Beach Brides

Living on the South Coast for most of my life I can quite honestly say I will never tire of the beautiful location I am lucky enough to call home. For that reason, I really wanted to show off the stunning Dorset coastline and what better way than in a styled bridal photoshoot.

The scenery on Highcliffe Beach may be idyllic but as we all know the Great British weather is somewhat hit and miss, so planning this shoot was a bit of a gamble.

Trying to cover my back with lots of contingency plans, it turns out I didn’t need to worry. The weather couldn’t have been better and if you didn’t know we were on Highcliffe Beach you might have believed we were abroad in a sunnier climate.

Having had to postpone this shoot several times in the last year due to Covid, I was so excited that I was finally able to make it happen.

It was a truly beautiful, relaxed and a sunny day which was great fun to co-ordinate with a team of very talented Dorset and Hampshire wedding suppliers.

The thought process behind this photoshoot was a minimal no-faff shoot and to let the scenery and views do a lot of the talking. I think after seeing the gallery you will agree that between the amazing suppliers hard work and the location, we achieved what we set out to do...

We were extremely lucky to have two photographers capture our shoot Nadja Litau Photography and Sarah Grace Photography. Having the choice of so many fantastic images, I will be featuring a mix from both of their galleries throughout this blog. Not only that but also Bride & Zoom joined us to capture our shoot on film... how spoilt were we?!

The luxe island styling was created by Roka Bella Rose Weddings who captured the relaxed feel of the beach just perfectly. With draped linen on the handmade sand topped table and rattan seating and side table, along with seashell décor and of course a few sandcastles, it looked really inviting for a romantic picnic against the rocks, seagrass and on the pebbles of the beach.

To match Carly’s styling Maia Sellen Floral Designarranged a neutral floral backdrop using pampas, palms and fresh flowers to go behind the table, as well as a very pretty floral bowl which perched on a higher tier of the table. By using a mix of fresh and dried flowers, the two complimented each other beautifully making the ambience of the picnic set-up really quite dreamy.

With three brides we needed three bouquets, so Maia Sellen Floral Designsvery cleverly arranged three very different bouquets using dahlias, cappuccino rose, burgundy lisianthus and scabious. Maia did an amazing job in making sure all her bouquets suited our styling and beach theme as well as looking beautiful when photographed all together.

Our shoot styling was perfect for an intimate wedding. If you are planning a smaller wedding then you still need to invite those that you love, so invites are a must have. These gorgeous invitations and matching name place settings were designed by Live Laugh Create. The simple but luxurious design were beautifully finished off with silk ribbons to match our beachy colour tones.

A beach picnic wouldn’t be complete without something to eat so we finished the table off with a very yummy grazing platter from Fig & Lemon. If you can't decide what you'd like to eat and prefer to choose from a selection of foods then these sharing platters are the perfect way to try a bit of everything.

Once you have finished your wedding picnic then you might want a wedding cake and macarons for pudding! This stunning four tier cake and cute little biscuits with matching macarons were designed and created by cake artist Helen Jane Cake Design.

With three brides brings three dresses which were all supplied by The Bridal Dressing Rooms.

Courtney wore a delicate A-line dress by Kenneth Winston in dove grey and ivory with an elegant plunge neckline and beaded spaghetti straps.

Abbey wore a dress called ‘Daylily’ by designer Willowby by Watters. It had a stunning racer neckline with a light tulle skirt in a very pretty ivory and latte colour.

Tanya modelled this beautiful dress called ‘Geranium’ also by Willowby by Watters. With a sweetheart neckline and delicate lace over a blush lining, worn with a matching velvet ribbon belt, it worked perfectly for our beach styling.

To complete our bridal look we needed jewellery which was supplied by the very talented Victoria Louise Accessories. Courtney modelled this stunning statement headpiece which brought a romantic, modern and somewhat ethereal feel to the shoot. Matched with timeless gold and pearl hoops with matching necklace also gave that touch of chic!

If you plan on being a beach bride then what better place to wear Keshi Pearl barefoot sandals also by Victoria Louise Accessories!

Who loves a big earring?

These stunning statement large hoop earrings also by Victoria Louise Accessories feature contemporary clusters of frosted ivy leaves suspended from 14K gold fill hoops.

From frosted ivy leaves to ostrich feathers, these stunning feather earrings looked beautiful blowing in the sea breeze. Adorned with lustrous freshwater pearls they couldn’t have been a better fit next to the sea!

If you are a beach bride then a classic subtle make-up is a must. Carina from Carina Allen-Jones Artistry gave Courtney an elegant beach bride look with her subtle bridal make-up.

Carina finished Courtney’s look off with a soft flowing ponytail hairstyle and added cute little flower pins by Victoria Louise Accessoriesto compliment the statement headpiece.

For Abbey, her classic half up/ half down hair style was also styled by Carina Allen-Jones Artistry who added a braid and floaty silk headscarf to complete the boho look!

Nikki Mullard Make-up & Haircontinued the beach summer vibe by applying white petals around Abbey’s eyes, as well as adding some Ardell Demi Wispie lashes to keep Abbey’s makeup natural and flawless.

For Tanya’s hair and makeup Nikki Mullard Make-up & Hair took inspiration from the florals supplied by Maia Sellen Floral Designs. Combing through Tanya's amazing hair to create volume and height, Nikki secured some spectacular large blooms from Maia and followed the floral theme by adding some dried flowers to Tanya’s face and arms...

For Tanya’s make-up, Nikki Mullard Make-up and Hairapplied a natural flawless base enhanced by a summer shimmery lip-gloss in 'Bronze Venus' highlighted with the 'Sublime Skin Fetish Trio' by Pat McGrath.

All in all, I think you will agree a truly beautiful shoot which appears effortless and elegant.

This day was certainly one we all enjoyed and one the team will definitely remember. It was classed as work but felt more like a fun day out with a bunch of talented and lovely wedding suppliers in the sunshine...

If this has inspired you to plan your own DIY wedding then I would love to hear from you. If you need help with on the day co-ordination then get in touch so we can work together ensuring you have the day of your dreams whilst you relax and enjoy yourself with friends and family.

Happy Wedding Planning!

Photoshoot Co-ordinator | Tasha Mae Wedding Co-ordinator

Photographer | Nadja Litau Photography

Second Photographer | Sarah Grace Photography

Videographer | Bride & Zoom

Dresses | The Bridal Dressing Rooms

Hair and Make-up - Tanya and Abbey's Make-up | Nikki Mullard Make-up & Hair

Hair and Make-up- Courtney and Abbey's Hair | Carina Allen-Jones Artistry

Florist | Maia Sellen Floral Designs

Stylist | Roka Bella Rose Weddings

Cake | Helen Jane Cake Design

Stationery | Live Laugh Create

Grazing Platter | Fig & Lemon

Accessories | Victoria Louise Accessories

Models | Courtney Vines, Abbey Kearley and Tanya Lavery