Springtime Wedding at Boconnoc House in Cornwall
Boconnoc House in Cornwall was the scene of the springtime wedding photoshoot organised by Fine Art Wedding Retreats. The inspiration for the shoot came from a poem by Ariel Miles titled ‘Spring Love’:
…”Every beautiful flower
only compliments your looks
& their sweet scent
like the thought of you
will forever have me hooked”
The team wanted to capture what an elopement wedding day would feel and look like. There is clear symbolism of liberation as the youthful couple seem to have much adventure ahead of them. The groom is not wearing a tie, perhaps to make it seem like an informal ceremony, yet one that reflects the couple’s wishes. In the pictures the bride’s hair is loosely styled so there is a sense of light-heartedness and relaxation. The couple are pictured crossing a bridge which could represent their new journey together.
The present Boconnoc House, nestled in the rural landscape of Cornwall, was build in the 18th century by two men, both named Thomas Pitt. The Domesday Book mentions the site as Bochenod, while this Georgian era house can trace its history to a medieval house on the same site. King Charles I spent the night in what is now the King’s bedroom.
The Fortescue family have had connections to the estate since 1717. After founding the Boconnoc Steam Fair in 2000, a weekend of family fun where full-size and miniature vintage vehicles occupy the grounds, members of the family committed to a fourteen-year refurbishment of the infrastructure that made up the main house and surrounding buildings. The estate is now a representation of Cornish luxury with its Georgian architecture, fine detailing in each room and well-groomed lawns and gardens.
The estate is certainly not camera shy as many fashion and bridal editorials, TV programmes and films have been shot here including; Poldark and The Three Musketeers.
The selected wedding colours complemented the subtle tones of the house’s archways, walkways, columns and brick walls. Dusty pinks, bright greens, peachy tones, light greys and pastel blues created the wonderful palette.
The beauty of the English countryside and the season of Spring are highlighted by both the colour scheme and the carefully chosen plants, many commonly found within Britain. A variety of plants including roses, berries and meadow flowers are photographed decorating the table spread, layered cake, groom’s boutonnière and bride’s bouquet.
The table decor is kept very minimal, to fit in with the overall relaxed vibe of the ceremony. Undecorated candles are positioned along the table, a plain blue cloth covers the table, velvet blue ribbons embrace the white napkins and name cards and all the crockery is understated, too.
As part of the shoot, The Timeless Stylist arranged charming, coordinating flat lays which feature pressed flowers, a tarnished, shell shaped trinket tray and a worn poem book. The flat lays are still life compositions to show the smaller details that make up the important story of the day.
These particular possessions give the imagery a rustic feel and create a back story as we can imagine who they may have belonged to or where they have come from.
Invitations are a guest’s first encounter with the ceremony and a lot of thought is put into the design of the invites. Fine Art Calligraphy designed classic and minimalistic invitations for this shoot, with swirly, calligraphy writing and torn edged paper. This supplier also created a crest of the couple’s initials to place at the top of the paper, relating to the English heritage influences of the shoot.
Hannah Duffy Photography succeeds in making the photos seem almost dreamlike. Each has a hazy glow and grainy finish to it but ensures that the most significant details are highlighted within its frame.
London Victorian Ring Company proposed our striking vintage style Oval Cut Diamond Cluster Ring in Platinum for the shoot. The ring’s design is influenced by the Edwardian period. In terms of jewellery design, this era combined graceful flowing lines with beautiful sparkling diamonds, pretty motifs and intricate millegrain details.
The magnificent central, oval cut diamond weighs 0.72 carat and is framed by diamond-set coronet motifs, referencing the shape of a crown. The diamond is connected to the platinum band of the ring by diamond-set ‘fleurs-de-lys'. This decorative symbol represents a stylized lily. Fourteen round diamonds surround the central gemstone.
This vintage style engagement ring goes hand in hand with the photo shoot. The symbolism of the crown fits perfectly with the historic connections of the Boconnoc estate and the symbolism of the lily directly links with the season of Spring.
All the elements of this ‘Spring Love’ shoot combine together so well. By looking through the photos created, it is clear to see that every detail was carefully thought out by each supplier, photographer and stylist.
Credits:
Co-Host, Creative Direction & Styling: @thetimelessstylist
Co-Host and Photography Direction: @hannahduffyphotography
Floral Design: @mossandstonefloraldesign
Venue: @boconnocestate
Planning Assistance: @ardourandbow
Photography Assistance: @camillaarnholdphotography
Floral Assistance: @joannagame_flowers
Stationery: @fineartcalligraphy.co.uk
Tableware: @duchessbutler
Hair & Makeup: @emily.artistry
Cake Designer: @sugarplumbakeskingston
Linen & Ribbons: @katecullenstyle
Bridalwear: @morgan_davies_bridal
Rings: @london_victorian_ring_co
Hair Accessories: @megantheresecouture
Bridal Shoes: @bellabelleshoes