Blackfriars Priory

From the first wedding of 2024, to the first editorial, at the most incredible UK wedding venue, Blackfriars Priory. I fell in love with this place the first time I came to view it, from the historic crumbling walls, to the modernised windows that let the light tumble in - it's really every photographers dream.

For this shoot we wanted to blend the old with the new, and create a modern renaissance based from a period drama. Working with textures and silhouettes and keeping the colours neutral and simple, I'm just obsessed with every frame. There was an incredible team behind this, that put in so much work behind the scenes to create these dramatic settings. Beck from Jean Jackson couture headed up the outfit sourcing and styling, from a completely custom made look on our editorial bride, Fern, to brand new Saint Bridal gowns and vintage Dior. We were spoilt with this beautiful array of fashion. Fern wore a high neck lace + tulle blouse, with custom corset, lace skirt and a dramatic overskirt, Nala and Knot, our amazing hair and makeup artists, paired this with a dramatic dark lip, wispy off the face hair, and a cat eye. For Catherine and Nathan, we went a little bit softer, with natural glam makeup, loose messy waves, topped with a beautiful starlit crown by Debbie Carlisle, Saint bridal structured overskirt, and again a custom corset by Beck. We kept it classy and simple for Nathan, wearing the ever stylish double breasted black tie, and bowtie. For Luci and Martha, we had two looks. The first on Martha was a pleated Rue De Seine gown, with bespoke sleeves, and a vintage Horton jumpsuit for Luci. Martha wore Alabaster Dream earrings and headpiece with this, which really set the look off. We went with slicked back hair for Martha, and a loose messy pony for Luci. Their second looks were the new Ophelia gown by Saint Bridal, paired with lace tights, and for Luci a vintage checked suit and Christian Dior blouse.

Whilst the venue is beautiful as is, we had Emma Cox Floristry and Sarah from Stories of Events, as the absolute dream team heading up the florals and styling. For the main section of the venue, we wanted to enhance it's features and not overpower - Emma created the most incredible, organic, installation, that looked like it had grown right out of the walls. Featuring foraged trees and bracken, spray roses, ranunculous, grasses and spanish moss, this carried through to the two tonal bouquets she'd made, one toffee and one white. Sarah's idea was the mammoth table, a true statement centrepiece, laden with fabrics for beautiful texture, candles, soft natural colours and tones, and Emma's bowl florals and bud vases. Alongside Rumeet's ingenius. delicate, parchment like stationery, it was a true showstopper.

Of course both our models were real couples, bringing the intimacy and chemistry in front of the camera, and their vulnerability truly shows through, in these romantic and atmospheric images. Fern, our editorial solo bride, was a true professional, and the photos of her are almost other wordly, ethereal and regal at the same time. This was everything I envisioned when I put this shoot together, I wanted romance and atmosphere, mood and intimacy but in a very soft and natural way. I wanted to show the magic of the venue, whilst creating love stories around the styling and couples. I'm so pleased with how this shoot turned out, a huge thank you to the team, and to Chloe from The Relaxed Bride who came to create content behind the scenes, and to The Cotswold Caterer for the beautiful vegan grazing lunch for everyone.

Venue - Blackfriars Priory

Styling - Stories of Events

Florals - Emma Cox Floristry

Outfits + Styling - Jean Jackson Couture

HMUA - Nala and Knot

Stationery - The Lovely Little Details

Accessories - Alabaster Dream

Accessories - Debbie Carlisle

BTS Content - The Relaxed Bride

Catering - The Cotswold Caterer