Today I share a wonderful styled shoot created in remembrance of a special lady which also showcases the talents and expertise of some fantastic Wedding suppliers.

Tasha Newland of Ikonworks Photography shares her emotional story of how something wonderful grew from the darkest of times.

 

 

Tasha says “I’m sitting here wondering how, in what feels like very few words, I can explain this shoot to you the how, why, who and what made it happen.”

“2013 = horrific, eye opening, eye watering, and emotional.”

“What have I learnt? Strength, grace and how to be brave.”

“Who taught it to me? My mother in law Helen.”

“Mum was diagnosed with breast cancer, with secondary metastasis ultimately going to her brain and spine,  and heartbreakingly she lost her fight in August 2013.”

 

“I sat in the hospice as sunny days in August passed, watching over her, talking rubbish, helping the nurses, chatting to my kids, forever letting her know that in her darkest hours people love her.”

“She was a force to be reckoned with, quiet, gentle, graceful and strong. I think you pay attention to things more when you are in a state of turmoil, trying to balance yourself.”

” I chatted about Facebook, Twitter, RMW, Blogs and Jasmine Star…. telling Mum anything and everything to desensitise.”

“Mum was very quiet, and seemed to be slipping away.”

 

“Then I noticed on Facebook Kirstie Taylor of Flo and Percy said “any photographers want our new collection for a photo shoot?”

“What would any normal bling loving, wedding mad photographer do? Umm dare I? Yes please… oh why not!”

“For a split second I think maybe Mum had something to do with it, a cheer Tasha up intervention.”

 

“A few days later Mum passed, early sunday very peacefully. The next two weeks I help organise my first funeral, feeling as though I have been punched.”

“The day after the funeral I shoot a two-day wedding for my gorgeous clients Simon and Katy, and it all feels very surreal.”

“Finally after a very busy start to September, I get a chance to sit down and think about the shoot.”

 

“OMG the shoot!!! Where the hell do I start? Read, immerse yourself in everything that says editorial shoot, even bought a Jasmine Star Styled Shoots Course.”

“I had a Revelation,  the theme could be”in Mum’s memory.”

“Strong and Graceful…. Strong brands… Graceful Products… Ian Stuart – LOVE! Freya Rose – LOVE! Tiara Boutique (my friend Vic) – LOVE! Blooming Workshop – LOVE! Four Seasons – LOVE! Have I got a chance of getting them involved – no way!!”

“Did I get them? Yes! How still remains a mystery?”

“Adding more suppliers along the way, I found the best Event Coordinator on Twitter #wedding hour.”

“Sarah Cross you superstar, you saved my sanity! Kat Hoy, you made a wonderful assistant all day, I love your attitude and your spirit (you will go far my dear x).”

“I stalked poor Ian Stuart on Facebook… I am sure he gave up in the end, loaning me the dresses to shut me up!”

“Colour inspiration came in form of Pink, Peach and Turquoise.”

“Some of the last flowers I bought Mum were pink and peach, and one of the t-shirts she liked wearing was turquoise. Sorted, fits with the Indian Summer theme too – tick!”

“I met Blooming Workshop (two ladies who I have wanted to work with for AGES).”

“One used to be a cancer nurse, who suggested linking the shoot to a cancer charity.”

 

“I remembered reading about Naomi Thomas, founder of The Wedding Wishing Well Foundation in the hospice, I find myself in a layby on the A303 writing on a receipt to contact her.

“At 4am I emailed asking her to be involved and model too… her response was hilarious but she came along just after picking up her Daily Mail Inspirational Woman Award from Brucie, after not one but two trips to Downing Street!”

 

“What makes this shoot different? We deliberately used high street, affordable and high end luxury together; creating something elegant and beautiful.”

 

 

 

Collaborative Suppliers

 

Location

Four Seasons Hampshire – A historic Georgian manor house outside London to seamlessly blend English country living with 21st century modernity.

 

Photography 

Tasha Newand of Iknoworks Photography

 

Dresses

Ian Stuart, loaned us Vaudeville, Bluebird, Rockafella, bourbon and Palm Springs.

Two Birds Bridesmaids lent us three gowns one each in mint and coral, and a rosette ballgown in ivory.

 

Flowers and Cake

The talented H&J  from The Blooming Workshop worked for two days on our flowers.

Norma Jean, Sweet Avalanche and the amazing VuVuZela roses, as well as many other flowers were used.

A mock cake made by pastry chef Sarah at Stoke Park was borrowed for the occasion and dressed by H&J, in situ.

 

Accessories

The Tiara Boutique : tiaras, hairpieces and bouquets

Flo and Percy: part of the Indian Summer  headband collection

Freya Rose: Shoes and shoe clips

Love by Susie: Underwear and Veils

Nod and Wink: Underwear

Beautiful Moment Wedding and Occasional Art: hand painted shoes

We had very little Jewellery however I would like to thank Dad for lending me Mum’s wedding and engagement rings worn by a friend in some pictures.

Amazing Face: Make up and Hair

 

Decor

The Royal Suite at the Four Seasons is a DREAM!

We wanted to create an intimate and romantic feeling in the room, and chose therefore not to set a large banqueting table, however this could easily be re-created on a table seating a larger number of guests.

Table linen, crockery, cutlery and glassware all from the Four Seasons.

Candlesticks (Matalan) and crown holders (Dunelm Mill).

Pearl necklace draped over candlestick from M&S – photographers own!

Material used to make the napkin ties purchased from – White Lodge Fabric called Artistic brocade.

 

Stationery

Created by Sarah Cross of Sarah Cross Events, and Tasha.

Using free fonts, Photoshop, photography paper and the following craft materials:

Silver skeleton leaves – pack of 15 – £1.75.  Place cards – pack of 10 – £1.75.  Silver cards – pack of 10 with envelopes all from Paperchase.

Silver Ribbon, Crystal Flowers and drops from the haberdashery at Dunelm Mill.

 

Styling

Created by Sarah Cross of Sarah Cross Events, and Tasha of  Ikonworks Photography

 

Thank you so much to Tasha for sharing this styled shoot,  her story and her stunning Photography.

Its a testament to how strong she is that she became a part of something so incredibly beautiful  despite the pain of loss.

Thank you also to those involved in the collaboration as each piece of the puzzle came together to make something amazing.

 

This is a quote, that makes Tasha think of her mum that is a message to us all…

“When darkness falls, we can curl up or turn on more lights. Be brave. Love deeply. Shine Brighter.”

Liv Lane