A visit to the Natural History Museum in London was the spark that inspired this styled shoot, capturing the creative imagination of wedding planner and stylist Natalie Hyland of Hyland Weddings & Events.
“The colours of the Abyssinian Roller, a bird native to tropical Africa, really caught my eye with its natural toffee-coloured back and sky, aqua and royal blue wings,” she says. “It was simply beautiful.”
The dream rural setting for a styled shoot inspired by the bird, Higher Holcombe makes the perfect backdrop – “not only for its undeniably gorgeous outdoor spaces but also because the owner, Jo, spent many years living and working in Africa with her husband”, explains Natalie of the idyllic rural venue in south Devon.
The lush canvas of silver birch trees is painted with the shades of the Abyssinian roller, reflected in every detail from the flowers and dresses to the cocktails. “The bridal gowns, cake and table linen were in the warm toffee and neutral hues of the bird’s body, while the groom’s outfit, florals and napkins were designed to reflect the colours in the wings,” says Natalie.
The smaller details, too, add to the endlessly romantic aesthetic, from the handcrafted granulated jewellery and elegant silks to the billowing sleeves of the bridal gown. Striking a luxe and gorgeously ethereal note, the shape of the ceremony backdrop creates the impression of the bird’s wings. Fabric draping along the aisle, together with a backdrop to accentuate the beauty of the wings, adds texture and depth to the glorious natural surroundings. The effect is oh-so beautiful: a slice of paradise in a tucked-away corner of Devon.
Photography & videography Kathryn Clarke-McLeod kathrynclarkemcleod.com
Venue Higher Holcombe higherholcombe.co.uk
Concept, styling & coordination Hyland Weddings & Events hylandweddingsandevents.co.uk
Props, tableware, table runner, styling & coordination Glas Events glasevents.com
Flowers Emma Hewlett Floral Design emmahewlett.co.uk
Silks Lancaster & Cornish lancasterandcornish.co.uk
Cake Peboryon peboryon.com
Crockery, jewellery dish & drinks tray Every Story everystory.co.uk
Cutlery Abbotts Event Hire abbottseventhire.co.uk
Hair April Natalie Hair aprilnataliehair.co.uk
Make-up Nicola Redman nicolaredmanmakeup.com
Dresses Wardrobe By Dulcinea wardrobebydulcinea.com
Jewellery & rings Milly Maunder millymaunder.co.uk
Table linen Northfields linenforhire.co.uk
Stationery Besotted Design besotteddesign.co.uk
Headpieces The Lucky Sixpence theluckysixpence.co.uk
Groom’s outfit Sharif Mirzad shariftailoring.co.uk
Candles Ester & Eric ester-erik.dk
Cocktails The Fizzy Pheasant thefizzypheasant.co.uk
Catering Lap Food & Bars lapfoodandbars.co.uk
Draping & lighting Ritual Event Design ritualeventdesign.com
Models Clara Bond instagram.com/clarabondsongs
Chris Tilke instagram.com/tilkechristopher
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