Today’s styled shoot holds a special place in my heart. Not only because it’s a stylish luxe shoot brimming with elegant gold, nude and marsala details (some of my fave colours) but also because it took place at the very place I married my husband – Botley’s Mansion.
Botley’s is such a magnificent wedding venue, a beautiful Georgian mansion full of decadent crystal chandeliers and was the perfect setting for this stylish bridal shoot.
Images by Modern Vintage Wedding. Words by Gemma Sutton.
The theme of the shoot – The theme of the photo shoot was a real luxurious, stylish chic wedding, achievable for real brides. We went for a glamorous gold theme paired with neutral creams and blushes.
This was reflected through the stunning grand venue and romantic styling – lots of interesting candles and table details. The tall centre pieces and sparkling sequin tablecloth helped to add a modern twist.
The dresses by Bespoke Bijou along with the hair and make up by Gemma Sutton Pro Team Gold Artist Miss Platinum reflected the theme beautifully. Elegant and chic textured twisted updos incorporating stunning headpieces teamed with gold tones running through the make up.
Bringing the look to life through the details – Flowers chosen were roses and hydrangea with more seasonal blooms such as dahlia, stocks, astilbe and other pretties.
Our vase choice of golds and mercury glass reflected the moodboards and luxe theme, and we accented with on-trend trailing, hand-painted silk ribbons in soft, complementary nude and (pantone colour of the year) marsala tones.
The colour palette – The main palette focus was our golden theme with complementary nudes and blushes throughout. We also chose to include a touch of deepest maroon red in the flowers to add definition and impact to the neutral palette which worked fantastically to add a bit a drama, and seasonality.
Location and ambience – We chose Botleys Mansion as it has so much versatility. The building itself is rich in history, the Mansion was built in 1765-1769 using honey-coloured stone hewn from the quarries of Barrington and Headington. Standing very grand it makes for some impressive photos outside in the grounds. Venturing inside there was opportunity for us to build the flowered arch for the ceremony bringing in a modern touch.
Following on we moved into the banquet room for for the wedding breakfast – Wowed by the high ceilings and capturing much natural light through the stunning sash windows floor to ceiling with golden drapes working perfectly with our colour palette.
Situated on top of a hill, the mansion boasts views over the unspoiled acres of countryside. This room feels grand but intimate and with all the detail, age and character of the building it really lent itself to the ambience of our shoot.
Flower choice – The floral arrangements were courtesy of Jay Archer Floral Design. Opting for a very neutral palette of creams and blushes to compliment the gold we have running through.
Choosing brides favourite flowers – roses and hydrangea with more seasonal blooms such as dahlia, stocks, astilbe and other pretties, mixed with other, more seasonal and cost effective choices made the arrangements desirable but achievable.
Favourite details – The tall centrepiece on the main dining table, paired with the interesting candles and bud vases around it really capture the whole essence of the shoot.
It is a very layered, abundant, luxe look and, teamed with the sequin table cloth, adds that real wow factor, but with remaining elements that are attainable to the ‘real’ bride too. The ceremony archway with it’s en masse flowers is a contemporary, works really well for a fresh design for the modern bride in an aged venue.
One of our favourite details from the shoot is the flowers scattered down the end of the table, so easily achievable and very effective to break up the vast colour of a table cloth. Simply arrange and pin the flowers as if tumbling down the table.
Styling top tip – If you don’t already have a focus colour, look to the venue for inspiration and see what will compliment the decor to come up with a palette from there. Think about the little details that really bring the look together.
Thanks so much to the talent wedding vendors who are listed below. I adore this luxe colour palette and hope you do too!
credits / stylist/planner: emma something blue wedding / venue: botleys mansion / menswear: tm lewin mens wear / photography: david at modern vintage weddings / make up & hair: addwigs/ headpieces: gemma sutton / floral design concept to creation: jay archer floral design / cake: willow and bloom cakes / bridal gowns: amanda wakeley / bridesmaid gown: eliza jane howell / menus: cotswold letterpress / calligraphy: judy broad / sequin tablecloth: magpie linens / crockery, cutlery, napkins, glassware: options uk / vintage candlesticks, candle holders: classic crockery
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These photos are amazing. They look very elegant and classy.