Today I am thrilled to share this stunning whimsical pre raphaelite inspired wedding shoot at Bickleigh Castle.

Images were captured by Freeformimages Photography with planning by Magpie Event Planning and styling by Unity Event Design alongside a fabulous collaborative team.

The concept for this shoot was taken from the Pre Raphaelite movement who urged artists to “go to nature” with love and romance and realism, with uncomplicated beautiful images.

We chose Bickliegh Castle as the venue for the shoot steeped in mystery and romance.

The Great Hall and 6th Century chapel were selected as well as the beautiful gardens rich in colour.

The Castle has outstanding beauty and was perfect for this shoot.

When it came to the dress selection we wanted to work with Lynsey and Bev of Dandelions & Pearls.

We went for a powder blue two-piece. Lynsey wanted to try something new with this gown, while paying homage to her roots and the vintage era’s which inspired her when she first started.

She really wanted to create something romantic, ethereal and ultimately feminine with the petal bust pleated bodice evolved from a draping experiment I played around with after feeling inspired by a visit to the Dior exhibition at the V&A.

While there is a ballgown element it was decided to give it a more modern feel by making it a two piece cropped top and skirt, and complimented by beautiful accessories by The Lucky Sixpence.

They chose elegant golds to go with the rich velvet and plenty of candleabras to create a warm glowing atmosphere.

The flowers for the bouquet and urn by Petal & Posie were chosen to reflect the rich colours of Pre Raphaelite art.

The bright warm copper roses contrasted well with the deep hues of hydrangea and astrantia.

Texture and depth was achieved with dried Protea flowers, blue green Echinop thistles and dusky pink Waxflowers. Variegated Pittosporum and lacy Ammi added brighter highlights.

A little trailing ivy gave the final romantic touch.

For the stationery Emma Louise Castle wanted to capture the rich and romantic use of flowers, using there form and movement to frame the pages.

Each piece was finished with soft paper edges and hand painted gold elements are used throughout.

Mixing two fonts, traditional script and a modern type face allowed the historical feel to translate into a contemporary stationery suite., and completed the look for this beautiful pre raphaelite inspired wedding shoot.

Shoot Vendors

Venue – Sarah Hay –  Bickleigh Castle

Photography – Laura Farmer – Freeformimages Photography 

Planning and coordination Daniella Wincheser-Leigh – Magpie Event Planning

Styling – Leilah Parkinson  – Unity Event Design

Dress – Lynsey & Bev Beardsmore  – Dandelions and Pearls

Accessories – Janie Wolverson  – The Lucky Sixpence

Stationery – Emma Louise Castle 

Flowers – Denise Cole  – Petal and Posie

Cake – Claire Potts – Claires Sweet Temptation

Make up – Kath Floyd – Style Sister

Hair – Toni Gogola 

Linens – Hannah Mortimore – The Pretty Accessory

Shawls – Sophie Cadogan

Violinist – Richard Toomer Violinist

Model – Lauren Falconer