The first signs of Spring are something that I look forward to every year - so I was always going to love this inspiration shoot from Coco Venues and Katrina Otter Weddings, inspired by early, fresh Spring days.

I just know you're all going to fall head-over-heels for it too - gorgeous boho-yet-sexy Rue de Seine gowns, gold Isabelle Row accessories, refreshing white blooms and some oh-so pretty hair and make up looks to swoon over.

Right, I'll stop waffling and let you enjoy the pretty - pin fingers at the ready...

Emma at Coco Venues:A New Beginning was inspired by early, fresh spring days with a slightly moody edge. When the air is thick with dew and the days are breathing hope. Katrina and I wanted rustic, idyllic and organic elements within a soft pretty palette of duck egg blues, dark luscious greens and creamy whites.
Rebecca Goddard, our photographer, captured our vision perfectly in an array of delicate dream-like images...

Our stage was the misty, ethereal grounds of Narborough Hall - a romantic wedding venue set in the valley of the river Nar. Narborough was utter perfection... beautiful, luxuriant and wild. Joanne, the owner of Narborough and passionate florist created the beautiful flowers for us, assisted by the fabulous Head Gardener - Kay. Joanne handpicked the blooms whilst walking in the woodlands, meadows and formal gardens the day before the shoot.

In Joanne's own words "The freshness of new spring leaves were looking so beautiful against the darkness of woodland moss which had thrived through our watery winter and become flashed with emerald."
This created the base for our shoot - from the bridal flowers to the tablescape. Ferns and Moss were dotted with delicate Willow, Hawthorn, Wild Narcissus Poeticus and fronds of Cow Parsley. Of all spring flowers, Hellebores are the most mysteriously beautiful.

Joanne decided to use the whiter Helleborus Niger in the bouquet and the greener Helleborus Argutifolius for the table decoration and the cake posy. White Damson and Victoria Plum Blossom combined with Willow formed a dainty headdress for our ethereal bride.

Our first Bridal look was soft, natural and just very, very pretty. Our Bride wore the Eve dress by Rue De Seine, a gorgeously romantic silk embroidered gown with a stunning drop waist and full skirt. A silk tulle veil with just a hint of sparkle offered a demure nod to tradition whilst the low cut back was a little bit sexy. Don't you agree...? The Rocking Horse necklace and vintage rings by Isabelle Rowe added a simple yet contemporary touch.

The hair was worn long, loose and tousled, thanks to the fabulous Tracey Ward, and the makeup soft and barely there. Emily and Katherine from Love Moi Makeup created a soft, flawless look - defined brows, delicate, shimmery neutrals on the eyes and softened black liner on both top and bottom enhanced the gorgeous green of her eyes, whilst a fluttery corner lash added extra definition. A liquid blush (Daniel Sandler Watercolour Blush in Charm) and a cream highlighter kept the skin looking fresh and glowing, whilst a petal pink, high shine gloss added a youthful and natural finish to the look.

The Louvre Lace dress, again by Rue De Seine, added a bit of drama to our second look - this gown has a fitted bodice, high waist and soft A-line silhouette. Perfect for our barefoot woodland nymph! The incredible Natalie from Curious Fair created a delicate crown combining white goose feathers with whitewashed dried barley. Natalie wanted to create a youthful and romantic piece that reflected the first signs of spring. For a luxe look we stacked glittering vintage bracelets, and our Bride wore the most divine jaded jewel by Isabelle Rowe on her ring finger mirroring the luscious tones of the moss at her feet. Emily and I wanted to create something a little more high fashion for the second beauty look. Emily therefore added plenty of bronze and gold shadow to make the eyes much more smoky and then added some gold glitter eyeliner appliques (Glam Republic) to create a real "wow" eye. This was finished with a shimmering nude.

A sweetheart table emerged from the murky woodlands for the newlywed lovers, moss covered logs peppered with sprigs of blossom formed the statement centrepiece. Katherine from Hélène Millot assisted us in creating our al fresco dining scene - bone cutlery and simple vintage china were mixed with old silver, cut glass and golden candlesticks for a touch of glamour, all set atop a cascading lace runner. Dappled quails eggs created a striking place setting and danced with our theme of spring and new life.
It all looked incredibly romantic and the beautiful gilded love seat, borrowed from the many treasures from within the house, was the perfect accompaniment to Vintage Style Hire's unique props and furniture.

Our escort cards swayed in the breeze above the shimmering lake, where guests could find their names amongst the buds, written in soft green watercolour calligraphy. Our stationery was hand crafted by the very talented Gemma Milly and the colours and organic script worked perfectly with the surrounding nature.

A buttery cake (which smelled divine) was decorated with a glorious posy of foliage and blossom, waiting patiently to be devoured. Our signature cocktail was an "English Mojito" created for us by The Travelling Gin Co. boys. With a concoction of fresh apple, elderflower and gin in hand, it was the perfect way to end our day at Narborough Hall Gardens, albeit with twigs in hair, muddy knees and that fresh spring smell all around us.

Photography by Rebecca Goddard
Stylist Emma at Coco Wedding Venues & Katrina at Katrina Otter Weddings & Events | Venue, Florals & Cake Narborough Hall Gardens | Furniture Hire Vintage Style Hire | Tableware Hire Hélène Millot | Jewellery Isabelle Rowe | Cocktails The Travelling Gin Co. | Dresses & Vintage Bracelets Luella's Boudoir | Hair Tracey Ward | Make Up Love Moi Makeup | Stationery Gemma Milly