Matt Edwards and I joined teams again to produce the images for the latest winter editorial feature for Image magazine Jan 2014 wedding edition.  The 18th century house on the Courteenhall Estate jumped out as being the perfect place to shoot, a stunning Georgian house set nestled in a beautiful Northamptonshire location and rolling parkland.  Johnny and Anna, the owners agreed and so the idea took shape….

My styling inspiration came from the great lady herself, Jane Austen. Her novels written in the 18th century, are somewhat comical story telling,  highlighted the dependance and importance of women finding a suitable husband for financial security and social status through marriage.  Women were expected to behave in a certain way, to retain their untarnished reputation.  (Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice, Emma)

I feel fortunate and deep gratitude to live as a 21st century women, with freedom to express myself and choice to marry for love, follow my own career.  I’m intrigued in the female characters in Austen’s novels,  the strong sense of feminity in her  female characters.  I’m fascinated in social conditioning and traditions, where it comes from and how this fits into our culture today . When I read Austen’s novels or watch movies inspired by her writings, I can connect with the origins of my own culture, manners and morals.

For this shoot, I’ve embraced Austen’s characters feminine essence to touch my hair and make-up designs, their beauty and elegance. I’ve added twists to challenge conformity ….subtle playfulness….you can be who you want to be on your wedding day, not what others expect.  

The principle house at Courteenhall is GRAND, but I sense a tingly, warm, at home feeling and that is very much to do with Johnny and Anna’s welcoming and personal approach. Their aim is to create a space for a bride and groom to feel at home, as Lord and Lady for the day, without any stuffy formalities.  Get your wellies on girls and boys!!

Courteenhall provided the perfect backdrop and inspiration for creating a modern  age Lady for a day.  Beautifully relaxed and unique….like you x

Hair and Make-up Donna Grant, Make-up Assistant Sian Ryan Beauty Angels

Photographer Matt Edwards Photography

Wedding Venue Courteenhall Estate 

Models Kira Harper & Sian Millard 

Flowers Youngs Nursery

Dress and Accessories The Wedding Wardrobe

Thank you everyone for all your hard work and contributing your time and effort to make this happen x

This editorial shoot featured in Image magazines wedding edition Jan 2014