Creative Director and planner Aleeka Events is very much drawn to the challenge of helping couples create a chic, stylish, and luxe aesthetic without the need for ‘breaking the bank’, and this concept was inspired by just that! With a focus on timeless beauty combined with gilded glamour (and an ever-so-stylish bride) the team created magic at a beautiful 17th-century mansion. Muted and dusky greys and ivory echoed a chic and classic theme, while the gold tones reflected an element of glamour. The white and green florals by Crimson Blue Design are classically elegant and the calligraphy by Judy Broad Calligraphy is timeless. Wookie Photography was behind the lens captured all the stunning details and we know you’re going to love them as much as we do!
From the planner: Avington Park served as the perfect setting for the shoot. The beautiful 17th-century mansion featured elegant Palladian architecture, gilded staterooms, and lush parkland and gardens. The semi-domed conservatory provided plenty of soft natural light and a romantic setting for the tablescape scene. Classic gold-rimmed porcelain plates were styled with gold engraved ornamental cutlery and an assortment of clear stemware. To complete the place setting, elegant menu cards and grey napkins were incorporated. To add texture, a beautiful cotton runner from Kate Cullen was draped across the length of the table, and atop this sat a selection of antique gold and crystal candlestick holders holding tapered ivory candles. Louise Beukes, founder of B.LOVED wedding and lifestyle blog, and art director of Styled by Louise, assisted with the styling of the tablescape and was a great help in putting all the elements together.
Judy Broad created a stationery suite of elegant gold calligraphy on white textured card. The suite included an invitation, reception invite, menu cards, and a witty quote card for the whiskey station. The gold trolley actually doubled up as a whiskey station and cake stand! SWT Creation crafted the grand 6-tier cake along with some adorable mini cakes, and a selection of macarons. The main cake was brushed with gold and featured gilded details and beautiful handcrafted sugar flowers. A selection of crystal cut decanters and bowls held scotch whiskey, peanuts and a variety of garnishes. The ornate antique mirror was sourced and calligraphed by Anastasia from Wedhead. I hope this will serve as an inspiration to couples that want to add a personal touch to their wedding décor.
The bride’s look was glamorous yet elegant. Evie from the Tori Harris Pro Team created a low chignon hairstyle and kept the makeup soft with tones of pinks and blushes. Emily, our model, wore a beautiful silk bespoke gown by Lucy Martin Bridal. Featuring a strapless neckline and full skirt, the gown really embodied the ‘classic’ theme, while her teardrop crystal earrings and alluring pave ring added an element of glamour to the look. To complete the look, a delicate cathedral veil from Liberty in Love added a bit of drama without distracting from the other styling details.
For the bridesmaid look I wanted to create something fashionably elegant. Our model, Sophie, wore a sleeked back hairstyle, a soft smokey eye, nude lip, and statement tassel earrings. Her gorgeous ‘Olympia’ silk dress was from To Have & To Hold, a brand new design house that blossomed from the dreams and imagination of three dynamic designers Kitty, Louie and Ping. Their influences hail from the worldwide wardrobe of Hong Kong, New York and London. After searching the world for elegant yet affordable gowns for their own weddings without success they saw that there was gap in the market and To Have & To Hold was born.
Crimson Blue Design produced the classically elegant florals within such a short timescale. The hand-tied bouquet and lush centerpieces featured Freesia Volantes, Nigella’s, Tibet roses, Spray roses, and a variety of Ruscus and Gaultheria Salal tips as foliage. Hand-dyed ivory and golden silk ribbons by Kate Cullen completed the bouquet and looked beautiful as they drifted in the gentle wind present on the day.
Creative Director, Planning & Coordination: Aleeka Events // Photography: Wookie Photography // Planning & On The Day Assistance: Louise Beukes from B.LOVED Blog // Floral Design: Crimson Blue Design // Stationery: Judy Broad Calligraphy // Table Runner & Silk Ribbons: Kate Cullen // Bride’s Dress: Lucy Martin Bridal // Bride’s Veil: Liberty in Love // Bridesmaid Dress: To Have And To Hold Bridesmaids // Cake, Mini Cakes & Macarons: Swt Creation // Antique Mirror With Calligraphy & Bar Cart: Wedhead // Chairs & Champagne Flutes: Options Hire // Hair & Makeup Artist: Tori Harris Pro Team // Model: Emily Marie Anderson // Model Sophie Smith