Our classically elegant styled shoot was designed around the breathtakingly beautiful Pynes House. Steeped in history, this is an exclusive country house wedding venue in Devon, set in its own 37-acre park. Pynes House is believed to be the inspiration for Barton Park in Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility and this charming association provided a constant source of inspiration.
With the backdrop chosen, we wanted the design to ooze classic contemporary elegance; think sexy-yet-sophisticated gowns, bold bouquets, luxuriously gilded cakes and a sweeping tablescape. Our palette focused on pale peachy pinks and soft dove greys whilst an array of shaded blues added quite the drama.
We couldn’t create a Classic Elegance shoot without capturing the day on film. Amy from Amy O’Boyle Photography and her assistant were so much fun to work with, inspired and inspiring, their gorgeous results blew us away.
For the first bridal look our florist, Emma Vowles, fashioned a classic hand tied bouquet of hydrangeas, scented garden roses and peonies. This had a nod of ‘old school’ glamour when coupled with the sleek fitting Jesus Peiro gown with beautiful bow detail and silken platform heels by Freya Rose. To complete this classically chic style, the sumptuous bouquet was mirrored with a statement crown of hydrangeas. Makeup Artist Tori Harris kept things simple, with flushed cheeks and bold brows, which worked perfectly with the structure of the dress and flowers.
Inspired by bridal bouquets from the 1930’s Emma used an abundance of asparagus fern for our second bridal look. A simple mix of foxgloves, blossoming spirea and aquilegia didn’t complicate the soft ‘foam’ of the fern so a romantic cascade was achieved. Our beaded Clinton Lotter number looked divine against this frivolous floral statement and a classic blusher veil added that touch of tradition without compromising the overall look. Our Bride, Chelsea, has the most incredible blue eyes so we decided to go for full on smolder. A strong eye also works perfectly if you are choosing a veil such as this; you certainly want your boy to be looking into your eyes as you walk down the aisle! Pale blue suede heels from ASOS and bold drop earrings and matching cuff by St Erasmus from Liberty in Love completed our Bride’s style.
For the final look we wanted decadence with a touch of irreverence. Think dancing ‘til dawn with your guests and stolen kisses with your newly acquired husband.
Our Bride gallivanted in the gardens wearing another Jesus Peiro gown with subtle silver brocade. The strapless neckline demanded a bold necklace and St Erasmus has some of the most decadent jewels I’ve ever seen. We adorned Chelsea with the crocheted Swarovski teardrop crystal necklace and matching bracelet. Our bold lip was mirrored by the pop of ‘black’ scabious in the third and final bouquet. The mix of peony, ranuculus, delphiniums, astilble, spirea, and garden rose looked wonderful in this soft hand tied bouquet, especially contrasted against the stunning blue of the sofa sourced by Elle at Inspire Hire. We finished the bouquet with bespoke hand-dyed soft blue silk ribbons by Kate Cullen.
Kate Ruth Romey carried through our blue hues in the stationery. An elegant calligraphy script and crest was enough to tell guests they were in for a classic treat. Our suite consisted of an invitation, RSVP card and the most dramatic deep blue envelope with a hand-stamped golden crest seal. Our soft calligraphy suite continued through to our tablescape with pale blue place names and sweet menus in frames.
Ali Beaven, founder of the ultimate Gift List company Prezola, assisted us with the styling of our tablescape. Ali has a background in interior design and with her eye for luxury we knew our dining experience was in safe hands. The Linen Works provided the grey tablecloths and napkins, whilst Wedgewood had the most perfect silver and white plates to capture that simplistic elegance. The place settings were completed with silver leaf napkin rings by Culinary Concepts and Ladurée sugared almond favours.
To finish, I simply must mention the cake table designed by Kate Burt Cakes. With not one, not two but seven gorgeous cakes it was quite the luxury statement. A white croquembouche was flagged by twin hand-painted cakes, a simple 3-tier iced cake was decorated with a painted gold stripe and the master of ceremonies, a square 5-tier cake, stood in all its glory with blue velvet ribbon, gold sugar flowers and a crisp white feather. You are spoilt for choice at Pynes House for places to display your wedding cake, but we did rather fall in love with the blue alcove – a stunning spotlight for your sugary treat.
Creative Director Emma Hla, Coco Wedding Venues
Shoot Manager Katrina Otter Weddings
Creative Consultancy Coco & Kat – A Creative House for the Wedding Industry
Venue Pynes House
Photography Amy O’Boyle Photography
Florist Emma Vowles, Busby & Fox
Floral Garlands Friend of Faux
Hair & Makeup Tori Harris
Bridal Boutique Blackburn Bridal Couture
Jewellery St Erasmus from Liberty in Love
Shoes Freya Rose
Stationery Kate Ruth Romey
Tablescape Prezola
Cake Table Kate Burt Cakes
Décor/Furniture Inspire Hire
Bespoke Ribbons Kate Cullen
