Lovely Suzy Elizabeth Photography got in touch a little while ago with this stunning shoot from Merriscourt Barns. When I saw the exquisitely detailed, romantic wedding dress by our fave, English Wedding member Cynthia Grafton-Holt, I was instantly in love… and I’ve been so excited to share this with you ever since.

Photography: https://suzyelizabethphotography.co.uk
Bridal gown: https://www.cynthiagraftonholt.com
Styling: https://joannawilfordweddings.co.uk/
Venue: http://merriscourt.com/
Menswear: https://www.thecotswoldtailor.com/
Flowers: https://www.brambleandbelle.co.uk/
Cake: https://www.iceddelightscakes.co.uk/
Glass and tableware: https://vintagegoldchina.com & https://tabletodinefor.com/
Jewellery: https://www.rachelsokhalbridal.com/
Hair: https://www.debbiemac.co.uk/
Stationery: https://www.lyndaloves.com/

The aim of this shoot was to showcase the rustic and elegant Merriscourt barns in the picturesque Cotswold countryside in a real venue set up.

The dress is actually separates: inspired by the venue and the Cotswolds location, couture bridal designer Cynthia Grafton-Holt chose a gold feather embroidered bodice with a sumptuously soft tulle skirt. The finished look is a simple, strappy summery wedding dress – beautiful and playful in design, a perfect complement for the modern bride and groom, and the stunning gold and blush colour palette.

The chance to create a dress that would look at home in the heart of the Cotswold with its breath-taking views across the countryside, conjures up images of a dreamy, romance oozing with poetic freedom. The sense of unconfined freedom that you only ever appreciate as an adult remembering a childhood spent rambling across fields; or, of secret rendezvous at sunset to walk hand in hand with a loved one, pausing only to admire the fleeting light of the sun before escaping to the lovers’ cove hidden beneath the dense woodland. And so, sketch pad in hand, Merris Court Barn, on the border of Oxfordshire and Gloucester, set the scene for a wedding dress that was every bit as modern as fashion would allow, yet stylishly, laid back and understated, so as not to be imposing on the urban landscape. ~ Cynthia Grafton-Holt Couture

We chose gold and blush for the tablescape which looked opulent in the beautifully light barn reception venue.

Traditionally elegant stationery by Lynda Athey set off the tables beautifully.

We made use of the beautiful grounds that Merriscourt has to offer for the couples portraits and found an array of hidden gems which made for the most romantic portraits in a number of settings.