Yorkshire-based stylist and planners My Pretties UK have really captured the sense of a glamorous and golden bygone era with today’s ultra beautiful styled shoot at Jervaulx Abbey in the Dales.
Think vintage chic and a strong sense of romance, as we follow the couple around the ancient monastery, capturing the moments between two people in love. Colour-wise, it’s all monochromatic with the white of the bridal gowns and the elegant black of the bridesmaids’ dresses, the suite of the stationery and the array of edible delights, not to mention the fabulous mobile gin palace in a horsebox which slots into the scheme like it was made for it!
The accompanying dress code is black tie and that brings us back to the gowns. The fit and silhouette of the first gown, an ode to simplicity, accessorised with statement earrings and a bold lip, followed by a sexy, sparklier number to compete with the fizz of the fireworks and champagne in the evening.
We’re utterly dying over the impact of the chandeliers hung above the table, suspended from the custom built, foliage covered plinth. Incredibly gorgeous and so elegant, a real talking point for guests dining beneath. And we absolutely love the serendipitous story about the classic car in the shoot so keep your eyes peeled for that one! It must’ve been meant to be!
With images by Natalie Hamilton Photography
>>JEN + ELLIOTT from Jenny Appleton on Vimeo.
CONCEPT
Jen says: A luxurious outdoor celebration bursting at the seams with bold design and dramatic details, this one is for the luxe lovers.
Often outdoor weddings are only seen as suitable for relaxed, rustic or boho styling. With so many couples now sadly having to change their original plans or compromise on their dream luxury venue, we wanted to showcase a beautiful, fully outdoor wedding that still oozed timeless elegance and luxurious details. We went with a classic monochrome colour scheme with a nod to the sheer glamour of the 1920s.
LOCATION
Jervaulx Abbey is a beautiful, atmospheric and charming ruined Cistercian monastery, perfect for a visit or for a Yorkshire wedding or civil ceremony venue.
Situated amidst the beautiful rolling hills of Yorkshire Dales, Jervaulx is the most breathtaking, blank canvas venue you could ever wish to see. Between the scenery, the ruins and the wild meadows, there are just endless opportunities for beautiful photographs everywhere you turn. Shooting into the night gave us the most spectacular results. From daylight to magical golden hour light, then into the pitch black, the transition was just magical to see, with each part of the day offering a new perspective and atmosphere to this enchanting venue.
STYLING
My Pretties UK styled and planned the shoot to perfection. Chandeliers in a marquee? YES! Typical Type supplied their custom built tables with statement lighting which paired beautifully with our monochrome styling, and Emma from The Petal Studios’ white roses and hydrangeas on the tablescape. They also created the most beautiful fairy-light canopy for the evening portion of our shoot.
For the bouquets, Emma went with simple, classy, long-stemmed white roses. A timeless classic and super on trend.
During the day, I invited The Little Gin Palace to the Abbey to provide vintage cocktails from their beautifully renovated horse-box mobile bar. It suited the theme and worked so well at the venue.
Where The Ribbon Ends created two stunning masterpieces. A four tier glamorous show stopper took pride of place on a plinth in the marquee, and a striking bold black single tier with exquisite detailing. They specialise in creating bespoke award winning wedding cakes and celebration cakes
Stationery was done by Somers Creative, a Yorkshire based wedding stationery design studio for couples seeking beautiful personalised touches.
UNVEILED Network Member Stephanie Harpist was invited to bring her beautiful harp to the Abbey. I had the idea to place her under the fairy light canopy, surrounded by candlelight so she could play for us whilst our couple danced and it was just magical!
Wills Marquees provided the marquee, which was handmade in Yorkshire using their traditional materials and old fashioned know how.
ATTIRE
Victoria Robson Bridal supplied two incredible dresses which fit the theme perfectly. Both with a simple, timeless silhouette, with the second dress featuring a touch of sparkle perfect for catching the light, especially when it got darker in the evening.
For our groom, Haworth Menswear went with an elegant three piece velvet tuxedo with a paisley design by Mark Darcy. The bridesmaids wore timeless black dresses from ASOS.
BEAUTY
Hair and Makeup by Saskia is a freelance hairdresser, beautician and makeup artist based in the north west. Saskia dazzled us with her modern vintage look. It wouldn’t be a vintage shoot without the glamour of a pin up finger wave hair style. This, paired with a smoky eye and bold red lip, meant our bride looked like she could have stepped straight out of one of Downtown Abbey’s soirees.
RESULTS
The shoot went amazing. Natalie Hamilton Photography created the perfect ‘Gatsby’ style playlist and we all just had an absolute blast. There is also video footage shot by Jenny Appleton.
One particular highlight which wasn’t planned but was heartwarmingly touching, was the vintage car. A local gentleman just so happened to take his pride and joy out for a ride, had stopped at the Jervaulx Abbey tearooms for one of their famous (and utterly delicious) cream teas when we happened to mention we were doing a vintage shoot. His eyes lit up and he very much adored watching us take some snaps with his car.
