MARIEL HANNAH - An English Summer - Shillingstone Estate

Well it really doesn't get much more dreamy than this English summertime shoot by MARIEL HANNAH – who is an absolute master of capturing incredibly romantic scenes. Like something out of a Jane Austen novel, it takes place amidst the grounds of SHILLINGSTONE HOUSE, a small and relaxed wedding venue in Dorset and also the family home of Sir and Lady Salt. Florist & stylist Emma from MARTHA & THE MEADOW says, "The grounds provided the perfect back drop for a story that suited mine, Mariel's and VICTORIA'S brands perfectly. With England in the grips of one of the longest and hottest summers for decades the summer light was sublime! With the wild cow parsley having faded due to the summer heat I wanted to create the frothy feeling and used the seasons offering such as Pan Kyushi hydrangea, achillea and smoke bush to pull the look together which blended with the backdrop of SHILLINGSTONE HOUSE. Then when Monty the family dog was up for joining the team… what more could we have asked for?"

Accessories designer VICTORIA FERGUSSON not only created some earrings and a headdress for the shoot but also took care of the hair & make-up telling us, "What a unique and special day the shoot turned out to be. In advance of the shoot I designed some earrings and a headdress, all in gold to reflect the bleached golden summer vibe, the pieces also had a vintage feel to coordinate with the amazing JOANNE FLEMING gown. Make-up was soft. glowing and natural. Our gorgeous model Jess was a dream to work with, we waved the hair and kept it down for look one, with just the headdress holding back the sides. Look two was a great little bridal ponytail. Working with my dear florist friend Emma was, as always, a pleasure and meeting and working with Mariel and Abe a truly wonderful experience. SHILLINGSTONE HOUSE gardens in the grip of the hottest Summer I can remember since being a child was just perfection."