We have a real treat for you today, as we are featuring this amazing ‘Enchanted Woodland’ bridal shoot, which took place at Escot House. The exquisite outdoor styling by Elle of Inspire-Hire shows just how ‘enchanting’ the grounds of the venue are. We love that the wild animals came out in force and are captured in the beautiful pictures taken by Venetia Norrington, who told us how the shoot came about…
“When I say I chose Escot House for my own wedding venue, you will probably realise how much I love it. It was therefore a real pleasure to assist the owner in showcasing how the venue can be used to inspire a different kind of wedding, something outside of the box and unlike the usual and obvious shoot locations. Working with such a unique venue meant pulling together a team of inspirational suppliers and a highly creative stylist, which is where Elle Winsor-Grime of Inspire Hire came in…”
“When Venetia approached me and asked me to style an inspirational shoot at Escot House I jumped at the chance to work at such an inspiring and magical venue.
“We really wanted to reflect some of the magic of the grounds and inhabitants of the venue. The grounds at Escot are mysterious and romantic, and we wanted to create a magical, intimate party light with twinkly candlelight in the ancient woodland.
“The uber-talented Emily Hankins designed a beautiful hand-painted cake, with fabulous ombre emerald colour dripping with opulent copper, and finished with edible flowers.
“The tablescape was designed to look as if the table had simply grown from the ground. The rich emerald green seeped from the woodland floor up onto the table, across the plates, up the stems of the glasses, and even into the napkins. Little favours of crystallised edible petals graced each place setting, and candles hung from the magical old trees.
“A radiant amethyst purple was used to dip dye one of the fabulous dresses from Pirouette, the other was a vintage dress embellished with soft white feathers. The boys were dressed as the surroundings required in beautiful tweeds and country attire from Lugets of Exeter.
“With Venetia having experienced first-hand the creativity of our florist Laura Hingston, she seemed the natural choice. I asked her to create some floral arrangements and a bouquet that were natural with a wild feel and abandoned style. The dainty and delicious bouquet, fanciful floral headdresses and necklaces for our girls were truly jewels of nature.
“The pallet of jewel colours was reflected in the beautiful Twobirds Bridesmaid dresses from Sam Cox Bridal — the dresses had an opulent but soft look, and luxurious feel. Our fabulous hair and make-up team Louise Always and Jai Prettejohn created a soft and relaxed yet ethereal look.
“Escot has so many wonderful settings; imagine a sunset wedding ceremony in the middle of a maze, surrounded by lanterns and willow decorations spinning in the soft breeze. Then, as you stroll towards the historic stable block through the enchanted woodland, see what magic you might encounter!
“Several of the beautiful residents from the Parkland at Escot were keen to join the party. The wildlife and nature at Escot are what make it such a unique venue for a wedding or event; look out for those creatures trying to steal the limelight!
“Escot’s long history of successful wedding celebrations was abundantly evident. The team are so helpful, professional and yet extremely flexible. Their ability to let you have a day that really reflects your personality makes Escot an obvious choice for a unique and perfect wedding.”
Photography: Venetia Norrington
Venue: Escot
Stylist: Elle Winsor-Grime, Inspire Hire
Cake: Emily Hankins
Flowers: Laura Hingston Flowers
Dresses: Pirouette the Collection, Days of Grace
Groomswear: Lugets of Exeter
Hair Stylist: Louise Alway
Make-Up: Jai Prettejohn, The Event Studios
Models: Darren Woolmington, Ollie Taylor, Edita Meskauskaite, Charlotte Rock, Amelia Watt and Molly Leia
