For this Marie Antoinette wedding dress photoshoot, we took inspiration from the aesthetic of Bridgeton. I think we ended up with something slightly different, but equally wonderful, don’t you think?
Our colour scheme was pastels; blush, pinks, coral, creamy ivory and hints of baby blue and gold. We wanted to evoke something romantic and ethereal – as though our bride had just woken up from a fairytale-like dream, hazy but beautiful. We also wanted a historical feeling, taking inspiration from the opulent Rococo and Regency eras, and modern interpretations of period costume from films like Atonement, Marie Antoinette (with Kirsten Dunst) as well as shows like Downton Abbey and The Great (with Elle Fanning).
I made three dresses for this dreamy, pastel wedding shoot. Read on to see the gorgeous photos of all three dresses, as well as the brilliant suppliers who made it all happen.
Dress 1 – Sugar Rose Wedding Dress
Blush Pink Layered Princess Dress
The first dress is this princess style wedding dress, full of light, puffy layers and a lace up back. There is something so lovely and feminine about it, with its soft shades of pink and sweet, off shoulder sleeves. But it’s also surprisingly practical, since the hem dips at the back, but rises at the front, making gliding down the aisle effortless.
This dress has quite a few different historical eras from which it takes inspiration. I combined an 18th century flat fronted bodice, 1950s pencil skirt and a modern tulle overskirt all in the same design.
This is for the bride who is a bit of a fairy tale princess at heart – sweet, fun and unashamedly loves pink! She lives in a beautiful castle, and you wouldn’t be surprised to catch her talking to the bees in the garden.
Dress 2 – Aurora Wedding Dress
Dramatic Dark Pink Dip Dye Wedding Dress
For the second dress for this Marie Antoinette wedding dress photoshoot, I had to include one of my signature dip dye looks. The dress is made in layers of soft tulle in pale ivory and blush. For this dip dye, I coloured the hem in an ombre effect using deep burgundy, crimson and red. I covered the whole bodice with gathered tulle and floral lace applique in soft metallic silver and gold. It took me a while to finish all the beading, that decorates the bodice and sleeves and creeps up the illusion tulle, but it was so worth it. And I absolutely love these big, dramatic balloon sleeves.
This dress is more mature than the previous one. This is for the bride who is stepping into her power, who looks pretty but can hold her own. She’s not afraid to take up space, and she has a little flair for the dramatic.
(Can we also talk about how amazing it was to have horses on the shoot! That carriage is to die for!)
Dress 3 – Autumn Beaded Wedding Dress and Jumpsuit
Taupe Satin Jumpsuit with Sheer Sequin Dress
The last dress feels like the final progression of our regal bride. From sweet, sugary princess to elegant and dignified queen. In one hand practical, but also someone for whom the whole room will stand.
I went for a simple silhouette, letting this sheer floral fabric speak for itself. This is how you do sequins in a more refined way. When the material is such a statement, there’s no need to try and compete with it. My job as a designer is to make sure that all the elements work in harmony, so I created a simple satin jumpsuit to go underneath (with some little strap details), as well as some separate, removable sleeves and that was enough.
Looking For More Inspiration…
Has this Marie Antoinette wedding dress photoshoot left you feeling inspired? Here is another fairy tale inspired pastel wedding dress photoshoot. Or, if you’re a fan of Jim Henson’s Labyrinth, then there’s a chance you’ll love this dreamy photoshoot based on the masquerade sequence. You can also find the dip dye Aurora dress, ready to ship, here.
And if you’re interested in reading more about the photoshoot in general, it was featured on the Bouquets and Bells blog.
I’m available for bespoke dress consultations and bookings, so get in touch if you want to feel like royalty on your wedding day.
Suppliers
Organisers & Concept: Bouquet and Bells & Tanya Flannagan Photography
Photography: Tanya Flannagan Photography
Videography: Elizabeth & Josh Films
Venue: Hawkstone Hall
Magazine: Bouquet and Bells Magazine
Bespoke Gowns: Felicity Westmacott
Suits: Bill Child Formal Wear
Veil: Star and Leaf Veil
Brides Shoes: Becci Boos Shoes
Crown: Six Penny Bride
Rings & Earrings: London Victorian Ring Co
Flowers: Ginger Lily Florist
Styling: Wild Meadow Weddings
Cake: Elizabeth Anna Cake Design
Stationery: White Orchid Print and Design
Makeup: Made Up by Cathryn
Hair: Bella Amore Hair Salon
Horse & Carriage: Mike-Huddart Heavy Horses
Celebrant: Celebrant Jen Walker
Table Linen: Coloured Linen Hire
Models: Francesca Fleur and Blaise Gapp
