I can't believe I'm writing about this wonderful day that happened last spring when it's nearly a year ago! The time has gone so fast!
I'd never been to the beautiful Blackwell Grange before, when I arrived at the venue I was blown away at the beauty and grandeur of the approach, as the day went on I fell more in love with the venue and the individual spaces that it offers.
Blackwell Grange has had a recent refurbishment of the Bruhenny Suite making a beautifully light and airy base for your ceremony and reception. The suite lends itself to elegant romantic colour palettes and luxurious flower choices. Outside of the suite there's a lovely feel to the rest of the building, with inviting decor and a warming feel. I like the open nature of the Bruhenny Suite and the choice of decor really does provide a blank canvas with just enough character for real transformations.
Rewind to the previous January, I'd decided that one of my main goals for 2021 would be to work with other quality wedding suppliers and increase my portfolio. I'd started to look at styled shoots as a way of doing both and stumbled across a post on social media requesting suppliers for an upcoming shoot.
The post was from Gemma Summers of Gemma Summers Photography and after a quick browse of her website I contacted her and asked for more details. Gemma explained her concept for the day and instantly it struck me as something that would sit well with my own brand and the luxurious style that my brand is all about. Gemma is incredible at envisioning design concepts and after this first meeting it led to us working together on three separate occasions in 2021.
Gemma brought together a great line up of quality suppliers. We worked together, collaborating and working our ideas out to ensure everything sat well together on the day. Everyone brought there own expertise to create a truly wonderful set of images.
As I arrived on the day the nerves of my first ever styled shoot crept up on me, as someone who experiences anxiety in many of life's situations I pushed myself to meet the other suppliers and network. I'm so glad that I did! Sitting here now my business has really made leaps and bounds in the last year and I really put that down to pushing myself in directions and working through the fear to create a portfolio of stunning images showcasing what Pocket & Posy is all about.
As I arrived the hair and makeup was in full progress! Each of the three models, Emma, Jen and Caitlin, were going for separate looks in keeping with the overall style. Mua- Katie Maddren was working her magic in one corner whilst hair stylist- Hair By Ria was doing her thing in the other. The Blossom Tree Hire Co had arrived and were erecting the beautiful blossom tree archway at the top of the aisle and Venue Stylist- Sashes and Covers had started putting the details together on each of the tables.
As I brought the three bouquets into the entrance there was a murmured hush and collective intake of breath, everyone involved came to look and all commented on the beauty and the divine scent of the fresh lilacs.
There were peonies in full bloom, each of their petals falling in ruffles like a ballet dancers tutu. Candice garden roses, amazing hydrangea papillion in a light lilac hue and the natural seasonal beauty of syringa lavaliensis , veronica gentianoides stems from my own cutting garden and a textured selection of lilac dried grasses. Each bouquet was tied with a beautifully elegant knotted detail and clear diamond pins,
Cake Maker- Cherry Blossom Wedding Cakes arrived next with her amazing selection of vegan treats and Charlotte from Charlotte Elizabeth Bridal arrived with her car packed full of beautiful gowns and accessories. Charlotte really struck me as a lady who knew her style and mind! Little did I know that working with her on this shoot would open the doors to working together again on her own shoot and concept during late summer!
It was great to meet such a range of different suppliers all on our own journeys within the wedding industry. Each at different stages of success and all with different stories and backgrounds.
Once we were all introduced we were thrown into making the concept shine! There's so many things to do on shoot days, placing each dress impeccably, pointing out angles and opportunities for breathtaking shots. My main aim for the day was keeping each and every bloom in each bouquet looking it's very best. Even though we were still in May, the sun had turned hot and with each photo shoot in sunlight each bouquet needed time to recuperate and hydrate in the shade. The sun was brilliant for creating stunning shots so a little work at my end keeping them hydrated was nothing to complain about! With each angle and with each area of Blackwell Grange the excitement grew as we all knew the images captured would be out of this world.
Blackwell Grange has a stunning outside terrace and pavillion. After working on shots in that area we all retired for lunch. There was a great selection on the menu and the staff were brilliant at taking on dietary requirements. The chips were vegan and they tasted amazing!
The beautiful wedding car from Classic Wedding Cars arrived next and the images captured with all three models in front of the building really took my breath away.
The models then changed and we were off to the Bridal Suite. And what a wow that was! Impeccably decorated and refurbished the Bridal Suite at Blackwell Grange is a real hidden gem. The images speak for themselves!
All in all the day was a perfect first shoot for me. I provided stunning flowers and returned with a wealth of knowledge and a bank of beautiful images. The icing on top of the cake was the publication of the shoot by Belle Bridal Magazine. A totally unexpected turn of events! So not only had I completed my first ever shoot, my work had also been published too!
If you love these images as much as I do check out the dream team of wedding suppliers who were involved on instagram.
and me of course
@pocketandposy