We’re going all out natural and botanical for this styled shoot featuring stunning Cumbrian views, a palette of green and gold, and an utterly epic cake!
There’s so much to look at in this beaut of a shoot, set amongst the rough and rural countryside of the Lake District. With the entire concept, photography and videography by Penrith-based Velvet Cow Media, you know that the result is going to be something fun and wonderful, with a twist of their own unique brand.
Velvet Cow, or Samantha and James – the couple behind the magic, specialise in natural, documentary type photography to capture the unstaged and unscripted moments as they unfold.
We especially love the finer touches in the sage green stationery and the gold wax seals, and the contrast with the loose styling of the foliage table arrangements and the amazing arch. And let’s talk about the cake! Three edible tiers in complementary tones and then a gold hexagon spacer, accessorised with yet more florals!
Let’s catch up with the lovely Samantha to find out why this shoot was important to them.
With images by Velvet Cow
CONCEPT
Samantha says: We wanted to create a shoot showcasing some of the most talented female wedding suppliers, to inspire couples and show how a small intimate wedding in the Lake District, surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery, can be truly amazing. This botanical themed shoot was inspired by nature and the Cumbrian landscape.
It was also wonderful to be able to use a real LGBTQ couple as, particularly in Cumbria, we really need to see more diversity.
LOCATION
We chose Rookin House Activity Centre as the location for the shoot. It’s completely surrounded by some of the most stunning views across the Cumbrian Lake District. It has an amazing building to host the ceremony and reception, featuring huge floor to ceiling windows that frame the landscape perfectly. Not to mention the horses! There are hundreds of horses and who doesn’t love a horse?!
STYLING
We had suppliers including UNVEILED Network Member Emma Jane Events, who were given the botanical, greens, whites and golds theme to work with. They did an amazing job; the florist, Free Range Floristry, created the most incredible bouquets, dried flower crowns and table and arch decor featuring an abundance of succulents, roses and eucalyptus. The table was also decorated with golden accents and handmade wooden items, with an impressive golden arch behind, framing the landscape. Table settings were by Lune Valley Crockery Hire and Golden Ash & Co.
The three tier showstopping cake by The Yummy Pudding Company featured beautiful feather leaf stencilling, gold leaf and even a golden hexagonal spacer. The stationery by UNVEILED Network Member White Orchid Print and Design, in sage green and white, featured delicate leaf detail and golden wax stamps, which fitted the theme perfectly.
ATTIRE
We chose a dress with beautiful intricate detail for Kay and a simple elegant style for Char, both Richard Designs dresses from A Family Affair, which complimented each other perfectly.
Kay also wore a gorgeous bespoke botanical inspired veil from Tulle and Flo, whilst Sally wore her own Blue by Enzoani, Harlem wedding dress. Each bride wore beautifully designed, handmade jewellery by J.Robyn Designs to match each dress.
BEAUTY
We and Jaye Adams Make-up Artistry picked a natural makeup style to blend in with the natural botanical theme, muted tones and neutral lip colours to emphasise each bride’s own natural beauty. The florist created some amazing dried flower crowns, whilst the hairstylist, Claire’s Hair Lounge, created elegant hairstyles to compliment each crown.
RESULTS
On the day, the shoot went incredibly well and ran smoothly. Each supplier worked together seamlessly. We had gorgeous sunshine all day but had to battle against gale force winds when outdoors, but thankfully the stunning views are on show even when indoors.
