1940s Inspired Photo-Shoot

The idea behind this 1940s photo-shoot began when I went to visit Lou and Colin, owners of 'The Old Milking Parlour at Cavokay House’ with Sam from South Coast Weddings.

During our conversation Lou and Colin spoke about their original 1943 Willys Jeep, painted in the colours of the US 78th fighter group of the US eighth airforce, nicknamed ‘Little Bo Jeep’. Hearing this, triggered creative ideas for myself and Sam and we were eager to collaborate with other talented wedding suppliers to create a unique photo-shoot.

With ‘Little Bo Jeep’ as the star of the shoot, the theme was unquestionably 1940s!

Being an era of romance we decided to tell a war-time love story.

Before our couples big day, save the date cards and invitations were sent out to their guests. This traditional vintage stationary set was designed by Sophie Amelia Designs to fit with the 1940s theme.

Naturally on the day it is the brides perogative to have a few moments to herself before marrying the love of her life. Our bride model, Courtney Vines does exactly that after having her striking 1940s make-up and classic victory roller hair styled by Bournemouth Bridal Hair & Make-Up.

Then before saying ‘I Do’ our bride has a quick glimpse in the mirror to admire her beautiful dress from Bridal Reloved Dorchester.

After their ceremony, a romantic tea for two is enjoyed with the brides new husband, model Ross Okoye, owner of Ages Apparel. Drinking from a charming vintage tea-set from Swingletree Vintage they now celebrate their marriage together.

Keeping to tradition, a 1940s wedding cake completed their celebration tea. Mon Bel Amour Cake Craft created an exquisite cake decorating it with old and new jewellery to bring the old saying ‘something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue’ into the shoot.

Whatever the decade, flowers at weddings have always been important, so Tillys Flowers created a beautiful bouquet using cream roses and carnations with matching flowers for the brides hair and a button-hole for the groom.

Once they finish their tea it is time to head off. So, being the gentleman and wearing a smartly tailored three-piece suit from Wedding Time, the groom goes off to make a phone-call.

The grooms patience wears a little thin on the phone! 

(I promise Ross is not really an angry groom, I just had to include this photo as it is a great shot!)

The couple head outside to wait for their lift and take a seat at a quaint little bistro set that is surrounded by brocante vintage beauties from Oakland Collectibles that set the scene perfectly.

Eager to leave and having to wait, they become increasingly fed up.

Their wartime dream has now become a romantic wedding as they go on their way to a brighter future and happily married life together.

This love story gallery was captured by the very talented Stephanie Atkins Photography and this amazing video by the super skilled Thompson Wedding Films.

Having the gallery and a video meant we could capture the behind the scenes moments bringing this shoot to life...make sure you press play!

The aim of the shoot was not only to tell a story but also to showcase each of the wonderful wedding suppliers that were involved. Having a fabulous team that were keen to create an absolutely epic shoot made this a great collaboration and huge fun to organise.

So you can imagine how happy we were when BRIDE, the online magazine told us they would feature our shoot and sent us this shiny new badge to display.