Oversized Sun Hats, Romantic English Gardens and a Countryside Castle – Yes, Please!

Lauren Megerdichian
October 31, 2019
Categories: Photo Shoot, The Blog, Wedding Decor, Wedding Details, Wedding Fashion, Wedding Style

This stunning editorial from Willow and Oak Events blends classic, old world elegance with fashion-forward details in the charming English countryside. Think Pride and Prejudice circa 2019. The full gallery captured by Julie Livingston Photography features three heart-stoppingly gorgeous gowns, enchanting floral arrangements from Moss & Stone and two unique but equally beautiful cakes from Lemon Tree Cakes. Prepare to get seriously inspired by this heavenly shoot!

From the stylist, Willow & Oak Events… In this couture European garden editorial, we wanted to achieve a true sense of the grandeur of Hedsor House, a Georgian venue in the English Countryside with roots deep in Royal history. Our goal was to bring the infamous gardens to life inside of a traditional home- to mix old classism and new. The images aim to evoke a sense of opulence, a feeling of intimacy, and inspiration that can only be told through a unique story. We’d recommend sitting amidst candlelight with a glass of chardonnay while viewing this dreamy gallery from Julie Livingston Photography! Our bride in this story, Elizabeth grew up in the English Countryside. She had a garden as ambitious as all of her dreams. She remembers as a little girl setting out at sunrise to walk barefoot, basket in hand alongside her mother to see what blooms were ready for harvest. Though her travels eventually took her away from England, this garden was her calm and the pendent for all of her wedding plans.

The scripty calligraphy + custom illustration from Silbia Ro gives a feeling of old world romance that reminds us why we love correspondence where pen meets paper. As loose blooms, silk ribbons, petite perfumes and French ormolu jewelry boxes came together for the styled heirloom detail shots, our hearts were colored happy by the way the refined paperie danced with the Edwardian and Art Deco style engagement rings from the inimitable Victor Barboné. Elizabeth’s wedding weekend started just as many mornings of her childhood did – foraging fresh, organic, verdant blooms. The flirty Inbal Dror gown she wears in the garden is endlessly mesmerizing with its crystal dusted straps, pretty tulle bows and voluminous, sweeping skirt. As she explores the manicured gardens of Hedsor House, the beauty of which is unmatched, she moves slowly. She takes her time between pastel hydrangea corner and lily pond, boxwood labyrinth and old stone stairways and absorbs every tranquil moment of the day. As dusk set in and guests traveling from afar arrived, the al fresco welcome dinner encouraged the in between moments.

Laughter over old stories and shared wonder over what the future holds. The blue velvet linen was draped with a powdery hued silk runner, as ikebana floral arrangements were scattered organically across the table. While the sun began to set over the Thames Valley, the guests took a break from formality, grabbed a slice of cake adorned with sugar flowers and let their antique arm chairs sit perfectly imperfect as they moved to the edge of the gardens. The bride’s princess gown by Lee Petra Grebenau from Morgan Davies Bridal with golden crystal tulle and floral embroidered lace was conjured up in a serendipitous moment we’re oh-so-glad happened. As she awakened the next morning, a misty morning added an ethereal energy to the grounds below where the intimate ceremony was prepared in the Sunken Garden.

Upholstered Dior chairs sit on either side of the old stone pathway that becomes the aisle as Moss & Stone brings a colorful energy to the picturesque landscape through flourishing urn arrangements of open garden roses, dahlias and dainty little posies to boot. Her wedding gown from Lee Petra Grebenau is hopelessly romantic with its sweeping train, beaded sleeves and high illusion neck. Complementing the look is a loose chignon by Carly Cox and natural, yet luxe makeup artistry by Sarah Yeo. Accented with chandelier drop earrings from Sibo Designs, her bridal style is reminiscent of Old World splendor. Meanwhile, the groom was dressed to the nines in a tailored gray suit by Clements & Church. The reception was nothing if not distinguished – handwoven napkins, crystal cut glassware, vintage silver cutlery and rose print plates at each setting. Set against a backdrop of natural wood paneling in the Hedsor House ballroom, the trio of chandeliers above illuminated the scene from above while Paris gray tapers from Creative Candles dripped away romantically below. The cake by Lemon Tree Cakes sat poetically against a painted meadow backdrop as its handcrafted wafer paper accents dusted with gold leaf pointed towards the sky. All in all, it was a weekend that held memories for a lifetime captured beautifully by Julie Livingston Photography.