You absolutely can’t overestimate how important music will be at your wedding. A backdrop or soundscape for your ceremony, afternoon and evening will play a huge part in how your day feels. More than that – your wedding music will add layers of excitement, tranquility, playfulness or joy through the day. Key songs will bring memories flooding back – and all of the emotions along with them. All you need is indeed love… and a damn good wedding soundtrack!
This photoshoot was made to inspire your creativity, music lovers! The dreamy colour palette and 70s music scene nostalgia run through every element, and it’s utterly fabulous. As always, I’ll share my favourite images on instagram @englishweddingblog – see you there!
Concept and content creation: A Whole Lot of Rosie
Photographer: Little Rose Photography
Hair accessories and jewellery: The Lucky Sixpence
Venue: The Bell in Ticehurst
Dress: Mothers Daughter
Suit: Howard & Co
Hair: Hair Design by Lauren Mummery
Makeup: Samantha Campbell
Venue Styling: Creative Venue
Stationery: A Whole Lot of Stationery
Florist: Madgicks
Painted glasses: The Last Little Details
Napkins: The Embroidered Napkin Company
Banner: Daydreamer Creative Studio
Confetti: Your Confetti
VW and Crepe Van: Buttercup Bus
Photo booth and Glitter: Lucy’s Glitter Box
Lollipops: Emily’s Lollies
Garter: Garter Me Good
Models: Anisa & Wes
Previously featured on Unconventional Wedding
Words by A Whole Lot of Rosie
This photoshoot was inspired by the model Bride’s tattoos of The Beatles and David Bowie.
I first met Anisa when we worked together at The Dockyard in Chatham and she strutted into the office with her Wolf cut hair, the most impressive winged eyeliner for so early in the morning and a pair of brown flares and I thought… firstly she’s so cool and secondly I have to get her on a shoot!
My business is named after the ACDC anthem my Dad would play me as a little girl ‘ A Whole Lot of Rosie’ so I knew a music inspired shoot was needing to be planned.
I wanted to bring together groovy 70s vibes, warm golden hues, and a whole lot of personality. From dreamy yellows and burnt oranges to peachy pastels, every detail sings in harmony and complimented each other.
I started with Sylvia as photographer as her cinematic and nostalgic photography was the perfect fit for this shoot and her work is quite simple phenomenal. She then suggested the gorgeously quirky venue, The Bell in Ticehurst, a place where you gasp as you walk into every room!
We made this shoot a celebration of free-spirited love, bold self-expression, and the timeless power of music and all it inspires.
If your English summer is on the unpredictable side, allow us to share some sunshine with you! I adored this playful and colourful inspiration when it landed in my inbox – the flowers are incredible and every photo feels like summer. An utterly beautiful way to style a wedding which would work in any space from a barn to a tipi to a country house. Huge thanks to lovely Danielle from Blotted Ink Photography for sharing it with us!
This styled shoot aims to show that traditional can be anything but subtle, mixing vibrant pastel pops and luxe styling with ALL THE FLORALS. The tranquil setting of Symondsbury Tithe Barn and the surrounding gardens creates a perfect backdrop for for a summer wedding.
www.blottedinkphotography.co.uk
www.gabrielleelizabeth.co.uk
www.symondsburyestate.co.uk/weddings
www.theluckysixpence.co.uk
www.atcakeartistry.co.uk
www.ambiencevenuestyling.com
www.thebridalbox.co.uk
www.brionysbeauty.wixsite.com
www.solemniko.com
www.teazleandbear.co.uk
www.scribe-stationery.co.uk
www.taddlefarmtents.co.uk
Our stunning model Alexandra wears the ultimate dreamy layered dress from The Bridal Box.
This styling is all about the flowers, and the wonderful Teazle and Bear‘s gorgeous floral installations that pair beautifully with styling from Ambience Devon South, reflected in the delicate stationery and ribbon place names from Lyme Regis based calligrapher Scribe Stationery.
The inspiration behind this inspiration photoshoot was ‘a Modern Beatrix Potter wedding, with just a dash of Bridgerton’ – and the suppliers came together to utterly deliver! From the delicious lemon curd tarts and naked cake from AT Cake Artistry, the delicate veil options from Gabrielle Elizabeth, stunning headpiece and earrings from The Lucky Sixpence to the gorgeous make up from Briony’s Beauty – the devil truly was in the details!
The overall finished look was truly breathtaking, and the perfect way to show you that pastels don’t have to mean muted, and that colourful shots work beautifully for traditional weddings as well as alternative!
As I write up this gorgeous styled wedding for you today, I’m humming “Black Tie“. Having spent Friday evening watching the incredible left-wing, butch lesbian protest folk singer Grace Petrie in Gateshead, this joyful LGBTQ+ wedding inspiration couldn’t feel more perfect to share with you today. For any wedding photographers reading, please send in your photoshoot and real wedding submissions here!
