Lights, camera, action!

If I am being truly honest, it can be tricky for those of us running bridal boutiques to show off our gowns to their absolute best. We are often limited on space, lighting can be tricky and there is only so much a mannequin can show. Likewise, there is an art to getting a fabulous photograph of what is essentially an all-white dress. This is the challenge that Alex Smith, Horsham photographer faces regularly and is a master at.

So, when in February, Alex and I were invited to a meet up with some of the best known international wedding industry professionals for a Bridgerton inspired two-day event organised by Jo Chellingworth, Wedding Co-ordinater for Leonardslee Wine Estate and House we knew we had a unique opportunity. With To Have and To Hire dressing the venue and florist Bud and Flower creating the florals, we knew this would be an amazing chance to showcase the best that the Sussex bridal industry has to offer with a styled bridal shoot.

Bridgeton inspired, the florals, table settings and lighting from To Have and To Hire and Bud and Flower

I assembled a team of the most talented people that I have worked with. Leading on the make up looks was Lucy Watson MUA, a make up artist who is calm, who can take a brief and create the most stunning looks that will take your breath away. The hair look for our first model, Izzy, was created by Gavin Harvie who is well known as one half of the The Bridal Dream Team duo. Alongside Izzy, we had Maisie modelling and her hair look was created by Kirsty from The Bridal Gossip Lounge.

Top tip: give your bridal hair stylist and MUA a written brief and share your vision

Keeping it bridal, romantic and with the inspiration in mind, the three artist were a masterclass in how to create the ultimate bridal look. Having seen how everyone worked together, when planning your own wedding, a top tip would be to give your hair stylist and makeup artist the same written brief, with some ideas of the looks and vision you have in mind. Share this with your photographer and you will have a team around you ready to bring your perfect wedding to life.

Bridal hair stylist, Gavin Harvie and MUA Lucy Watson make sure every details is shown off to perfection.

An early start to the day, we arrived at the venue ready to get our models ready. Much like planning a wedding, hair, makeup, dresses, accessories were carefully discussed to make sure we shared a collective vision.

Chosen were dramatic dresses with lace, sleeves, trains and tulle - this was my opportunity to bring all of the drama to the party, which quite frankly is an absolute dream part of this job. From my selection in the studio, I went for our collection of Rachel Allen Bridal, known for the drama, fabulous satins and lace. These are gowns with the wow-factor, perfect for the grandeur of Leonardslee House.

This Rachel Allan Bridal gown has the longest jacquard train, photographed here at Leonardslee House.

Our friends at Brook Taverner provided us with men’s suits from their latest collection. With beautiful linen fabrics, gorgeous ties, pocket squares, this proves that the guys will not be outshone by the bride. This is how a couple ensure their chosen looks complement each other. The menswear was of the highest quality with shoes and accessories to match.

First, our models went into hair and makeup. With a schedule that meant we had to move quickly, the similarity to a real life wedding day wasn’t lost on the team. With Gavin from The Bridal Dream Team and Kirsty from The Bridal Gossip Lounge working on a model each, they created the dreamiest hair with care and precision. The models, Maisie and Izzy were in their element and were patient whilst hair was primped and teased. Makeup looks were created by Lucy Watson MUA and with the brief to keep it romantic and fresh.

In all, the models were in hair and makeup for around 2 hours. The head chef, Kelly at Leonardslee provided refreshments and a delicious brunch and the morning was relaxed and calm, exactly how you would want your wedding morning to run.

The menswear from Brook Taverner perfectly complemented the bridal looks.

Part of the styled bridal shoot was at the vineyard in Mannings Heath. A more intimate space, it is ideal for a smaller wedding and with rooms for guests to stay, there was plenty of space for getting ready.

The specialist decor company, To Have and To Hire created a lounge area in which guests would gather and this provided a lovely space for the first married couple shots. I would highly recommend this as a way to get your first few moments together as a couple and think about the space inside - especially in case of rain. Being a very cold February day, we were all very pleased to be inside!

Top Tip: look for a space inside your venue where you can have a few moments together as a couple, your first photographs and celebrate with a glass of something sparkling.

For the final part of the shoot, we showcased our Diane Legrand gowns which are the perfect combination of romance and modern styling. The bouquets were an explosion of colour and couldn’t have been a better match for these gowns. It is something having a written brief but with many moving parts and individual suppliers involved, it isn’t until the photographs come back that you truly see the vision come together.

Alex and I were delighted with the results. I hope you would agree?

Diane Legrande gowns are the ultimate in romance and elegant, modern style.