From an ancient, secret garden to Grecian backdrops and heavenly decor, this styling for an imaginary wedding was the work of an incredible team at Celestial View, Normanton Park Gardens. I adore sharing styled shoots and wedding supplier collaborations to inspire couples – to show what can be created, to bring fresh new ideas to the wedding media, and to help suppliers showcase their talents, their designs and the looks they’d love to evolve for their real wedding couples in the future. It’s genuinely a treat to have lovely Daniela from Ferri Photography back on English Wedding – her work is incredibly beautiful. If this is the first styled shoot you’ve seen on English Wedding this year (where have you been, lovely? Do stick around!) you’re in for a treat because we always ask for the behind-the-scenes story. Personally, I love the magic of collaboration with wedding suppliers, and it’s wonderful to know how everyone works together to bring ideas to life. The real magic is in the tiny stories: the crazy heat, the refreshing cocktails and how everyone worked so beautifully as a team. This is utterly stunning!

An introduction from the wedding venue: Celestial View, Normanton Park Gardens

From our very first meeting with Danielle, Nadine and Danni, it was clear that we shared the same creative vision for this editorial shoot. Conversation flowed effortlessly as we imagined a Grecian-inspired setting infused with Renaissance elegance, billowing white drapery cascading through the space, an abundance of florals, and soft, romantic lighting.

Drawing on the mythology of the Greek Gods and their reverence for the heavens, we paired this concept with our celestial bedroom, a setting worthy of the goddesses who were said to have married among the stars. It was here that we began the shoot. Our bride, wearing a high halter-neck gown, appeared almost otherworldly as she prepared for her nuptials, illuminated by gentle light that enhanced her natural make up and the ethereal quality of the space.

The blazing sunshine on the day of the shoot was definitely a blessing, flooding the orangery with light and setting the drapery softly in motion. At the heart of the next scene stood the King of Sicily’s table, fittingly styled for an opulent engagement supper. Guests were welcomed with gleaming gold tableware, antique glassware, and a lavish cascade of roses, lisianthus and delphiniums which flowed dramatically to the floor. A palette of soft greens and whites complemented the marble floors and rustic wooden chairs, creating a timeless aesthetic, while rich red napkins introduced a note of drama and excitement, a subtle nod to celebrations still to come.

The historic walled gardens surrounding Normanton Park Gardens offered a wealth of potential romantic backdrops. We chose a simple stone archway for an intimate moment between our couple, a quiet pause, lost in an ancient, secret garden, evocative of a setting somewhere between Versailles and Venice.

Stepping from the heat of the sun into Nadine’s cool teepee felt almost transportive on the day of the shoot. Draped in hundreds of metres of fine white gauze that floated like clouds from ceiling to floor, the space was both dreamy and serene. Banquet-style trestle tables were laden with flowers, grapes and figs, with vines winding around the tent poles, creating the illusion that the structure had stood there for centuries. Empty wine barrels, piled high with deserts, heavy gold candlesticks and classical urns completed the abundant, celebratory scene.

This editorial shoot was an absolute joy to work on. Through considered styling, carefully curated details and the collaboration of exceptional suppliers, I think we managed to tell a story that feels both as old as time itself and completely unique.

A collaboration between a wonderful and talented group of wedding suppliers – words: Ferri Photography

This was our first time working at Celestial View, though certainly not my first visit. I’ve often popped in to see the family; sat around the kitchen table with a cuppa and a slice of cake, chatting as if we’ve known each other forever. There’s something about this venue, and the wonderful women who run it, that makes it feel effortlessly relaxed and welcoming.

Throughout the day we were fed, watered, and even treated to a few ‘cocktail hours’ to keep spirits high in the blistering heat. Nothing was ever too much trouble. They jumped straight in — moving furniture, sweeping floors, setting tables. Whatever was needed, they were there.

It also wasn’t my first time working with our suppliers. I wanted to bring the best together, and that’s exactly what happened.

We had a vision: a tepee transformed with soft, flowing fabric to reveal a gentler, more romantic side of a traditionally rustic structure. On the day, our creative team brought that vision to life, and it couldn’t have been more perfect.

Every single person played their part. Every contribution, big or small, shaped the final result. It was a true collaboration. A reminder that when everyone leans in, shares their talent, and works with heart, something extraordinary happens. And that’s exactly what we created together.