Photography https://doodahphotography.co.uk/
Retro Arcade, Love Letters, Neon Signs and Audio Guest book https://www.dreamsceneeventsandweddings.co.uk/
Venue https://derbymuseums.org/museum-of-making/venue-hire/
Make up https://www.lifeofabeautygirl.com/
Hair https://www.facebook.com/killercontourz
Suit https://www.jonpaulmenswear.co.uk/
Dress https://www.ashleighrichards.co.uk/
Rings https://www.invictusrings.com/
Flowers https://somethingnewflorals.com/
Getting married in one of Derby Museums’ prestigious venues comes with benefits. “We couldn’t resist styling a photoshoot in which we imagined our models, Sammy and Liv had snuck away from their reception for a few minutes alone-time amongst the museum’s varied and unusual collection of exhibits.” ~ Venue Hire Assistant and photoshoot coordinator Annie Bayliss
Recently engaged real couple, Sammy and Liv were only too happy to get glammed up and have a practice run at wedding photos ahead of their big day. Liv was dressed in traditional black tie. Her suit, supplied by Jon Paul Menswear, features a dinner jacket with narrow shawl lapels to suit her petite frame and a horseshoe waistcoat for a formal look. Her outfit is fashionably oversized, with long sleeves and slouchy trouser legs. Pairing the suit with a casual boot instead of formal footwear gives this traditional outfit a more grungy alternative twist.
Sammy wears a beautiful strapless gown from Ashleigh Richards, which offers a flattering silhouette and is a timeless classic. The beaded shoulder details add a touch of evening glamour to the clean lines of this unfussy dress. As does the cape-style veil which flows from the back of the dress rather than the head. The cut of this dress fits really well with the placement of her tattoos and Sammy brings a touch of personality to the look by sneaking a pair of white Converse Chuck Taylor high tops under her dress.
Sammy’s wedding ring was created by Invictus Rings who offer hard-wearing, hypoallergenic rings designed to stand the test of time. This design is made by blending two different grades of stainless steel to create a Damascus pattern which will appear differently if you choose a beveled or a curved ring profile.
Both of the ladies’ make up was done by Life of a Beauty Girl. Sammy wears a dark smokey eye which perfectly compliments the evening dress and her dark hair. Liv has gone for a barely-there make up look with peachy skin tones and a beautiful highlight on the cheek to give her dewey, fresh looking skin. Their hair was styled by Killer Contourz, Sammy wears her long hair in a fashionable up do at the nape of her neck with long curls framing her face. Liv’s short hair is dramatically swept to the side and given lots of body and texture.
Flowers were supplied by Something New Florals. The bouquet features anthuriums, hydrangea and trailing amaranthus in muted green tones for a structural look; complimented by softer peach anemones, white peonies and purple stocks. The bold purple calla lilies add contrast and drama. The same blooms are used in the modern pocket square arrangement which takes the place of a traditional buttonhole.
Derby Museums offer several unique spaces across the city in which to get married. Amongst them is the Museum of Making. Housed in an old silk mill, which was the world’s first factory, the Museum is a celebration of manufacture and industry. It boasts a large function room suitable for ceremonies and receptions; but it was a rather special area called ‘The Assemblage’ where the team whisked Sammy and Liv for some intimate portraits amongst the museums collection of over 30,000 objects which catalogue over 300 years of making.
Photographer Emma Duder of Doodah Photography said “This shoot was so much fun. I gave our models the brief that they were slightly tipsy, and had run away from their party at the end of the evening to snatch a few private moments together. They absolutely nailed it and we ran the shoot exactly as I would a real wedding portrait session, resulting in some natural and fun moments which perfectly capture their excitement, joy and love for each other”
To add to the fun, a few hireable props were snuck in amongst the museum’s collection. The retro arcade, LOVE letters, Neon signs and audio guestbook were all supplied by Dream Scene Events and Weddings. These gave the models something to interact with in order to capture some candid, unposed moments and really added to the fun and relaxed atmosphere which needed no staging.
So, this is your permission to take the time at the end of the day, when all the stressful bits like aisle-walks and speeches are done, to run off for a few moments together, with your photographer in tow, to make and record some core memories. And remember, this photoshoot really proves that when a venue speaks for itself, you should let it do all the talking.
It’s not often I get to blog an editorial I was a part of – so today I’m more excited than ever to share this stunning collaboration by the loveliest group of people I’m delighted to call friends. (They’re all incredible talents too!) I really hope this will inspire you to use colour to create a wedding look with real heart and soul! Ash from In The Meadow Floral Design came up with the gorgeous concept for this wedding look with rich, vibrant flowers full of texture and fun, in the most amazing colour palette. Images are by lovely, talented Lake District wedding photographer Hannah Hall Photography, at Holesfoot in the Eden Valley. My calligraphy plays a little part, dressed in purple and gold.
