I know each of us will have been impacted by the latest announcements in different ways, and whether you’re celebrating your wedding day can go ahead, devastatingly having to postpone once again, getting married whatever may come, or just feeling confident you can move forward and book your dream wedding venue, I think we all need to take a moment for ourselves this weekend to breath, hold onto the one you love and let some hope wash over us.
It’s needed…
Gemma says…
Set at the award winning venue Huntsmill Farm, in Buckinghamshire, we were spoilt for choice with the open-brick barn as well as grounds full of quaint cottages, open fields and stunning gardens.
When planning the shoot, I wanted the venue to be fit for both smaller and larger weddings. With Huntsmill’s grand barn, we were able to fill the space perfectly with our decor, ceremony and wedding breakfast set up. The venue truly is perfect for 10 guests or 80!
The overall theme and inspiration for the shoot was focused on the Japanese tradition of origami cranes. They have become a symbol of hope and healing during challenging times, which fits perfectly with our current situation. Working alongside Victoria from Very Special Events, we came up with the idea of having a feature piece for the shoot to really amplify and highlight these cranes, to which she handmade a curtain of origami cranes, making the perfect backdrop and signature piece.
My aim was to target the modern day couple, willing to try anything for their wedding and steer away from tradition. The only wedding they’ll be saying yes to is one bursting with meaning and the love of their friends and family. Small intricate details that speak a thousand words is their direction and pathway to their perfect wedding.
The colour palette for this shoot was slightly muted, mainly including dusty pink, grey, copper, white and the odd dash of black for contrast. Shot on a rainy, grey day in December, the light that streams into the barn highlighting these soft tones makes perfect for any seasonal wedding.
As someone who is so immersed in the wedding industry, it has always been my dream to style in a jumpsuit to a real wedding or a styled shoot, so what better to suit a modern day wedding than a soft lustre wide leg jumpsuit from Star Jasmine Studio? Makes for the perfect evening outfit if you want a switch-up after the ceremony. Combining a low ponytail and Hollywood waves, Rachael created a chic look with a finishing touch of a black bow. The makeup had a soft glam and luxurious feel, with the main highlight on the eyes, finished with a soft pink lip.
Switching to the beautifully cut Whiteone Bridal dress by Pronovias, from Silver Sixpence Brides, completing the bride look with a white frosted flower headband from Saint Beth, and not forgetting the show-stopping ‘Script’ veil from Rebecca Anne Designs, our bride was ready to go. Rachael paired this look with loose curls full of texture, with peachy/pink tones running through makeup.
Aiming to create a micro wedding, we transformed the barn into an intimate wedding setting, with a classic and elegant ceremony room. A white aisle ran through the centre, scattered with silk petals, candles encased in cylinders and chiavari chairs, woven with chiffon. Leading you to the front of the room to be greeted with a copper frame, draped chiffon and finished off perfectly with flowers tied around and displayed at the base.
For the wedding breakfast, we incorporated staggered-height flowers, dried twigs to frame the tall taupe candles, copper cutlery, soft grey napkins and white chocolate sculpted hearts.
Completing the horizontal view throughout the barn was a hand-made origami crane curtain, making for the perfect backdrop full of sentiment and photographic opportunities. Adding a dash more hope and healing, we can’t forget the incredible 3-tier cake made with sugar paper and more cranes, with a minimalistic and modern feel.
My chosen florist for this shoot was Danni from Floral Arch. I’ve worked alongside Danni numerous times on shoots and real weddings and I wouldn’t choose anyone else. She brings your visions to life and I am constantly in awe of her talent.
For this particular shoot, taking the colour palette into consideration, she combined white orchids, white anthurium, blush and ivory roses, eucalyptus, dried bunnies, poppy seed heads and palms, asparagus fern, small pampas and white delphiniums plus soooo much more to create a soft, romantic and elegant bouquet and room decor.
I’m in hope this shoot will allow couples to experiment with their wedding day ideas. Whether it’s switching to a jumpsuit for their evening reception, or adding in an item or theme that means so much to them to keep a consistent feel throughout their day. You can keep the element of a traditional barn wedding but add a modern twist if desired.
This shoot also showcases no matter how big or small your wedding day, Huntsmill Farm is fit for either or. We showcased 2 entirely different parts of a wedding day, all within a few meters of each other.
Venue Huntsmill Farm
Photography Gemma Randall Photography
Styling, Prop Hire + Concept Very Special Events
Flowers Floral Arch
Hair + Makeup Rachael Capocci
Dress Silver Sixpence Brides
Jumpsuit Star Jasmine Studio
Cake JessiCakes
Stationery PS Weddings
Veil Rebecca Anne Designs
Hair Accessories Saint Beth
With thanks to Models Jack & Rose
Based on a weekday wedding in February.