Thinking of what theme to choose for your wedding day? Looking for something fun and different that will WOW your guests? Ellen Meekins from Vivien Brickwood gives us some inspiration for fun themes to centre your big day around with two of her latest photoshoots! If bringing the seaside to you or incorporating some of your favourite travel destinations in to your big day is one of your top priorities… visual merchandiser Vivien Brickwood can help make your dream day extra special with stunning visual merchandising! Visit Ellen in DIY Creative Classes in London this autumn and design your own chair covers!
“Cuban Photo Shoot
Firstly, I designed a number of different areas on location for this shoot, one being my recycled outdoor seating space. I used a combination of apple crates and pallets, painted them bright colours and gave them a new lease of life as furniture.
I also created a more sophisticated lounge area; the essence of this is a gentleman’s smoking lounge but can be adapted in any way you wish. I used masculine leather chairs, low coffee tables, barrels, a humidor and an old fashioned drinking cabinet / drinks trolley. The idea here is to give the groom and his ushers ownership over a space; this could be the cigar bar, gin and tonic, whiskey or general lounge bar at your wedding. I believe cigar bars really work at a wedding as quite a few people will treat themselves to a cigar on a special occasion.
This shoot was a chance to be very inventive with the props; spray painting pineapples, tiles used as coasters, colourful backdrops, crates turned into seating, a Cuban beach bar. I made a beautiful archway using lots of strong palm leaves, bright tropical flowers and a few perching parrots. This was a great gateway into my crazy Cuban shoot set around a swimming pool on a stunning summer’s day.
The creativity didn’t just flourish in the design, there were some very inventive shots of the models laying bareback on horses and diving into the clear water of the swimming pool.
Overall this was such a fun shoot to put together, everyone involved had such a good time, even the models could not contain their giggles.
If incorporating a exotic theme has got you inspired whether you want to keep it minimal by choosing bright and colourful wedding invites or choosing a bold look with bright flowers, your own cocktail bar, bright bridesmaids dresses, funky props, catering the ideas are endless!
Monet/ Lakeside photo shoot:
This shoot was a lot more traditional than the Cuban shoot but still has bursts of creativity. The theme was inspired by Monet’s Water Lillie’s; the colours, elegance and reflective water all scream stylishness.
The location I used was idyllic. The first area on the shoot was a garden temple that I dressed and set as a dining area at the end of a beautiful English garden. I draped fabric and a central chandelier was hung which was made especially for this shoot. I used soft flowing textiles, candles, vintage china and elegant glassware for effect.
The next area we chose to shoot, was my wrought iron garden gazebo overlooking the beautiful lily pond. I hung organza from it to flow in the wind however it looks stunning when bare as well. I offer it as a part of your wedding package to be bought at the end as a personal souvenir from your special day to have in your own garden.
We also took a few shots around an overgrown lake which had a very enchanting feel; it showcased my rich ornate furniture and chandeliers which created such a contrast to the setting.”
If you would like something more traditional why not choose a seaside or nautical themed wedding look with stunning china or turquoise blues like the tableware from this lakeside shoot. Think naked wedding cakes with pastel flowers in shades of purple and blue and scented candles to bring the smell of the sea to you (if a beach or lakeside wedding is out of reach) for the perfect touches that you’re guests will love! Whether you want to go all out with your wedding theme or choose a more subtle approach of using the same shades into your wedding stationary, flowers and tableware there is a theme for everyone! Get inspired from things you love whether its a painting a holiday or just the perfect shade of blue!
We hope these two stunning photoshoots from Vivien Brickwood give you inspiration to choose a theme that reflects you and your partners favourite things! See more from Vivien Brickwood at The National Wedding Show this autumn in London on Stand E119 and in the DIY Creative Classes feature area on Friday, Saturday and Sunday!
List of suppliers for Cuban shoot:
Venue: Woodlands House, photographer: Sue Kwiatkowska photography, make up: Alex Whelpton
Bridal Gowns (four dresses): Fross, Uckfield http://frossweddingcollections.co.uk/, Bridesmaid Gowns (1 dress): Ankie Lam
Accessories: Kate & Helen at Hengelo Shop https://www.hengeloshop.com/, amazing party themes: http://www.amazingpartythemes.com/
Modals: Gemma and Georgie Gracey Davison, props & set dresser: Vivien Brickwood Weddings http://www.vivienbrickwoodweddings.com/home
Head Dresses: Fiona Jones at Fifi boutique, accessories: Pipii https://www.pipii.co.uk/
List of Suppliers for Lakeside/ Monet shoot:
Venue: Mr and Mrs Lewin, photographer: Sue Kwiatkowska photography, make up: Alex Whelpton, Bridal Gowns (four dresses): Fross, Uckfield, Bridesmaid Gowns (2 dresses): Ankie Lam
Modals: Gemma and Georgie Gracey Davison, props & set dresser: Vivien Brickwood Weddings http://www.vivienbrickwoodweddings.com/home
Head Dresses: Fiona Jones at Fifi boutique”
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