Belle Bridal Magazine Feature - Beautiful Blooms for Hodsock Priory

FRENCH LUXE AT HODSOCK PRIORY by Sarah Adams at Belle Bridal Magazine

Bridal babes, today we’re whisking you away to the fairytale setting of Hodsock Priory, which played host to this stunning editorial shoot. Captured by Stu Ganderton Wedding Photography, the luxurious and boutique interiors of this country house – which once entertained Henry VIII – and its gorgeous grounds, was the perfect backdrop for this bridal and wedding lingerie shoot.

The beautiful blooms for this shoot were created by Fantail Designer Florist. We talk to owner and floral genius, Samantha about the inspiration behind her floral creations and why she choose the flowers for this particular style of shoot. “When Stu asked us (Fantail) to be a part of it – we jumped at the opportunity. We had a brief of ‘French Luxe’ and that it had to be understated, but simply beautiful.

We liaised with Lulu Mae Bridalwear to see what style of dress was being supplied for the shoot. Lauren chose a gown with a beautiful fitted bodice with a full-length layered tulle skirt. Stu wanted the bouquet to be natural and free flowing. We chose flowers that complemented this and went down a romantic feel, a style that wouldn’t take over but still allowed the dress to show pride of place. Flowers we included were Campanula, Dahlia, Garden Roses, Gevillia, Gerbera and Astrantia.

“Ria Amelia, who did Naomi’s make-up on the day kept it natural and Katrina Wilson from Boudoir Hair in Sheffield, styled a large but elegant hair knot to the back.”

When designing flowers for a shoot we have to look at the overall picture and the style of venue we’re decorating. Hodsock Priory is a timeless and stunning venue and one that hosted royalty, this is at the backbone to creative juices. We decided to go quite grand for the centrepiece. Using all the flowers for the bridal bouquet and with the inclusion of Phalaenopsis Orchids, I think we created a show stopping design that really fills the room. Orchids are divine, they’re a first-class style of flower and the Phalaenopsis falls beautifully. Finishing the table set up from our end we had place crystal candlesticks and bud vases around the base of the design drawing your eye down to the place settings.

Cherry Blossom Cakes created a romantic and Parisian cake design. They incorporated ornate gold details and hand painted blooms to co-ordinate the fresh flowers we supplied. To draw your eye down onto the table from the centre piece, pink macaroon favours were added for a subtle tone to the place settings.

Gray Starling Designs supplied beautiful stationery including name places, place numbers, RSVP and menu cards. Designs with ribbon and touches of gold leaf really brought the table setting together.

Hodsock Priory is breeze to get to and just a few minutes drive from the A1M at Blyth. They say to type in their postcode - S81 0TY via BLYTH, however you can download their map from their website here.