Last Summer I was invited to participate in a Bridal Shoot, joining a team of creative professionals.
It was an amazing experience. An opportunity to work with such a talented team at one of the most magnificent Georgian mansions in Essex.
Built in 1545, Gosfield Hall is set within 10 acres of the most beautiful parkland, and there can't be many wedding venues that can claim to be a former palace, as well as a temporary residence to Queen Elizabeth I.
It turned out to be a fabulous day – a day I would love to share.
So welcome to:
A day in the life ….......of a Tablescape Stylist
I arrived bright and early at Gosfield Hall on a beautiful sunny day in August.
I was the first to arrive, and after unloading my car, laden to the brim with tableware, centre pieces and accessories, I was ushered up to the palatial ballroom - an exquisite setting for fine dining.
With crystal chandeliers, double-height mirrors and the sun beaming through the tall sash windows, this elegant room was flooded with light.
Photography by Gosfield Hall
Meet some of the Bridal Shoot Team
One by one, the team started arriving and once we made our introductions, we were given a grand tour of the venue and gardens.
The models, make-up artist and bridal hair stylist were shown into the honeymoon suite to get ready, and the rest of us were able to join them, for a short while at least, before we got on with our own tasks.
It was a draw dropping moment to watch as the models were transformed into two beautiful brides and one rather handsome groom.
Much as we would have loved to have stayed in the honeymoon suite to see the final transformation, it was time for the rest of us to get to work.
And then, a change of plan ….........
As it was such a beautiful summer's day, it was decided to move from the Ballroom and set up the tables in the gardens instead.
So, moving all my tableware from the upstairs ballroom to the gardens, it was time to create the tablescapes.
My brief was to set two tables, the first for a wedding breakfast, and the second for an afternoon tea reception.
Andrea, the florist and I had previously decided on the colour scheme for both tablescapes and so, it was now time to get creative.
For the Wedding Breakfast table, we chose a combination of blue and lemon – reminiscent of an Amalfi Coast wedding.
After all the photos and videos had been taken, it was time to create the Afternoon Tea tablescape. This time pastel shades of duck egg blue for the tableware, and shades of pink for the floral arrangements were chosen. Perfect for one of our Signature vintage style weddings – think French Chateau style.
For both tablescapes we draped gossamer white voile along the length of the table to soften the white table linen.
And finally ….........
Photo shoots can take many hours and this one took a total of eight hours. but I hope you will agree that it was well worth the time and effort spent, as I share with you some of the images from this exciting day.
I arrived home exhausted but exhilarated and can’t wait to return to Gosfield Hall. Next time, it will be to style an actual wedding.
If you are planning a wedding or other celebration and would like more information, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
We would love to help you plan your special day.
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