This bespoke wedding dress photoshoot in Kent absolutely bursts with colour, style and fun! Inspired by the 1950s and the quirky Rockabilly style, we went big with our bold accent colours of fuchsia pink and navy blue, the whole shoot was full of retro elegance and mid-century charm.
This shoot was all about 50s fun. With a classic car and vintage ice cream bicycle in tow. We even had a barbershop quartet on board! I wanted to keep those vintage vibes going with the design of the wedding dress, whilst also adding in unexpected, playful details.
Scroll down to find out more about the shoot, as well how I made lots of bespoke bridal elements that could be mixed and matched on the day.
This shoot was also featured on the Green Union blog, in a post looking at weddings through the ages. It’s a very cool idea where they used the same models for four different time periods. Check it out!
The Lost Village of Dode
This was such an awesome little venue! The Lost Village of Dode was originally a village devastated by a plague, leaving it completely empty. No one returned for 600 years. So this beautiful old church just stood there, untouched, until it was recently re-opened up as a (de-consecrated) wedding venue.
It has oodles of rustic charm; from the tall stone and flint walls, huge pillar candles, as well as wooden pews and lots of beautiful masonry. Perfect to feel like you’ve stepped back in time (although hopefully not to 600 years ago).
Bespoke Rockabilly Bride – Look #1
For the main dress I designed a simple sleeveless ivory tea-length gown. Tea-length dresses, finishing below the knee, were a really popular feature of 1940s and 50s fashion. The dress features a sweetheart neckline and corseted bodice with a lace up back. Finishing off with a contrasting navy blue ribbon around the waist.
I love the contrast of the simple dress and bride’s amazing tattoos. Oh, and the amazing white bridal hat from Folly London Millinery.
Creating colourful dip dye skirts has become quite a signature of mine, and with such an unusual colour palette, how could I resist? This navy and pink dip dye overskirt is entirely removable, so you can keep it simple for the ceremony and then add a splash of colour to the first dance.
If you don’t feel like having your actual dress directly dyed, then a dip dye overskirt is the perfect solution. You can find more examples of my dip dye overskirts, or have a look at my Etsy to order your custom colour sample.
Bespoke Rockabilly Bride – Look #2
I love seeing how versatile I can make a wedding dress. I had a lot of fun making a whole bunch of mix and match accessories.
For this next option, I created a puff sleeve, tie-front shirt to go with the dip dye skirt (although of course any of these elements can be combined however you would like). I took inspiration from Country, Americana and Rock ‘n Roll for this top, made from a sheer polka dot organza. I added a lace yoke, giving a nod to the Wild West, where this style originated from. It all combines perfectly with the bride’s dark red victory rolls, styled by Alex Hair & Makeup.
Bespoke Rockabilly Bride – Look #3
The final options I made for this bespoke wedding dress photoshoot in Kent featured this amazing bright fuchsia pink floral lace. The colour is so striking, and I love how it contrasts with the white of the dress. With this fabric I made a sheer blouse with sweet little off-the-shoulder tulle sleeves. I let the lace shine as much as possible, by using the scalloped edge for the hem. I really love Bish Bosh Becca‘s pearl necklace, that sits perfectly above the neckline.
To go with the blouse, I also made a gathered tulle skirt, with a high-low flounce along the hem, and of course, using more of that fuchsia lace as a trim. The volume and fluffiness of this skirt is so satisfying!
The final little accessory was a matching padded Alice band made by Folly London Millinery , which adds a real mid-century feel, despite the modern colour choices.
Quirky Little Details
There were so many fun and quirky details that would be perfect for a couple looking for something a little different on their wedding day. There was the milkshake unity ceremony and the traditional ice cream stand from Treats on a Tricycle. Then the custom vinyl LP place mats and the polka dot bridesmaid dresses. We even had a barbershop quartet on board to really bring the vintage vibes to this wedding. And maybe my favourite detail, the beautiful classic car, courtesy of Vee Dub Occasions. Not only was it adorable, it was also dark blue, as if it knew the colour scheme too!
For this shoot I got to try something a little different to my usual role. If you look closely at the photos, you’ll see me as a bridesmaid. I stepped in last minute, completely unplanned. I don’t often model, and I had so much fun!
A Sweet Tooth Satisfied
There was no shortage of delicious treats to be had as well, expertly crafted by Cakes by Petula. All were made in the colour theme of white, pink and dark blue. Not only was there a beautifully rustic two-tier wedding cake, we were also treated to doughnuts, cake pops and cupcakes, with petals used to decorate. All with beautiful floral accents, thanks to Bailey and Blossom.
What Next?
Hopefully this bespoke wedding dress photoshoot in Kent has given you loads of fun, retro ideas. My background is in historical fashion, so it’s always a treat for me to be able to design dresses that take inspiration from the past. Other favourites of mine include this orange and ivory sequin tea length dress, and this shorter ivory beaded number too.
Suppliers
Concept, Planning, Decor & Styling: 4Ya Party
Venue: The Lost Village of Dode
Photographer: Steve Mulvey
Videographer: End Productions
Florist: Bailey and Blossom
Celebrant: Alex Hilder
Cake: Cakes by Petula
Car: Vee Dub Occasions
Bridalwear: Felicity Westmacott
Millinery: Folly London Millinery
Jewellery: Bish Bosh Becca
Makeup: Samantha Campbell Bridal Makeup
Hair: Alex Hair & Makeup
Vinyl Place Settings: Sevens and Twelves
Ice-Cream: Treats on a Tricycle
Barbershop Quartet: Powerhouse Quartet
Photobooth: The Cambridge Photobooth
Models: Dawn Isobel (bride) & Nastia Nizalova
