Sheffield-based photographer Sasha Lee specialises in natural photography, capturing all of the colour, romance and dreamy vibes of a wedding. So, when she decided to create an incredibly romantic shoot to make the most of the prettiest of pretty cherry blossom (in the tight window of them actually being in bloom) she really went for it!
This shoot was all about romantic documentation rather than super structured shots. As a wedding photographer, Sasha is always happiest observing and being unintrusive – essentially letting people be themselves and capturing real memories from that. This shoot, albeit staged, was no exception to that rule, resulting in beautiful candid and natural images that let the location, the blossom and the amazing work of the other suppliers truly shine.
It might be decidedly wintery outside the window but we’re throwing it back to springtime in Yorkshire. Are you ready for this one, readers..?
With images by Sasha Lee Photography
CONCEPT
While we were planning, this shoot was titled just ‘Sakura’ which means cherry blossom. I am a huge lover of blossom. It creates such a romantic and dreamy looking setting, and have always wanted to incorporate it into a romantic looking wedding photography.
LOCATION
With cherry blossom being the leading inspiration behind this shoot, the first place that came to mind was Hazlewood Castle. I had photographed a wedding here during spring previously, and remembered the blankets of blossom that were coating the trees on grounds, and how taken aback I was by the sheer beauty of it. It really is a spectacular sight to see, especially in person.
STYLING
We used light pastels and blush tones for a simple and natural wedding bouquet, with flowers such as Lilac, Nigella, Rose, Ranunculus and Delphinium. To us they all signify romantic elegance. This was tied together with light pastel ribbon, and with pretty, pastel paper confetti to match the theme. Flowers were done by UNVEILED Network Member Wonderland Blooms, who offer wild, whimsical florals and a love of colour for weddings, events and product collaborations.
A proportion of the flowers were grown on Wonderland Bloom’s own picking patch, supporting our local bee communities.
Your Confetti is a small, UK based business offering every couple their perfect wedding confetti and accessories. All the confetti they sell is biodegradable and the pick and mix service allows you to easily match your day.
Ribbon was courtesy of BFoiled, by Rachel Gallagher, based in Sheffield, South Yorkshire. BFoiled offers handmade customisable ribbon, giving you the opportunity to have any personal message or quote printed on to the luxury satin ribbon of your choice using a foiling technique. The personalisation opportunities are endless!
ATTIRE
Ella at Opal Bridal Accessories in Wakefield, West Yorkshire makes the most unique, exquisite and detailed bridal accessories, with creative hair pieces and veils. They have an elegant look with a modern twist with the pops of colour throughout her range.
Dressmaker and UNVEILED Network Member Kate Clare Couture hand sews the most extraordinary bridal gowns, which all have a timeless beauty, and somehow blend both traditional and modern. Based in a pretty studio on the edge of Ilkley Moor, Kate believes in slow sustainable fashion with a personal touch and loves each and every dress she makes.
Both of these makers spend hours hand stitching and sewing their custom pieces, and the effort shows.
BEAUTY
We wanted to go with a romantic, natural and dreamy look for our beautiful model, Alyssa. Soft, loose curls to give a romantic feel, and natural blush tones for the makeup – nothing too heavy.
Sonia Schofield is an award winning hair and makeup artist based in York. For this shoot Sonia concentrated on creating shiny, loose water waves for the hair to give a soft and romantic look. For the makeup she used a shimmery bronze eyeshadow, paired with nude pink lips and a subtle tone of pink blusher to create a look that was delicate and dreamy.
RESULTS
It was an amazing day filled with some incredibly talented suppliers! Planning a shoot surrounded by cherry blossom was always going to be a gamble, as the time for the blossoms to be in full bloom is incredibly limited – generally a 1-2 week window, depending on the time of year and weather. We were so lucky to have caught it at a time where the blossoms were full and fluffy, with also a light coating of petals on the floor.
It was a cloudy day, which as a photographer was honestly ideal, as it creates a lovely, soft and natural filter on people’s faces. Honestly such a perfect day for it, and I wouldn’t have changed a thing.
