Coastal treasures shoot at Polhawn Fort

Let the serenity of the ocean inspire a wedding of soft shades and shoreline treasures

The coastline is an endless source of inspiration for a wedding scheme, its many moods stirring everything from a fun, beach party feel or a laidback bohemian vibe to a wildly dramatic look inspired by winter seas. Here, it's the ocean in serene, muted mode that provides the starting point for an atmospheric shoreline celebration.

'Cool pebbled beaches and cloudy sunsets on a September's eve set the muted tones for this styled shoot,' explains Laura Dalton of Kept Weddings, who styled and coordinated the shoot.

Perched within touching distance of the ocean, the stone walls of Polhawn Fort blend seamlessly into the cliffscape, while the cloud-filled skies mirror the grey-blue seas ' the natural tones and textures finding ethereal expression in the table styling. 'Bringing the outside in, the tablescape is scattered with natural shades of stone and taupe, which is echoed through the design of the tiered wedding cake,' says Laura. Delicate draping and a table runner dotted with pearls, clear glassware, marbled textures and fresh-from-the-seashore finds, from shells and pebbles to dried flowers which echo fronds of seaweed, bring a modern yet elegant mood to the ocean theme.

The bride and groom complete the picture. 'A bouquet of dried flowers and coastal inspired jewellery were a feature against the bride's delicate low-cut dress, while the hairstyle, sprinkled with pearls, was designed to represent cascading waves,' says Laura. The soft grey of the groom's suit also slots perfectly into the scene, echoing the hues of the Atlantic breakers.