With today marking 75 years since the guns were fell silent, G n Bri Photography and some other very talented suppliers marked the occasion with a styled shoot paying homage to the date.

The Inspiration

We wanted to organise a shoot to honour the 75th Anniversary of VE Day, with this inspired shoot representing and paying respect to those who fought, and those who continue to fight for our country. With that, we wanted to have a representation in Black & White, as photographs were still all monotone then. This gives a historical feel, but still shows the beauty of modern weddings. We took inspiration from current trends, as well as the trends during WWII, to create something bespoke for our couples to use as a visual tool. Covid 19 had other plans, and our shoot became even more realistic of an honour of the day. 

The Story

We wanted to create a story that showed a bride who loved a military man, in our case her was in the RAF. Originally, we intended to reflect a reunited feeling, that allowed people to connect with their love and show how wonderful it is for service men and women to be reunited.

Our story drastically changed when both models dropped out, due to the virus, which meant we had to think on our feet. The team agreed with the idea to make the story more of an homage to those lost in the war. It is a darker piece, but it gave us a chance to stop and think about those brides who dream of their wedding day, only to find themselves alone and waiting for the man who will never return, as he was lost to the war. She has ‘dream’ moments, of her special day and thinks of him in his uniform, hence the touch of the Boonie, whilst dreaming out of the window. The groom makes and appearance, in a slight fade, to symbolise him being with her in memory. 

The Venue

Dating back to 1556, Putteridge Bury, Bedordshire provided the perfect venue for our VE day inspired shoot. During the second world war, the house was even requisitioned by the government for armed forces to use, giving it a rich history tied with the military.

The Styling

We researched trends from the second World War, creating a story that had connections to modern trends and historical trends. We took inspiration from the Queen’s wedding as well. The trends were tall centrepieces, cathedral veils, simple dresses (often a little more fitted) and a hint of pearls. These trends were beautifully recreated with the simple, yet elegant table styling.

The Stationery

Using the symbol of the poppy as inspiration, the stationery kept with the monochrome theme whilst adding a pop of colour! The finished product feels historical, whilst maintaining its modern look.

The Bride

Our Bride, Esme, runs out to meet her groom, having seen him for the first time in ages. She is swept off her feet, and they share a loving embrace. We are in love with the couple, as they are so happy. However, reality isn’t always what it seems, and Esme is actually at her stunning wedding, alone, with only the memory of her love, Charlie, who has not returned from war. She sits at the window waiting for him, hoping to see him come home, as she fondly touches his Boonie hat. Esme dreams of attending her ceremony, to become Charlie’s wife, as the shadow of his presence joins them, with her bespoke gown and jewellery, in front of their personalised Celebrant. She enters her wedding breakfast, adorned with the beauty she wanted to share with him, but sits waiting and fondly remembering him. As she says goodbye, she looks out the window, up at Charlie, and reaches back to touch his uniform.

The beauty of a wedding, never to be shared. 

We linked the world war II trends to our modern setting with a stunning simple dress, personalised with a gorgeous piece from Rachel Sokhal that had a hint of pearls.

The Cake

To match our scheme, the cake was monochrome with a simple red flower. The colour of which is a nod to the poppies used throughout the styling.

The Flowers

Throughout the styling the only pop of colour was provided by the poppies, a sign of beauty and respect. The poppies are a nod to those who were lost.

Our wonderful local suppliers are here to help you with your wedding day:

Photographer and Coordinator: G n Bri Photography

Venue: Putteridge Bury

Table styling: Stardust Events

Table Plan and Gifts: Samsa May’s

Flowers: Queen & Eden

Bridal Dress: Dress House

Bridal Accessories: Rachel Sokhal Bridal Accessories

Hair: Bespoke Bridal Hair by Nicola Marshall 

Makeup: Michelle Nash Makeup

Suit Hire: Military Costume Hire

Cake: La Belle Cake Company 

Stationery: Tiggity Boo

Celebrant: Kelly Hawes

Model: Elle E Model