Zodiac Wedding Inspiration
Abbots Hall is a 75-acre museum based in the heart of Suffolk, used to preserve the way of East Anglian life throughout the ages. It also acts as an unusual and diverse wedding venue. Most of the buildings have been relocated here brick by brick from many miles away. Two buildings really inspired me here, one was the little tin chapel and the beautiful orangery attached to the manor house – just perfect for our zodiac wedding inspiration.
Words and images by Beth Beresford Photography.
Romani Influences
On the grounds are Vardo’s, traditional horse-drawn live in travellers wagons, used by the British Romanichal Travellers as their home. They are beautifully decorated should you ever see one. The Romani were well known for their use of tarot cards, star signs and all-round zodiac immersion. Therefore this was the central theme of the shoot. To take the zodiac and turn it into a wedding experience. The Romani were also incredibly resourceful, they would forage and recycle in a way we can only strive towards today.
Our couple, Michelle and Lee, are a real couple who have been married for over 8 years. They break the mould and live a life so true to their strong ethical and spiritual beliefs. Lee is a guitar teacher, Michelle a Doula, both are such incredibly lovely people. It was so important to me to use a real couple. I’m tired of seeing endless streams of models. Whilst I understand the reason and it can add to the shoot aesthetic, it’s so unhealthy for brides to be. Also, where is the love and chemistry with models? These two real lovers have it in abundance.
The Ceremony
The ceremony was all about connecting with the spiritual self. Michelle wore a stunning Half Penny dress with celestial pins in her hair. She had an amazing celestial cape by Sash & Veil, it was dotted with stars. The bouquet used toffee roses but was a mix of fresh and dried. Lee’s suit was from ASOS and was brown with a burgundy check. The colours really pulled those warm earthy tones seen in the Vardos. The ceremony also involved handfasting, an ancient tradition. We used Laikstyle’s amazing naturally dyed peace silk.
The Table Setting
The table set up was designed around a table of 8, using Persian rugs and a handmade reclaimed wood table hired from Anthology Vintage Hire. We used camel/ivory table runners dotted with reused brown pottery vases. A number of the little pots were Victorian inkwells, you can still see the thumbprints of the potters that made them 100 years ago.
Textured glass plates and glasses were used, both using recycled glass. Cocktails were introduced with gypsophila pegged to the side of each glass. Each plate used a Royal Doulton side plate, we used the Ellen Degeneres collection which was stunning. Each side plate was offset to the top right to represent the waning moon. Napkins were dyed using natural materials and sat under the plate to show their colour but not detract from the beautiful textures. Silk ribbons wrapped the cutlery using earthy tones.
We used as few cut flowers as possible on the table, knowing that cut flowers aren’t great for the environment. A mixture of Brass candlesticks from AVH was placed down the length of the table. Some vintage books were used to give varying heights to the candles to add depth.
The Stationery & Cake
The stunning stationery reflected the reds, browns and golds. Suzanne, from Silk and Ink designs, used the all-seeing eye and star signs. The menus on the plates really pull the whole theme together in a cohesive way. I absolutely love the mini macrame on the names place settings.
We used a vintage white dresser to display the cake and favours. Sue Hurst took the menus as inspiration to create biscuits with the all-seeing eye. She made the most incredible macaroons dotted with gold to represent the star signs. The cake also used maroon and ivory colours in a buttercream two-tier. The ribbons were provided by Laikstyle and just added the finishing touch perfectly.
The Outdoor Setting
We also styled a little outside set up at sunset as Romani travellers do most of their celebrating and living outside, so we felt that was really important to capture. We used wooden engraved stars hanging from the arch to represent the beautiful engravings on the wagons, but also to represent that sometimes the stars align and you meet your soulmate.
Lastly, we did a quick change to an evening Burgundy velvet Jacket for the groom and Michelle wore the most amazing Embroidered leather jacket by Niamh Embroidery designs. The couple performed their first dance to the same song as when they married 8 years ago.
Such beautiful zodiac wedding inspiration! Thanks so much to the talented team (all mentioned below). Do you need even more wedding ideas? Browse the rest of the blog for a whole wealth of wedding planning ideas and inspiration.
Credits
Styling & Photography: Beth Beresford Photography / Wedding Dress Designer: Halfpenny London / Wedding Dress Boutique: Amelia & Alice Bridal Boutique / Flowers: Willow & Belle Floristry / Accessories: Honey and Ember / Shoes: Jenny Packham / Bride: Michelle Parkin / Groom: Lee Parkin / Wedding Planner: Weddings for you by Marie Clarke / Assistant Co-ordinator: Frankie Nixon, Make Our Day / Celebrant: B Celebrant / Ribbons: Laik Style / Props: Anthology Vintage Hire / Venue: Abbots Hall / Cake & Favours: Sue Hurst Cake Design / Stationery: Silk & Ink Designs / Linens: Magpie Linens / Embroidered Jacket: Niamh Designs / Hair & Makeup: Danielle Baker, Butterflies Hair Design / Side Plates: Royal / Napkins: Myrrh & Honey / Placemats: Handmade by Kirsty Elaine / Cape: Sash & Veil
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