Wave Blue My Heart at Notley Abbey

The grounds are stunning and Masha Unwerth perfectly shows you how to use the backdrops of your venue, both inside and out, to create a wonderful memory of the big day.

So if you’ve been looking at this venue, keep scrolling for another, rather beautiful view…

Masha says…

When I was planning our styled shoot at Notley Abbey, it was important to me as a photographer I continue to work on my creativity, explore inspirational ideas for couples and have the opportunity to work with some of the great suppliers in the industry.

Once I had confirmed the location, which is part of the fabulous Bijou Weddings collection, I thought of a colour theme inspired by the classic palette of neutrals at the venue. We also mirrored the subtle gold and wave of blue. Overall inspiration was brought together by the Notley Abbey venue (once home to Laurence Olivier & Vivien Leigh!), which is steeped in history and glamour, of course! We therefore didn’t feel the need to overthink the décor and kept the styling classic and minimal.

Invitations by Victoria Blum Calligraphy were neutral with elegant blue and brown-gold keeping the theme of simple elegance, whilst adding a modern fresh twist.

I fell in love with Anne’s (our model) edgy yet pretty looks, and chose timeless and elegant designer O’Nique. The Sabine dress was hand beaded with sheer sleeves and back. We styled it with model’s own earrings and a natural voluminous up-do, expertly done by Katie Gale. For this bridal shoot I wanted to keep the look glowing and very bridal whilst bringing in the accent on lips, this was professionally brought together by makeup artist Becky Downton.

Floral designer, Kate Lamport at Lily & Myrtle, used a mix of blue hydrangea, ammi, eucalyptus nicoli, and cream tuba rose to create the bridal bouquet and a mix of acacia, brunia and protea white night to create the matching table décor. The deckle-edged cake, by Samantha Tempest at The Pretty Cake Company, was exquisite, swept over with very fine blue and topped with florals. The cake was the perfect choice for a modern classic wedding.

Our assistant, Tania focused on styling the tablescape at the Monks’ Refectory with beige and blue tones complementing each other throughout and injecting a few classic vibes into the stone barn.

We shot amongst the beautiful interiors of the main house including the main entrance hallway and their grand staircase. Making our way around the venue grounds I was mesmerised by the number of versatile settings in one location! Adding to the shoot the exchange between our two models, Anne and George which seemed so beautifully sincere, this just turned the already wonderful collection of images into something we all fell in love with.

Tips for Creating this Look

• Use the venue as your source of inspiration
• Go for more than one or two colours. For this shoot we picked a palette of neutrals and blue as the focal and added brown-gold tones as supporting colours
• Don’t be afraid to showcase your style
• Find the balance between refined and relaxed. For this shoot we sought to accent the beautiful gardens and stone walls of Notley Abbey without competing with the surrounding atmosphere
• Vary between indoor and outdoor use/photographs

Venue Notley Abbey

Photography Masha Unwerth

Styling Tania Sulga

Flowers Lily & Myrtle

Stationery Victoria Blüm Calligraphy

Make Up Becky Downton

Hair Katie Gale

Bridal Boutique Helena Fortley

Cake The Pretty Cake Company

Furniture Wedhead

With thanks to Models Anne Liu and George Hayes