Rustic Ethereal French Chateau Inspiration Shoot

Inspired by the beauty and colours of the landscapes and chateaus in the South of France, photographer Emma Pilkington put together the ideas for this dreamy, fine art inspiration shoot that is just pure escapism and pretty. Set at the gorgeous Hassop Hall in Derbyshire, and working alongside a wealth of talented suppliers they've come up with some truly beautiful inspiration to set your heart a flutter and those creative juices flowing. Elegant satin and lace Kate Beaumont wedding gowns, fabulous Emmy London shoes, stunning Debbie Carlisle's Secret Garden and Enchanted hair vines, and the prettiest bridal bouquets by Swallows and Damsons. You will also immediately rethink your table settings after you see the gorgeous rustic set up styled by Nina Marika with fruits, flowers and candles. Sit back, relax and get those pinning fingers ready.

Inspiration

Influenced by the beauty and colours of the landscapes and chateaus of the South of France this bridal inspiration shoot drew on a warm yet muted colour palette to create the picture of rustic bridal elegance – in the heart of rural Derbyshire.

Photographer

Emma Pilkington brought her signature soft romantic feel to this relaxed bohemian shoot in the stunning setting of Hassop Hall. Emma chose Kate Beaumont’s ethereal soft satin and lace wedding gowns in a mixture of warm and pale ivory tones – all of which were accessorised with delicate hair vines and pins from Debbie Carlisle’s Secret Garden and Enchanted collections.

Styling

Stylist Nina Marika created a beautiful rustic tablescape complete with fresh fruit, a simple cake and macaroons from Joni, stunning white hand-lettered table stationery on handmade blue paper from Claire Gould Calligraphy, and flowers from Swallows and Damsons in warm ‘Provence Chic’ tones.

Flowers

For the table flowers and bouquets florist Anna Potter chose greens, greys, beiges and a dirty pink based on the Farrow and Ball colour Dead Salmon which worked perfectly with the warm but muted theme. She chose beautiful trailing ribbons in a similar palette of greens and greys, and a stunning ribbon of palest blue with a delicate gold leaf design from Lancaster & Cornish.

Beauty

Four different looks were created for the shoot, and hair and make-up artist Sarah Morten created a beautiful series of effortlessly soft and romantic styles to complement each style. Each look was based around creating something which would be achievable for the relaxed yet elegant boho French bride.

Bridal

Kate Beaumont’s bias cut silk gowns – Honeysuckle and Delphinium – were the perfect pairing for the chateau-inspired colour palette. Both drape beautifully when worn, and the sheen and colours of the silk vary as they catch the light. Honeysuckle’s silk is a warm oyster tone, with antique lace trim in a complementary tone draped over the shoulders and down the back. Honeysuckle was paired with two of Debbie Carlisle’s trailing Scarlett hair vines which were pinned on either side the model’s head to meet at the back, creating one stunning single piece. The look was finished with the beautiful warm tones of Emmy’s Cecile shoes in blush kid suede. The Delphinium molten-metal silver silk gown was designed in collaboration with Debbie Carlisle who provided the sparkles at the shoulders and waist. This gown usually creates a quite dramatic look, but Emma’s soft ethereal style of photography and the addition of just two simple silver crystal and pearl hair pins and vintage style earrings created a gentle effortlessly relaxed look. Kate also chose to pair her Lilac short lace dress, worn over a silk satin slip, with her Peony polka dot tulle gathered skirt and long veil to create a whimsical, romantic and very feminine look. Debbie added her silver crystal and pearl Sydney hair vine which pinned into place above the veil at the back of the head and curved gently round to the front of the head. A simple pair of pearl and crystal earrings completed this delicate look. Kate’s Anemone French lace gown was the final look for the day – a simple silhouette created in a soft and delicate lace, with a bold yet subtle all-over floral print. Debbie teamed this with two warm antique gold floral hair vines – Sylvie and Loretta - from her Enchanted collection which she pinned together to create a deconstructed wildflower halo crown. Simple gold crystal studs completed the delicate look.