We adore sharing weddings and inspiration shoots from around the world, vineyards in France, seaside towns in Italy, and sun-drenched ranches in California are often among our favourite settings for serious romance.
But it's always special when we get to share a particularly beautiful backdrop a little closer to home, and we can't think of anywhere more atmospheric for an elopement than the English moors. Rugged, dramatic, and impossibly romantic, Dartmoor in Devon is one landscape that has been inspiring artists, poets and writers for centuries.
And it was also the inspiration for international wedding photographers, Helen Abraham and Adrian Fisk, when they visited England last year and wanted to capture the romance of the region.
And who better to help them, than the utterly talented Sarah of Juno & Joy (one of our fave UK wedding blogs!), who took her cue from the backdrop with wild and whimsical styling.
Elegant and refined, but also stark and beautiful, this shoot captures all the epic, wild romance, Dartmoor is renowned for.
With gorgeous hair and make-up ideas for your own wedding day, beautiful blooms, and chic vintage-style attire and accessories, it's packed with inspiration too.
Enough of our waxing though, we'll pass you over to Devon local, and all-round creative lady, Sarah of Juno & Joy to tell us more about her concept behind this stunning shoot…
From The Stylist
Last summer I was approached by two international photographers – Helen Abraham (a destination wedding photographer) and Adrian Fisk (documentary photographer & film maker) who were about to spend some time on Dartmoor where Adrian grew up.
Knowing I was local, they asked if I’d collaborate on a styled shoot – showcasing the wild beauty of the moor and the talents of local wedding suppliers.
I created a narrative for the shoot using the wild elements of Dartmoor as the catalyst for my initial idea, inspired by this poem by Joseph Cottle:
What hills are those, deserted, brown and bare,
Whose mouldering crags the spoils of Time declare ?
Dartmoor ! thy stately presence I perceive,
Seen first at morn, and lingering last with eve ;
Thy Rugged pinnacles, unfolded clear,
Rising in solemn grandeur, wild and drear.
We follow a beautiful young women getting ready on her wedding – she is refined and wealthy, a fragile beauty and we follow her as she prepares herself, leaves her dwellings and walks through the elements and rugged moor to meet her betrothed in secret.
He looks as handsome and craggy as the moor itself. They journey together towards Hound Torr make private vows…as they travel and she relaxes, embracing her chosen fate.
Her demeanour alters to reflect their surroundings; looser, wilder and more natural. A Pagan hand-fasting ceremony at the top of the torr at sunset.
They enjoy a sweethearts picnic and head home to announce their marriage.
Aside from the photographers themselves every element of the shoot was supplied locally.
Home grown flowers by the awesome Laura Hingston, gowns created and supplied by designer Phoebe Stockman of Devon based bridal label Isabella Montague, hair accessories by her sister-in-law Eve of Bohamies and Jewellery by the divine Erin Cox of Exeter.
Claire Mathers at No:65 and Eve Ashby Make-Up provided their incredible talents and creativity, whilst the Two Bridges Hotel were our incredible hosts for the day – with the first part of the shoot taking place there before we headed off into the depths of the moors for sunset.
Special mention of our models too. Beautiful Lauren is actually an actress who I found via the alumni page of my former drama school in London.
She’s South West based and newly graduated and offered us such a different dynamic as she worked from a story-telling perspective. She was also up for almost everything…kicking off her shoes to climb up slimy boulders, just so we could get the perfect shot.
And lovely Ollie – well he’s studying hard at uni and works back at Two Bridges in his holidays…they loaned him and his dashing good looks to us for the day. What stars!
Isn't it just enchanting? Such gorgeous ideas and stunning photographs. How fab are those head pieces by Bohemies, and the gown by Isabella Montagu, really captures the feel of the shoot too.
Would you consider eloping in England? We think Devon would be the most epic backdrop for it.
Thanks so much to Sarah of Juno & Joy, Helen Abraham and Adrian Fisk and the rest of this talented team of local, homegrown wedding vendors for sharing this special inspiration shoot with us.
Check out more inspired ideas for an elopement.
