Sustainable Wedding Inspiration – Styled Photoshoot at The Mule Shed, Herefordshire
By Louise Roberts, May Rose Floral Design
We all need to be kinder to our planet. And that begins by being more thoughtful and conscious of our surroundings, and the future and well being of all living things. I was really keen to apply this to a wedding situation, to show that a wedding can be beautiful, unique and eco-friendly. So here is the low down on our fabulous styled shoot:
THE PHOTOGRAPHY By Che Birch-Hayes Photography & Rebecca Hayes Photography. An amazing duo – chosen for their natural, light images, ability to pick up on unique details and totally being able to catch the moment in the most wonderful light.
THE THEME was a natural, botanical, and bohemian style. With everything upcycled, recycled, and sustainable. Our colour pallet was gold, pink and blue.
The MODELS Dan & Rhiannon George, and their dog Gizmo.
THE STATIONERY By Pigment + Paper. The very talented Brittany designed wonderful detailed botanical artwork on the invitations, menus, name tags and table plan. In addition to this, she created signage for the cake and drinks tables. These intricate designs were printed on paper that, amazingly, was recycled from old t-shirts!
THE VENUE The Mule Shed was chosen as the venue, rustic and natural in style. Nestled in the rolling hills and on a working farm, it was the perfect setting for our photo shoot. This venue has so much character that we were spoilt for choice for photo opportunities.
THE FLOWERS by May Rose Floral Design. All the flowers for the bouquet, flower crown and arch were sourced locally, from two growers of Flowers from the Farm. Garden Roses, cornflower, lavatera, grasses, beech, birch, orlaya, cow parsley, Icelandic poppies, dill and foxgloves. This theme was carried through to the Ceremony Arch, which was created using two upcycled doors and decorated with masses of ivy, birch, beech and fern, with additional florals ‘growing’ up from the ground. All created without foam, and without plastic.
THE DRESS by Stephanie Kyles Bridal. Stephanie worked wonders by upcycling old wedding dresses to create a stunning two-piece dress. The top was layers of varying lace, off the shoulder, with long slashed sleeves. The bottom half had gorgeous cascades of voile fabric, with beading detail underneath. Slightly bohemian in style, it suited our stunning bride perfectly.
THE GROOMS ATTIRE By Bill Child Formal Wear. Our groom looked dapper in this fabulous suit of brown wool tweed, with very subtle flecks of gold-yellow and cornflower blue, topped off with a gold dickie bow. This tied in nicely with the colour palette. Hiring your suit is an amazing way to keep it sustainable!
THE TABLESCAPE By May Rose Floral Design, I used a selection of recycled wine bottles, decorated with twine macramé and filled with trailing plants and herbs, that were suspended over the table. Terracotta pots filled with plants, herbs and succulents ran along the centre of the trestle table, nestled between them were bottle ends containing candles and vintage potion bottles with cut flower elements. All plants can be replanted and enjoyed as a memory of the special day.
TABLEWARE By Beatrice Ambery. Leisa supplied stunning vintage champagne coupes, and green stemmed drinking glasses. Crisp white porcelain plates and brushed gold cutlery set the table off beautifully and keeping it sustainable. Napkins were made from recycled textiles delicately folded and wrapped in twine.
THE FAVOURS By Mr P’s Bees were jars filled with locally produced honey. Name tags were designed by Pigment + Paper to tie around the jars with a cute ‘Bee’ phrase. Supporting those crucial little pollinators for our local food system and supporting a local business at the same time!
THE HAIR by Amy Bemand Hair. Amy beautifully styled our bride’s hair using products from Paul Mitchell, which is not tested on animals. The first style was loose natural waves, which looked awesome with the willow crown. The second style was delicate braids pinned into a bun, and fresh flowers delicately placed into the back of the hair.
THE MAKEUP By Indulge Beauty and Makeup. The brief for the make-up was natural and subtle, and Sam totally nailed it, using nude shades that complimented the bride’s complexion beautifully. Products used, including Charlotte Tilbury products, were not tested on animals A second look was created for some of the shots with a slightly more dramatic look, of longer lashes and a deeper shade of lipstick, an ideal touch up for the evening party!
THE GROOMS ATTIRE By Bill Child Formal Wear. Our groom looked dapper in this fabulous suit of brown wool tweed, with very subtle flecks of gold-yellow and cornflower blue, topped off with a gold dickie bow. This tied in nicely with the colour palette. Hiring your suit is an amazing way to keep it sustainable!
THE CAKES By Couture Cakes by Claire. These cakes were beautifully hand painted with edible paints. Keeping with the botanical natural theme, one cake was adorned with fern leaves and swirling fronds. And the second cake was delicately painted with wonderful meadow flowers, inspired by the bridal bouquet. Delicious meringue kisses and chocolate brownies were also created as sweet treats to be served with drinks.
credits / photography: che birch-hayes photography & rebecca hayes photography / venue: the mule shed / brides dress: stephanie kyles bridal / stationery: pigment & paper / flowers & styling: may rose floral design / cake: couture cakes by claire / hair: amy bemand hairdressing / make up: indulge beauty & makeup / tableware: beatrice ambery / favours: mr p’s bees / grooms suit: bill childs formal wear / models: rhiannon & dan & gizmo the dog!
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