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Back in September, I called together a team of some of my favourite suppliers to help me put together a shoot with a pretty unique theme. As always, it was a lot of hard work on everyone’s part to make it happen, but I could not be more thrilled with how it came out! Have you ever wondered what the process is for putting these sorts of shoots together? And where the ideas come from? Maybe this will give you a little insight… and you can marvel at the pics in the process! 
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Makeup By Melissa Kay &
Hair By Laura Price
I’ll admit this is something I know absolutely NOTHING about, and from the moment I spoke to these guys I knew we could trust them to come up with something that would work with the theme. By seeing the models and understanding what they had to work with, they came up with some amazing ideas and made super fun suggestions to incorporate the safari style into their vision.
Models
I’m super passionate about using realistic models in our photos - again, what’s the point of a styled shoot that’s totally unrelatable? I wanted the couple to look totally natural, and like the kind of couple who would actually have a wedding like this - and Sam & Jess were… they got married at Elmbridge Farm in 2022!
Key Areas
Bryony put together an incredible brief which outlined the areas she thought we should focus on, and what each part should look like. With her amazing array of props and furniture we already had the perfect basis, but watching everyone else add their elements to the scenes is like watching magic happen before your eyes. How people plan these things REMOTELY, with just a few photos and a description, but then somehow know EXACTLY what to bring and how to make it all come together really blows my mind! That’s how you know you’ve got amazing individuals, and you’ve built a fab team.
Ceremony
We wanted to show people how you can create a really interesting backdrop for your ceremony that ties in with the rest of the theme for the day. Initially, I was really keen to take our photos outside; Elmbridge have a gorgeous ceremony spot with the archway already in position that we would have been able to dress, and on top of that the beautiful safari tent would have been right there in the background! But… the weather had other ideas.
We laughed on the day, as we said it had been the story of 2023. The weather last summer was pretty bloody awful (when we weren’t having the opposite extreme of a heatwave…), and each of us were used to having a Plan B scenario for our weddings just in case there was rain. So we brought the ceremony indoors, and it still looked just as fabulous. At least hopefully it’ll reassure some of you that if the worst happens on your wedding day and you have to bring your outdoor wedding inside, it can still look super impressive!
A couple of Cara’s statement pieces cleverly placed on the archway, some texture and colour added from the drapes and the gorgeous jute rugs along the floor made this space look amazing. Please don’t ever neglect your ceremony space - this is where possibly your most important photos will be taken as you’re saying your vows. You want them to look spectacular, and this is how you do that.
Quick Tip: reuse some of the pieces from your ceremony later in the day, so that they’re not forgotten about or wasted. Move some of your decorations indoors to dress the space rather than buying twice the stuff. If the drapes or flowers are staying in situ, come back here later for more couples photos so that you can really make the most of them!
We laughed on the day, as we said it had been the story of 2023. The weather last summer was pretty bloody awful (when we weren’t having the opposite extreme of a heatwave…), and each of us were used to having a Plan B scenario for our weddings just in case there was rain. So we brought the ceremony indoors, and it still looked just as fabulous. At least hopefully it’ll reassure some of you that if the worst happens on your wedding day and you have to bring your outdoor wedding inside, it can still look super impressive!
A couple of Cara’s statement pieces cleverly placed on the archway, some texture and colour added from the drapes and the gorgeous jute rugs along the floor made this space look amazing. Please don’t ever neglect your ceremony space - this is where possibly your most important photos will be taken as you’re saying your vows. You want them to look spectacular, and this is how you do that.
Quick Tip: reuse some of the pieces from your ceremony later in the day, so that they’re not forgotten about or wasted. Move some of your decorations indoors to dress the space rather than buying twice the stuff. If the drapes or flowers are staying in situ, come back here later for more couples photos so that you can really make the most of them!
Tablescape
This was always going to be a really key element. The decoration on your tables forms a huge part of your wedding as it more often than not takes up such a large part of the room. Plus, your guests will spend a LOT of time in this area, either mingling or sat at their tables throughout the day. We wanted to show you how to create something really impressive in this space.
