Blog Post

The Brick & Bridal Photoshoot

  • by Natasha Gilchrist
  • 16 Jan, 2021

Hurst Castle in Hampshire

This stunning shoot is exactly what it says on the tin...a bridal photoshoot with lots of brickwork!

Image by Abi Chadwick Photography

Living in Barton on Sea in Hampshire I quite often walk along the clifftop and look over to the Isle of Wight and Hurst Castle. Believe me this is a view that no one could ever tire of. As an ‘On the Day’ wedding co-ordinator I am constantly on the lookout for exciting wedding venues to organise styled photoshoots. If possible, I like them to be unique and ‘out of the ordinary’, so you can imagine my excitement when Jason, the manager of Hurst Castle said ‘YES’ to me organising a shoot there.

Image by Abi Chadwick Photography

With the striking brickwork, steel lighthouse and the stone and wrought iron staircases there was plenty of opportunity to create some stunning images. Inside the Tudor Fort the lighting was dim giving that raw and edgy appearance which I loved!  It instantly screamed flickering candles, foliage and brick style props a plenty. Incorporating all of these ideas with hints of copper and teal, the team created a dramatic wedding set-up with quite a poignant feel to it.

Image by Abi Chadwick Photography
Image by Abi Chadwick Photography

So, to kick this blog off I am going to start with this fabulous short film by Simon from Final Cut Wedding Films. If this doesn’t make you want to read on...

...I don’t know what will!

We were extremely lucky to have Abi Chadwick Photography capture our shoot . Abi’s photography style was perfect for this shoot as you will see from this stunning gallery!

Get ready for a treat...

This beautiful shimmery A-line Martina Liana dress was supplied by Minster Bridal Boutique...

WOW to the dress and WOW to the images!

Image by Abi Chadwick Photography
Image by Abi Chadwick Photography

Most people wouldn’t dream of putting a leather jacket with a wedding dress but we say...

...‘Why Not?’

By combining the lace and sparkle from the dress with this incredible hand-painted leather jacket from One-Off Designs, it worked really well in the castle environment.

Image by Abi Chadwick Photography
Image by Abi Chadwick Photography
Image by Abi Chadwick Photography

Our model Abbey suited her striking make-up perfectly with a dramatic copper eye applied by Carina Allen-Jones Artistry.  This prominent look was complimented with a beautiful copper head-crown and matching bracelet handcrafted by Ritz & Sass. The crown sat quite regal looking in a textured updo bun, also styled by Carina Allen-Jones Artistry.

Image by Abi Chadwick Photography
Image by Abi Chadwick Photography
Image by Abi Chadwick Photography

How do you dress a castle?... With flowers of course!

Dorset Flowers brought out the moody tones of the castle using dahlias, amaranth, scabious and antirrhinums in varying shades of deep dark red. To create a quirky twist they incorporated copper anthuriums and copper asparagus fern together with teal bunny tails.

How WOW does this look against the brickwork and candlelight?

Even better knowing the backdrop is foam free!

Image by Abi Chadwick Photography
Image by Abi Chadwick Photography

Making a vision come to life is certainly something Laurel Designs will do for you!

This ‘off the scale’ styling is just to die for, with draping petrol blue crushed velvet, copper pipe framework with hanging festoon lighting and gold candlesticks mixed with floral and foliage arrangements from Dorset Flowers cascading down from the table with an abundance of flickering candles, it couldn’t have worked better within the castle fort.

Image by Abi Chadwick Photography
Image by Abi Chadwick Photography

Keeping with the brick theme Laurel Designs created these very effective hand-painted table numbers...

Who would have thought a brick could look so stylish! 

Image by Abi Chadwick Photography

Oh, and we mustn’t forget the hand-painted copper & petrol blue stationery set on handmade paper and table menus that Laurel Designs created...

Image by Abi Chadwick Photography
Image by Abi Chadwick Photography

...and the incredible statement table-plan...

...truly luxurious!

Image by Abi Chadwick Photography

A bride needs their partner to look good too! 

Darren modelled a brown check tweed suit teamed with a burnt orange tie and pocket chief, all supplied by Charles Gale Formal Wear Hire.

Absolutely perfect for our brickwork colourscheme!

Image by Abi Chadwick Photography
Image by Abi Chadwick Photography

Two words...Buttonholes and bouquets!

Stylishly arranged by Dorset Flowers.

Image by Abi Chadwick Photography
Image by Abi Chadwick Photography

Q. Can you have a wedding without a cake?

A. Not when they are as magnificent as this!

Designed by Sparkle Bakes this wedding cake embraced rich and warm tones along with sharp lines and stone effect fondant fitting the brief just perfectly. Not only that but the handcrafted sugar flowers of caramel carnations matched the flowers in the bridal bouquet...

...so clever!

Image by Abi Chadwick Photography

If you just want to kick your shoes off at the end of your special day then why not swap your heels for these delicate and very pretty barefoot sandals handcrafted by Ritz and Sass...the perfect solution!

Image by Abi Chadwick Photography

With so many little hidey holes around Hurst Castle and beautiful views all around you can capture so many different styles of photo...you really are spoilt for choice here!

Image by Abi Chadwick Photography

The team and I were so excited to see our shoot feature on Perfect Wedding Blog...check this out!

perfectweddingmagazine.com/edgy-chic-bridal-inspiration


As you can see this venue is something else!

 If you book Hurst Castle for your wedding it will definitely be a DIY wedding with a difference and one your guests won’t forget in a hurry. When considering a DIY venue you might find you need help on the day to ensure your big day runs smoothly, so don’t hesitate to get in touch. I can be there with my team if you need them, to do all those little jobs that need doing. You won’t need to worry about anything on your big day meaning you and your friends and family can relax and enjoy your special day together.

I hope you loved reading all about this photoshoot and seeing all the amazing images. Your comments below would be super awesome!

Lots of love

Awesome Suppliers Involved:

Photographer: Abi Chadwick Photography
Videographer: Final Cut Wedding Films
Organiser & Coordinator: Me!
Co-ordinator Assistant: Sociella
Venue: Hurst Castle
Florist: Dorset Flowers
Stationery & Styling: Laurel Designs
Headcrown & Jewellery: Ritz & Sass
Leather Jacket: One-Off Designs
Cake: Sparkle Bakes
Hair & Make-up: Carina Allen-Jones Artistry
Dress: Minster Bridal Boutique
Suits: Charles Gale Formal Wear Hire
Real Couple Models: Abbey Kearley & Darren Penney

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