Blog Post

Woodland Photoshoot

  • by Natasha Gilchrist
  • 15 Jul, 2019

If you go down in the woods today...

As an ‘On the Day’ wedding and events co-ordinator the majority of my work takes place at D.I.Y venues and outdoor locations.  Finding this type of venue or location can be difficult, so when I hear of new D.I. Y venues I get particularly excited! 

You can imagine my delight when Wendy from CJ Promotions told me about a new D.I.Y wedding venue they are managing called Once Upon a Woodland at Hurley Farm. After meeting with Ellie, the owner of this beautiful outdoor space and chatting with Wendy, they invited me to help co-ordinate a styled photoshoot they had planned. The purpose of this shoot was to showcase the woodlands and to show couples what can be created with a little bit of imagination.

This shoot couldn’t have taken place without the incredible team behind it, it was a totally amazing day and a fantastic collaboration. The icing on the cake was seeing it feature in Love Our Wedding magazine…

...well done everyone!

Our beautiful model Lauren Heyward looked absolutely stunning in two exquisite dresses designed by the super talented Chantelle Sophia Bridal.

Laurens incredible hair was styled by Wendy from Sapphire Styling with a bright floral headpiece created by Jess at Jessica Hillier Floral Design. Not only the hair stylist but Wendy was also the make-up artist on shoot, I think you will agree Lauren looks simply stunning!

We couldn’t have a bride without a groom, a massive thank you to Keith Bridle for stepping in as our groom model...

…what a natural!

Flowers can be a big deal on your wedding day...

If you are stuck for ideas then Jessica Hillier Floral Design will definitely be able to help you and make suggestions you would probably never have thought of. Look at these amazing chandeliers Jess created on the day, they looked just perfect hung from the branches in the woodland.

When organising a D.I.Y wedding you may need to hire props and have someone style your venue for you. If so, Debi from Perfectly Pretty Wedding & Events Styling is the lady to get in touch with. You may also want glamping tents for your guests to camp in if you have a big outdoor space. Debi's husband, Richard from Happy Glampers Dorset can help with this. 

Get in touch with Debi or Richard and they will work with you to create something amazing!

The beauty of having a D.I.Y venue is you can choose exactly what style you want. 

Why go for bog standard crockery when you can have gorgeous vintage china? Vicki from Grannys China Cupboard has the most beautiful vintage china, from tea-cups & saucers, to side plates, tea-pots, cake-stands and much more.

I love the versatility of bunting and the fact you can put it anywhere and it instantly brightens a place up. This beautiful bunting was made by Bunting by Chris and I am sure you will agree looks fantastic in amongst the trees. The contrast of the natural woodland with a pop of bunting colour flying high in the trees...

...Love it!

Weddings and cakes...well, they just go together! 

The creative genius of this woodland themed wedding cake was Cakes by Helen.

 Words can’t say much more than…WOW!

You may not be able to legally get married anywhere but it doesn’t mean you can’t have a ceremony at your D.I.Y venue. Fiona is the celebrant of Tie the Knot Ceremonies and will hold a ceremony for you wherever and however you want. 

The choice really is yours!

For your ceremony you may want to consider an arch, these beautiful living arches are from Whitestem and look right at home in the natural woodland. 

Why have fake when you can have REAL!

With all the branches it seemed silly not to hang anything from them! 

These delicate crochet hoops were made by From Crochet with Love and looked perfect hanging in amongst the trees.

We couldn’t have captured this amazing gallery of photos without our fantastic photographers, Alexandra and Csako from Kiss in Light Photography...thank you so much!

Here are some more of my favourites...

Hopefully this photoshoot has inspired you to be brave and create your own D.I.Y wedding?

Just remember we are all here to help make your wedding dreams come true!

I hope you’ve enjoyed looking at the photos as much as I enjoyed being a part of this fantastic day!

Lots of Love

Supplier Credits:

Venue: Once Upon a Woodland on Hurley Farm

Venue Management: CJ Promotions

Shoot Co-ordinator: Me! Tasha-Mae Events Co-ordinator

Photographers: Kiss in Light Photography

Hair & Make-Up: Sapphire Styling Bespoke Hair & Make-Up Artist

Cake: Cakes by Helen

Flowers: Jessica Hillier Floral Design

Celebrant: Tie the Knot Ceremonies

Bunting: Bunting by Chris

Dresses: ChantelleSophia

Living Arches: Whitestem

Props & Styling: Perfectly Pretty Wedding & Events Styling

Dreamcatchers: From Crochet With Love

Vintage China: Granny's China Cupboard

Glamping: Happy Glampers Dorset

...and of course our fabulous models Lauren Heward and Keith Bridle




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