Laurie Edwards, Chic Weddings and Events
Marrying your Princess in a fairytale castle, surrounded by masses of luxurious scented florals cannot be complete without a wise old owl to watch over the making of a dream. Nestled in the heart of the Kent countyside, steeped in history and dating back to the 16th century, the elegant Maidens Tower on the Leeds Castle island was rumoured to have been used by Katherine of Aragon’s Maids of Honour during her wedding to King Henry VIII so what better location to provide the perfect magical backdrop for this romantic fairytale shoot than the Tower’s intimate walled gardens.
Inspired by the Italian Renaissance and the French formal gardens of the 15th & 16th century English Tudor gardens and the fabulous heavily scented and brightly coloured flowers that adorned them in perfect symmetry to the grand home behind them formed the inspiration behind the ceremony garden shoot designed and co-ordinated by Laurie Edwards of Chic Weddings and Events.
Garden inspired floor standing floral arrangements created by Chic Weddings and Events lined our aisle with two floral pillars standing either side of our Bride and Groom. Traditional English country flowers of blowsy peonies, garden roses, delphinium, stock, daisies, anemone, ranunculus, viburnum, freesia and craspedia fresh flowing foliage of eucalyptus, fern and country herbs of dill and rosemary added to the explosion of late Spring/early summer colour.
The bride, styled as a modern-day princess, wore a stunning bridal dress from Victoria’s Bridal Boutique. Her makeup by Elizabeth Joseph Love focused on fresh and glowing skin, with soft glam accents in light gold and neutral tones. Her hair was styled in loose soft curls, framing her face elegantly Styled by Kent Bridal Hair. Carrying a structured hand-tied bouquet, she matched the explosion of colours in the aisle while maintaining the simplicity of her gown’s flowing lines.
The groom sported a navy Simon Jacket with a matching waistcoat and classic trousers. His boutonniere complemented the bride’s bouquet, creating a modern twist on the classic buttonhole. For the reception, he changed into a light beige jacket and waistcoat, showcasing the versatility of the mix and match collection by Bennetts Menswear.
And what can every castle wedding not be without? A wise owl of course to deliver the rings supplied by COO Jewellers. Louis part of the Leeds Castle Falconry Team watched over the ceremony conducted by Simply Ceremonies. Inside The Maiden’s Tower the cool stone walls provided a neutral background to allow the florals to bring a contemporary vibrancy to the classic interior but capture the magic of a castle wedding. A modern day typography was chosen By ByBlossom stationery for the invitation and table stationery with the architecture of the Tower and the shape of the windows reflected in the distinctive shape of the stationery with coloured toned paper reflecting the hues created by the florals. Shelley’s Cakes created a textured granite and stone effect to the cake providing a modern twist to flat fondant icing adorned with blousy fresh florals.
Throughout the Tower fresh florals filled the spaces from the sweeping staircase to the heavy wooden front door creating a quintessentially elegant English country wedding within what is often described as one of the world’s loveliest castle’s.
Concept, floristry and Styling – Chic Weddings and Events
Venue – Leeds Castle
Photography – Jeff Oliver Photography
Film – Mac Videographer
Bridal Gown – Victoria’s Bridal Boutique
Make-up – Elizabeth Joseph-Love
Hair – Kent Bridal Hair
Venue – London Celebrant (Simply Ceremonies)
Owl – Leeds Castle (Leeds Castle Falconry)
Menswear – Bennetts Menswear
Jewellery – COO Jewellers
Cake – Shelley’s Cakes
Stationery – ByBlossom Wedding Stationery
Female Model – Lucy (@lucyekent)
Male Model – Charlie (@Iamchuckmonty)
