John wears: Grey tweed outfit with Douglas tartan kilt, £59 to hire, A1 Kilt Hire; Steph wears: Keana fit-and-flare crepe gown with tattoo effect illusion lace by Modeca, £POA, Reflections Bridal Boutique; Bouquet with ivory blooms and greenery, made to order, Roseparks; Signage, ceremony set-up and props, all styled by Lynsay Borthwick Weddings & Events
In the limbo periods of the last year, with one foot in lockdown and the other in the murky waters of restrictions, creatives had to get, well, creative. And no more was this true than in the case of styled photoshoots. Social distancing? Cutting down contacts? No problem – just leave the modelling to a real life couple! Who better to showcase suppliers’ work, in the absence of brides and grooms actually getting married, than two people genuinely in love?
It turned out to be a genius solution, one that led to a series of utterly gorgeous and alluring shoots, the latest being this lush effort from Rachel Cassie Photography, Reflections Bridal Boutique, florist Roseparks and stylist Lynsay Borthwick.
“We were thrilled to be approached by Rachel to be part of a shoot she was organising at Wedderlie House,” says Carol Donald at Reflections. “We couldn’t wait to get to this incredible venue, new on the scene in the Borders countryside, and collaborate with the other creatives on two different looks, both equally as beautiful, that would work for a relaxed, rustic-inspired wedding.”
Aside from the contrasting florals (pick your team – sunshine brights or refined neutrals?) and carefully curated props and furniture, it’s the off-the-scale chemistry between the models that we’re most obsessed with – although with gowns this divine, is it any wonder the ‘groom’ can’t keep his eyes off his ‘bride’?
“Our model Steph, and her partner John, were an absolute dream to work with,” confirms Carol. “We had so much fun dressing Steph in a few of our stunning gowns, the first of which was Nadine by Wendy Makin, a very simple, classic dress with a big impact. It’s breathtaking in the nude tone, and topped with a bold ivory lace overlay.
“For our second, we styled Steph in Keana by Modeca. This dress is a bit more glamorous and risqué, with sheer panelling, tattoo lace and a showstopping train. We wanted to show that any gown can take pride of place on your big day, no matter your theme.”
Scroll on down and fall in love with a tale of two looks.
From left: Steph wears: Keana by Modeca, as before, Reflections Bridal Boutique; Bouquet, as before, Roseparks; Three tier bake, made to order, Diana’s Delicious Bakery
John wears: Douglas tartan kilt outfit, as before, A1 Kilt Hire; Steph wears: Keana by Modeca, as before, Reflections Bridal Boutique
From left: Steph wears: Keana by Modeca, as before, Reflections Bridal Boutique; John wears: Grey tweed and Douglas tartan kilt outfit, as before, A1 Kilt Hire; Steph wears: Nadine lace gown with spaghetti straps by French Collection by Wendy Makin, £POA, Reflections Bridal Boutique; Bouquet, as before Roseparks
Table florals, made to order, Roseparks; Centrepiece props, styled by Lynsay Borthwick Weddings & Events
From left: Ceremony set-up, styled by Lynsay Borthwick; John wears: Douglas tartan kilt outfit, as before, A1 Kilt Hire; Steph wears: Nadine gown by French Collection by Wendy Makin, as before, Reflections Bridal Boutique
Wedderlie House’s converted stables
The secluded 50-acre estate at Wedderlie House is a photographer’s paradise
Steph wears: Nadine lace gown by French Collection by Wendy Makin, as before, Reflections Bridal Boutique; John wears: Douglas tartan kilt outfit, as before, A1 Kilt Hire; Bouquet, as before Roseparks; Aisle decor, styled by Lynsay Borthwick Weddings & Events
Umbrellas and props, all styled by Lynsay Borthwick Weddings & Events
Steph wears: Keana by Modeca, as before, Reflections Bridal Boutique; John wears: Douglas tartan kilt outfit, as before, A1 Kilt Hire
John wears: Douglas tartan kilt outfit, as before, A1 Kilt Hire
Steph wears: Nadine lace gown by French Collection by Wendy Makin, as before, Reflections Bridal Boutique; John wears: Douglas tartan kilt outfit, as before, A1 Kilt Hire; Bouquet, as before Roseparks; Aisle decor, styled by Lynsay Borthwick Weddings & Events
Buttonhole, made to order, Roseparks
Aisle decor, styled by Lynsay Borthwick Weddings & Events
