A number of suppliers came together at the end of August for a styled shoot photographed by me at The Orangery Suite, a beautiful wedding venue set within a three-acre walled garden just outside Wimborne Minster, Dorset. Our chosen theme, the 1950s, was reflected in the tea-length dress and make up worn by my ‘bride’ Alex, and the flowers and reception styling. Mandy from Swingletree Vintage summed up the mood when she commented that it was good after lockdown to be doing something that felt like normality.

Styling details

Wedding dress

Majestic, from Nicola Anne Bridal’s Resplendent Collection is an elegant tea length wedding gown, made from duchess satin with corded lace. The off the shoulder look with a slight scoop creates a stunning shape for a Vintage bride. A zip up back with pearl buttons compliments the look along with a heavily embroidered and beaded neckline.

Flowers

Bouquet

Reflecting the yellow and turquoise vintage wedding theme, the bouquet incorporates classic soft spray roses in yellow nestled up to large white dahlias. Yellow limonium tucks nicely in next to deliciously-scented cream stocks.  White veronica and astilbe add structure, along with the green foliage of eucalyptus and ruscus.  Finally, all are happily complimented with supple apricot and cream lisianthus, and hand-tied with sheer turquoise ribbon.

Table decorations

The circular table decorations are  hosted in vintage taurines. They take their lead from the bride’s bouquet, with the addition of snowberry, as seen in the bridegroom’s buttonhole.  Pink, purple, white and yellow asters bring a new colour dimension to the day. These asters also feature with the rose and limonium in the filigree cone to create four different-coloured wedding chair decorations, again using turquoise ribbon.  Finally, the aster is used once more, very simply with limonium and a yellow bow to decorate the serviettes.

Wedding ring

This is a ring of pure, delicate lisianthus made with cream, apricot and green flowers, as featured in the bride’s bouquet, bridegrooms’ buttonhole and the table decorations. This ring, also available as a heart or horseshoe, can be laid flat or is more dramatic when suspended from a feature as shown here. (See the photos of the bride and groom on the rusty garden swing!)

Ornamental trees

Topiary bay trees from White Stem Hire added  height to the table styling in the marquee: place settings in bone china by Swingletree Vintage and floral arrangements by Just Add Flowers.

Car

Sylvia, a 1920s style Regent Landaulette with black and silver bodywork – RK Prestige car hire

Cake

A non-edible square confection finished with lemon-yellow icing created for exhibition purposes by Mon Bel Amour.

This shoot has also been featured on the English Wedding Blog and Your Hampshire and Dorset Wedding.