La Jolie Mariée at Iscoyd Park

What better way to get us in the mood for Valentines, a sensuous (read a little bit saucy) shoot inspired by the kittens of the sixties. La Jolie Mariée, styled by me {Coco Wedding Venues aka Emma} and Katrina Otter Weddings & Events, was always going to be shot at Iscoyd Park. Not only is it a beautiful venue, but they also have the most sumptuous bridal suite you ever did see!

When choosing my own wedding venue locations I thought long and hard about the bridal prep part of the day, to me this backdrop was equally as important as the ceremony! Some of my favourite photos are of the ‘getting-ready’ moments (for both the girls and the boys!) and the surroundings most certain played a part in the anticipation and excitement of the whole day.

With this shoot, we wanted to explore those first few flutters of the wedding day – from waking up, preparing, right through to becoming a Bride. I love this ritual and I loved designing this shoot. I hope you love it too…

Images by Rebecca Goddard Photography and Jade Osborne Photography.

Coco Editorial:

Why, you only need to flick through any of the fashion magazines to see how hot the sixties style is right now, we love this vibe and for our Modern Vintage boudoir styling it was the perfect era for Katrina and I to channel. Think soft, undone, Bardot-bunny with nude lace and blush pink florals, all wrapped up in a romantic Parisienne bow.

Rebecca Goddard, joined us once again for this little adventure, we love her dreamy images! We also had the very talented Jade Osborne along for the ride. Jade is an experienced boudoir photographer and a recommended supplier for the venue we chose as our canvas.

Iscoyd Park was every bit as beautiful as I’d imagined – a romantic Georgian country house standing in private 18^th Century parkland. The Godsals welcomed us into their home and if I’m completely honest, I don’t think any of us wanted to leave.

Images by Rebecca Goddard Photography and Jade Osborne Photography.

Iscoyd Park has the most incredible Bridal Suite and it was here that our “getting ready” shots were to be captured. The four-poster bed and sumptuous cotton sheets were perfect for our model to, ummm, roll around on. There’s also the most amazing bathroom, check out the wallpaper! I died when I saw it, sixties print heaven.

The lingerie we chose was a mix of High Street and designer, all very accessible for the modern Bride. We also wanted to think about those ladies who maybe long to star in their very own boudoir shoot but don’t necessarily have the confidence to just, well, do it. We styled our pieces with a pretty selection of cover-ups, all revealing just the right amount. We think our girl looks gorgeous, curvy and so very sexy. What do you think…?

My fave piece of the whole shoot has to be the Princess Tam Tam nude body worn with a fluffy form-fitting jumper from Coast. Oh and that simple black bow in her tumbling locks… Sigh. I loved styling this ensemble! I think Kat is rather partial to the strapless bandeau bra with its fine romantic touches and perfectly placed sections of Jacquard lace. Romantic, sensual, and oh so chic!

Images by Rebecca Goddard Photography and Jade Osborne Photography.

We couldn’t do a Bridal Boudoir shoot without a Bridal look, so we kept things simple and went for the pretty Freda dress by Emma Hunt. The perfect nod to our era with a high neckline, cap sleeves and a daisy crochet pattern on the bodice of the dress. The striking birdcage veil worked so well with the elegant, yet slightly undone updo and the stunning crystal drop earrings were the perfect amount of bling. A simple nude patent court shoe finished the look.

Jo Adams was our artist of choice when it came to hair and makeup. Nude lips and nails, flicked eyeliner, undone glamour and bouffant locks were the vision and by golly, Jo just nailed each look!

Images by Rebecca Goddard Photography and Jade Osborne Photography.

We wanted the blooms to be soft and luxurious with blush pinks and neutral tones and Selina Godsal, in-house florist at Iscoyd Park, completely understood the brief. On the morning of the shoot I was invited into her studio to pick the flowers and talk through ideas.

We chose Avalanch and Sweet Avalanch roses, and pretty Wax flower with a scent of honey and old fashioned soap. The studio is an Aladdin’s cave of trinkets, some of which made their way into our shoot. Including Selina’s very own Julie Christie-esque pearls! Divine.

I can’t get enough of the incredibly extravagant and oversized car posey that Selina created. The tones of pink worked beautifully with the Topaz Mist Figaro aptly named “Figgy”. I think our Bride looks very cool driving herself off to meet her beau and every bit the glamorous Modern Vintage icon.

CREDITS

Venue Iscoyd Park | Stylist Coco Wedding Venues {Emma Hla} | Stylist Katrina Otter Weddings & Events | Photography Rebecca Goddard Photography | Photography Jade Osborne Photography | Florals Selina Godsal at Iscoyd Park | Hair & Makeup The Hair & Makeup Atelier {Jo Adams} | Bridal Lingerie Princess Tam Tam {Nude Body and strapless sets} | Bridal Lingerie Marks & Spencer, Ell & Cee at Liberty in Love {Bow knickers} | Boudoir Cover ups Coast | Silk Robe {Stylists Own} | Veil Stephanie Brown at Liberty in Love | Earrings Stephanie Brown at Liberty in Love | Bridal Dress Freda by Emma Hunt | Bridal Shoes Russel & Bromley | Figaro Car courtesy of Roy Senior

So our tale ends…

Has it inspired you to think of your own surroundings the morning of your wedding…?

I doubt all of you are now going to rush ahead and book a boudoir sesh! But it certainly is food for thought. I made sure I wore a silk dressing gown in the most incredible shade of pink on my wedding morning and looking at the photos, I’m so glad I thought about this detail. It really is a ritual that every Bride should relish.

For the full gallery don’t forget to click on the icon above! As for the next Coco Editorial… It’s on it’s way to a blog near you very soon! Think Boho-luxe at a rather famous cottage.

Lots of love…