13 minute read
BOLD AND BEAUTIFUL
beautifulBOLD AND Get creative and have a green wedding that’s wild and wonderful and eco-friendly too
Images courtesy of Liz Bishop Photography
Sustainability is key for many couples planning their big day. Caring for the planet doesn’t have to mean compromising on style or wow factor though. Norfolk-based wedding photographer Liz Bishop shows how in this stunning shoot.
“My initial inspiration were the flowers and the foliage at Urban Jungle in Norwich. I wanted something bold, beautiful and unique and to show that with a bit of creativity you can have a stunning look that is individual, affordable and environmentally sustainable,” she explains.
The final shots reflect her natural, relaxed photography style and her love of colour, movement and natural images. The Urban Jungle provided the ideal setting with its beautiful array of exotic and unusual plants. Excitingly, you can also host your wedding reception amongst the wild lush greenery!
Florist Julia of Darling Buds created two stunning floral bouquets and headpieces using mostly local, seasonal flowers grown in her garden. Some of the props belonged to the suppliers or were sourced from local antique markets, the rug came from Diss Emporium and the green velvet chair was Liz’s mum’s old nursing chair. “Finding an alternative dress supplier was also important to us and having met Sarah from Sarah Jane Bridal Boutique we knew she was the one. Her dresses are vintage and carefully sourced and she also re-designs many of them so you know you’re getting something totally individual.”
THE WILD BUNCH
Photography, www.lizbishopphotography.co.uk; Venue, www.urbanjungle.uk.com/weddings-venue; Flowers, www.instagram.com/darlingbuds.biz; Dresses, www.sarahbelindasbridalboutique.co.uk; Accessories, www.dissemporium.co.uk and locally sourced; Videography, www.instagram.com/SarhJaneCook; Model, Chi Chi who also did her own hair and make-up www.instagram.com/beingchichi
HOT TOPIC
Local experts on emerging wedding trends
THE SHAPE OF THINGS TO COME
We’ve had to postpone our big day twice already and want to keep up with what’s likely to be on trend moving forward. What do you think will be the major influences and looks for weddings in 2021? Ian says: Relaxed and informal are going to be big buzzwords for weddings in the year ahead. After lockdown, many couples just want to be able to have an intimate ceremony or micro wedding and then party later with their family and friends, rather than delay their marriage any longer. Extended celebrations are also proving popular, spreading the joy beyond the wedding day over the course of a long weekend or even a whole week. In terms of decoration, greenery and foliage remain strong for a more natural, eco-look with ferns, succulents and eucalyptus playing a major role in wedding displays. Outdoor weddings in natural settings continue to find favour as sustainability and eco-credentials remain key concerns. Concept and mood lighting help to create the right atmosphere and ambience at any wedding venue whether inside or out and this continues to be the case with neon signage and lights. Catering is becoming more adaptable and personalised with bespoke cakes, artisan street food and mobile bars of various kinds in demand. Finally, and most importantly, remember it’s your wedding so it should reflect you as a couple and your personalities. While trends are important, the personal touches are what really matter. Ian Smith | Owner, event planner and coordinator www.beausandbelleseventplanners.co.uk
BLOOMING HOT
What are the key trends and colours for wedding flowers this year? Alison reports: ❤ The floral trend colour for 2021 is Scorched Earth with vibrant golden and yellow tones. Adding a splash of orange, crimson, earthy or grey shades, will all help to emphasise this latest palette. ❤ Dyed flowers were trending last year and are set to become even more popular. Demand for certain colours allows designers to experiment with tints and tones combining different floral textures allowing for a blend of dried and fresh material. ❤ Dahlias have been making a comeback and are set to be a favourite this year. They offer long seasonal availability and a large range of big and blousy blooms in assorted colours. ❤ Scented flowers that bring back childhood memories are another great pick with brides expected to opt for scented blooms such as sweet peas and lily of the valley. ❤ Following the recent TV series The Crown, cascading bouquets are returning to the spotlight. While Princess
Diana’s bouquet included trailing ivy and stephanotis, varieties such as clematis and trailing foliage plants will be coming to the fore as we move through 2021. ❤ A growing shift towards more sustainable and ecofriendly flowers will see brides sourcing locally grown blooms and opting for designs that can be re-used after the ceremony to decorate the reception space. ❤ After a year of hibernation wedding flowers are set to explode in 2021. Expect to see lavish decorations to frame the aisle, suspended installations and floral sculptures to decorate wedding venues. Alison Mortlock | Floral designer www.albertroseflowers.co.uk We’re still not sure what time of year we’ll be getting married so it’s hard to picture the décor and special features. We know we want our day to be as eco-friendly as possible and big on wow factor – any suggestions? Sue says: During these testing times I’ve been doing a lot of reflection and have been reminded of the importance of eco-credentials and the sustainability of the things we surround ourselves with, both in our everyday lives and all the important milestones in life such as weddings. Our range of posh plants is ideal for decorating all kinds of venues from castles and halls to marquees and barns! With beautiful real bay trees, spirals and olive trees, as well as faux blossom trees available to hire, it’s an eco-friendly way of transforming a space without breaking the bank and with only a tiny carbon footprint. The trees adorn the venue and are then brought back to the nursery to live on until the next wedding! The deep green of the bay trees and the blue-grey of the olives provide a timeless elegance whatever the season and transcend fashion and trends by offering the beauty of nature. Sue Huckle | Owner | www.poshplants.com
HOT SHOTS
Local wedding photographers share their top picks
ARIENNE JONAS, AJ FEATHER PHOTOGRAPHY
www.ajfeatherphotography.com
I love this image as it’s a true reflection of the day and you can see how happy the couple are. These moments really make me smile and take me back to that instance.
