Words by Roberta Burcheri Events. Images by Leanne Ashcroft Photography
A White House Inspired Modern Fairytale at Dartmouth House
Consider this Spring editorial to be a modern yet romantic wedding design concept, reimagining the fond radiance of a past era through the lens of today’s hospitality scenery. If you’re planning a fine art-inspired, charming Spring wedding, this is a must-see.
Roberta Burcheri inspiration. Come along with me to the historic Dartmouth House, where the cherubs on the ceiling frescoes echo the flourishing feminine shapes of the high relief, making you feel instantly timeless.
I strongly wanted to reflect this season’s exuberance, showcasing it in the floral prints and uplifting colours, bringing a warm garden indoors, with a light and airy feel, and mixing natural, organic textures reflected both on details and overall design, to create a stunning combination of peach, sage, creams palette, with undertones of ivory, and jade, and all my favourite florals.
I chose a fun, irreverent botanical patterned linen, playful tableware, all from Maison Margaux, and blush Arabella chairs from Be Amazed Events to create this mood.
Some playful sage ribbons, pops of joyful, citrusy hues from floral centrepieces and scattered physalis elevated the tablescape, contrasted by muted accents from figs and passion fruits, scalloped oatmeal placemats and napkins for a pretty Spring style wedding table.
Every detail of the wedding day has been designed with sophistication and class in mind.
Shilpa Reddy Flowers’ grounded installations of Lorenzo tulips and Queen Anne’s lace supported a “natural flower movement” aesthetic for the stairs and mantlepiece, capturing and appreciating nature’s beauty and poetry.
La table sucrée was artfully crafted by Erzulie Cakes, bringing an opulent and delightful patisserie display, including cherry-infused cake bars, vanilla butter biscuits, lavender dipped cake domes, rose and cream tartlets, rose French macarons, and a fine art masterpiece wedding cake, featuring delicate three-dimensional blooms with frilly silhouettes woven in its delicate frosting.
The desserts were paired with calligraphed labels on signature peach and rose cordial bottles for guests as a fun, memorable, and fragrant favour.
Leanne Ashcroft was inspired by the President of the United States granddaughter, Naomi Biden’s recent marriage to Peter Heerman Neal. From the elite of the USA to the high society of the UK. She noticed many similarities between the two venues and aspects of our editorial while brainstorming ideas.
“We’re taking you from the regal green and blue room of the White House in Washington DC to the historic Dartmouth House in Mayfair, London.
The two grand fireplaces are similar, as well as a sweeping staircase, artwork, exquisite draperies, and bay windows”.
The bride’s Shimmering Ivory Victorian haute couture gown was a stunning choice. The dramatic effect it created as it descended the marble stairs of Dartmouth House was undeniable, complementing the venue’s grandeur.
The fullness of the sleeves emphasised the poetic full lace on the bodice and skirt of this Victorian-inspired gown, which is outlined with subtle sequin embellishment and elaborate beading appliques.
Our bride’s gown was gracefully flowing with her movements as she walked through the house’s rooms and courtyard.
Naomi Biden’s inspired high neck, lace wedding gown was accented with South Sea pearls, which are renowned for their size and are among the most expensive varieties of pearls in the world. They have a “distinctly romantic sensibility,” according to their description.
Pearluminous doubled down on Coco Chanel’s signature look, integrating the “A woman needs ropes and ropes of pearls, especially on her wedding day” kind of vibe, while elevating it with a subtle touch of gold, to match the exuberance of Dartmouth House.
Pearls are always appropriate, equally elegant and subtly glamorous, especially on luxurious bridal shoe details that Diane Hassall’s work is so well-known for. Her exquisite, feminine designs have been worn by international brides for 25 years.
CJC’s Hair and Makeup natural glam look and tousled updo paired perfectly with the bridal style.
To portray the signs of Spring, Lynda Loves’ lavish stationery was based on a colour palette of silver sage, pale blush, almond, and gold.
Oval Save the Dates were pressed in gold foil, with handmade sage papers for the main invitation. The RSVP vellum wrap and pocket wallet with wave cut design featured illustrated floral buds and an initial monogram, which was carried throughout the design.
The table stationery featured matching silver sage menus printed in gold foil, with a floral monogram, each hand tied with sage ribbon bows to match the floral placemats.
Guest name cards were calligraphed in gold ink onto pale blush cards.
Credits
Concept, Planning, and Design: Roberta Burcheri Events @roberta_burcheri_events / Venue: Dartmouth House @dartmouthhouseweddings / Photographer: Leanne Ashcroft Photography @leanneashcroftphotography / Second Shooter: Mal’s Photography @malsphotographyuk / Videographer: Vic Rivero Film @vicrverofilms / Gown Designer: Shimmering Ivory @shimmering_ivory / Accessories: Pearluminous @pearluminous_ / Stationery: Lynda Loves @lyndaathey / Suit: Richard Anderson @rasavilerow / Bridal Shoes: Diane Hassall @di_hassall / HMUA: CJC hair & Make up @cjcmakeupandhair / Floristry: Shilpa Reddy Flowers @shilpareddyflowers / Cake Designer: Erzulie Cakes @erzuliecakes / Tableware and Linen: Maison Margaux @maisonmargauxltd / Female Model: Rohiny Belani @asweetrohmance / Male Model: Oliver Fernandez @oliverfernandez1 / Shoot Assistant: Rachel Parker @celebratewithrachellouise / Furniture Rental: Be Amazed Weddings and Events @beamazedevents
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