Natural beauty inspiration at Trelowarren

Steeped in history and rich in atmosphere, Trelowarren inspires a wedding scene where abundant natural beauty meets beautifully bespoke detailing

On the south bank of the Helford River valley, in undulating moorland, rests the tranquil jewel of Trelowarren, the country estate which famously features in Daphne du Maurier's novel 'Frenchman's Creek'. Trelowarren has been the home to the Vyvyan family for 600 years. The house, with its gothic style chapel, is surrounded by 1000 acres of ancient woods and farmland.

Newly available for private weddings, it is a remarkable place to make your own history. 'The house itself is nestled into nature and comes into its own for romantic celebrations from late summer to late spring,' explains Christine Jensen, who coordinated and styled this beautiful shoot. 'Nature and her changing moods are stitched into the fabric of the calm, elegant spaces. The long shafts of light through the chapel windows are nothing short of magical. From the distinctive octagonal windows to the graceful sweep of the hall stairway, somehow the landscape is always the star.'

Bringing this natural beauty indoors through captivating floral design is central to the aesthetic. 'We chose a natural, asymmetric approach to arrangements,' says Christine. 'It was vital to allow a sense of rich abundance through the greenery by maintaining a high ratio of staggeringly beautiful blooms throughout. Deep creams, caramels, and dark chocolate were the main colours, with light touches of aged pale pink.'

Filled with intricate plasterwork crowning the arches of every window, the family chapel at Trelowarren is a breathtakingly romantic space. 'Along with an imposing broken floral arch that graced the chapel doorway, a living chancel-rail was created of foliage harvested from the estate, and feature flowers,' says Christine.

An extraordinary aisle demands an extraordinary gown ' and, drawing on the chapel itself as inspiration, Christine Trewinnard designed the Trelowarren gown: a two-piece dress with a detachable train. 'Elegant, versatile, with whispers of captivating mystery,' says Christine.

With its dark wood panelling and handprinted wallpaper, the library makes an ambient setting for guests to mingle with bespoke cocktails and canapÃ©s, while the newly renovated reception room is an elegant, light-filled space for a wedding breakfast. 'We used gilt wall sconces for candles, sand coloured linens and exuberant florals alongside stoneware plates of incredible fresh Cornish produce such as freshly made scallop ravioli, lamb rack and polenta mash with wild blackberry vinaigrette,' says Christine. Meanwhile, the wedding cake and dessert table included deep chocolate cake, fresh raspberry marshmallows, nougat with wild Cornish honey, and brown butter tiffin.

'I drew inspiration from Daphne du Maurier's quiet yet intentional revelry in the unspoilt nature of vanishing Cornwall,' says Christine. Combining both the historic and literary, the stunning suite of wedding stationery features an original line drawing of Trelowarren with textured cardstock, calligraphy and cream velvet detailing. It captures the timeless and beguiling beauty of this styled shoot ' and, indeed, Trelowarren itself.