Amidst the unease and incessant clamour of modern times, there is a call to rewild and rediscover the joy that the connection with our surroundings brings. It is little wonder, then, that more and more couples are choosing to take their vows and celebrate their union in wildly beautiful locations where they can feel at one with the elements.
The four natural elements were the starting point for this styled shoot, which captures the beguiling romance of a wedding deep in the wilderness, filled with bohemian accents and earth-friendly details.
“Earth, wind, fire and water were the inspiration for the shoot,” explains wedding planner and stylist Charly Doran of Feather and Fawn. Nestled between Dartmoor and Exmoor, Stafford Barton Estate is a wildlife haven where hunting and shooting is prohibited and nature is left to flourish – a remote and romantic location for the bride and groom to immerse themselves in the wild. Earth was also signified by the warm tones of beige, browns and taupe which carry throughout the details, the crystal favours and the use of natural materials such as clay, wood and stone in the tablescape.
“Feathers were incorporated in the jewellery and flowers to represent the wind,” says Charly. “For fire, we used fire logs to line the ceremony aisle and cosy firepits for the couple and lounge area, while the lake backdrop for the cake and tablescape represented water.”
The effect is mesmerising; shafts of golden light beam on the woodland floor, falling on the roses, textured foliage and pampas grasses adorning the ceremony arch and peacock chairs, while the glow, crackle and smoke of the fire enhance the air of drama and romance. A blend of natural shades and textures, the tablescape slots seamlessly into the canvas of woodland and water beyond, while the gold leaf detailing of the cake reflects the magic of golden hour as it floats on the glassy surface of the lake.
The dresses are beautifully bohemian, combining soft skirts, fringing and lace, the bride’s long hair cascading over her shoulders in a tumble of loose waves and plaits, while the groom’s ensemble brings modern edge to a classic country look.
A keen focus on ethically sourced details was central to this celebration of natural beauty. “The shoot was completely vegan, using all synthetic materials,” explains Charly. “For example, our Clydesdale horse, Chancellor, wore a nylon halter instead of leather and the groom wore a corduroy jacket instead of wool. All the feathers were ethically sourced and cruelty-free.”
Photography Finn and the Fox Photography finnandthefoxphotography.co.uk
Videography Feather Edge Films instagram.com/feather_edge_films
Concept, styling & coordination Feather & Fawn featherandfawn.co.uk
Venue Stafford Barton Hideaways instagram.com/stafford.barton.hideaways
Flowers From The Wild fromthewildflorist.com
Cake Peboryon peboryon.com -
Hair & make-up Laura Elisabeth MUA lauraelisabethmua.co.uk
Décor Keeping It Vintage keepingitvintage.co.uk
Virginias Vintage Hire virginiasvintagehire.co.uk
Dresses Shikoba Bride shikobabride.com
Feather ear cuff & earrings Phat Feathers instagram.com/phatfeathers
Hair accessories & choker Vera Black verablack.com
Stationery Design by Emily designbyemily.co.uk
Bell tent Boutique Camps boutiquecamps.com-
Models Olivia instagram.com/oliviaaharriet
Chancellor the Clydesdale, Feather & Fawn featherandfawn.co.uk
