A Timeless, Elegant Editorial at Hooton Pagnell Hall

This stunning venue, located in the best of Yorkshire countryside, really does offer everything and florist Kellie (of Kellie’s Flowers) knew it would be the perfect backdrop for a chic French-inspired editorial. I adore the simplistic palette of green, white and grey – it allows the venue to shine in all its natural glory.

Over to Kellie for all the details…

Kellie says…

Hooton Pagnell Hall is an elegant grade II listed country house steeped in history and set in the most beautiful village within the Yorkshire countryside. Its hall, tithe barn, walled gardens and out houses made the perfect backdrops for those statement shots with glamour and style in abundance, yet maintaining that familiar feel of the warmth and romance that a country house has to offer.

Upon first glance when visiting this exclusive venue, I knew it was perfect for my vision. Not only did I fall in love with the lovingly restored Tithe barn with its rustic stone features and huge wooden doors, but the elegant rolling gardens with bountiful flowers and shrubbery, and set in the grounds of the estate were little corners of heaven with stone staircases, greenhouses, magical archways and sunken dells.

Whilst this quintessentially English country house had so many historical features which stood out to me, one thing that I just couldn’t ignore were the tendencies to imagine a French wedding with the rustic stone walls, large pale wooden doors and rows of sweet scented lavender plants which lined parts of the courtyard.

I wanted to capture the natural beauty of the venue with soft, warm lighting and organic editing and knew that Laura Calderwood’s photography was perfect. Her fun and relaxed style was addictive with many of the shots capturing the atmosphere of a fabulously chilled and enjoyable day… exactly how a wedding day should be. Moments of reflection whilst encapsulating the beauty of the wonderful surroundings and delivering those statement shots – Laura delivered on all aspects.

The colour palette needed to reflect an escape to the French Provence with enchanting and timeless classics of whites and greens and incorporating the traditional fragrance of lavender with its lilac flourishes and sweet scent. Gentle shades of peach and grey work to harmonize the romantic styling and magical setting to complete the look.

Elizabeth Kate Bridal selected a range of gowns that oozed sophistication and glamour whilst capturing the enchanted vibe of this shoot. French lace and embroidered embellishment were paramount for encapsulating the theme and setting and the gowns were simply exquisite in their detail and decadence. Embracing Parisienne chic, the tailored lines and unprecedented detail were perfect for our modern day bride with flawless silhouettes and dramatic focal points.

Many modern day brides and bridesmaids are opting to do their own hair and makeup for the big day. The comfort of knowing what style suits them, being able to use makeup which they know works for them or suits their skin type, etc and being able to trial many different looks is a definite draw for some. It wasn’t my original intention to not have a hair or makeup artist for this shoot, but in unprecedented times with Covid and with an unexpected illness on the day, we found ourselves experimenting with exactly this. Corrie McCambridge, the model from Shoot with Spence applied a natural palette with neutral colours to achieve a flawless, romantic makeup. With textured tousled curls, a flowing hair style with crisp white veil completed the first look.

The wonderful Garter & Veil provided the most opulent hair accessories with intricate detailing, exquisite craftsmanship and unique design. With a simple side comb, the decadent accessories helped the look to take on a whole new level of sophistication and grandeur. Maintaining the natural beauty of the shoot, the pale tones of pink, peach and gold were the perfect complement for our theme.

This French country inspired shoot needed to reflect charming quintessential beauty with carefully curated styling details and pretty features. LND Events teamed beautiful textures and classic combinations together to accompany table furnishings and settings for an opulent top table design. A luxury pale grey chiffon table runner, gold edged crockery and glasses with an abundance of candlelight created a real feature of elegance and luxury.

I was keen for the shoot to express a modern chic edge and JBC Wedding Stationery certainly delivered on this brief. A range of invitations, menus and key place settings on luxury grey cartridge paper with rustic trim were perfect with simple, understated elegance and sophistication. Working in harmony with the pale grey table runner, stationery and styling, embroidered napkins provided a personalized touch to each place setting with a calming pale grey cotton on dark grey fabric. A lovely touch for guests to keep, these decorative features provided an element of continuity and diverse impact across the tables.

Storeybook Cakes took the exquisite style of the venue, the hues of the colour palette and botanical gardens to blend a stunning 4 tier masterpiece with magnificent sugar flowers, foliage and gold leaf detail. Both round and hexagonal tiers help to create this geometric tower of loveliness with linking blooms providing a natural flow from one level to the next. Their beauty and realism was amazing with even the smallest of flower features given time and attention. The attention to detail prevailed into individual cake desserts on each place setting topped with olive leaves and lavender for that classic French touch.

A plethora of florals were always a huge part of my vision for this shoot, with a view to creating an over whelming sense of romance and decadence within the ceremony and reception areas of the Tithe barn. I used a combination of classic white flowers together with lilac delphiniums, nigella and lavender to add to the French inspired theme. Sweet scented O’hara roses stole the limelight with their abundance of petals and intoxicating fragrance. The complementary hues of a variety of eucalyptus stems, the rich foliage, hurricane vases, candles and luxury silk ribbons used on the chiavari chairs which lined the aisle provided a glorious frame for the perfect wedding ceremony.

I chose to create both indulgent and romantic floral arrangements which provided versatility and re-use throughout the day to enhance and embellish both the aisle and staircase areas. Why have one bouquet when you can have two! With increasing numbers of brides selecting two outfits for their big day, I wanted to show how bridal bouquets could differ to complement varying looks and styles. A blousy, bountiful, traditional hand tied design with roses, lisianthius and eucalyptus finished with dusky blue and ivory silk ribbons. Plus, a modern contemporary singular flower flurry with white campanula blooms and fern, tied with a pale peach silk ribbon. Both designs equal in their beauty, yet simplifying organic splendor without compromise.

This French country inspired editorial provides wedding inspiration for all seasons. With natural beauty, glamour and elegance being key to the shoot, couples can take stimulus from the venue setting, styling and strategic aspects to help envisage elements of their day, albeit small touches of timeless beauty or statement features for lasting memories, each wedding has it’s own uniqueness.

Venue Hooton Pagnell Hall

Concept & Florals Kellie’s Flowers

Photography Laura Calderwood Photography

Styling LND Events

Cakes Storeybook Cakes

Bridalwear Elizabeth Kate Bridal

Hair Accessories Garter & Veil

Napkins The Embroidered Napkin Company

Stationery JBC Wedding Stationery

Hair, Makeup + Model Corrie McCambridge from Shoot with Spence