I’m so excited to be able to share this styled shoot with you. Last year, I worked with a dream team of local Essex-based suppliers to create an authentic and romantic 1940s inspired shoot, and am beyond thrilled with the results.

Meeting a Hurricane

We headed to Elmsett Airfield for this shoot, where we were lucky enough to be able to include some incredible vehicles from the era. The aircraft you can see here is one of the very few surviving World War II Hurricanes. It was recovered from the sea having crash-landed on the beach in Dunkirk in 1940.  It has been painstakingly repaired by Hawker restoration – taking almost a decade of careful work – and has been brought back to its former glory. As we explored the airfield we found an array of amazing vintage cars, as well as some rusted ammunition. The feeling of stepping back in time sent shivers up my spine, and I absolutely loved the contrasting tones and textures that the dulled metals gave when paired with our romantic florals and the detailed beadwork on the accessories.

1940s with a Modern Twist

We wanted to stay true to the atmosphere of the era in our 1940s inspired shoot, while bringing in some contemporary touches to make it relevant to today’s brides. We used stylish jumpsuits from Velvet Johnstone alongside gorgeous flowing dresses from Rock the Frock bridal, and sculptural modern florals, which were all home grown by the Country Garden Flower Company.

It’s all in the detail

I’m all about the detail in my work, and it was a joy to create intricate beaded headpieces with floral accents and warm tones of amber and gold for the shoot. These were paired with both birdcage and long, billowing veils from Sash and Veil to complement the range of 1940s-inspired hairstyles created by Jennie Galgey and Marina Cox.

When the images from Chanon de Valois first hit my inbox, I couldn’t stop smiling. She’s so skilfully captured each individual element of the day, as well as some truly stunning portraits of our gorgeous models against the backdrop of the Hurricane and the cars.

This was the first shoot I co-ordinated and planned, and I couldn’t have asked for a better team of people to help bring my vision to life. Each one of us is passionate about traditional techniques and attention to detail in our work, coupled with a love of this particular era. We all felt inspired and a bit humbled by the dedication and craftsmanship that was involved in restoring the majestic Hurricane, and it was an honour to share the airfield with such an amazing machine. Huge thanks to Hawker Restorations for allowing us to shoot there, and to An Essex Wedding magazine for not only featuring our 1940s inspired shoot, but choosing an image for it for the cover. We’re over the moon!

Credits

Photography: Chanon de Valois | Dresses: Rock The Frock Bridal Boutique | Jumpsuits: Velvet Johnstone | Styling: Rock The Day Wedding Styling | Florist: The Country Garden Flower Company |
Hairstylists: Bridal Hair by Jennie and Bridal Hair by Marina | MUA: Claire Marie Makeup and
Lexie Sully | Headpieces and Jewellery: PS With Love  | Veils: Sash and Veil | Shoes: Merle & Morris .
Models: Chloe Papworth , Danielle Elisha , Megan Little , Zoe Hall