Bryony immediately knew she wanted to have a hanging installation, using dried palm leaves as well as real plants and which also featured her beautiful hanging bamboo lanterns. It’s so nice to have something that draws the eyes upwards, especially when you have such a tall venue or high tipi hat. Fill that space with something fun if you can!
I love the peacock chairs that Bryony used for the couple, too - it really draws attention to the most important people in the room and makes you feel pretty special! A simple switch from basic chairs to something larger made such a big impact.
Bryony immediately knew she wanted to have a hanging installation, using dried palm leaves as well as real plants and which also featured her beautiful hanging bamboo lanterns. It’s so nice to have something that draws the eyes upwards, especially when you have such a tall venue or high tipi hat. Fill that space with something fun if you can!
I love the peacock chairs that Bryony used for the couple, too - it really draws attention to the most important people in the room and makes you feel pretty special! A simple switch from basic chairs to something larger made such a big impact.
The tables themselves were laid with rattan placemats, cutlery and crockery (including those adorable heart-shaped plates!), a napkin to add a pop of colour, and finished off with some of Bella Peach’s gorgeous stationery. Simple bud vases of flowers incorporated the same leopard print and palm design as had been in the bouquet and the decoration for the ceremony to add some consistency throughout. Candles are always a great choice too, to add a little colour and softness and look so pretty when the flames are lit.
Side note, this was a pretty windy day… the flames were not lit for long…
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Adding yellow to the chairs was a genius decision as it brought together lots of the smaller elements but brightened up the space, turning the attention away from the burnt orange and green which can look really autumnal and giving it those African safari vibes!
My favourite part though was the cascading table runners which reached all the way down to the floor. It really made it feel as though everything was flowing and nothing stopped dead. It makes everything look so much softer and more luxurious!
Again, the way the styling worked with the flowers and the stationery to create one whole was amazing. What a team!
My favourite part though was the cascading table runners which reached all the way down to the floor. It really made it feel as though everything was flowing and nothing stopped dead. It makes everything look so much softer and more luxurious!
Again, the way the styling worked with the flowers and the stationery to create one whole was amazing. What a team!
Welcome
This welcome area was such a lovely idea, and I love the way it makes you think of new ways you can create an interesting display.
The stationery took pride of place here with the welcome signs and seating plan being the main attraction. We again reused pieces from other areas to add to this section, bringing the large plant pots which had been used for the ceremony over to fill this space. We also added candles, lanterns and foliage similar to what would be seen on the tables to make sure each area flowed from one to the other.
What I also really love is that Bryony had this amazing display unit which could have so many purposes, but here was used to show off some of Liuva’s gorgeous succulents and terrariums. Not only did it look amazing and keep the theme of the tropical flowers flowing, but these would also be used as wedding favours which guests would be able to take home and keep. A really lovely way of giving them something different, as well as giving everyone something really fun to look at!
The stationery took pride of place here with the welcome signs and seating plan being the main attraction. We again reused pieces from other areas to add to this section, bringing the large plant pots which had been used for the ceremony over to fill this space. We also added candles, lanterns and foliage similar to what would be seen on the tables to make sure each area flowed from one to the other.
What I also really love is that Bryony had this amazing display unit which could have so many purposes, but here was used to show off some of Liuva’s gorgeous succulents and terrariums. Not only did it look amazing and keep the theme of the tropical flowers flowing, but these would also be used as wedding favours which guests would be able to take home and keep. A really lovely way of giving them something different, as well as giving everyone something really fun to look at!
Lounge
This is something I want to start seeing at more weddings, please!
Again, Bryony’s extensive collection of furniture was perfect for this space but once they added cushions, pouffes, rugs and blankets it looked so cosy and inviting! The colours looked so rich and warm, and I know if I was a guest at a wedding like this I’d probably spend the entire day curled up in here.
It was so great to have somewhere to add some tall plants, too. I think greenery at weddings is so underrated - yes, we’ve all seen garlands of foliage and eucalyptus springs but adding proper plants and trees makes all the difference.
Once again, this wasn’t quite as we had envisioned. We had hoped to actually get inside the safari tent on the day of the shoot and show you what they look like within. However, due to the rain, we thought it best that we didn’t spend too long trudging back and forth around the lake with all the expensive props. Not to mention the fact that we had borrowed a rather lovely wedding dress that we really didn’t want to get dirty. So we improvised and stayed inside. It actually worked out really well, as it filled up more of the space within the tipi and definitely helped the photos look more realistic for you. Nobody would ever really have just one table in a 4 hat tipi, would they?!
