Loved by Coco… Klaire Van Elton Bridal Adornments

So I’m excited for two reasons…

Firstly I’m sharing some gorgeous bridal accessories from the fabulous Klaire Van Elton and secondly, this beautiful shoot took place at Coco’s treasure Sandon Hall. Isn’t the Orangery just the perfect backdrop for a collection called Botanic Crush…?

Klaire van Elton has certainly been one to watch this year, a newcomer to the Bridal Accessories scene she has found herself on some prestigious award shortlists! Including being nominated for Best Newcomer at the Perfect Wedding Awards and winning Best Bridal Headress Collection at the Bridal Buyer Awards.

Klaire’s love for mixing boho and glamour is right up my street so I’m thrilled to be able to share her story today. Wander through the glorious images below by Holly Booth, or dive straight into the gallery where you’ll find the full Botanic Crush Collection.

Enjoy…

Images by Holly Booth Photography.

Klaire: From as long as I can remember, I’ve always loved making things, whether it was an Easter card for my Nana or the making of a calendar that was proudly displayed in my mum’s kitchen for the following year, ‘creating’ has always been an important part of my life. I studied Graphic Design at university and upon graduating I designed prints, graphics and embellishments for a variety of retailers and boutiques for just over a decade before launching my adornments line.

For my own wedding back in 2011, I was eager to put a personal stamp on our day so I made what I could, most notably – our flowers which were all origami folded from old novels. Once back from honeymoon, I decided to make a few different style flowers and set-up a facebook page. Soon after, our wedding was featured in a national wedding magazine and after that the enquiries started flooding in and I never looked back. Over time, more and more of my brides, were asking for origami hair flowers to co-ordinate with their bouquet’s and so the idea to expand into hair adornments was ignited. The opportunity to combine both my love of fashion with wedding’s – seemed too tempting to resist! I spent a year or so designing and perfecting my debut collection of bridal accessories and launched at the end of 2013. I sell my pieces direct to brides through my website and am stocked in selected boutiques nationwide.

Images by Holly Booth Photography.

My Brand

We live in such a mass-produced, throw-away society that for the majority of the brides, the only time they will ever have anything made just for them will be their own wedding. Thus being entrusted to create such special bespoke items is such a privilege. I have always loved making small delicate items and adore the intricacy and attention-to-detail creating bridal adornments demands.

I launched my debut collection of headdresses, veils, vines, combs and cuffs at the end of 2013 and have just released my new 2015 collection titled Botanic Crush which has grown to include earrings and sashes. I’d describe both as are extremely versatile and wearable.

I’ve a penchant for trailing ethereal designs that are light and easy-to-wear. I use a lot of origami, lace and petite floral adornments within my designs, perfect for brides who love all things vintage but with a contemporary whimsical twist.

Images by Holly Booth Photography.

Every piece in the collection is designed and made in my home in Leicestershire. I live with my husband and our daughter who is 20 months old and is becoming more and more fascinated by the day in what I make. I have a small studio that I escape to when making and developing new designs. I’ve found it’s particularly useful having my components so close to hand, as soon as inspiration strikes I can act upon it and create something beautiful.

My own personal style is a little thrown together, quite bohemian some might say and I’m naturally drawn to my browband styles. My current favourite is Dorothea from my new collection. Simply using ivory lace and pearls, minus any sparkle, I love the refined pared-back nature of this design.

Images by Holly Booth Photography.

My Advice

I tend to suggest that brides choose their dress first, as this will set the tone for their look, which will give ideas on hair styling and adornment ideas. Be open-minded! As there are now so many accessory options available.

Whilst at exhibiting at fairs, I tend to bring a hair stylist along with me who helps advise on all the possible ways on which to accessorize the tresses. As some of our pieces are quite innovative, (lace vines, origami combs, browband veils) if a bride has not already heard of us/seen our work, she is unlikely to have considered our style of pieces, so we just like to spoil her with all the exciting options that are now available and suggest trying on as many pieces as possible before selecting!

Venue Sandon Hall | Photography Holly Booth Photography (assisted by Ewan Mathers) |Flowers Flowers by Breige | Make-up Artist Make-up by Jenni | Hair Alison Jenner |Dresses Giling & White

Thank you so much to Klaire Van Elton for sharing these beautiful images from Botanic Crush. Click on the gallery link above to see all products in this 2015 collection so you can pin and covet to your hearts desire!

Oh and if your smitten with Sandon Hall and it’s glorious Orangery, you can find it here.

Lots of love…