Lolly shared the dreamy decor yesterday and this afternoon I’m going to share the fashion aspect of our most recent editorial “I Believe In Mermaids“.
If you had yourself a peek at the inspiration behind the design “Under The Sea” then you will know we were aiming for a sexier more grown up aesthetic than the Disney classic. One of our real brides Sophie commented that the templates reminded her of Chris Issak’s music video for “Wicked Game”. This was the biggest compliment ever as that is one of my top ten music videos (and songs) of all time.
We (as in Team RMW) gain inspiration from everywhere and it’s got to be said, very rarely from our own industry. We look to interior trends, the catwalk, art, design and yes, more often than not music and film too.
Organising something like this on a beach in the UK is always going to be risky. We actually didn’t want the sun to come out with his hat on but we certainly didn’t want rain. We wanted that slightly moody overcast cloud whilst ensuring we all stayed dry. Hmmm. Nothing like trying to be particular with Mother Nature.
Anyone that has visited the sandy shores of Camber sands will know that it can get incredibly windy. This is ace for the look we were going for (at least for the most part) but not so much when you are trying to build a construction out of bamboo poles and large swathes of linen. Picture Adam up a ladder and various members of the team trying with all our might to prevent the entire thing from taking off much like a rather large sailboat on dry land.
I don’t know who said this job was glamorous, it certainly wasn’t me.
All in the name of creating the perfect composition though right? We think it did. Although the whole door thing was way easier. It just got put in the van. And propped up on the sand.
Me: I need to borrow the spare door we have in the garage for my shoot.
Mr O’Shea: Ok…What are you going to do with a door?
Me: Just stand it up in the middle of the beach with the crashing waves um….behind it.
Mr O’Shea: Why would you just have a random door stuck in the middle of a beach?
Me: Because I can see it in my head and it my head it looks immense.
Mr O’Shea: Right. I guess I’ll take your word for it.
I may be biased, but I liked it. A lot. You may have seen doors used as wedding decor before – particularly in the States. They look aces at the end of an aisle with pretty blooms and/or lights adorning them.
Why not give it a whirl? especially if you happen to have one y’know, just hanging out in your garage.
Choosing gowns for I Believe In Mermaids was so much fun, even though I didn’t wear anything near as glitzy for my own big day I would LOVE to see a bride grace these pages in something as sequin adorned as Suzanne Neville’s Twilight (the floor length number with the noticeable um….cleavage).
And if head to toe shimmer seems a little scary maybe just a subtly sparkly bodice such as Naomi Neoh’s Blossom (the one we put in the sea!) might work?
We accessorised with a few new statement pieces we’ve been experimenting with for Rock My Boutique. I don’t see many brides opt for tiaras these days and that makes me a wee bit sad, I think they used to be viewed as very traditional but with so many styles now available you never know, if you try it you might like it. Do let me know if you fancy one for W-day/are considering the idea.
Fresh floral crowns have been popular for a while now – we love them and brides can make their choice so personal to them with regards choice of bloom, style and range of colours. For this particular look and in keeping with the general decor we went for something altogether more lush and green. Katherine at Florist In The Forest created a gorgeous wreath of olive leaves and eucalyptus, simple yet stylish.
And the bouquets? Amaze. Dahlias are my new “thing” and you don’t need many to make a huge impact. I’m actually hoping to plant some of my own ready to bloom next year. I’m the least green-fingered person on the planet so that should be interesting.
As well as our more traditional bridal frockage Fashion Pack members Ted Baker loaned us some of their new collection to shoot, we love the eclectic designs – in particular the mis-match combinations for grooms. There are also some lovely dresses to choose from – perfect for Honeymoon we’re thinking.
You can view more of the collection on the Ted Baker RMWfashion pack profile page.
Emily Kent from The Wedding Hair Company who we also collaborated with on our Coco shoot worked with us to create our very own 21st century Ariel, all windswept tresses and glowing skin.
We’ll be sharing all of the products used and the how-to in a future post folks so you too can make like Daryl Hannah in Splash.
Emily Kent: With the rugged shores and the crashing waves as our backdrop, hair and make up needed to fit seamlessly with and compliment and the amazing scenery. I started with the hair and created a rough S-wave throughout the lengths. To give it the texture I quite aptly applied sea salt spray creating thickness and body but not in a polished way at all. I incorporated the crystal head piece by creating a messy bouffant behind it and securing in place. Overall finish is a beachy effortless up-do.
For the make up we went for a soft and iridescent look on both the skin and the eyes. Illuminating powder was swept over the cheek bones which picked up in the silvery light beautifully. Copper hues were used all over the eye and blended with liner seamlessly so as not to create any harsh angles. For the lips a simple moisturising nude was applied keeping them natural. Overall a glossy and beautiful finish.
In terms of capturing all of this subtly sexy sea-maiden-esque frivolity we chose Love Lust List member Gary Lashmar from Marshal Gray photography. From his previous features on Rock My Wedding we knew he would be the perfect fit and I think you’ll find we were 100% right.
Those bedroom scenes? HOT. Even though there were at least 7 of us in the room with the models whilst they were being photographed, I don’t think you’d ever know.
Styling, Concept and Design – Team Rock My Wedding
Assistant Stylist – Lauren at Fairly Light
Decor – Rock My Boutique – Coming Soon!
Jewellery and Accessories – Rock My Boutique – Coming Soon!
Bridal Gowns – From a selection at Suzanne Neville, Naomi Neoh and bespoke by Johanna Hehir
Hair and Make-Up – Emily Kent at The Wedding Hair Company
Stationery For Mermaid Luxe – Designed and made by Team Rock My Wedding
Bamboo Supply and Door Stand – The Wedding Tree Company
Stationery For Desiring Driftwood – Pirrip Press
Florist – Katherine at Florist In The Forest
Cake –Little Boutique Bakery
Photography –Marshal Gray Photography
Location – The Gallivant Hotel At Camber Sands
Click here & view all images from this inspiration shoot
We hope you liked it lovelies, and even in some small way have been inspired to incorporate a little bit of Under-The-Sea into your big day.
If you have any questions then please drop us a note in the comments action – and don’t forget to pin to your mermaid heart’s content from our gallery.
Big I Believe Love
Charlotte xxx
