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I recently put out a press request for images for my latest Wedding Magazine column… and I’m thinking along the lines of something blue.  Each month, I forage my way around the internet, old blog posts and new submissions until I curate a beautiful inspiration spread for my favourite National glossy (I still have to pinch myself that they invited me to be a columnist for them!). 

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{Incidentally, if you would like to submit some images for consideration please email me julia@bridesupnorth.co.uk, I’d love to hear from you!}

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These styled civil partnership images were sent to me by friend of the wedding blog Rebecca of Pretty Little Trio – who so kindly lent her gorgeous vintage cake stands for the last Brides Up North Tweet Up North West – and I just had to share the shoot with you in it’s entirety. 

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Rebecca says:  We wanted to style a civil partnership vintage tea party shoot – with hints of Old Hollywood Glamour & delicate burlesque. We drew inspirations from old Hollywood glamour, soft burlesque, striking floral designs, pale blue, deep blue, white and red, vintage crockery, silver teapots & cake stands, vintage books, strawberries, balloons, red hearts, bluebells, two bluebirds, show stopping birdcage veils, apple orchards, red roses, white orchids, red lips, white apple blossom, birdcage wedding cake, little birds and frilly lace knicker cakes!  

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The shoot’s inspiration evolved over time and adapted to what the British weather threw at us on the day!  Heather (florist & fascinators) and I had an idea about using a bluebell woods for a soft burlesque /old vintage Hollywood inspired shoot. Burlesque is often in a Boudoir setting and so to put in a more natural one was a really exciting concept.  

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Adam (our photographer) and I wanted to work on a shoot together at Combermere Abbey, and as luck would have it the venue has a bluebell woods. Combermere loved the idea of something a bit different so plans were pulled together to organise everything to catch the bluebells in bloom.   

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Heather and I worked on pulling the concept and team together and asked Naomi and Nicky if they would like to be involved.  I met the girls at one of my Secret Vintage Tea Party events, they are engaged to be married next year and knowing that Naomi loves burlesque, we managed to persuade them to get involved. .

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Taking the blue of the bluebells as the colour scheme Heather and I wanted a real shot of a different colour as an accent to contrast with the natural blues.  A pair of blue Vivienne Westwood shoes called ‘Lady Dragon’  gave us the inspiration we needed (good old Viv!) with their red hearts, it fitted the whole burlesque/ vintage tea/ light hint at Alice’s red queen of hearts (the tattoo on Naomi’s feet by the way is a quotation from Joan of Arc!) 

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Of course looking at the photos you’ll be wondering … where are the bluebells? Well unfortunately the day of the shoot arrived and there had been so much rain in the run up to it and so much rain on the day that ‘Mav’ the gorgeous white horse (yep we had a horse lined up) was the only creature with appropriate footwear to get to the bluebell wood: it was completely impassable in wellies/waders and we’d have had a glasto style shoot not a burlesque one!  So we had to settle with the gorgeous glass house and orchard instead, which turned out beautifully and still gave us the natural look we were after.  As for the bluebells… there is always next year!

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Adam Capper Photography is a talented and experienced photographer, down to earth and skilled at getting ‘that shot’.  He has a true natural talent for capturing the beautiful, unique and the real. Always off shooting a rock star or recording a happening, he has a passion for nostalgic photographic techniques but with the know how and kit of the modern too. He has captured the contrast between the vintage feel and the contemporary elements of this shoot.

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Rebecca of  Pretty Little Trio Vintage China Hire has a true passion for vintage crockery and styling and loves to use it in both traditional and contemporary ways.  Her beautiful and extensive vintage china collection (of over 600 teacups and saucers!) can tie in to most themes and the red and blue vintage colours show how versatile vintage styling and china can be and can be incorporated into many different styles of  weddings (and always so much better than a boring plain white cup!). Tea (or gin or champagne!) always tastes better out of bone china!

