I Found Joy – An English Countryside Editorial

Picturesque, diverse, idyllic, it formed the basis for this stunning shoot brought to us by a wonderful group of creators from the UK wedding industry. Assumpta, the lead planner at AVE Creations talks us through the story of ‘I Found Joy’ – beautifully captured by Ami Louisa Photography and Holly Jensen Wedding Videography.

Assumpta says…

As someone whose own wedding had a similarly traditional aesthetic, when looking at grand venues for our celebration, I never saw anyone who looked like me, nor couples that remotely resembled my then fiancé in brochures and blogs.

Thus, I (AVE Creations) took the concept and styling a little further in order to redress the imbalance and this editorial, affectionately known as ‘I Found Joy’, was born.

Set in the hills of Hertfordshire, Ashridge House, a magnificent Grade I neo-gothic country estate, provided the perfect setting for this intimate wedding inspiration for our imagined couple, Isaac and Joy.

It is possible to be Black and British yet want a quintessential English wedding. Or to put it another way, a celebration of your love, in a land that you love – no matter your heritage.

Despite the obvious grandeur of Ashridge House, it is absolutely feasible to use the space for smaller gatherings which, in light of recent world events, is very advantageous.

The colour palette exuded elegant simplicity with shades of blush and pink, lots of green, alongside accents of white and ivory– perfect for spring and summer weddings. The bouquet, centrepieces and statement asymmetrical arch, expertly crafted by Debrah J Events, consisted of traditional English roses, subtle sweet peas, various shades of hydrangea and other delicate flowers and foliage. Overall it created a striking yet stylish and fresh look.

This same fresh feel was echoed in the bridal styling; the impeccably tailored green suit, complete with plaid trousers was designed by Anthony’s London. It complemented the customised ‘Emelia’ wedding dress; a classic design hand-crafted in silk taffeta, complete with shimmering beaded lace appliquéd bodice and statement bow by Cynthia Grafton-Holt and makeup flawlessly applied by Lamro B.

The timeless two tier wedding cake featuring intricate and lifelike sugar flowers by Iced Delights Cakes is the perfect reminder for couples that small, intimate celebrations need not mean a lack of attention to detail. Ananya Cards designed the sophisticated stationery inspired by nature and florals reminiscent of those used in the arrangements.

The distinctive crockery and candlesticks from Duchess & Butler refined the tablescape and set the scene for a beautiful wedding breakfast to be enjoyed. The impressive engagement ring and wedding bands designed by Jessica Wilson Design are the ageless pieces you never tire of seeing.

Finally, the extraordinary images by Ami Louisa photography and emotional video by Holly Jensen Wedding Videography (with vows by me), effortlessly conveyed the story we were trying to tell – that romanticism and tradition are not homogenous.

It is possible to be Black and British yet want a quintessential English wedding. Or to put it another way, a celebration of your love, in a land that you love – no matter your heritage.

Venue Ashridge House

Photography Ami Louisa Photography

Florals Debrah J Events

Planning, Styling and Wedding Vows AVE Creations

Dresses Cynthia Grafton-Holt Couture

Suit Anthonys London

Stationery Ananya Cards

Film Holly Jensen Wedding Videography

Makeup Artist Lamro B

Cake Iced Delights Cakes

Crockery and Candle Sticks Duchess & Butler

Rings Jessica Wilson Design