With 2020 around the corner, many newly ‘engagee’s’ are deep in the planning of their big day scheduled for this celebratory year ahead. We wanted to take this opportunity to cheer on the much awaited 2020’s, whilst applauding the illustrious 1920’s that shaped so much of fashion, style and decor as we know it.

Our aim was two-fold: To inject some oomph into the near-outmoded marquee template and to toast the decade of fun and jazz that the 1920’s is romanticized for – however steering clear of the clichéd elements of styling often applied for a theme depicting this era.

Instead we looked to gently thread through intricate touches that intensely convey the 20’s, such as long pearl necklaces, ostrich feathers and bold art deco colours. Additionally, neutral tones blended with dramatic hues and splashes of black created a striking contrast.  Whilst a variety of textures, geometric shapes and exotic touches took us further into the vintage love-affair, and away from the frequented cookie-cutter style of many marquee weddings today.

With the ‘expensively understated’ trend exploding in the industry, barn weddings have been firmly dominating the wedding scene over the last couple of years (with even faux barns popping up in the US). This is of course great as these blank canvases offer so much to play with from a styling point of view, however sadly it has also meant more of a decline in the portrayal and popularity of marquees and other traditional settings.

We chose this shoot location being one of our favourites. Selden Barn presents couples with so much potential for their day – its tranquil location overlooks rolling fields and woodland, where horses and deer roam freely. Furthermore, it offers couples a charming bridal suite, an intimate ceremony barn, as well as the superb grand barn, which is swathed in beautiful ivory pleated marquee drapes with swags and tails. And so, we set out to challenge this trend of bare brick walls and create a fresh approach to just how well-suited current, and vintage trends work inside such a setting. 

One of the first areas we wanted to have some creative play time with was the ceiling. With its grand presence, the opportunity for light and space is a stylists’ playground. To create depth and a romantic, and whimsical ambience, we added hanging hoops of bullion – a styling newbie that we predict will be making more of a presence over the upcoming months (watch this space). The bullion tied in perfectly with the 1920’s theme, mimicking an essence of the flapper.

Additionally, our aim for the ceiling décor was to full and ‘fluff’ the interior, and essentially introduce an entirely different feel to a marquee setting. Bullion is making a come-back and it creates such dimension, adding an air of elegance. The hanging bullion together with the long candles played a big part in creating an impression of sophistication and sleek elegance. The candles and sections of the cake were black to give the look a modern and dramatic edge, whilst also bringing in another colour strongly apparent in Art Deco.

Dubbed "The Jazz Age", a 1920’s inspired shoot would not be complete without a slap of razzle-dazzle. Our balloon installation, neon signs and a confetti gun were subtle touches we hoped to inspire a trinket of fun and frolics.

One would say you haven’t fully covered Art Deco without at least a hint of the American embrace in Miami, where the use of pastel colours and bold neon signs dominated the style referendum. Our ‘Drunk in Love’ neon sign therefore played a rather fitting part with its quirky and playful nature, and its careful placement next to the gorgeous 1920’s-esque bar.

Early Hollywood glamorised cocktails, drinking spaces, and smoking paraphernalia. The gorgeous walnut wood bar, a popular wood in the 20’s was perfect for creating an opulent watering-hole.  We used combinations of individually placed and classical furniture pieces incorporating leathers, curved arms and velvet – which again were popular choices during this era. Additional dressings of plants and pearls around the bar area evoked further dashes of 1920’s allure.

Overall, we wanted to express a modern take on the 1920’s. The style of Art Deco and what was fashionable during this time of course varies, but it includes strong geometric lines and futuristic designs. Hair ornaments were essential, which leads us to another key element of our shoot.   The stunning ‘sunburst’ crown worn by our model emphasizes the symmetrical pattern seen in Art Deco design since the early 20th century.  Similar crowns appear to also be given a re-birth in current trends.

The vibrant and deep colours present in the faux flowers created a true depiction of the theme and an on-trend colour palette worth showing off. Faux flowers are an eco-bride must-have. Hedgerose and Honeysuckle creatively combined hydrangeas, dahlias, roses and twisted willow to create an elaborate, romantic, heavily decorated arch installation to establish that lavish 1920’s feel. They skilfully interspersed feathers within the flowers, which were rich shades of burgundy, red, pink and white for a glamorous look.

The intense colours present in the gorgeous faux mixed with elegant finessing, lavish embellishments and modern twists, haul us back to a prohibition style that's both classic and contemporary. The aim of the styling was not to create another exact replica of the 1920’s but rather to focus on certain elements that dictated much of this time with subtle hints to create a feeling – one that is decadent and evoking 1920’s glamour, with a touch of exotic about it.

CREDITS

Styling & Vision: To Have & To Hire
Insta: @tohaveandtohire_weddings
Facebook:@tohaveandtohireevents

Venue: Selden Barns
https://seldenbarns.co.uk/
Insta: @seldenbarns
Facebook: @SeldenBarns

Photographer: Love Heart Photography
Instagram: @loveheartphotographyuk
Facebook: Love Heart Photography  

Dress: Whyte Weddings
https://www.whyteweddings.com/
Insta: whyteweddingsbridalboutique
Facebook: @WhyteWeddingsBridalBoutique

Floristry: Hedegrose and Honeysuckle - this is all faux!
https://www.hedgeroseandhoneysuckle.co.uk/
Instagram:  @hedgeroseandhoneysuckle
Facebook: hedgeroseandhoneysuckle

Suits: Astares Menswear
https://astares.co.uk/
instagram: @astares_menswear
www.facebook.com/astaresmenswear

Headpiece/ Accessories: Lulalupin Design
https://www.lulalupin.com/
Facebook: Lulalupinsew
Insta: lulalupindesign

Jewellery: Aurum Jewellers
www.aurumjewellers.com
Facebook: @AurumJewellers
Insta: aurum_jewellers

Makeup: Kimberley Louise
www.kimberleylmakeup.com
FB: @kimberleylouisemakeup
Insta: @kimberleylouisemakeup

Hair: Your Event Stylist
www.youreventstylist.co.uk
FB: @youreventstylist
Insta: @youreventstylist

Crockery and Cutlery Hire: Place Settings
www.placesettingseventhire.com
FB: @PlaceSettingsEventHire
Insta: placesettings_

Cake Kasserina Cakes
www.kasserina.com
Facebook: @kasserinacakes
Insta: @kasserina

Models: Daniella Blanchard & Josh Trout