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Setting the scene, the delicate vintage china tea cups and teapots, all pale blues, deep blues, red polka dots and red roses to suit the burlesque tea party theme, sit with the glamorous decadent silver tea pots and silver cake stands with juicy red strawberries and flowers. Little finishing touches draw on the vintage elements of the shoot such as red and blue leather bound vintage books and a deep blue vintage leather suitcase.  

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Living Colour Design source their diverse selection of flowers and foliage from countries such as Costa Rica, Malaysia and Holland; not forgetting the beautiful British variety! Leading florist and proprietor Heather has a wealth of experience and ability with a natural flair for creativity. She thinks of floristry as an art form using textures, shape and colours to create striking designs.

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The beautiful handmade birdcage fascinator by Hummingbird is a "Hollywood show-stopper" creation with stunning white detailing and draped white veiling. Each piece is unique and made to order and for each individual.  

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Heather and I were delighted when the lovely Kirsten, manageress of Amy Louise Bridal gave up her Sunday to come down to the shoot with a selection of her fabulous dresses. We had given her a brief and she had found the perfect gown for Naomi, which really pulled together the feel of the shoot. The bodice extenuated Naomi’s curves, the detailing was stunning and the tea length tulle dress was exactly the look and feel we were after, that of a Hollywood starlet.

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At Amy Louise they love to be part of the wonderful experience of helping each bride to choose their perfect wedding gown. After opening in 2000 the boutique has been nominated for awards from the British Bridal Association and was voted ‘Best Bridal Retailer of the Year 2008. They have established themselves as one of the premier bridal wear stores in the North West and are delighted that many of their new brides come from recommendations from their past brides.

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Emma at Hattie Boo Designs is incredibly creative, has an amazing attention to detail and quality and can take your ideas and add hers to create something special. The ‘two birds’ stationery tied in with lots of symbolism in the shoot. The two birds – our couple, the little red hearts and blue feathers drawing influence from burlesque and the little birds of Naomi’s tattoo.

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Jane of Teatime Treats created the birdcage wedding cake and the cupcakes which were made to tie in with the little red hearts on the shoes and in the bouquet, with cheeky burlesque inspired icing like little frilly knickers and lovely little bird and birdcage detailing. Not only do Jane’s cake look exquisite they taste divine too.

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Sister’s Eve and Sal Yarwood are Pouting In Peep-Toes, a freelance hair, make up & rockabilly and vintage inspired clothing company.  Their combined passion for everything hair and make up and their love of iconic pin ups and vintage fashion made them the perfect choice to help us create the right look for the day. Nicky and Naomi’s make up has a soft, elegant 1940’s feel with perfect red pouts and eyeliner!

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Your journey of discovery begins at the gates of Combermere Abbey, a hidden gem in the rural borderlands of Cheshire/Shropshire in Northwest England. This magical place blends centuries of history, breathtaking landscape and compelling architecture with privacy and luxury. A stunning and unique wedding venue.

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Little Black Book

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Models – Real life engaged couple – Naomi Bolton (modelling bridal gown) &  Nicky Jones

Photographer – Adam Capper   Adam Capper Photography   (Nantwich) 

Vintage China Hire & Events  – Rebecca Jenkinson   Pretty Little Trio  (Stockton Heath, Warrington) 

Floristry – Heather Ryder  Living Colour Design  (Stockton Heath, Warrington)

Bridalwear – Amy Louise Bridal Gowns (Nantwich)

Hair and Make up (sisters) Sal & Eve Yarwood Pouting In Peep-Toes  (Warrington)

Venue – Combermere Abbey  (Nantwich)

Fascinators – Heather Ryder Hummingbird (Stockton Heath)

Stationery  – Emma Bryan Hattie Boo Designs (Hatton, Warrington)

Cakes – Jane Constantinou Teatime Treats (Warrington)

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Brides Up North UK Wedding Blog – Images © 2012 Adam Capper Photography

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