romantic bridal portraits at

Private Estate // Ballet Inspired // Romanticism and Fine Art

Planning & Styling: The Stars Inside
Photography: Siobhan H
Videography: Wyld Weddings
Venue: Somerley House
Florist: Jenni Bloom
Bridalwear: Naomi Neoh
Flower Girl Dress: Gilly Gray
Bridal Robes: Domenica Domenica
Cakes & Desserts: Kate Alexandra Cakes
Bridal Shoes: Freya Rose
Make-up: Susan Yates
Hair stylist: Grace Bailey
Headpieces: Mr Mortimer's Wife 
Stationery: Elin's Art Studio
Silk & Textiles: Nettle Textiles

With inspiration from Japanese philosophy, fine art, and ballet, the concept behind this shoot evolved as a capture of the movement and emotion of the rituals of bridal preparation during the morning of a wedding – the bride’s “first dance”, as we liked to describe it, captured through portraits of the first fe whours of her day. For us, this shoot was an exploration of grace, movement, and space, as brought to life by the wonderful team of wedding industry professionals working with us on the day. We wanted the style to be a modern and romantic take on minimalism, with a playful touch of whimsy. We also wanted to highlight the contrast between detail – which our gorgeous venue was very rich in – and minimalism, and the complementary ways in which those concepts can manifest in décor and styling. Rather than creating a full tablescape, we chose to focus on the interaction between the bride and the space, and on the emotions she lives as she prepares for her wedding: the pensive calm, the exhilarating tenseness, and the joyful bliss. Every element was designed to echo these emotions, and the shapes and evolution of her dance. The floral design features a very striking, wild mantlepiece installation inspired by Ikebana, negative space, asymmetry, and surrealism, with florals blooming in the most unexpected places. With a colour palette of pale pink greys, powder chalk blues, muted whites, and ballet satin pinks, the stationery and cake drew inspiration from the power and grace of ballerinas, as they too prepare for their show. Her nightwear and bridalwear is romantic and yet unwaveringly fierce, with floral patterns and shimmering hues. All together, the narrative is one of both fear and fearlessness, light and dark, night and day – both girl and woman, preparing for this brand new chapter of her life.