Inspirational Vintage Outdoor Wedding Proposal
It may be the middle of Summer but I’m thinking about Spring, Isn’t Spring an exciting season? I just love watching nature begin to wake up and come to life after the long cold Winter. The leaves starting to appear on the trees and colourful flowers starting to push their way through the ground. To me it is a magical time of new beginnings and romance the perfect season for an outdoor marriage proposal!
The Inspiration Behind the Shoot
The shoot was inspired by the idea I had of a marriage proposal for a vintage loving Bride to be. I was thinking about a Fiancé who really understands his Fiancées sense of style, her love of colours and vintage styling. He embraces her creativity by planning this unique proposal.
I wanted to create a story behind the shoot, a couple taking a romantic stroll in the beautiful countryside here in Sussex. On a sunny Sunday morning in Spring they have a favourite spot they like to visit with stunning views across the South downs. Our Fiancé would take his lady by surprise and drop down to one knee, popping the question with a beautiful antique ring in a personalised velvet ring box while they walked through the orchards.
I had visions of the Fiancé excitedly leading his stunned Fiancée further up the hill where they discover a little vintage living room set up in the field. The living room would be the couples own romantic and comfortable space, complete with bubbles cooling in a bucket and a bohemian grazing platter almost too pretty to eat. There for them to celebrate, to snuggle up reminiscing about their past and excitedly thinking ahead to their future together.
The Venue
The shoot took place at Stonehill Farm in Horam, East Sussex, which is a family run P.Y.O farm with the most amazing views over the south downs. Boasting beautiful orchards and woodlands this farm also doubles as a unique outdoor wedding venue. I choose to set up the vintage lounge at the top of the orchards to showcase that view!
The Suppliers and Their Expertise
Taking inspiration from the romance of Spring, the emerging flowers and blossom that bright sunshine I wanted to bring the indoors outdoors by styling a colourfully quirky, living room. Going through my vast collection of authentic vintage props, vintage occasional furniture and upcycled pieces of furniture, I gatherer a collection that would complement the colours of the season. Selecting a colour palette of muted pinks, pale blues, dusty lilacs and subtle sage greens with antique brass as an accent along with pops of bright pink and turquoise to inject some fun! For me spring is all about flowers so nods to chintz were reflected in the standard lamp, and through the vintage fabrics used on the antique sofa which was supplied by Rent Event. Vintage details such as piles of beautiful old books and seasonal blooms arranged in vintage bottles created a lived-in feel. All set up on a rug on the grass with the downs as a stunning backdrop.
Claire from The Beauty Ninjas The Beauty Ninjas was on hand to create a fresh and natural look on our model bride to be. Added a funky edge by using bronzy neutral eye colour on the socket, and a creamy shimmering shade on the lids followed by lots of lashes and a jet-black winged eyeliner. We chose a matte rose pink to harmonise with the florals and added a darker lip liner to create an ombré look and notch up the fierce factor of our model Amber Nicole Smiths personality.
Jo from Jo Frost Flowers provided us with gorgeous seasonal flowers in pastel Spring like tones, these were styled in vintage bottles.
Our stationery was supplied by Lynda of Lynda Loves. The stationery was based on faded pastel colours with water colour washes, printed on blush textured card stock to tie in with the vintage countryside theme. A palette of pale blue and pinks were used throughout the suite with gold accents in hand calligraphy to personalise some of the items which were complemented with a vintage cameo wax seal.
The beautiful velvet ring box was by Lucy at Wild Whiskers and was personalized with our model couples initials in gold foil.
the ladies at Connie and Cooper created our delicious, fresh and colourful grazing platter. Inspired by bohemian outdoor feasts they used a beautiful vintage gold platter which complimented the cheeses, breads and falafel, introducing colour with little vintage glasses that contained olives along with delicate edible flowers.
The entire inspirational vintage engagement shoot was captured by the talented Katie from Katie Rogers Photography With an incredible eye for detail, Katie conveyed the magic and romance of spring. Capturing the beautiful bright light, pops of colour and all the elements that the super talented team of Sussex wedding suppliers brought together. She was also a natural at putting our model couple at ease while being photographed.
If you are looking for more vintage lounge inspiration, or are planning a vintage wedding proposal visit my portfolio to take a look at more of our styled shoot. Get in touch if you would like to find out more about how I can create something similar for you.
