Antoinette meets Austen inspired shoot

When I started working as a wedding planner and stylist I had no idea that within a couple of years I'd get to work with some crazy creative people and work on projects like this shoot.

The idea was to create something evocative and atmospheric rather than detail heavy, and pretty much as soon as I decided on the concept -   two brides, Antoinette, Austen and gorgeous English country gardens - I already knew who I wanted to work with.

And let's just say they did not disappoint! See the end of the post for supplier details, but in the meantime...

all images copyright Sarah Gawler Photography

This couldn't have happened without the following people, there's a bit of gushing coming up sorry!

Sarah Gawler's photography kind of blows my mind. It's pretty rare to have an idea in your head for a shoot and have the results exceed your expectations. She was so good with the models; took so many photos it was impossible to pick my favourites; and completely understood what I was aiming for. Basically, she's a legend.

I'd seen Elbie's work on the blogs but never met her before. Over a endless bottle of cider in Brixton we chatted about the shoot idea and I knew she was going to be brilliant. And as with Sarah her work was even better than I could of hoped for! She was fast and efficient and worked a hair piece like nobody's business. Already planned to book her for my, (as yet), non existent wedding.

I've worked with Alison from Pollen Nation before and as far as I'm concerned they ain't no finer florist. She came up with the idea of the flowers in the parasol and brought so many beautiful blooms with her. Plus she's pregnant and yet did not moan once during a loooong day. Which is pretty impressive, no?

Also there on the day was Sally Lacock who supplied the vintage inspired dresses and veil for the shoot. They were the most ethereal creations made with french lace and hand sewn flowers. Plus the veil, oh the veil. If I could have got away with slipping that in my bag I totally would have done.

Emma La Haye had worked with Sarah on a wedding before and came along armed with some props to help with the styling. She had great vision and was a genius at thinking on her feet when something wasn't working.

And finally the models Evie and Beth were the best surprise. I struggled to find the right models and both girls came on board last minute. To say they were professional and patient with our various ideas is an understatement. Quite frankly they were a delight!

Not forgetting the three lovely ladies who sent their work in for the shoot - Helen from Cutture, Charlotte from Restoration Cake and Kirstie from Flo and Percy. The mask and glass cut out insects were courtesy of Cutture; the Antoinette inspired cake from Restoration cake and the hair pieces and bracelet from Flo and Percy. So thanks very much ladies for your contributions.

I fear this post may be aiming for the longest post ever so I shall wrap it up here. All that's left is a great big thank you to everyone involved (all ladies incidentally), and I hope you enjoyed the photos :)

Design concept, props and styling - Savoir Weddings
Photography - Sarah Gawler Photography
Hair & make up - Elbie van Eeden
Flowers - Pollen Nation
Dresses and veil - Sally Lacock
Props & styling - Emma La Haye
Models - Evie & Beth
Hair accessories & cuff - Flo & Percy
Cake - Restoration Cake
Cake silhouette - Alison Russell
Cut outs and mask - Cutture