Again, Bryony’s extensive collection of furniture was perfect for this space but once they added cushions, pouffes, rugs and blankets it looked so cosy and inviting! The colours looked so rich and warm, and I know if I was a guest at a wedding like this I’d probably spend the entire day curled up in here.
It was so great to have somewhere to add some tall plants, too. I think greenery at weddings is so underrated - yes, we’ve all seen garlands of foliage and eucalyptus springs but adding proper plants and trees makes all the difference.
Once again, this wasn’t quite as we had envisioned. We had hoped to actually get inside the safari tent on the day of the shoot and show you what they look like within. However, due to the rain, we thought it best that we didn’t spend too long trudging back and forth around the lake with all the expensive props. Not to mention the fact that we had borrowed a rather lovely wedding dress that we really didn’t want to get dirty. So we improvised and stayed inside. It actually worked out really well, as it filled up more of the space within the tipi and definitely helped the photos look more realistic for you. Nobody would ever really have just one table in a 4 hat tipi, would they?!
Cake
One thing that is so often overlooked at a wedding is the importance of dressing your cake table! Please don't get your cake maker to work hours on a masterpiece that you have spent a small fortune on, just to plonk it in a wooden log slice (or worst of all a plastic silver stand) and just be done with it. Think about using this space and making a bigger deal of it!
Bryony suggested using her screens which would create the perfect backdrop - the cake stood out so much better like this than against a yellow-y tipi canvas. It might not take an awful lot else to make the table look more inviting… some candles, some fabric, a couple of lanterns or jam jars (in our case a terrarium or two!). This might be another key spot for a photo opportunity, so make it look exciting!
Bryony suggested using her screens which would create the perfect backdrop - the cake stood out so much better like this than against a yellow-y tipi canvas. It might not take an awful lot else to make the table look more inviting… some candles, some fabric, a couple of lanterns or jam jars (in our case a terrarium or two!). This might be another key spot for a photo opportunity, so make it look exciting!
Couple's Photos
Dearest Love always get the BEST couples photos, and I love adding this into a shoot for a number of reasons.
Firstly, it gives you a better idea of what the photographers actually do on your wedding day and the sorts of photos you’d be likely to get if you were to hire them. I really want you to see what one of their galleries might be like - and then go and book them, if it’s your thing!
Secondly, it’s a chance to see the couple looking a little more relaxed and let them be themselves. I totally understand that when we’re doing a shoot there’s going to be a lot of posing and making sure we get specific photos for everyone’s benefit, but as well as these shoots being for us they are also for YOU and I want you to be able to see a more natural side to things too. What would a real couple look like in this situation, and is it something you can envisage yourself doing?!
Finally, because we have a lot of fun at this part!
Getting to see our photographers in their element, snapping away, the couple having a laugh amongst themselves, wearing the sunglasses and pulling faces and goofing around for half an hour... It’s pure joy. It’s definitely my favourite part of any wedding day and we get to basically recreate it for a shoot!
Firstly, it gives you a better idea of what the photographers actually do on your wedding day and the sorts of photos you’d be likely to get if you were to hire them. I really want you to see what one of their galleries might be like - and then go and book them, if it’s your thing!
Secondly, it’s a chance to see the couple looking a little more relaxed and let them be themselves. I totally understand that when we’re doing a shoot there’s going to be a lot of posing and making sure we get specific photos for everyone’s benefit, but as well as these shoots being for us they are also for YOU and I want you to be able to see a more natural side to things too. What would a real couple look like in this situation, and is it something you can envisage yourself doing?!
Finally, because we have a lot of fun at this part!
Getting to see our photographers in their element, snapping away, the couple having a laugh amongst themselves, wearing the sunglasses and pulling faces and goofing around for half an hour... It’s pure joy. It’s definitely my favourite part of any wedding day and we get to basically recreate it for a shoot!
Outdoors
We got a little break in the weather and made an impulsive decision to go outside - if nothing else we wanted a couple of shots with the tipi itself in the background!
