Autumnal Rustic Charm

Back on a rainy, miserable day in October our Ambience Venue Styling Suffolk stylist, Tina, collaborated with a talented team of wedding suppliers to bring some serious autumnal rustic charm to the barn. We spoke to the team to see what inspired their vision for the shoot.

It really created the atmosphere. I set up a small ceremony area with a copper backdrop and chiffon draping, at the lower end of the barn. The wall behind was beautiful. We then set two round tables with slightly different looks and a long banqueting table to change the feel. We also created a few feature areas with other props – a rocking chair, vintage step ladder and plenty of apple crates.”

“The team really worked their magic on the day and I’m so pleased with the results. Emily the photographer was amazing, nothing was too much trouble and her images are stunning! The stationery provided by Oops A Doodle was perfect and contrasted really well with the place settings provided by A Place Setting.”

“Upon planning the concept of the shoot, I chose the barn because of it’s look and location, going for a rustic feel that oozed charm.” On the day Stacie styled the hair for both models – the bride and bridesmaid. For the bride she opted for a relaxed, textured look to compliment the venue and dresses. Then for the bridesmaid she wanted to really show off her lovely long hair so styled this with a flower piece.

Abby’s inspiration for the cake came from the rustic elegant nature of the Suffolk barn and the beautiful florals and styling colours provided by Claire at Thrive Floristry and Tina at Ambience Venue Styling. “I wanted to incorporate warmth with a modern edge. The modern texture works perfectly with the dried flowers and a hint of luxe with the gold detailing. Previously a print designer turned baker, I’ve always wanted to incorporate my two loves. I love designing bespoke and on trend cakes.”

Claire said “Being such a stunning example of a traditional Suffolk barn, we opted for a romantic, yet country garden vibe to match. The textural designs, oozing with beautiful seasonal materials – from Dahlia, Cosmos and Roses, berries and foliage such as Oak, Beech and Ivy – giving a nod to the beautiful rural location, and the odd Vanda Orchid bloom for a dash of luxury and sophistication. To give a soft, delicate, romantic look, we added feathery Stipa and Pampas grass, which move gently in the breeze.”

“We opted for typically autumnal colours – soft apricots, rusts, delicate pinks and a little white to visually soften… and a tiny touch of blue to link to the bridesmaids’ dress and accent colour on the napkins.”

“I started out in film and TV and now specialise in bridal make up. The styled shoot was amazing to be a part of, we were able to be creative again and the whole team were a pleasure to work with. Every aspect came together beautifully and my inspiration for the makeup was romantic, rustic elegance to go alongside the gorgeous barn and dresses. To also compliment the styling and autumnal feel, I used warm tones with golds, rose golds on the eyes with a soft berry lip on Abigail and burnt red/brown tones on Anneka.

Anneka was our fair haired model and she looked absolutely stunning! She’s also a hair stylist, specialising in weddings so this was very familiar territory for her. Anneka said “when I was asked to take part I was super excited to work with such a talented group of girls. The shoot was great fun and the photos are amazing!”

The day was great fun and it was so good to be working on a project with a team after a very quiet year due to coronavirus. The barn dates back to the 15th century and is the perfect canvas for a wide variety of themes and looks.

Tina and the team created an amazing look for the barn and really managed to capture the beauty and grandure of the barn, as well as be on theme for the shoot. All the suppliers were wonderful to work with, working together to create a really beautiful day with incredible photo results.