Late in autumn the afternoons close in, casting long and golden shadows upon the moors. Brisk but not chilly, muted but not dark, it's a time of changeover, so beautifully transient and reminiscent of Winston Graham's 'Poldark' and Emily Bronte's 'Wuthering Heights'. Long and distant heaths set the scene for romance in the rugged panoramas, set amongst weather-bent hawthorns and ancient stones.
"The shoot tells the story of two lovers coming together for an intimate marriage celebration at the heart of the Hurlers, the historic Bronze Age standing stones on Bodmin Moor," explains Sarah of Salt & Sea Photography Co., who organised the shoot. "Our goal was to create a romantic tale upon the moors with gentle nods to Celtic history and classic literary works."
Handcrafted in Cornwall by Ailsa Munro, the bride's billowing white gown floats effortlessly at the centre of the shoot, all elements surrounding and complementing its ethereal quality. The bride's auburn hair is woven into a beautifully intricate twist of fishtail and chunky braids, evoking the look of a wild and timeless spirit of the landscape; "a Cathy or Demelza in her own right that belonged wholeheartedly to the stories of the moors", says Sarah.
The sublime setting also inspired the table design for the intimate feast supper: a blend of mustard velvet tablecloths, linen runners, earthenware and beeswax candles. "There were also nods to the more gothic essence of the moors with the table being adorned with lichen covered twigs, moss, dried flowers and cow parsley plucked from the hedgerow," explains Sarah.
The addition of music brings the shoot alive, introducing the sounds of a folk song to the breeze of the moorland. "The folk instruments narrate the concept of shared passions, music and celebration," says Sarah. "In Celtic celebrations of the past, communities would have come together to feast and provide entertainment for each other, and I loved the romantic notion of the couple sharing a song together post-ceremony."
Photography Salt & Sea Photography Co. saltyseaphotography.com
Styling & stationery Claire Chamberlain, Hare & Moon
Dress Ailsa Munro ailsamunrodressmaker.com
Shirt, waistcoat & jacket ASOS asos.co.uk
Hair & make-up Ione Make-up & Hair Artist makeupbyione.com
Flowers Ruby Alice rubyalicedesign.co.uk
Jewellery Hannah Batstone Contemporary Jewellery hannahbatstone.com
