Wedding Receptions in Cornwall and Devon

California Dreaming shoot

Wedding styling: Californian romance

Bring a West Coast vibe to your English countryside wedding with relaxed & romantic touches

Here in the West Country, we’re spoilt for choice when it comes to breathtakingly beautiful historic buildings to marry. However, as this styled shoot at the 800-year-old Almonry Barn illustrates, choosing an historic building doesn’t mean you have to take a traditional or simple rustic route for your wedding styling.

“With the honey coloured hues in the stone and the variety of textures in the barn it was a perfect backdrop for our ‘California Dreaming’ shoot – where old meets new,” explains Louise at Almonry Barn. “For the overall feel and style, we wanted something super-stylish, on-trend, yet with a slight bohemian, laid-back and romantic natural styling element.”

Shot in late September, the palette of blush pink, candy pink, raspberry, maroon, taupe and gold struck a seasonal chord, as the warmer tones of autumn start to emerge in the natural world. “The maroon and raspberry hues are normally associated with the jewel tones of the colder months – however, the whole palette would be perfect for any season as the lighter pinks, taupe and gold add that fresh, pastel element,” explains Louise.

The stationery perfectly captures the fun, modern aesthetic, combining Perspex and bright colour washes, while the tables sing with colour and playful detail, from the gold accents and Perspex name tags to the high and gorgeously textured arrangements of roses, dahlias, king proteas, eucalyptus and pampas grasses. “The way this floral combination was styled in the barn made the whole vibe really unique for a barn venue and hopefully transports anyone seeing it to warmer climes!” says Louise.

As well as the abundance of eucalyptus and pampas grasses, some retro-style peacock chairs and dreamcatchers fluttering in the breeze serve to enhance the bohemian, Californian vibe.

“Texture also played a big part,” says Louise. “Gold foil, hand-painting, feathered icing and king proteas created one amazing cake table. Together with the flowers in the manger, beaded chandelier and the old wood of the stable feeders, this really encapsulates how achievable it is to have old and new working seamlessly together.”

The stunning ball gown echoes the textured brief, combining intricate detailing with a contemporary, shoulder-baring cut. Such a showstopping dress demanded a more pared-back approach to the hair and make-up, while the groom dons a modern ensemble that ties in stylishly with the vibe and palette. Together with his bride, he looks the picture of relaxed romance against a breathtaking half moon floral installation in the orchard.

Venue Almonry Barn almonrybarn.com
Concept & styling Louise, Almonry Barn almonrybarn.com
Photography Jennifer Jane Photography jenniferjanephotography.co.uk
Flowers Bramble & Wild brambleandwild.com
Floral stands Floral Fabrications instagram.com/floralfabrications
Orchard benches Apple & Bramble Events appleandbramble.co.uk
Cakes Baking Chick bakingchick.co.uk
Catering Pickle Shack pickleshack.co.uk
Dress Ellie Rose Bridal ellierosebridal.co.uk
Stationery Flick and Flourish instagram.com/flickandflourish
Peacock chairs & tableware Keeping It Vintage keepingitvintage.co.uk
Neon sign Bristol Wedding Light Company instagram.com/bristol_wedding_light_company
Hair & makeup Lips & Locks lipsandlocks.co.uk
California Dreaming sign, red sofa & meringue table The Prop Factory propfactory.co.uk
Oyster bar & meringue tower Pickle Shack pickleshack.co.uk
Models Marie & Joe Appleby