A Georgian stately home on the outskirts of the ancient port town of Bideford, Moreton House offers elegance and enchantment in abundance. Combining luxurious on-site accommodation with a range of impressive yet homely spaces for weddings, it is as versatile as it is dreamily romantic. “The neat Georgian proportions, plasterwork and panelling of Moreton House mean it is usually associated with a more formal and traditional style of wedding, but in this case, we wanted to show that we have lovely grounds too, and can offer a relaxed, informal boho style outdoor space in our Secret Garden,” explains owner, Helen Phillips.
Accessed via a leafy tunnel, the Secret Garden is a clearing hidden inside a 150-year-old rhododendron stand, which feels blissfully away from it all. “Throughout the year the shrub provides a dense evergreen backdrop; in late spring or early summer there’s a stunning display of mauve flowers, literally buzzing with activity,” says Helen.
This styled shoot took place just as the buds were showing the first signs of colour. Drawing on the garden for inspiration, the shoot paints a picture of effortless elegance, filled with naturally beautiful and seasonal, sustainable and vintage details. The hand-painted watercolour florals and wild British birds of the wedding stationery set the mood for the secret garden theme beautifully. The rustic wooden gazebo is styled with flowers and foliage cut from the garden, simple toile drapes and vintage style bud vases, bunting and tea lights, making for a wildly romantic setting for an intimate ceremony.
The bride dons a selection of gorgeously individual gowns, all carrying the botanical theme, from a fishtail with a petal print to an ethereal A-line embellished with floral lace. Embroidered with wildflowers and a striking peony design by Devon-based Gabrielle Elizabeth, the veils capture the essence of spring and summer, echoing the gardens, as do the delicate organic headpieces, dotted with leaves, florals, crystals and pearls. The hair – a mermaid style plait and relaxed half up/half down style with gentle waves – and natural, glowing make-up complements the soft, boho mood.
The natural cascading bouquet of spring garden favourites including forget-me-nots, hellebores, bluebells and honesty is the perfect pairing for the garden setting, while a more formal structured gold and white bouquet echoes the more structured silhouette of the fishtail gown.
Marrying a stately home venue with a relaxed, bohemian mood, this shoot highlights the versatility of Moreton House, which can stage everything from a Bridgerton-esque country house wedding through to a back-to-nature garden party. “We hope to showcase how a sustainable and natural approach can still feel luxurious and elegant,” says Helen.
Venue Moreton House Moreton House moretonhousedevon.com
Photography Maria Broome mariabroomephotography.com
Dresses Bridal Reloved Barnstaple bridalreloved.co.uk/barnstaple
Veils Gabrielle Elizabeth gabrielleelizabeth.co.uk
Hair & make-up Brighteye Beauty brighteyebeauty.co.uk
Jewellery & hair accessories Hey Jules heyjules.co.uk
Rings James Bishop Jewellery https://bishopjewellery.co.uk
Flowers Rachel Husband The Rose Shed theroseshed.co.uk/
Stationery Emma Louise Castle emmalouisecastle.co.uk
Model Coral instagram.com/Coral.gracie
