Garden Wedding Cornwall

Drawing on inspiration of the English Victorian era and the story of Dorothy Fortescue who made Boconnoc House her home in the late 1800s, this elegant styled shoot embraces the history of the estate and the natural botanicals of the Dorothy Garden that lies within.

"The Dorothy Garden encapsulates the quintessentially English country garden; roses, magnolias, lush green lawns, ornate fountains, pretty little walkways, and rustic nooks," says photographer Debs Alexander. "We wanted to showcase this wonderful feature at Boconnoc, a unique little slice of paradise that's now sanctioned for marriages, and the romantic setting of a sunken Georgian Bathhouse that sits within the grounds."

Taking its cue from the changing seasons, the shoot exudes an organic aesthetic, touching on botanicals, English flowers and nature, evident in the whimsical stationery teamed with dainty hedgerow flowers hand-picked from the estate, with loose cotton reels adding to the dreamy mood against the dark mahogany.

"A Victorian bureau is used to display the wonderful cake creations, filled with flavours of lemon and elderflower and finished with hedgerow flowers from the estate including cow parsley and sorrel, along with intricate gooseberry fool tartlets and lemon tarts. The flavours hark back to popular ingredient combinations of the late 1800s and offer a contemporary twist with the sleek and neutral tones of the finish," says Debs.

A wild flower reference book creates a fitting backdrop for the gold wedding band and seaweed ring dotted with rose-cut diamonds, possessing a sea-worn character to keep the aesthetic as natural as possible. Wildly beautiful blooms add a rustic, ethereal feel, while the bride's gowns flow with a Victorian delicate lace effect, complemented by loose and natural hair styling.

Stepping into the long grass, vintage crystal bottles and pretty etched glasses sit in the dappled light for a drinks reception immersed in nature. The ceremony spot at the top of the Dorothy Garden features a wedding arbour, making a beautiful backdrop for intimate through to large-scale ceremonies. Then there's the Georgian Bathhouse, a unique ceremony and dining space, which sets the scene for a dreamily elegant wedding feast dressed with a palette of natural shades and barely-there blush.

The elegant bride, feminine and delicate, framed perfectly before a cascade of camellias and delicate blossoms in the gentle breeze combine to captivating effect, bringing the story of Dorothy Fortescue alive in the setting of her own magical garden.