We brought the archway precariously out to the terrace and got some of the most gorgeous photos of our ‘bride and groom’ surrounded by the incredible props and foliage. They looked absolutely stunning, and it was a real moment to step back and appreciate what a fabulous shoot we had created and how amazing everyone’s work really was.
What you cannot see in these photos is Dearest Love’s Jim running around in the background setting off smoke bombs… that’s something only we were lucky enough to witness! But the orange glow in the background of these photos looks amazing. As always, BIG recommend for a smoke bomb or two on your wedding day!
We brought the archway precariously out to the terrace and got some of the most gorgeous photos of our ‘bride and groom’ surrounded by the incredible props and foliage. They looked absolutely stunning, and it was a real moment to step back and appreciate what a fabulous shoot we had created and how amazing everyone’s work really was.
What you cannot see in these photos is Dearest Love’s Jim running around in the background setting off smoke bombs… that’s something only we were lucky enough to witness! But the orange glow in the background of these photos looks amazing. As always, BIG recommend for a smoke bomb or two on your wedding day!
Details
One final thing that was super important was to get a close-up of all of the details. The hair and makeup, the name cards, the fabulous orange shoes which looked incredible with this dress! The flatlay which included the invitations and the menus. The bouquet which Cara had made which was everything I had dreamed of and more - anyone else seriously considering having leopard print in their wedding now?! (I may have asked if we could just keep adding more and more. If it were up to me, it would have looked like Kat Slater had thrown up all over it. This is why we leave it to the pros!).
Every time we do a shoot I want each supplier to walk away with some amazing photos that really show off all their hard work, and for not one element to be forgotten about. The whole thing really is the sum of the parts, and I want to make sure we spotlight every single element.
I also loved the little extras that we added to this one - the suggestion which was made to have them wearing a hat and binoculars as an extra nod to the safari theme. It looked absolutely brilliant, and I think these might be some of my favourite photos!
Every time we do a shoot I want each supplier to walk away with some amazing photos that really show off all their hard work, and for not one element to be forgotten about. The whole thing really is the sum of the parts, and I want to make sure we spotlight every single element.
I also loved the little extras that we added to this one - the suggestion which was made to have them wearing a hat and binoculars as an extra nod to the safari theme. It looked absolutely brilliant, and I think these might be some of my favourite photos!
Shout Out
I need to give a massive thank you to Dearest Love for their incredible photography. They are always such a dream to work with; Kerri and Jim are just the best people and when you end up with photos that look like this, it doesn’t get any better.
Elmbridge Farm is also such a stunning venue for your wedding. There’s no denying that the tipis look spectacular, the views of the lake are amazing (although we tried to show you something a bit different this time, it really does steal the show when you’re there!), and there are so many little places to go off and explore (when the weather is on your side!)
The whole team on this shoot were just amazing, and they took a tiny idea that I had and turned it into something far better than I could have ever imagined. I often lose sleep over these bloody shoots, and I always wonder if it will be worth the stress of it all but when you come up with ideas like this, get photos like this, and meet people like this, the answer is YES!
Hope you love it as much as we do, and hope it has given you some ideas for your own day. Have a bit of fun with your styling, and speak to some pros who can guide you on how to make it look fabulous whilst still feeling right for you. And please check out these guys if you’re needing some suppliers - they’re the best you can get!
Elmbridge Farm is also such a stunning venue for your wedding. There’s no denying that the tipis look spectacular, the views of the lake are amazing (although we tried to show you something a bit different this time, it really does steal the show when you’re there!), and there are so many little places to go off and explore (when the weather is on your side!)
The whole team on this shoot were just amazing, and they took a tiny idea that I had and turned it into something far better than I could have ever imagined. I often lose sleep over these bloody shoots, and I always wonder if it will be worth the stress of it all but when you come up with ideas like this, get photos like this, and meet people like this, the answer is YES!
Hope you love it as much as we do, and hope it has given you some ideas for your own day. Have a bit of fun with your styling, and speak to some pros who can guide you on how to make it look fabulous whilst still feeling right for you. And please check out these guys if you’re needing some suppliers - they’re the best you can get!
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