LUSH GREENS AND BOTANICAL WEDDING VIBES

Getting Wedding Creative

Despite the current pandemic bringing weddings as we know them to a halt, myself and a team of fabulous wedding suppliers have been busy behind the scenes being creative and pro-active to continue to bring couples inspiration for their special day when it does finally come around. Last month I had the absolute pleasure of being part of a wonderful ‘Botanical’ themed shoot at the stunning Hanbury Wedding Barn, photographed by the very talented Helen Howard Photography, so I thought I would show you what we got up to in the hope that it might help bring a little joy and excitement back to your wedding planning, whether its small and intimate or you are waiting for that big lavish wedding.

So LUSH!!

I just LOVE the vibrancy of lush greenery and set against bridal whites and hints of gold this palette sings with tropical vibes in summer but can be equally evergreen in Winter. It works perfectly if you are opting for a rustic setting, bringing the outdoors in and that’s exactly what the fabulous Louise Hughes from Lush Occasions had in mind when she planned this shoot at the luxury Staffordshire venue. Her use of hanging woven lanterns and gorgeous rustic details made the perfect décor creating an elegant yet natural backdrop for the amazing foliage designed and created by the very talented Nadia Di Tullio Flowers.

Did anyone say DESSERTS?!

I was so excited to create one of my Italian dessert tables on Louise’s gorgeous rustic barrel table with epic foliage wall as its backdrop. With such a stand out setting, I knew instantly that I had to make my desserts pop against the greenery, so I opted for a minimal white chocolate finish to the feature cakes with gold leaf detail as well as vibrant and colourful fruits and fresh herbs to give all the smells of the garden. I wish there was a way I could share smells through this blog, it was heavenly!! For the desserts I chose a real combination of textures and flavours from my elegant and indulgent Tiramisu pots to crunchy and rustic pistachio cannoli, after all a dessert table is about offering choice to your guests as well creating that show stopping focal point. To give the display height and visual interest I used a multi-tiered plant stand, yes, that’s right! you heard it here first a PLANT STAND!! I think it worked a treat and its asymmetric design is both unusual and striking and I set the desserts on white cake stands and platters to create contrast and make them really stand out.

Picture Perfect

Your bridal look, from hair and make up, to your wedding gown and accessories should reflect your style, and compliment the vibe and feel of your day. Moira Borg chose a soft, loose and romantic up-do for our model Francesca finished with beautiful floral hair combs and complimented with warm golden tones, and lengthy lashes by bridal MUA Make up and Glow by Fran. This look was teamed with dreamy Enzoani and Elysee gowns with stunning floral and foliage lace appliques from Mimi Toko Bridal Boutique which gave the perfect look for a botanical barn wedding.

Lets talk DETAILS!!

I love it when a seed of an idea comes to fruition, and its really all in the details and a harmonious blend of creative minds working together. Wedding Stationery is one of those details that creates the perfect finish, look at these beautiful menus, place names and invites designed and created by Rebecca Richards Designs. Rebecca hand paints gorgeous watercolour designs on textured papers, and her love for botanical images fit the bill perfectly.

With such a gorgeous outdoor space at Hanbury, it has the perfect setting for a special celebrant-led wedding ceremony, Ali from Cariad Personal Ceremonies specialises in bespoke meaningful ceremonies tailored to each couple she works with, and what better way to arrive at your outdoor wedding ceremony than in the gorgeous VW Ragdoll Camper Van 

AND there’s more cake, not just any wedding cake…..ITALIAN WEDDING CAKE!

When I met “GERALDINE”, Hanbury’s very own bespoke, restored cart bar, I just couldn’t resist making a second dessert table for this shoot! I know, I love giving myself a lot of work, what can I say?, I love my job!! For this table I wanted to bring a little Italian Rustic charm and did so with a cascading traditional Millefoglie cake. This cake is actually more dessert than cake, consisting of layers of the flakiest puff pastry and silky smooth pastry cream in chocolate and vanilla flavours, topped with light Chantilly cream and fresh glazed seasonal fruits, I defy anyone not to love this. In Northern Italy this is the traditional wedding cake of choice and its the perfect option if you don’t like icing and are looking for something completely different. Displayed with a combination of fruity mini pastries, this light and fresh dessert bar is perfect for summer time weddings and wonderfully indulgent. Making a feature of your venue’s furniture, especially when its as gorgeous as this, is a must for me and enhanced by a beautiful rustic backdrop, foliage and accessories, its another perfect example of how to give that rustic, botanical feel.

If you would like to discuss wedding cake, wedding dessert tables or wedding favours for your special day, no matter how big or small, please do get in touch, I always love to talk cake!!

Arrivederci for now!!