Braids and belts; alternative bridal shoot for your inner warrior princess!

I was chatting with a friend yesterday and the words “like a princess” came into our conversation – and we chuckled. Neither of us are princessy girls… and yet, doesn’t everyone want to be the centre of someone’s universe sometimes?

That feeling of “like a princess” applies to relationships as much as it does to weddings. I’ve heard so many stories from brides-to-be finding their dress: ‘The One” – and having that princess feeling! Until now I’ve always felt a little apart from that; I’m no Cinderella, I’ve never worn a cocktail dress or ballgown – it just isn’t me. And when it comes to wedding dresses, I’d go as alternative as I could get away with!

This last month or so I’ve come to realise that alternative and princess aren’t worlds apart: you can be both. There are more princesses than Cinderella and Kate (yawn!) – and turning to those with fiery characters and exciting styles means you can look amazing, and like your gorgeous, alternative self, and still feel like a princess on your wedding day!

Take today’s inspirational shoot: the day revolves around a gorgeous Viking princess. The team – Legend Bridal Designs, Tiree Dawson Photography, Typical Type and more – created an amazing look for a modern Viking bride and her wedding banquet (because the gloriously Edison-lit table swathed with flowers and that incredible cake are a feast in themselves!)

The dress is Runa; Legend Bridal’s duchess satin mermaid gown with sweetheart neckline, braided lacework and finished with crystal rhinestones, smoky quartz and copper metalwork. The finer details are so wonderfully delicate – the bride is strikingly beautiful (without a shadow of Cinderella!)

Photography by Tiree Dawson Photography
Styling, coordination and lighting by Typical Type
Concept, coordination, dresses and accessories by Legend Bridal Designs
at Lowther Castle, Penrith
Hair by Duncan Fisher Hair Designer
Makeup by Sonara Parker Makeup Artist
Flowers by Lucy MacNicoll
Cake by Amy Swann Cakes
Illustrated stationery by Amy Swann with calligraphy by Calligraphy for Weddings
Additional props from Nina Marika
Videography by MoviArt Films
Models: Sam, Kate and Rachel

Amy Swann Cakescalligraphy for weddingsDuncan Fisher Hair DesignerLegend Bridal DesignsLowther CastleLucy MacNicoll FlowersMoviArt FilmsNina MarikaSonara Parker make upTiree Dawson PhotographyTypical Type