Concept and words by Ash, In The Meadow Floral Design – a superbly talented wedding florist with the loveliest eco-conscious floral design studio. In The Meadow Floral Design excels in beautiful, seasonal modern garden-inspired flower styling with a lush country garden, wildflower aesthetic.
Your Holesfoot wedding supplier list
Photographer – Hannah Hall Photography
Venue – Holesfoot
Floral styling and concept – In The Meadow Floral Design
Cake – Wren Cake Design
Content curator – The JN Collective
Dress from Bridal Collection of Lancaster
Designer – Sincerity
Table styling and candles – Deborah Marie Wedding Styling
Table plan cards, place card scrolls and calligraphy – By Moon & Tide
Make up – Megan Hartley Make Up Artist
Hair – Hair by Emma Kelly
Models Holly & Liam aka The Ellison-Fosters
Headpieces – Raven Millinery
Lights – Eden Event Hire
Owls – Cumberland Bird of Prey Centre
As soon as I spotted Holesfoot’s starry night sky installation on Instagram, I was completely enchanted and instantly knew it would be the most magical setting for a styled wedding shoot. And so, like so many couples do at the beginning of their wedding planning journey, I turned to Pinterest to help me gain further inspiration and realise my full vision.
My Pinterest board quickly filled with rich, luxurious dark purple florals, beautifully contrasted by unexpected pops of bright pink and golden mustard tones (not the most obvious palette choice for a Spring shoot). Led by this palette, I found myself drawn to images of moody, romantic atmospheres with soft candlelight, delicate textures, and dreamy, celestial details.
Whilst the vision for this shoot had become crystal clear, what had also become apparent was the need for very low light conditions, in order for this vision to truly come to life.
I’ll admit, I was uncertain if my idea was even possible (something to always be cautious of when using Pinterest for creative inspiration) – with my main concern being how this would all work from a photographer’s perspective. Thankfully, after reaching out to Hannah Hall Photography, she assured me it could be done—and beautifully so. With her expertise, the concept felt achievable, and I was even more excited to see it come to life.
And so to bring it to life, I began carefully selecting a team of insanely talented suppliers, who I knew could really help transform this concept into reality:
Hannah Hall Photography – a highly experienced and skilled photographer, who not only captured the most beautiful images but got really creative with those low-light conditions.
The JN Collective – these guys are absolute masters of capturing beautiful content, Nicola documented the shoot with incredible attention to detail, preserving those magical moments
Deborah Maria Wedding Styling – I chose Deborah for her incredible attention to detail, which I knew would make for the most breathtaking styling.
By Moon and Tide – whose elegant calligraphy and hand-drawn illustrations captured the celestial feel perfectly, helping to really elevate the feel of the shoot. The scroll place names and seating plan were absolutely exquisite, adding a beautifully bespoke touch.
Wren Cakes – a true artist when it comes to cake design, who can take any brief and create the most spectacularly stylish centrepiece
Raven Millinery – whose intricate headwear reflected the shoot’s luxurious yet playful feel—perfect for fun-loving, untraditional couples.
Megan Hartley – the most skilled makeup artist I know, who listened carefully to my atypical bridal brief and brought it to life with absolute perfection.
Emma Kelly – a boho hair wizard, recommended to me for her exceptional styling skills—and she absolutely delivered, creating an effortlessly romantic look.
Bridal Collection Lancaster – a super friendly, inclusive, down-to-earth bridal store with a stunning selection of dresses, making it easy to find the perfect gown to complement the ethereal theme.
Together, we crafted a scene that felt otherworldly—lush, atmospheric, and filled with a sense of cosmic romance.
A sunny day at the edge of winter brings so much joy, don’t you think? Skies full of sunshine always make me smile – and today they’re turning my thoughts to sunny summer weddings. It’s a treat to be sharing this elegant photoshoot, sent in by Daniel Franchina Weddings, which is all about inspiring YOU to bring sunshine into your wedding styling! The pops of lemon and delicate blues on Riva Events’ cake and stationery are a wonderful palette reminiscent of Sicilian summertime. Paperpom PVM’s giant flowers as a backdrop are divine – they’re available for hire and very highly recommended! Gorse Hill Hotel lends a timeless feel and models Hailey and Andy are gorgeous and sophisticated as can be.
“Sicily Meets Surrey” is a captivating styled photoshoot concept that brings the warmth, vibrancy, and elegance of the Mediterranean to the picturesque English countryside. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Gorse Hill Hotel in Surrey, this project is a harmonious fusion of two distinct styles — Mediterranean charm and English sophistication. The result is a joyful celebration of culture, colour, and creativity, showcasing how effortlessly the essence of Sicily can meet the heart of Surrey.
