While the trend for rustic, pared-back weddings isn't going anywhere soon, there's is another entirely contrasting wedding style that's starting to really take off.
A movement for the opulent, the glamorous and the luxurious, using decadent hues and lavish textures but executed with the same creativity and personal touches as any DIY festival wedding or barn bash.
And this beautiful wedding inspiration shoot by Kate Nielen Photography with Jemma Jade Events is the perfect example, of how to make a luxe look, both stylish and stand-out.
Dark wedding details are notoriously difficult to get right, but featuring sweet treats from acclaimed baker, Elizabeth's Cake Emporium, this team has nailed it, blending romantic florals and rich fruits with the opulence of the surroundings and chic attire.
Luxury weddings can sometimes take a more is more approach, without really taking time to use considered and creative features.
But bringing together some of London's finest wedding vendors, every thoughtful detail, from chic scents to decadent cookies gets a unique, romantic twist.
But enough of us swooning over this gorgeous shoot, we'll pass you over to the lady behind it, the lovely, Jemma Jade Events to tell us more…
From The Stylist
Mirror mirror on every wall, a glamorous wedding inspiration for you all!
The minute I saw the gorgeous mirror room at No 11 Cadogan Gardens, I fell in love with it and just had to have an editorial shoot in there!
This space provided the perfect backdrop to my vision of a glamorous and regal wedding inspiration.
I thereby called upon a group of the wedding industries finest to help me translate my vision into reality. This editorial shoot was beautifully captured by luxury fine art wedding and events photographer Kate Nielen.
The Flowers
The concept for the flowers by Larry Walshe derived from research into still life oil paintings combined with touches of gothic inspired romance.
The use of darker shades alongside the purity of white adds a deep richness to the tapestry of flowers which, when placed within such an ornate and light venue, gives a true sense of opulence.
Sweetened further by the inclusion of decadent fruits tumbling across a lavish dresser and the soft glow of candlelight, this design offers a modern interpretation on the romance of yesteryear.
The Dessert Table
I wanted the cakes to emulate this look, so decided to have chic black and white cakes made by the talented Elizabeth Solaru from Elizabeth’s Cake Emporium.
The three tiered confection featured luxe gold embellishments, gold berries and butterflies and open white flowers.
Elizabeth also made a four tier white cake decorated with gold swags, black acanthus leaf designs and topped with her signature sugar flowers.
The little treats included striking black and gold jewellery design mini cakes, cupcakes, black embossed cookies and cake pops adding to that romantic luxe feel.
The Scentscaping
Scent is an extremely important part of a wedding, this has been picked up by Wick & Tallow – luxury British candle makers. The idea behind their new floral collection is to tie it in in with the chosen floral designs for your wedding and enhance the scent of the flowers within the candles.
A flickering flame definitely adds to the ambience of the event, making it a romantic environment. The votives are also fantastic for wedding favours, ensuring your guests are reminded of the wedding day through scent for many years to come.
For this editorial shoot we chose English Rose & Amber as a floral scent which is a unique and compelling fusion of great depth and warmth. We also decided to work with their bold range, which has the scent of White Fig & Vanilla due to its colourful and adventurous packaging.
The White Fig & Vanilla candle is a finely crafted concoction of delicious fruits and berries. This therapeutic and soothing fragrance is perfect for an autumnal wedding and mimicked the scents coming from our floral décor perfectly.
The Hairstyling
The hairstyles were created by Kasia Fortuna. ‘For the bride I chose a sleek glossy, minimalistic bun, which is popping up on the red carpet with celebrities such as Kendall Jenner, Jennifer Anniston or Kate Hudson wearing them.
By choosing this style a bride will look fresh, current and truly chick. Sleek buns are suitable for any type of gown.
Long hair is so youthful and fresh, and can be made ever so glamorous with a Hollywood wave. This style has been a constant companion to movie starts ever since the 40s.
More and more bridesmaids have been shying away from structured updos, finally letting their hair down. A Hollywood wave is my personal favourite, as it turns ordinary woman into Hollywood sensations.'
The Make-Up
Amanda White talks about the make-up involved in this shoot: ‘For this shoot I wanted to capture an elegance in the make-up but I also wanted it to be bold and quite a statement as I felt the surroundings of the venue are just that.
The black, white and red theme meant that a smokey eye would be quite fitting.
This kind of background was all about sultry glamour, very evening inspired and so I wanted the eyes to be the centre of attention. I created the smokey eye using soft charcoal greys and gradually built up into elements of black, but kept it soft by adding a soft dusky pink and rose gold to accentuate the blueness in the models eyes.
The trick to a smokier eye is to blend everything together so that the effect you are left with is the question where do the colours begin or end, it just encapsulates the eye into a cat-like almond shape which oozes sexiness.
For this to work the rest of the makeup needed to be subtle but flawless. I kept the lip natural using peach tones to again enhance her blue eyes I always think peach nude lips with blue eyes instantly makes the skin look sun-kissed.’
The Attire
Maids to Measure have recently launched their new Maid in Black range for the ever popular black tie weddings.
This new range exudes glamour and is perfect for bridesmaid dresses, evening events and red carpet moments! It is available in three lengths, mini, midi and maxi.
Thanks to Emma Tindley for the striking and feminine bridal gown and to Freya Rose and Emmy for providing us with some elegant heels.
To finish the look of we had some divine pieces from London’s stylish and contemporary wedding and special events jewellery boutique – Olivier Laudus.
These included classical and elegant white pearl drop down earrings, a dazzling emerald cut crystal hair comb, diamond oval cut stone bracelet amongst other regal and exquisite items from Olivier Laudus new collection.
Isn't it beautiful? I just love the luxe fruit and floristry, is really is like something from an oil painting, and bridesmaids in black are always to chic and glamorous, don't you think?
Do let us know what you think of the movement towards creative luxury.
Thanks so much to Kate Nielen Photography, Jemma Jade Events and this team of talented London wedding vendors for sharing their opulent wedding inspiration with us.
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