Are you excited to bring in the Roaring 2020’s? The wonderful John Woodward Photography, along with Restyle Refresh Weddings and Dollys Vintage Tea Party used this as their inspiration for this glorious styled shoot!

The Inspiration

The celebration of the upcoming 2020, which has already been named as the “Roaring 2020”, helped with the decision to create “The Gatsby with a Twist” Styled Shoot. The incredibly talented suppliers were given a few instructions on colour and detail, and then the rest was up to them. The splendour, richness and flamboyance of this styled shoot was created by the wonderful suppliers after being given the brief of carte blanche. We hope to show you that your special day and vision can be created without any fuss.

The Venue

The styled shoot was held at the picturesque Slepe Hall Hotel, St Ives, Cambridgeshire, in the Purple Tea Room. The perfect option for an intimate wedding breakfast, whilst reflecting the prosperity, elegance and decadence of the Gatsby era. 

We created the perfect vintage backdrop in Slepe Hall’s reception area with vintage suitcases, umbrellas and typewriters provided by Hayley from Dolly’s Vintage Tea Party. Recreating the 1920’s nostalgia and romance, whilst providing a perfect place for photographs to be taken.

The Colour Scheme

The colour palette was vibrant, glamorous and opulent – purple, gold and black and feathers detail and a touch of steampunk. Simple, yet beautiful, this perfectly reflected the era.

The Day

John Woodward Photography captured the day beautifully, making sure everyone was relaxed and happy, and kept us all laughing. His laughter, quirkiness, constant assurance and attention to detail was fantastic, as you can see in the moments he captured in the images. Sam from Candy Apple Grove Productions was kept on his toes, with all the constant movement and captured the memorable story through the video.

The Flashmob

Why not get your guests, young and old alike jumping out of their seats in in joy, with a wedding Flash Mob dance. Naomi from DanceMatters made a youtube video for us to practise, even if we had two left feet (!), she guided us in between the giggles. We strongly recommend doing this for your wedding day!

The Bride

We wanted to show two very different styles for the Gatsby era with our models Laura and Emma. Nadia from Restyle Refresh provided two beautiful pre-loved dresses that had been revitalised to their former glory! Laura’s dress was vibrant, bold and flamboyant, with the tulle, ribbon roses, feather and steampunk charms. Instead of a full veil, Laura wore a bespoke fascinator and completed her look with a black feathered cape.

Emma wore a fitted dress with macramé feathers and beaded detail on her shoulders, Emma also did not wear a veil, but a vibrant purple feather boa, long black gloves and a gorgeous fresh flower Gatsby headband.

The Hair and Makeup

The brides were given a beauty routine using natural and fresh Tropic Skincare by Laura, which left them with a porcelain complexion. Makeup by Joely then perfected the Gatsby look with the dark, sooty eyes, full lashes, deep red rouge lips and pronounced cupid bows.

Danica Zurawel styled the hair of these beautiful girls in a poised, chic look with curls and fingerwaves framing their faces, recreating the Gatsby era perfectly.

The Flowers

The bouquet, headband and floral décor were stunning to say the least.  Bridget from Wild Rosamund used dark, architectural callas and anthuriums, topped with opulent vanda orchids to reflect bold geometric 1920s style. She then mixed in some softer lisianthus, scabious and stocks for a modern, romantic look.

The Cake

Amber’s Bakes and Cakes created a wedding cake that looked like a work of art, tiered purple and gold art deco with handcrafted delicate sugar feathers

The Table Styling

The table setting definitely declared “opulence” from the outstanding floral centrepiece in dark rich purple tones, to the ribbon covered Champagne bottles. Each place setting featured a wooden favour box, with ceramic rose, feather and charm embellished glasses, combining a stunning mixture of textures and tones. Our brides enjoyed delicious canapes made by the Slepe Hall Chef.

The Stationery

Danielle from Make Me Digital digitally designed stationery that reflected the flamboyance of the era. By combining peacock feathers and gears, then further embellishing with vintage suitcases, keys, metal gears and modern frames.

We are sure you will agree that this shoot captures the nostalgia of the 1920’s Gatsby era! For more inspiration chat with our talented suppliers below:

Photography: John Woodward Photography

Videography: Candy Apple Grove

Styling – Table and Chair Decor: Refresh Restyle Weddings

Vintage Decor: Dollys Vintage Tea Party

Venue: Slepe Hall Hotel

Flowers: Wild Rosamund

Hair: Danica Zurawel Hair

Skincare: Tropic by Laura

Make Up: Make-up by Joely

Flash Mob choreography: DanceMatters

Bridal Outfit’s and Fascinator: Refresh Restyle Weddings

Cake: Ambers Bakes and Cakes

Stationery: Make Me Digital

Models: Laura and Emma