text: Hello everyone and happy New Year to you all.
  I’m so excited to be back here writing on the blog to finally reveal all my favourite photos from a wedding inspiration shoot I had the immense pleasure of photographing last February at the stunning Hengrave Hall. The team, as you will see below, was superb and I’m really so proud of the work we all produced.
  You might already have come across a few images on Wedding Chicks, Strictly Weddings or in the pages of the current issue of You & Your Wedding Magazine and I cannot wait to hear your thoughts on this luxury wedding shoot.
  You can read all about the team and about the inspiration of the shoot in the text below written by the talented Elizabeth’s Cake Emporium:
  This shoot was inspired by the hit show The Crown; our way of celebrating Her Majesty the Queen on the occasion of her special jubilee as she becomes the first British monarch to reign for over 65 years. The Queen has shined through the ages with loyalty and affection and she personifies hard work, duty and faithfulness.
  Basing this shoot around the beautiful crowns and head pieces from Botias is our interpretation of what a modern bride with a love for all things regal and opulent would imagine for their special day.
  Raspberry Bespoke Events specialises in creating imaginative, opulent and immersive weddings, events and experiences. Founded by Jennifer Holden, she tailored and constructed the shoot to perfection from careful and considered vendor, venue and dress selection to the creative vision of the table arrangements.
  Choosing the ideal venue was integral to the whole shoot. With 2017 being the year of the crown, a royal connection was imperative. We chose the historic Tudor mansion set in acres of land based on the fact that it was steeped in history and was visited by some of the most notable members of the royal family. For instance, Elizabeth I, another long serving monarch stayed at Hengrave Hall as far back as 1578.
  Duchess & Butler noted for their beautiful tableware provided all the glorious crockery, crystal and cutlery. Inspired by the beautiful ceiling in the dining hall, a stunning green water glass was the first to be chosen. From this intricate piece the pathway to the colour scheme, tableware and the whole feel of the shoot came to life.
  World class floral designer, Fabienne Egger, combined gorgeous textures of greenery inter-twining soft white Ohara roses, sweet peas, white lilac, spray roses and trailing jasmine amongst olive branches.. The floral arrangement was interspersed with cakes adorned with crowns and headpieces cascaded over the sides of the table ensuring the amazing table scape was fit for a princess. Fabienne also created the beautiful sweeping bouquet to compliment the stunning gowns provided by Morgan Davies bridal.
  Renowned high end stationer Vaishali Shah and her team from Ananya Cards delivered the to the brief. The stationery featured luxury invitations, menus, and place cards in a rich gold tone with the most sumptuous of olive green. The stationery was accented with gorgeous scrolls and curlicules whilst featuring a bespoke crest.
  Morgan Davies Bridal stock some of the best bridal gowns in the world. The ball room dresses were chosen for their amazing textures and grandeur and were modeled to perfection by Annabell Ratter. They included the beautiful ‘Ersa Dotterine’ a magnificent tulle ball gown with the most intricate beaded bodice. The second dress by the very talented Jesus Piero, was a long sleeved embroidered floral lace dress.
  From her Aladdin’s cave of delights, Deborah the curator of the most stylish props and pieces provided an array of stunning gold and olive green tea-light holders, mini cupcake stands and crystal napkin rings for the tablescape. Her custom designed crystal candelabra added glamour and elegance to the setting. Deborah also provided a stunningly handmade ruffle table cloth with a tulle overlay for the cake table.
  Boe has a reputation as being one of the best hair and make up artists in the UK, and she created a beautiful canvas on the model including alluring eyes and lips for a regal look. The hairstyles were expertly coiffed which reflected her years of experience working in high fashion.
  She also handcrafted the crowns and hair pieces used in the shoot and she says:
  “The first crown I created was made with the dream of a young princess on her wedding day. I wanted it to look delicate and feminine and free spirited to compliment the Jesus Peiro dress lace detail which caught my eye during the dress selection process. I added individual diamond stones on the frame so the crown would reflect of the light and add radiance.
  The cake crown toppers were made from carefully curated fabrics, lace, feathers and gold and silver tones to give dimension and richness to the table.
  Following the steps of HM the Queen as she becomes the queen, the chapel setting called for a change of dress to the tulle and beaded gown by Ersa Atelier. This was specifically chosen to show power and a measure of independence. There was a need for a more regal crown, created to mirror the interior arches of the Chapel. Encrusted with hand sewn crystals it is a declaration of wealth and strength.
  A long veil was added to suit the grandeur of the aisle and added a “Majesty” finish”.
  Roberta Facchini is a luxury destination wedding photographer of note who regularly photographs the dreamiest weddings all over the world. She has a wonderful aesthetic and her use of light is exemplary which has seen her editorial work being featured regularly in the best bridal magazines. The wonderful images taken throughout the day accurately reflect the grandeur of a regal domain; from the shots taken in the bridal suite to the statesman like shots in the grounds.
  Italian based videographer Alessandro Bordoni was responsible for the wonderful video that gave voice to the shoot. Excellent story teller who capture the emotion of every love story, he was excited by the opportunity to work with some of the most talented suppliers in the UK. He gave his magic to everything he filmed including the flowers, cake, dress and glorious setting.
  Libi from Over the Top Rentals regularly provides the most luxurious and bespoke linen for highly prestigious events including those for the royal family. Their ivory taffeta linen was perfect; with its silk smooth texture and sheen that was reflected in the candle light.
  The cakes were from world renowned Elizabeth’s Cake Emporium recognized for creating some of the most opulent cakes. The tall and elegantly proportioned main cake featured custom made baroque gold detailing and the most realistic sugar flowers in soft white and sugar greenery in refreshing greens to match those on the tablescape. Other edible treats included beautiful cupcakes, cake pops and cookies all embellished with royal crests and regal designs. The treats were interwoven amongst the table décor of flowers and jewels to create a decadent and harmonious feast fit for a princess!
  I hope you’ll enjoy my selection of images and the stunning video from my friend and great colleague Alessandro Bordoni.
  If you’re looking for your London wedding photographer, please do not hesitate in getting in touch. I would love to hear from you to discuss your wedding day and all the details. I also regularly work as a wedding photographer in Italy and as a destination wedding photographer in Greece.
  Wishing you all a wonderful start of the year!!