I love receiving styled shoot submissions, and today’s is extra-special!  The coordinator and stylist for this shoot is not a wedding professional looking to add to her portfolio, or gain PR, but a bride-to-be who simply fell in love with weddings and the fabulous suppliers who supported her as she planned her day.  I’m not surprised, as a quick peek at the supplier list reveals a whole host of b.loved faves!  Alongside them, she created a dreamy, whimsical Midsummer Night’s Dream-inspired shoot with a host of pretty details, beautiful flowers, an incredible cake, and romantically styled brides.  I love the multi-coloured palette of purples, pinks, greens and blues which add to the eclectic feel with a fresh, spring-like quality.  So pretty!

This is what she has to say ~

My name is Kat Dunn and I’m ‘just a bride’.  I don’t work in the wedding industry or do anything vaguely creative day to day (in fact….I work in insurance!).  I am getting married at Gaynes Park next summer and have been truly fortunate enough to come across some amazingly talented – not to mention blinkin’ lovely – suppliers whilst planning my own big day.  The vast majority of the suppliers who took part in the shoot will be taking part in my wedding – and I know how lucky I am to be able to say that.

Without wanting to sound cheesy, the idea for the shoot really did come to me during one of my many ‘dolly-daydream’ sessions, but lingered just long enough for me to run it past a few of the eventual participants along the lines of:  “Is this ‘so mad it just might work’…..or just ‘mad’?!”.  Luckily for me they all agreed to take a chance on this absolute beginner and on the 10th June gave me the chance to step away from my spreadsheets and lists and do something I will never forget.  So this is a little showcase of all their unique talents and a heart-felt thank you from me.  The target ‘look’ for the shoot was whimsical, ethereal and fun…much like the play itself. Once the theme was in place the ‘band of merry players’ taking part all weaved their own individual magic…

The cake (oh the cake!) was designed and created by Georgia Hinkley who is The Cake Doll. Georgia interpreted the brief perfectly with gorgeous trailing flowers and the cutest fairy-tale esque mushroom details.

Our photographer Laura of Lollypop Photography‘s fun & unique style made her the obvious choice to capture the shoot!  We chose Gaynes Park for the variety of beautiful backdrops – both indoors and outdoors. From the lovely light and airy Orangery, to the traditional Mill Barn, the diverse and exquisitely maintained gardens and the brand new Coach House and Stables 10 room accommodation – everywhere you look there are photo opportunities!  Our florist was Claire May Sankey of Lily and May, her flowers are just beautiful – romantic with lovely vintage styling and luxurious touches. A Midsummer Night’s Dream just happens to be one of her favourite plays! The bouquet and heart shaped ‘wreath’ featured the prettiest, delicate peonies and roses in gorgeous pastel shades alongside some structural displays of fragrant stock.

Mary and Reggie at The Bespoke Wardrobe stock the most stunning selection of designer dresses you are likely to come across. We ended up with a selection including Jesus Peiro, Naomi Neoh, Augusta Jones, Stewart Parvin and twobirds. Hair accessories and shoes came courtesy of uber-talented Emmy – a firm favourite of Kate and Pippa Middleton no less! Emmy was the obvious choice for the theme as her designs are often nature oriented and whimsical, but are also bold and striking. The Peacock peep-toe shoes in rich Emerald green (Pantone colour of the year) were just stunning and I really struggled to part with them at the end of the shoot!  The gorgeous silver necklaces – featuring hummingbird, fairy and deer pendants – were sourced from Silver Fig and were just perfect for our theme.

Sadly one of the models due to take part in the shoot was unable to make it as her father was killed in a rafting accident in Canada around a week before.   Kat has asked that this photo be dedicated to Steve Morton, his beautiful daughter Simone and the rest of the Morton family.

It is fair to say that, without Katy of Make-up by Katy, there probably wouldn’t have ever been a shoot! Katy read my early brief and was keen to become involved! This was the little confidence boost I needed to progress further. Katy is a master of natural-looking, radiant make-up.  Each model was given a different look to best accentuate their gorgeous features – from the more subtle and soft to bold and striking.  Katy worked with the very experienced and talented Deborah Dowgiel from Brides with Style who created the hair styles featured in the shoot. The look was natural and playful with delicate braids and waves accentuated by the gorgeous Emmy hair accessories.

Like so many elements of this shoot, serendipitous good fortune meant I Google-stumbled over Eagle Eyed Bride! Katie and Jacqueline are the brains behind the operation and were beyond helpful in terms of sourcing and producing some spectacular items for the shoot – including the Man in the Moon photo booth prop which is simply THE BEST PHOTO BOOTH PROP EVER, beautiful butterfly themed table décor and huge helium balloons in striking bright colours. Their new collection is called ‘Midsummer – Flora and Kraft’! It was written in the stars that they take part. Lighting and the gorgeous starlight backdrop for the Man in the Moon prop came from the lovely folk at Lovelight Entertainment.  Some of the larger props (including the prettiest lace and pearl backdrop for the ‘tea-party’ table) were provided by Mediterranean Occasions Venue Stylists.  The gorgeous vintage china and glassware (for tea party section of shoot) was provided by Zoe Hopkins of Madhatters. Her collection of pieces is vast and she has everything you could ever want and more to create a striking vintage look.

All the action was captured Richard Knight at White Dress Films. Behind the scenes video coming soon…!

***

Suppliers: Photography: Lollypop Photography // Videography: White Dress Films // Styling & Coordination: Katherine Dunn // Bridalwear: The Bespoke Wardrobe // Shoes & Accessories: Emmy // Jewellery: Silver Fig // Makeup: Make-up by Katy // Hair: Brides with Style // Florist: Lily and May // Venue: Gaynes Park // Stationery & Props: Eagle Eyed Bride // Lighting: Lovelight Entertainment // Furniture: Mediterranean Occasions Venue Stylists // Glassware & Vintage China: Madhatters // Cake: The Cake Doll