Lauren and Ross were one of the lovely couples featured in our Lockdown Love feature after postponing their August wedding. Their rescheduled date at Sorn Castle on 5th December was also thrown into chaos when the area was moved into tier 4, meaning no wedding receptions are permitted, so we're crossing everything for their third date on 12th December! We've loved watching Lauren's wedding planning journey on Instagram, keep up with her and Ross (and their cat Mimi) @thisedinburghlife. Hopefully we'll be sharing their wedding soon!

“Wanting to lift spirits and to give everyone that renewed sense of hope, I decided to organise a war-time wedding photo shoot and I reached out to wedding suppliers inviting them to create poppy themed items that could not only feature in the shoot but also be raffled off afterwards to raise money for the Poppy Appeal.” 

Seventeen different creative businesses took part in this COVID safe photo shoot set at Quorn and Woodhouse Station, which is part of the Great Central Railway. Initially I just floated the idea to our community of wedding suppliers to see if my concept would be of interest. So many suppliers leapt at the opportunity to bring my vision to life, offering their time, products and services to support the shoot and to be raffled off to raise vital funds for The Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal.  Michael Stokes, the Events and Marketing Manager for the Great Central Railway said, “We were delighted to welcome Sally and her team for the shoot. The station played a major part in the logistics for the Second World War as the government decided, due to its location, it would be a safe place from enemy bombers. The War Ministry expanded the yard and added extra sidings for the handling of ammunition. It also became a base for the transport of the 82nd US Airborne division for their journey into the southern part of the country. Restored in its 1940’s décor, with its NAAFI café under the bridge, we felt it was an ideal location and we really enjoyed the day’s filming.” 

Styling

We very deliberately kept to a 1940’s British wartime aesthetic, bringing in vintage elements where we can, such as the jacket and suitcases. It worked beautifully with the railway backdrop. The colour palate was black white and red to really allow for the poppies to shine brightly. 

Flowers

Hannah at Unfauxgettable Flowers provided us with a bespoke luxury silk flower bouquet which was perfect for this shoot because it’s super realistic and because it’s faux it can also be raffled afterwards. Keeping the design simple to really showcase the bright red poppies and compliment the wartime aesthetic of the shoot. 

Venue

“The station played a major part in the logistics for the Second World War as the government decided, due to its location, it would be a safe place from enemy bombers. The War Ministry expanded the yard and added extra sidings for the handling of ammunition. It also became a base for the transport of the 82nd US Airborne division for their journey into the southern part of the country. Restored in its 1940’s décor, with its NAAFI café under the bridge, we felt it was an ideal location and we really enjoyed the day’s filming.” Michael Stokes, the Events and Marketing Manager for the Great Central Railway.

Stationery

At the beginning of this process, Sally wrote a few poems focusing on the theme. These were handwritten and framed, painted onto the wedding cake and captured on a hand lettered banner. All these items are available in the raffle and the words of Sally’s three poems are captured below: 

“The sun broke through the darkness, revealing fields ablaze with red. 

A symbol of what’s been before and of hope for times ahead.” 

“Poppy flowers of scarlet red, standing elegant, proud and tall. 

Were grown from seeds of darkest black, their chances seemed so small.  

A riot of colour now bleeding through, a reminder of the cost. 

Yet forever more a symbol, that hope is never lost.” 

"When darkness casts its shadows, and tests all your strength within. 

Remember that eventually, Love will always win" 

Bridal Style

Inspired by a beautiful wedding dress photograph from the 1940s. Laura’s dress was designed with a modern twist on a 1940s classic style. Paired with a beautiful locket in which was placed photographs of soldiers who fought in the first world war. Bringing together the whole look were hand painted poppy shoes and a vintage jacket. 

Hair and makeup

Laura’s hair and makeup were a modern twist on the wartime fashions. A bright red lip to tie all the elements together. Victory rolls of course with the rest of her hair tumbling in lose curls complimenting the beautiful, embroidered veil and hand beaded poppy accessories for Laura’s hair. 

Concept & co-ordination plus poetry and quotes - @rhymes_to_remember 

Charity - @royalbritishlegion  

Venue - @gcrailwayofficial  

Photographer - @ellensearlovestories 

Videographers - @tts_media 

Model - Laura Trethowan 

Dress - @ryley_and_flynn_vintage 

MUA - @adelemakeupartist 

Veil - @sashandveil 

Cake - @lesleywaltercakedesign 

Hand-lettered banner - @handmadesignco 

Silk poppy bouquet - @unfauxgettable.flowers 

Framed poppy painting and face masks - @inked_by_hand 

Silver pendant - @bishboshbecca 

Handkerchief - @extraspecialtouch 

Poppy headpiece and brooches - @bunnylovesevie 

Vintage jacket and poppy wash bag - @ravengiftsandinteriors 

Painted shoes - @inannabespokeshoes 

Wooden poppy clock - @sophie_rebecca_art 

Printed supplier t-shirts - @print.spin 

From Brides, With Love xo