Elizabethan Influences Meets Contemporary: A Wedding Editorial

The creative concept for this editorial melds English historical influences from a Grade I Elizabethan mansion in the heart of England, with a contemporary, elegant bridal style.

Photography by Megan Daisy Photography.

With a passion for history at Sarah Shuttle Creative, I looked at the fascinating origins of this hidden gem venue and aimed to celebrate the style of the time, while providing wedding inspiration for the 21st Century bride.

We opted for two looks combining a beautiful separates set, with the addition of a sheer blouse as a nod to the ruffles and grand sleeves that were so prevalent in the era. The use of a pearl set in gold ring hints at the hundreds of freshwater pearls sewn Elizabeth I used to have sewn onto her gowns.

For the first look, we styled the hair long and straight as reminiscent of the days before Elizabeth I ascended to the throne where she adopted a protestant look of purity. The sleek ponytail we used for the second look represented the ascension to the throne and the official start of the Elizabethan era.

We used a dark wood table and chairs, keeping the style of the grand staircase and wooden floorboards from the venue and era at the time, with rich golds and jewel tones to convey the grandeur.