Wedding supplier credits
https://riva-events.co.uk/
https://www.danielfranchina.co.uk/
https://www.wwedding.co.uk/
www.jurioluti.com
https://www.rubello.co.uk/
https://fratantoni.it/it/
https://www.byrebeccaeve.com/
http://www.emfd.co.uk/
https://www.gorsehillsurrey.com/
The project was born from a lively conversation between Irene, a talented photographer at Daniel Franchina Weddings, and Vanessa of Riva Events. Inspired by their shared passion for blending cultural elements, they envisioned a wedding aesthetic that captures the sunny, joyful vibes of Sicily while embracing the timeless elegance of England.
The Vision
The design beautifully integrates Mediterranean hues—vivid blues reminiscent of the Sicilian sea and vibrant yellows evoking fresh lemons—with the lush greens of the English countryside. This harmonious palette mirrors the natural beauty and energy of both regions. At its heart, the project celebrates the idea of connection: the union of two unique styles into a cohesive and breathtaking visual story.
The architecture of Gorse Hill Hotel provided the perfect canvas for this vision. Its elegant yet approachable design complements the Mediterranean flair, blending effortlessly with pops of colour, rustic textures, and artisan touches. Together, the setting and styling reimagine a wedding that is sophisticated, simple, and full of life.
The Styling
Key to the styling was the inclusion of artisanal Italian craftsmanship, most notably the exquisite maiolica ceramics provided by Fratantoni Ceramiche. Renowned for their hand-painted designs and vibrant patterns, these pieces brought authenticity and artistry to the tablescape, creating a striking visual connection to Sicily. The ceramics, exported globally, added an unmistakable touch of Mediterranean luxury to the shoot.
The décor was thoughtfully curated, featuring elements like olive branches, lemons, and soft linens that evoke the relaxed elegance of an Italian celebration. This was seamlessly paired with English florals, vintage-inspired glassware, and the natural greenery of the countryside to achieve a balanced, vibrant aesthetic.
The Experience
The collaboration involved a talented team of professionals, each contributing their expertise to bring the concept to life. From the creative styling to the meticulous attention to detail, every aspect was designed to capture the essence of joy, love, and culture that defines both Sicily and Surrey.
The result is a wedding inspiration that is as stylish as it is heartfelt—a perfect blend of Mediterranean warmth and British refinement. The shoot not only highlights the beauty of merging cultures but also serves as a testament to the magic that happens when creativity and craftsmanship come together.
The team produced a really insightful behind the scenes video, which shows just how much passion and pride goes into creating wedding inspiration like this. It’s a wonderful watch:
Wedding colour
Together, these colors created a wedding setting that felt like a love story between two worlds—the sun-kissed charm of Sicily and the serene beauty of the English countryside.
The venue
Gorse Hill in Woking is one of Surrey’s best wedding venues. Our elegant Edwardian Mansion in the beautiful Surrey countryside offers the perfect backdrop for your special day.
To find out everything you would need to know about the wedding facilities here at Gorse Hill, from rooms and ceremonies to packages and menus, please download our wedding brochure and do not hesitate to get in touch with our dedicated team for more information.
Wedding gown
The stunning wedding gowns from W Wedding London perfectly blend modern elegance with timeless sophistication. The first dress, with its sleek silhouette and daring thigh-high slit, exudes confidence and contemporary charm. The second gown, adorned with intricate lace and delicate floral details, brings a touch of romance and ethereal beauty. Both styles effortlessly complement the luxurious setting, making them perfect for a bride who wants to feel both glamorous and graceful on her special day.
Jurio Luti
For our Mediterranean Manor shoot, we had the pleasure of featuring a stunning men’s suit from Jurio Luti—a brand known for its timeless elegance and people-centered values since its founding in 2011.
To seamlessly blend the vibrant spirit of Sicily with the refined charm of the Surrey countryside, we chose a sophisticated color combination: rich dark blue and bold yellow.
Dark Blue – Classic and elegant, it added depth and refinement, perfectly complementing the natural greens of the countryside.
Yellow – A nod to Sicilian warmth, sunshine, and tradition, bringing a fresh and modern contrast to the look.
Floral and decor
For our Mediterranean Manor shoot, we designed stunning centerpieces that perfectly balanced elegance and simplicity, blending the warmth of Sicily with the charm of the English countryside.
Featuring soft white roses and fresh lemons, these arrangements beautifully complemented the Italian majolica tiles, adding a touch of Mediterranean flair.
Every detail was thoughtfully curated—from the blue runners elegantly draped across the tables to the delicate tableware that enhanced the timeless aesthetic. The blue bows on the chairs added a subtle yet sophisticated accent, tying the whole look together with effortless charm. The result? A tablescape that felt warm, inviting, and effortlessly stylish, creating the perfect atmosphere for a Mediterranean-inspired celebration.
