Here we are over six months into the Covid-19 pandemic, taking stock and haltingly trying to move forward to more positive situation in 2021. In the UK we are still reeling from last week's reduction in the maximum number of people who can attend a wedding from 30 to 15 - a huge blow to the many couples who had made the difficult decision to go ahead with a scaled back wedding this year, and an emotional and financial hit for many thousands of businesses in the wedding industry. Yet, this is where we are and, for many, the idea of having a much more intimate ceremony and celebration, or an elopement, will be taking hold. I've recently been revisiting this atmospheric Autumnal, ranch-style shoot (shot by the extremely talented Carrie Lavers long before coronavirus changed weddings for at least the time being) will hopefully feed into this mood and offer some inspiration.
The venue is Loose Reins, a glamping retreat in Dorset in the south of England, with little Pioneer cabins and canvas camping lodges, located in a natural valley with fields and woodland all around - the perfect retreat for an intimate celebration, a mini moon or romantic getaway.
Dark, rich and intense, with flashes of warm golds, orange and mustard yellow, the shoot is an unabashed celebration of natural details. Textures are really important here, in the bridal hair accessories chosen (we styled our gold Tiny Fern hair combs together with the gold Tiny Fern headband worn at the back of the head), in the intricate lace of the wedding dress and in the wild and rich floral design by Lily Lupin which featured Golden Mustard roses, Eucalyptus, Butterfly Ranunculus and feathery dried grasses.
Texture is also key to the atmospheric and romantic styling. Detailed and layered, the beautiful yet homely props, sourced by Lo and Bespoke, give the rustic setting a richness and warmth that enhances in intimacy and romance of the occasion.
And as for the incredible cake and sweet treats, created by Harriot from Jemima Cakes - well, I don't think have seen anything more lovely and suggestive of Autumnal abundance.
When a colour palette is muted and consistent, it's textures than can convey abundance and sumptuousness, even if your setting is low key and intimate.
More images from this rustic elopement inspiration shoot can be found here on Bride and Tonic. I think the sense of seclusion and romance is compelling. A wedding ceremony and celebration that is small in scale, can still be full of authentic and meaningful details that will add layers of interest, enjoyment and comfort.
Credits: Photography @carrielaversphotography; Styling@loandbeholdbspk; Cake @jemima_cakes; Florals @lilylupinfloraldesign;Stationery @gerilovesemi.paper.co;
Venue @loosereinsdorset; Hair @ladybhair; Makeup @amyrichardsmakeup;
Dress exquisiteofwinchester; Accessories and Jewellery @agneswalker_jewellery; Signs @romsey_vintage_hire; Model @harriet_russell1.