A team of talented local Bristol-based wedding suppliers for a bold and elegant bridal editorial shoot, hosted at the iconic city wedding venue Avon Gorge Hotel by Hotel du Vin in Bristol. 

When my friend who is a photographer Mel Chitty asked me to collaborate on a bridal editorial shoot I said YES! Through some incredible force we were brought together.

Over the years I’ve worked with people getting married at the Avon Gorge Hotel. Overlooking the iconic Bristol Clifton Suspension Bridge, the venue’s dark art deco interiors and modern design elements created the perfect setting for a creative concept we called Mocha Luxe.

This shoot wasn’t about telling a traditional wedding love story. It was about showcasing creativity, collaboration, and modern wedding aesthetics from bold tropical florals to vintage-inspired gowns, statement lips, and refined high-end styling. A stylish celebration of individuality, rich tones, and contemporary bridal style.

This photoshoot was about pushing the boundaries, playing with the very medium we love working with and testing out our ideas without the pressure of the paying client. To have fun, to experiment, to be creative. It’s so important as an artist to create from a place of passion, this exercises those creative muscles that need space and freedom to explore.

This is what I love about creativity – collaboration, trust and BIG visions!

 

The flowers were selected and dressed by the wonderful Kika and Emily at Belle de Jour Florist. A fabulous selection of flower choices and the hues and texture popped! Big, blousey and impactful bridal bouquets. These wedding flowers showcases premium blooms with standout anthurium paired with the delicate, sculptural gloriosa and over sized tropical leaves.

The dresses by Madi Lane Bridal brought the perfect balance of timeless elegance and modern femininity, echoing the shoot’s fusion of classic styling with contemporary edge.

Every gown and veil flowed with grace while holding strong, modern lines.

Working together as a collective of local Bristol creatives, we fused editorial flair with signature touches that reflect the spirit of today’s bride: expressive, intentional, and unafraid to stand out.

Our producer and event organiser Jade kept the production running smoothly, with her new event company Host Events. 

Every detail—from accessories to cake, makeup to florals—was carefully designed to spark inspiration for couples seeking something unique and personal.

It was such a joy to create alongside this incredible female led team, each bringing their own artistry and energy to the shoot.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ahh Toots made the cakes, and what a delicious art focused beauty there are. Big Cake Cake and cupcakes, yum. I have to say my daughter and I ate a slice or two! They are my go-to cake people.!

The rings were provided by Clifton Rocks, independent Bristol jewellery shop and workshop specialising in contemporary handcrafted jewellery designs.

We showcase jewellery designer Claire Chandlers (one of the owners) exquisite engagement ring designs Trillion Rose Cut Diamond Modern Halo Ring  and Champagne Marquise Diamond Halo Ring.  Accompanied by her wedding band one off V shaped White diamond wedding ring.  Alongside 18ct Yellow Gold Round Wedding Band.

I explored different expressions of bridal beauty—each confident, modern, and timeless in their own way.

The First Look: Modern high-end with a vintage feel.

The hair for this shoot was crafted with a high-end modern glam aesthetic in mind—red carpet-worthy, bold, and unapologetically confident.

Think soft vintage influence with a sleek, modern edge

—glamorous yet wearable, timeless yet fearless.

Each look was designed to feel elevated and empowering,

with individual details that honour each model’s style and presence.

The first bridal look was finished with exquisite Hermione Harbutt Lily freshwater pearl pins, delicately placed to complement the sculptural up-do. The pins were grouped organically to flow with the shape of the hair—not sitting on top of the style, but extending from it, almost like a natural continuation of the form. The overall effect was both fluid and sharp—a harmonious blend of organic softness and refined edge, enhancing the modern vintage feel of the entire look.

The Second Look: Modern Elegance with a 90s Twist

Our second bridal look was all about effortless elegance with quiet confidence—a perfect balance of modern styling and timeless beauty. This look celebrates the bride who embraces softness and strength in equal measure.

My approach to bridal make-up here was to achieve a clean and radiant finish, I love flawless skin is that it feels comfortable to wear.  In keeping with the theme and the model’s skin tone, I used brown mocha tones on the eyes and lips and subtle warmth to the cheek bones.

I shaded to add gentle definition, while the warm brown hues brought depth without overpowering the face. My soft sculpting approach created a natural yet polished effect—ideal for brides who want to feel like themselves, but elevated.

The hair was inspired by the glamour of the 90s. With a nod to the iconic “Pammy” updo—but reimagined with a modern softness and twisted texture. Entirely unique and individual.

The finishing touch came from a stunning Hermione Harbutt Couture hair accessory.

These hair pins added luxurious multi coloured sparkle with these hair pins, a beautifully handcrafted detail that elevated the entire look.

Together, the styling spoke to individuality, understated glamour, and contemporary bridal beauty.

It’s for the bride who wants to honour tradition, but in her own way—boldly, beautifully, and unapologetically herself.

Wedding Specialist Team

Hair & Makeup By Donna Grant: @beautyangelshairandmakeup / beauty-angels.co.ukVenue: Avon Gorge Hotel by Hotel du Vin – @avongorgebristolhotel / hotelduvin.com/locations/bristol-avon-gorge
Host & Planner: @_hostevents 
Florals: @belle_de_jour_florist / belledejourflorist.co.uk
Cake Design: @ahhtoots / ahhtoots.com
Photography: @melaniechittyphotography / melanie-chitty.com
Gowns: @madilanebridal / madilane.com
Jewellery: @cliftonrocksjewellery / cliftonrocks.co.uk
Accessories: @hermioneharbutt / hermioneharbutt.com

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Models

Paula – @paulamodelling
Patricia – @patricia_inverneiro