Quintessentially English Countryside Wedding Inspiration with Blooming Art
Opulence, history and exquisite beauty are the holy trinity of today’s English countryside wedding story. And if you’re drawn to the magnificent world of aristocrats (*cough cough* Downton Abbey!), then we know you’re gonna love the images in store. Ornate design details bring modern vibes to this 18th c estate with decorous art, furniture and architecture of its own. So yeah… you’re sure to be transported to another world entirely!
Wondering who this fab designer is? Kim Balasubramaniam is blowing us away with her marriage of past + present. And also, this color palette is to die for!
It may take us 18 centuries more to become slightly less addicted to these images from Zosia Zacharia, with an airiness to them that leaves us breathless.
Loving the natural hair + makeup look from Chrissie Hillhouse and tbh, she makes us want to get bangs again.
Peep that classic car though. With a lush garland on the boot and all!
From Kim Balasubramaniam, the stylist: Somerly is an exquisite venue in the South of England steeped in history with beautiful features both inside and out. Set in 7000 acres on the edge of the New Forest national park, the house dates back to 1792 when it was designed by Samuel Wyatt. The Faded Romance shoot was inspired by the fabrics, furniture and details which make up this unique and historically significant venue at which you can now hold a quintessentially English countryside wedding.
Imagine a country estate which has been left for years, being re-discovered and brought to life to be enjoyed by a new generation. Covers are lifted, billowing fabric floats in the air, tapestries and priceless artworks are uncovered and delicate gold leaf details unearthed. A palette of the softest pastels; blush pink, powder blue and delicate eggshell combined with a touch of gold. Pretty details, ribbons, flowing fabrics and flowers; lots of flowers. An historical influence with a contemporary feel.
The shoot was primarily inspired by Somerly‘s original dining chairs which we were lucky enough to have been given permission to use in the shoot – these delicately ornate gold-leafed chairs are covered in hand-sewn tapestries of floral bouquets in gorgeous shades of blue, pink and green, tied with flowing silk ribbons. I used the imagery from these to inspire everything from the stationery suite to the floral design to the shade of blue of the silk ribbons that tied the napkins together.
The team from Ricky Paul Flowers created the most awe-inspiring florals – I particularly love the flower-filled work of art that we turned into a living table plan; bespoke escort cards tied to lengths of delicate hand-dyed silk ribbons that hung in between the fragrant blooms.
The tablescape was designed around the antique dining chairs and featured pale duck-egg linen from Just 4 Linen, traditional tableware and pastel pink glassware from Duchess & Butler.
The full floral garland which ran the length of the table tumbled onto the ground and was a contrast to the delicately trailing foliage canopy within which was hung an antique chandelier. The color palette and delicate gold detailing were echoed throughout the pretty trio of cakes and sweet treats from The Custom Cake Boutique .
Our model Georgia wore a stunning lace topped chiffon skirted gown from the 2018 collection by Naomi Neoh. Naomi’s dresses are so beautiful and have such movement to them; the colors are just perfect – this was a combination of classic ivory and the palest blush which gave a nod to all the other details and the surroundings of the beautiful house and grounds.
Intricate bespoke headpieces were created by Agnes Walker and were used alongside gorgeous antique jewelry from Webbs.
Emmy London shoes are always so elegant and these soft ivory and gold beauties were no exception.
This shoot brought together some of the leading lights in the UK wedding industry to showcase one of the most beautiful venues – all the exquisite details and that special feeling that you get from being in a space steeped in so much history were captured perfectly by film photographer Zosia Zacharia and cinematographers Baxter & Ted, who are letting us see these details in action below!
Wedding Vendors:
Photography: Zosia Zacharia
Videography: Baxter & Ted
Planning, Styling and Design: Kim Balasubramaniam
Floral Design: Ricky Paul
Venue: Somerly
Invitation Suite: Rose & Ruby
Wedding Cake: The Custom Cake Boutique
Wedding Dress: Naomi Neoh
Jewelery: Webbs Jewellers
Accessories: Agnes Walker
Shoes: Emmy London
Ribbons and Table Runners: Lancaster & Cornish
Tableware: Duchess & Butler
Linens: Just 4 Linen
Hair and Makeup Artist: Chrissie Hillhouse
Car: Classic Car Hire
Styling Assistant: Laura-Jayne Pinner