This wedding was at Hunters Hall in the Norfolk countryside and it was the wettest day I’d ever had as a wedding photographer. The couple didn’t care though, so we went out and had fun in the rain. The dancefloor is my go to place in the evening. I love seeing everyone relaxed and getting their groove on. I just can’t help myself and have to have a dance as well.
BEN CHAPMAN, BEN CHAPMAN PHOTOS
www.benchapmanphotos.com
I love photographing couples amongst the hustle and bustle of a town or city centre; everyone is always so happy when they walk by. I really clicked with Jasmine and Lee and doing the portrait shots after their micro wedding ceremony was great fun. I just love the dress, the tattoos, the pose, the list goes on!
I’m a sucker for a shoe shot. So much time goes into finding the perfect pair for the big day so why not let them have their moment too! 85
DANIEL ACKERLEY, DANIEL ACKERLEY PHOTOGRAPHY
https://danielackerleyphotography.co.uk
At their Chippenham Park wedding Jade and Tom actually re-enacted the whole dance scene from Dirty Dancing. Jade even changed into that dress to do it! RICHARD JARMY, RICHARD JARMY PHOTOGRAPHY
www.richardjarmy.co.uk
I love this sandstorm shot purely because it was supposed to be a wonderful shoot on the beach using local suppliers and in the end, the 80 mph winds changed the whole dynamics, which meant we had to think quickly on our feet, just as I would at a wedding, to make the most out of the situation.
LIZ BISHOP, LIZ BISHOP PHOTOGRAPHY
www.lizbishopphotography.co.uk
To create gorgeous chemistry in your wedding photographs you need to relax and be yourself. The most amazing moments can be captured during movement and interaction. You don’t always need to see the whole story to emotionally connect to an image and those beautiful details deserve to have their moment too.
It’s important to me to create a natural feel in each photograph and I love to see genuine smiles and laughter!
Donna and Ed’s wedding was the first one I shot after the initial lockdown. We stopped off for a few photos at the Plantation Gardens in Norwich before heading off to the Maids Head Hotel. After having to postpone their wedding several times Richard and Rachel were determined it was going ahead and this shot was taken just before the rain hit. Brooke and Zac got married at The Norfolk Mead Hotel just before Christmas. It’s a very special place for me as I had my wedding there and I really got to love these two.
DENISE BRADY, DENISE BRADY PHOTOGRAPHY
www.denisbradyphotography.com
This image was taken in the garden of Raveningham Church where Hannah and Oliver were married. I love it as the blue agapanthus echoed the colours of their wedding perfectly. Standing in the beautiful entrance of the Cliff Hotel, Gorleston, Vicky was so excited to get married and it shows on her face. Jenny and Dean were married at the Royal Assembly Rooms, Great Yarmouth. The entire day was filled with fun and laughter and this was a shot they particularly wanted with the pier in the background as the sun was setting.
ALLEN BLASDELL, CREATIVE PIXEL PHOTOGRAPHY
www.creativepixelphotos.com
Abby and Nev had a vow renewal at their home followed by a reception in a farmer’s field with a huge marquee. Emily and Mike were married at The Athenaeum, Bury St Edmunds opposite the beautiful Abbey Gardens.
PICK OF the bunch
Looking for the perfect flowers for your big day? Take our test to see which arrangements best suit you
Your wedding flowers are a great way of incorporating your chosen theme or colour scheme, and they look amazing in those allimportant photographs. To help you pick the perfect blooms, we’ve put together the ultimate quiz. Tick the boxes that apply and add up your score to see the final result.
CHOOSE YOUR PREFERRED COLOUR SCHEME
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3 4
PICK A TABLE ARRANGEMENT
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3 4
WHAT’S YOUR IDEAL BOUQUET?
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3 4
WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE CEREMONY SET UP?
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3 4
HOW WOULD YOU DECORATE YOUR RECEPTION SPACE?
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WHICH ACCESSORY WOULD YOU WEAR?
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3 4 3 4
You scored...6-10 You have a traditional style and prefer classic designs. Celebrate your big day with an elegant bouquet, a pink and white colour scheme and beautiful flowers.
You scored...16-20 Alternative weddings are ideal for those of you who want something a bit different. Opt for bold hues, quirky creations and showstopping designs. You scored...11-15 Your style would suit an al fresco or boho-themed celebration. Choose blooms that are inspired by nature with lots of greenery and natural shades.
You scored...21-24 You’re a sophisticated person who loves luxury. Look for grand arrangements that are sure to wow your guests and look fabulous in your photographs.
