This Hearts and Diamonds wedding inspiration photoshoot features two gorgeous brides and two full wedding set ups with stunning dresses, accessories, florals and cakes to complement each bride. One being styled after the red ‘Queen of Hearts’ and the other, the white ‘Queen of Diamonds’. The shoot features striking red and white, an unconventional and bold option for more whimsical weddings. All organised by Waves Weddings & Events and expertly captured by photographer Mirabella Marmalade, assisted by Tom Jeavons.
Our styled shoot was diverse and inclusive, featuring a mature bride model, a plus-size bride model and celebrant, two LGBTQ+ groom models, and behind the scenes, a plus-size planner. As a crowning glory, this shoot was featured on the Unconventional Wedding blog and in Bouquets & Bells wedding magazine.
The location at Marden Park Mansion, Surrey was a perfectly dramatic backdrop, both inside and out. With stone steps, a fountain feature and winding walkways meaning there was beauty around every corner. Indoors, the dark wood panelling created an atmospheric backdrop for these fairy tale weddings.
Preparations
Before a wedding can happen, a bride has to prepare. We had the brilliant Leanne Hart on makeup and Isra Rana on hair, to make our brides look and feel like royalty. Each look was finished off with hair accessories from Vintage Adornments, specifically created for our queens, inspired by the dress design sketches. These included the Queen of Heart’s beautiful golden tiara, and the Queen of Diamonds art deco hair barrette.
For our red queen, we had a pair of red lace House of Elliot boots, with gorgeous satin ribbon. As well as a pair of Becci Boo’s Custom Shoes to perfectly compliment the Queen of Diamond’s geometric dress.
The Red Queen and the White Queen
For this Hearts and Diamonds wedding inspiration shoot, I got the chance to design to contrasting and complimentary wedding dresses. Lisa Last rocked the story book queen look; her ginger hair complimenting the reds of the outfits perfectly, with her King in form of Elodie Foray. Elodie also works with actors and models on informed consent around intimacy. Elodie’s intimacy workshop with each model couple ensured everyone was comfortable and happy with how the shoot unfolded.
Diana Fensome was the ethereal and haunting Queen of Diamonds, with her equally regal looking King of Diamonds, Rachel Westmacott.
Would you rather be the Queen of Diamonds, or the Queen of Hearts?
Drink Me, Taste Me
For the guests of this Wonderland, there were treats around every corner. Parul (of Silverleaf Cake Company) created some edible works of art, each perfectly catered to each bride.
Parul created a vibrant red, three-tier, off-set square design for the Queen of Hearts cake. Embellished with red geode detailing, gold embossing and finished off with exquisite rudbeckia flowers and buds, artfully handmade in sugar paste.
The white cake was inspired by Alice through the Looking Glass; a white double barrel coconut and lime cake covered in white chocolate ganache. The textured fondant was embedded with edible images of hearts, diamonds and chess pieces. Gold cracks added depth and a focal point was created with white magnolias and gold leaves.
Each cake also had adorable mini cakesickles made to match and everything was presented beautifully alongside stationery by Love Flora Studio, with props provided by Details Event Styling.
‘Who’s been painting my roses red?’
The floral installations and bouquets were created by So Blooming Beautiful. She used roses as the main flower for the red wedding, with the white mantelpiece providing the perfect backdrop for a network of roses, gypsophila and eucalyptus. The design was organic with the aim to make a bold impact. The bouquet included garden red roses as the focal flower with a collar of pussy willow.
For the white wedding, an equally organic shape was created on another fireplace but with a different movement, using roses, carnations and gypsophila alongside eucalyptus. This bride’s bouquet had a cascade of orchids and roses with eucalyptus wrapped with hanging silk ribbons.
The Joining of Hearts
Miranda the Celebrant created celebrant-led ceremonies for this shoot which blended old traditions with a modern twist. After exchanging vows and rings, both couples symbolised their union with a handfasting – an ancient tradition where the celebrant ties the couple’s joint hands with ribbon.
We also ended the red ceremony with a Jumping the Broom ceremony – again an ancient ceremony practised across many cultures. Jumping the Broom together signifies beginning their union with a ‘clean sweep’.
Here is the team, after a long, but very delightful day! Scroll down to see the details of the suppliers, to book them for your trip down the rabbit hole.
More Hearts and Diamonds Wedding Inspiration
For more dramatic red wedding dresses, have a look at this red feather masquerade dress or this red satin and sequin wedding dress.
Or for more manor house wedding inspo, here’s a fairytale-inspired wedding photoshoot.
Suppliers
Venue – Marden Park Mansion
Photographer – Mirabella Marmalade
2nd Photographer – Tom Jeavons
Wedding Dresses – Felicity Westmacott
Planning – Waves Weddings & Events
Flowers & Styling – So Blooming Beautiful
Bride Model 1 – Diana Fensome
Groom Model 1 – Rachel Westmacott
Bride Model 2 – Lisa Last
Groom Model 2 – Elodie Foray
Cakes – Silverleaf Cake Company
Accessories – Vintage Adornments
Celebrant – Miranda the Celebrant
Lace Boots – House of Elliot
Shoes – Becci Boo’s Custom Shoes and Bridal Designs
Stationery Facebook – Love Flora Studio
Makeup – Leanne Hart Makeup Artist
Hair Stylist –Isra Rana
Props – Details Event Styling
