When Hanke Arkenbout – who you’ll know from our recent workshops, our great outdoors editorial and my family photoshoot, asked me to style a bridal inspiration session for her to shoot, it didn’t take too much convincing before I was on board the pretty train. Her work is flawless, her images dreamy and she’s fun to be around. Sold. So with simplicity being the key component for this collaboration, as it always is with us, we brought to life a beautiful concept celebrating the art of restraint. All too often weddings turn into these massive, crazy things that end up costing the earth and sending the bride into a frenzy trying to have a pin perfect celebration. I know. I have been there. What we wanted to show in this collection of images is that it doesn’t take much to create the kind of wedding that dreams are made of, and that sometimes simple is just perfect.
Less is always more, and what you’re about to see is the very epitome of pared back, effortless and ethereal inspiration for today’s boho modern bride. And the team that put this together? So good that it’s no wonder Wedding Sparrow snaped this feature up right away! Get the scoop below and watch the behind the scenes video too, created by Koen Kolkerts from Narratief (the same dude who made my video). And for anyone out there planning a wedding, I hope you take some inspiration away from today’s post.
- For this winter editorial, I chose a palette of ice blue, nude and creams with a dash of peach as an accent and subtle green tones coming through in eucalyptus sprigs.
- We selected two beautiful, simple gowns by Amsterdam based couturier Anita Gates with the most delicate lace overlay detailing.
- We skipped the veil, jewellery and hair accessories opting to keep the focus on the brides natural beauty and the subtle colours coming through in the bouquet, created by MK Floral Design.
The table setting I kept basic, with texture coming through in the rustic wooden table and linen accents on the table. Two tone plates (from Ikea) contrast with vintage cutlery while a sprig of eucalyptus and snippet of thin satin ribbon make for a simple but feminine and whimsical finish to each setting. I created a striking but effortless centrepiece of cream coloured candlesticks at varying heights, interspersed with eucalyptus sprigs. We skipped the tablecloth, multitude of forks and knives and glasses and went for a naked table with one set of cutlery, and one glass. Simple can be so incredibly liberating!
The talented Joke from Jeau& created the stationary with hand written calligraphy. We all fell in love with this verse and decided it was perfect for this ethereal editorial:
“Her song will carry you home on the wind to another sky filled with ethereal beauty unfolding and love everlasting.” Shannon L. Alde
- Seeing these images makes me want to get married all over again! Hanke captured it all so beautifully on film, as she always does.
- But what these images reminds me of is the power of simplicity and restraint. Nothing unnecessary.
- Nothing here that will break the bank, just simple styling, texture in spadefuls, easy table setting ideas and a powerful colour palette.
- With thanks to the wonderful team who helped put this production together..
- The list of talent is below – and making my job as stylist and creative director easy peasy.
- And special thanks to Wedding Sparrow for featuring and supporting our work.
You can watch it all come together in this gorgeous behind the scenes video
- Photography: Hanke Arkenbout
- Styling and Creative Directon: PROthots
- Videography: Narratief
- Planning and Organisation: Rebel by Concept
- Flowers: MK Floral Design
- Gown and Couturier: Anita Gates Bridal Couture
- Hair and Make-up: Lauren Brown
- Calligraphy: Jeau& Glassware: Helene Millot Furnishings
- Chairs: vintage and Dille & Kamille
- Model: Shamilla Malaihollo
- Location: Lijm en Cultuur, Delft, The Netherlands