Many years ago when I lived in London, I actually lived very close to this beautiful historic home… I even attended a wedding there, so it's like a little trip down memory lane for me to see it here in these stunning film images by ALEXANDER J. COLLINS.
Meet Clementine and John – a beautiful real couple – whose connection and love for each other shows in the warmth and sincerity of this shoot styled by EMMA JOY THE WEDDING PLANNER. The setting for their nuptials is HAM HOUSE, a charming 17th century historic house on the south bank of the River Thames in London. There the couple share a tender embrace in the loggia before taking a romantic stroll in the grounds.
Emma shares more about the thought process behind the shoot with us, "Besides the above poem, my inspiration for the shoot came from the loggia itself and the soft colours of the faded mural on its walls. These warm hues provided the perfect backdrop for Clementine’s breathtaking pale blush pink wedding dress. Designed by the bride herself, it was custom-made by British bespoke bridal gown maker CAROLINE ARTHUR, whose London boutique is within HAM HOUSE. With its sweetheart bodice adorned with delicate Leavers lace, and a full skirt made from layers of silk organza, it is beautiful in its simplicity and femininity.
Because of the historic setting, I felt it was important to keep a strong British theme throughout. We even battled against our infamous weather to make it happen! Incredibly, all of the flowers were grown organically in the gardens at Ham House and picked, as Harry did for Meghan, the day before our shoot. Floral designers LEIGH CHAPPELL FLOWERS and NETTLEWOOD FLOWERS created a loose and natural bouquet using seasonal bronze sunflowers, scabious and the last of the sweet peas.
Our stationery was handmade by LAURA ELIZABETH PATRICK and was inspired by the texture of the chequered floor of the loggia. It features a sketch of Ham House and an excerpt from the famous poem by Lord Byron.
Hair and makeup artist, ANN-MARIE LAWSON, created a simple up-do and kept Clementine's makeup beautifully light and natural so that nothing detracted from her dress. Other details included exquisite jewelled shoes by EMMY LONDON, botanically dyed silk ribbons by THE NATURAL DYE WORKS and a velvet ring box by BRIDE TO BEE.
We are so grateful to the National Trust for allowing us to use HAM HOUSE as our location. It was a privilege to shoot there."
