Hillside Elopement That Looks Like It Came Straight From Jane Austen’s Imagination
Rolling hills against a brooding heather gray sky, wild horses, and luscious gowns make this elopement inspiration shoot feel like something plucked straight out of a Jane Austen novel. Everything about this shoot is sumptuous, from the (MULTIPLE) over-the-top ballgowns and the delicate accessories to the whimsical floral arrangments. Our couple arrived in style in a vintage Aston Martin and exchanged vows on the hillside. Then, after a romantic portrait session, and an outfit change (or two!), they settled down for an intimate picnic.
Amelia Thompson Weddings designed this shoot around the stunning Shropshire Hills and wanted to incorporate as many elements that reflected the beautiful scenery as possible. Buttercup And Daisies used colors from the landscape in the floral arrangements and kept them slightly wild and untamed. Sara Cooper Photography followed the couple as they explored their surroundings while Mitchell Films Uk got the whole day on video. Need more of this shoot? Check out the full gallery and read on to hear more from Photographer, Sara Cooper.
LETTING NATURE SHINE THROUGH
With a soft palette inspired by the colors of nature, Sara Cooper Photography and Amelia Thompson Weddings curated personal details and blooms that complemented the scenery perfectly. The result is an intimate but luxurious elopement with a real couple, Tish and Suky. Sara Cooper explains, "As several large weddings are being postponed, we wanted to highlight how beautiful an elopement can be. The setting was stunning via its simplicity yet felt like something handpicked from a fairytale–rolling green hills, heather-lined paths, wild horses, and trickling clear streams. The location is just perfect, and once combined with the latest fashions, bespoke accessories, and wild pink flowers, the tone becomes magical". The Shropshire Hills played host as the perfect hidden gem of a location for this intimate elopement. The added bonus was the pale grey wild ponies which are rarely seen. The stationery was based around the colors of the hills, in particular, the heather.
KEEPING IT WILD
Dried flowers and grass were incorporated into the invites and menu cards to ensure a 'wild' theme remained throughout. The couple ultimately wanted a luxurious elopement in a stunning setting, with every feature being an extension of the scenery. The flower brief was to create an installation that looked as though it was a natural but striking addition to the hills. Blush roses, sweet peas, foxgloves, cow parsley, and greenery were used to create a semi-circle meadow backdrop for the ceremony, which attracted the wild horses and flocks of sheep as an audience (something that was entirely unplanned but welcomed!). Transport was provided by the groom's father–a vintage Aston Martin, giving the trip a James Bond-esque feel.
A FASHION-FORWARD COUPLE
The bride, a huge fan of fashion, utilized three looks. The first was the latest from Suzanne Neville, a structured A-line dress called Amora. The couture fit was perfect and a bespoke jacket formalized the outfit for the ceremony. After vows were said, Tish changed into a pink 'Melia' gown with ruffles of tulle that blended perfectly with the heather hillside and allowed for striking bridal portraits. Finally, the bride changed into a third dress by Suzanne Neville that is so new, it has not yet been given a name. We are honored to have been the first to photograph the stunning piece. A bespoke cathedral-length blush veil was made with handmade flower petals, again, to encompass the theme of nature. Makeup was graduated throughout the day. A clean peachy bridal look to start with an elegant and detailed up-do. For the 'Millia' dress, we added a heavier smokey-eye and earrings hand-made by Deco Love Atelier in Poland. The groom was smart in a classic couture black tuxedo provided by Peter Posh.
ARTISINAL TREATS
A picnic basket was created using organic cheese, fruit, crackers, flowers, and champagne which was enjoyed following a walk down past the stream. The full table set up was then erected in a traditional English garden amongst the bluebell woods and bright pink rhododendron. Finally, the artisan cake was created by the incredibly talented and locally-based Marble Cake Company. Sugar flowers and leaves wove around a three-tier ivory cake. The brief was 'fine art but not too perfect with a sense of freedom'. I think we can all agree that the owner of Marble Cake Company, Kate, achieved that to perfection.
- Accessories & Lingerie: Deco Love Atelier
- Accessories & Lingerie: Sash And Veil
- Banner & Calligraphy: Maria Manuscript
- Bride's Dress: Suzanne Neville
- Cakes & Catering: Marble Cake Company
- Event Planning & Design: Amelia Thompson Weddings
- Favors & Gifts: Bonne Macaron
- Flowers: Buttercup And Daisies
- Groom & His Men: Peter Posh
- Hair, Makeup & Beauty: Abi Taylor Bride
- Jewelry: Botias Accessories
- Photographers: Sara Cooper Photography
- Rentals: Showsystem Marquees
- Rentals: Tipples Tableware
- Rentals: Willow And Ribbon
- Rentals: Bespoke Table Dressing
- Silk Ribbons: The Botanical Dyer
- Stationery: Perch and Plume Designs
- Travel & Transportation: Aston Martin Lagonda
- Wedding Dresses: Millia London
- Wedding Films: Mitchell Films Uk