Set amidst enchanting gardens and rolling hills in the Exe Valley, Pynes House is a dream setting for a country house wedding. From its grand, tree-lined entrance and elegant frontage to its stately interiors and relaxed ambience, the Queen Anne-style mansion is steeped in history and romance. It is even believed to have been the inspiration for Barton Park in Jane Austen’s novel, Sense and Sensibility
“This editorial was inspired by the serene beauty of Monet’s Water Lilies, the timeless elegance of Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility and a dash of Shakespearean romance,” explains photographer Jennifer Shoubridge of Jennifer Jane Photography.
Monet’s famous painting was the starting point for the styling. “The colour palette of the flowers and table setting was drawn from the serene blues, pastels and greens of the Water Lilies painting, creating a harmonious blend of nature and art,” says Jen. “Covered in a free-flowing chiffon tablecloth, the table looked like a canvas for a watercolour painting, while urns of tumbling flowers along the centre bring the charm of a summer garden indoors.” Large crystal chandeliers cast a warm, romantic glow, while pale pink lace-detailed plates and lilac napkins enhance the delicate feminine feel of the scene.
The bride wears a gown adorned with delicate embroidered petals and shoes embellished with blush pink blooms and diamanté accents. “The petals flowed down the gown, creating an illusion of floating on water, much like the impressionist's paintings,” says Jen. Meanwhile, the groom’s classic black tie ensemble lends a timeless, Mr Darcy-esque air of sophistication.
The ceremony is held in a dreamy spot in the gardens, beneath a Romeo and Juliet-style balcony dressed with flowers to the gentle sound of water trickling from the fountain. “The white water lilies floating on the fountain added a touch of Monet’s magic,” says Jen.
A harmonious fusion of art and love, literature and nature, this styled shoot is a celebration of timeless beauty in the most breathtakingly romantic setting.
Photography Jennifer Jane Photography jenniferjanephotography.co.uk
Planning & styling Elisabeth Shell Events elisabethshellevents.com
Venue Pynes House pyneshouse.co.uk
Dresses Caroline Castigliano at Carina B Couture carinabcouture.com
Hair & make-up Leanne Hart leannehart.co.uk
Jewellery & rings Sarah Gauci sarahgauci.com
Bridal shoes Diane Hassall dianehassall.com
Hairpiece The Lucky Sixpence theluckysixpence.co.uk
Suit Next next.co.uk
Flowers The Flower Sessions theflowersessions.com
Cake Claire Arscott Cake Design clairearscottcakedesign.co.uk
Tableware & linen Laura Louise Hall lauralouisehallweddings.co.uk
Stationery Rose & Grace roseandgracedesign.com
Chandeliers Crescent Moon crescent-moon.co.uk
Lollipops Lovely Lollies lovelylolliesuk.etsy.com
Videography Sparks Film sparks-film.co.uk
Models Bella Glanville instagram.com/bellaglanville
Alex Lesnevski instagram.com/alexlesnevski
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