Set at Styal Lodge, Manchester, this luxury boho wedding is oozing with rustic glamour and has lots of detailed inspiration that you could definitely incorporate into your own big day. It has beautiful pampas grass arches, modern autumnal styling and an intimate vibe! We hear from shoot coordinator and photographer Sam of Sam Sparks Weddings and the rest of the team who tell us all about how this luxury boho wedding inspiration was created, and they give you some top tips along the way for your own wedding day…
“I had a vision of an alternative boho styled shoot, thought it would be a great way to work with some creatives who I’ve always wanted to work alongside so thought it would be the perfect timing. I found Styal Lodge and thought the organic ness of the wooden venue along with some amazing florals, perfect tablescapes and a lush couple would work well together.”
Styling- Carrie-Ann Tilley
“Styal Lodge, Manchester. We used inside the venue with some amazing styling help from Carrie-Ann.Styling. We wanted to put together a shoot that incorporated a boho, earthy feel alongside the natural wood and outdoor space at this fantastic venue. The styling contrasted these natural earthy elements with acrylic and gold. We used burgundy on the tables and the details in the bouquet as an eye catching contrast to the subtle natural tones of the pampas and wood.”
Styling tips: “A colour palette is a perfect way to ensure that there is a good balance of tones within your decor. We used dark greens, burgundy and natural tones to bring together an earthy combination of colours. Be bold and mix natural and man made traditional and contemporary. Using a relaxed style such as ruffled runners and informally knotted napkins can contribute to this relaxed and natural boho inspired theme.”
Photography – Sam Sparks
“Your wedding photos are the thing you have as a keepsake after your day, you have amazing memories and stories to tell and photos help you to re live it. Don’t just pick a photographer based on the price, or if they’re available. Find the person who’s right for you, meet them for a coffee and have a chat. What might’ve worked for your friend might not work for you too. Pick someone who’s style you love, who you’re able to have a laugh and get on with, its really important to have a good bond! Also, as amazing as it is to have the photos online, always always always print them out, it’s amazing to have as a beautiful album for a coffee table book, or pictures around the house. You’ve had an amazing day so show it off!”
Bridal – The Bridal Lounge
“Don’t sweat the little things! Would be my advice and also trust your seamstress. If you have done your research well and have chosen a professional boutique to purchase your dress from then trust them to deliver a fabulous fit. Try and buy as much as you can from the same supplier. This will allow you peace of mind that the bridal party will look great as before the day you will be able to pull it all together before hand. Use your money wisely, good supportive underwear is always a must and your guests can manage with out the sweet cart! Do the big things really well as its those your guests remember and are your everlasting
memories from your photos.”
Flowers – Elle Flowers
“We loved creating this ultra bohemian look with pampas grasses and deep orange tones. Loosely tied flowers and tonnes of wispy stems create movement and character which is a must for any wedding in this style. With any design, a basic starting colour is all you need to begin, once we have found this, it is much easier to use tints and tones to complement. Don’t be afraid to use colour pops as a pose to neutral colourings! The current wedding season is looking to be very much still within the bohemian style. This is something that can really be played with and offers so many different looks, from trailing ribbons and feathers to dried flowers and even no flowers at all if your daring enough to have a bouquet filled with just
greenery.”
Cake – Little Button Bakery
“For this shoot, I stripped back the cakes for a more rustic feel with unfinished edges, rough buttercream and gold leaf to add interest. I kept the height of each cake quite low, but we added extra height with Perspex plinths and made an amazing ‘cake display’ with a wooden frame, foliage, flowers, pampas grass, candles and silk ribbon. Ask your cake designer how you can make your cake become more of a feature on your wedding day by creating a cake display, rather than just having one large tiered cake. You could do this by separating the
tiers out individually or by having a cake and a range of other sweet treats to compliment it. Think; cookies, macarons, cake popsicles, mini cakes etc. You can keep your cake design quite plain, but dress it up fresh or dried flowers to compliment the rest of your wedding florals.”
Hair and Make Up & Grooming – Hair and Make up By Alice
“Its important to feel yourself on your big day, choosing a fancier version of what you wear every day isn’t a cop-out! Don’t feel like you have to pick an elaborate fancy up-do when really something simple can look beautiful. Add hair accessories / ribbon to give that extra oomph to a ponytail. The same for your make-up – theres a lot of pressure to have eyelashes, contour etc. If thats not something you’re used to, you may feel uncomfortable. With this look the skin is natural and fresh, I added a pop of sparkle on the eye for a modern bridal look. I used Mina cream eyeshadow, shade 312.”
“For the Guys, start giving your skin a bit of love and attention. All it wants is regular washing with a nice cleansers and moisturising. On the day apply a light moisturiser and a touch of lip balm.”
Suits – Conner Duffy
“Have a stand out look, in a sea of suits it can be difficult to distinguish the groom. To make a statement, pick a suit in a different style / cut / colour to the rest of the groomsmen. If you’re looking for something subtle, try a different tie or waistcoat. During the summer months, we’d advise a lightweight suit. Consider a waistcoat, it will give you a distinguished look if you take off your jacket. Your suits need to reflect the formality of your setting. Rustic barns work well with more relaxed tweed and check suits, whilst country homes and city hotels are the perfect backdrop for formal morning and dinner suits. Finally, don’t leave it to the last minute!
We limit the number of weddings we cater for. This means that key dates fill up fast, come to see us as 9-12 months before your wedding to avoid disappointment.”
The Suppliers – Luxury Boho Wedding Inspiration at Styal Lodge Manchester
Dress, Accessories – The Bridal Lounge F:@thebridalloungeworld I:@the_bridal_lounge
Florist – Elle Flowers F:@elleflowersuk I:@elleflowersuk
Make Up / Hair – Hair and make-up by Alice I:@alice__lindsay
Grooms Suit – Whitfield & Ward F:@whitfieldandward I:@whitfieldandward
Venue – Styal Lodge F:@StyalLodge I:@styallodge
Stylist – Carrie-Ann Tilley F:@carrieanntilleybespokeeventstyling
I:@carrieanntilleybespokeevents
Photographer – Sam Sparks I:@samsparksphoto F:@SamSparksPhotography
Crockery – Whitehouse Events F:@eventcrockeryhire I:@whitehouse_crockery
Stationery – Pen & Fold F:@penandfold I:@penandfold
Confetti – Adam Apple F:@adamappleconfetti I:@adamappleconfetti
Fabrics – Silk & Purl F:@SilkandPurl I:@silkandpurl
Cake- Little Button Bakery F:LittleButtonBakery I:@littlebuttonbakery/
Place Names – MD Laser Works F:@MDLaserWorks I:@mdlaserworks
Bride – Sarah Catherine Jones @sarah_catherine_jones
Groom- Connor Duffy @duffys__world
Love this luxury boho wedding and want more inspiration for your big day? Check out our online magazine BOND Bride