozed modern sophistication and charm.

The table styling featured luxurious place settings, including glass charger plates layered with gently knotted cheesecloth napkins and luxurious tented menu cards by Love Struck Stationery. The tablescape featured a carefully curated selection of bud vases, potted lavender and tall, elegantly tapered candles in shades of dusty blues and whites.

The décor and concept was also echoed in the stunning seasonal cocktails, created especially for this shoot by The Fizzy Pheasant and presented via their charming and luxurious horse-box bar. The refreshing elderflower and mint mocktails and delicate lavender and grapefruit mimosas, each adorned with fresh flowers, suited the concept perfectly and were breath-taking from both an aesthetic and taste perspective.

The elegant and romantically rustic floral arrangements were the expert work of Tilda Rose Floristry. The loose, flowing designs featured wild textures and fragrance, in a summery colour palette of greens and whites with pops of nudes, soft blues and lavender. Olive and eucalyptus gave a classic nod to the Mediterranean theme and scented roses, sweet rocket and lavender added fragrance. Soft floaty florals, such as delphiniums, nigella, clematis and quicksand roses also brought colour and texture to the displays.

The relaxed yet opulent bridal bouquet was a soft, romantic hand-tied arrangement of olive, scented roses, quicksand roses, sweet rocket and nigella with a luxurious, trailing silk ribbon.

The rustic luxe look is all about combining rustic, natural elements with luxurious materials and layered components. Full, opulent tablescapes and luxurious place settings can be layered up with textured linens, stunning tableware and stationery, where every little detail is beautiful in its own right, yet works in harmony as a whole. When it comes to florals, think wild, textured and dramatic with a hint of polish and sophistication. Bespoke, seasonal cocktails are also a fabulous way of creating a luxurious, high-end feel.

It’s a way of bringing elegance, style and drama to your day, whilst still maintaining a relaxed, contemporary vibe, allowing you and your guests to really celebrate in style.

Venue Maunsel House

Stylist + Planner Ambience Venue Styling Bath

Photographer James & Kerrie Photography

Flowers Tilda Rose Floristry

Cake Little Buttercup Cakery

Stationery Lovestruck Stationery

Bar The Fizzy Pheasant

Bridal Fashion Krystle Brides

Hair + Make Up Leanna Briggs Makeup & Hair

Jewellery Sarah Vuong Bridal Jewellery 

Props + Furniture Prestige Hire

With thanks to Models Josie  & Aaron