A sunset shoot in Chester

The inspiration 
“At The Bridal Lounge we have a reputation for the most stunning and beautiful gowns for the modern bride,” says Sara Jones. “We wanted to create some inspirational content that reflected the styles of gowns that we offer but setting them with a different backdrop. Nothing is more beautiful than a glowing bride in a stunning gown with an intense sunset and clever use of light. Inspired by Australian and mid-Western weddings, I set about a mood board and finding those important people to work with. Finding the right photographer was the most important element, someone who gets the vibe you are looking to achieve and Emmy from Vanitas Life came highly recommended.” 

The photography 
Emmy says: “The aim of the shoot was to capture the dresses in the glorious sunlight highlighting everything about the bride. Due to the current climate, all my destination weddings had been postponed and I'd lost the opportunity to photograph my beautiful brides in the warm tones of the setting sun. For myself, I wanted to challenge myself to create an aesthetic similar to Australian or Mediterranean weddings. The dresses are so intricate with layers of soft fabric and exquisite detailing, I was conscious to highlight these elements and to have fun with the textures and fabrics. The dresses are a mix between sexy and fun allowing us to create those perfect posed portraits as well as the candid images of the bride giggling with her bridesmaids and dancing in the sun.”  

The venue 
The venue was carefully selected to offer the perfect selection of shooting locations. Pryors Hayes is set in the heart of the Cheshire countryside and boasts a unique style of rustic and countryside charm set within 120 acres of tree lined fairways, lakes and gardens. It was an obvious choice and the team there are extra helpful and accommodating. 

The look 
Daniella Ingle was our chosen MUA. After posting my mood boards on social media, Daniella instantly reached and out and could see exactly what we were trying to achieve with the shoot. Daniella says she was inspired by modern elopements that are more relevant than ever right now. Taking inspiration from the most dreamy locations such as Australia for the ultimate sunset shoot. Giving life and inspiration to our couples who aren’t able to marry abroad. They can still have their dream right here. 

The flowers 
Kate from Perfect Bouquet Full of Flowers and I have worked together before, she is the queen of dried flowers so she was a natural fit for the project. Kate used some super unusual flowers and leaves to create her stunning displays. These included bleached ruscus, gypsophila, grass and fern, fried palm leaves, strelitzia leaves, bleached amaranths and lunar. Of course there was also a lot of pampas grass and 70’s style glass vases. The bouquets were trimmed with ribbons from Silk and Purl.   

The model 
Amber was an absolute joy to work with, she was so professional and you wouldn’t know that while it looks sunny and warm it was actually freezing and she didn’t complain once. Superstar! 

The shoot was planned within a week and completed within two - quite an achievement.  

Steal Their Style 
Photography: Vanitas Life    
Venue: Pryors Hayes   
Dresses: The Bridal Lounge   
Make-up: Daniella Ingle  
Flowers: Perfect Bouquet Full of Flowers   
Ribbons: Silk and Purl    
Model: Amber Jones