As winter is almost upon us, I wanted to share this wonderful autumnal wedding styled shoot with its glorious colours and use of eycalyptus. From stationery to flowers to table settings and a lovely head crown, this shoot is packed full of autumnal touches with a bit of a modern rustic feel too.
The photographer, Sarah Williams shares her inspiration.
“The inspiration came about as the British Summer time was drawing to a close. At the end of the summer, with the evenings becoming shorter, I often find myself in two minds. Whilst on one hand, waving goodbye to the sunshine and my regular strolls along the beach is always hard, there is always the contrast and excitement of wrapping up warm, sliding on my slippers and snuggling up by the fire with a large cup of hot chocolate… not forgetting the marshmallows of course!”
“Being a lover of the seasonal changes and with autumn fast approaching, it was time to do something a little bit different. So, soon after discovering the 2018 trending colour predictions (to include Spiced Apple & Palace Blue), it provided the perfect opportunity to create an autumnal wedding shoot – a setting bejewelled by candlelight and surrounded by rich, warm colours.”
“With a plan now firmly set, I reached out and ‘hand-selected’ some of the most experienced, talented and dependable suppliers from the area, to help me create the perfect backdrop for the shoot. Top of the list was to consider a suitable venue capable of re-creating my vision. Located next to the historical landmark of Battle Abbey, The Pilgrims Rest is a stunning, 600 year old wedding venue in the heart of East Sussex.”
“All three reception rooms – the Great Hall, the Dining Room and the Webster Room – have endless original features from ancient beams, inglenook fireplaces in every room to the crown post and linen fold doors. Let’s not forget the witch’s marks to ward off evil spirits, the paneled Bryant Rooms and the pargeting walls. There is even a secret tunnel hidden under the Great Hall fireplace that runs beneath the Abbey walls.”
“The Pilgrims Rest however is far more than just a beautiful old building. Having opened her doors to visitors and pilgrims to Battle since C1420, this grand old lady is full of historic soul. She has hosted celebrations from medieval banquets to Georgian balls, Victorian luncheons to Edwardian tea dances. Full of historic soul, this stunning Wealden house was the perfect match!”
“I immediately set to work on selecting decorative items for the autumnal wedding shoot. The venue has a subtle medieval ambience which would offer a range of options. Together with the team at Pilgrims, we put our creative minds together and settled on a Harry Potter / Games of Thrones theme, albeit we were in unison when it came to ensure we gave it a contemporary twist. Developing the idea of the traditional floating candles you see in the films, we were able to create a modern version, using low hanging glass spheres. Delighted with the outcome, we adopted the same approach throughout the whole shoot; taking one idea and giving it a 21st century twist.”
“I think I speak on behalf of everyone that was involved, when I say it was a whole lot of fun. Each part of ‘the team’ was able to ‘show-case’ their amazing skills and share their own ideas – making the end result what it was!”
Behind the scenes action of this autumn wedding shoot captured by Samuel George!
CREDITS
Venue: Pilgrims Rest
Styling & Planning by: Bower Events
Photography by: Sarah Williams Photography
Videography by: Samuel George Photography
Flowers by: Webb & Farrer
Model: Felicity Shaw
Crockery by: Place Settings
Props by: To Have and To Hire
Hair by: Simply Beautiful Wedding Hair
Make Up by: Jane Mather
Cake by: The Cleaver Little Cake Company
Dress & Accessories by: The Story of My Dress
Stationery by: Little & Large Events
