I have always been a huge Disney fan, I mean who hasn’t? So I always knew I would have to do a styled shoot which would be Disney themed, but I really wanted something different. Something not done before, so it took me a little while to finally have that ping moment. So when I had the idea of The Little Mermaid Inspired Shoot but not as we know it, I jumped at the chance to get creative. Instead of Ariel marrying Eric like in the original movie she has in fact fallen in love with Ursula the witch of the sea.
The Story
I wanted the shoot to have a story behind it so you as the viewer could decide if this really was true love between Ariel and Ursula or another way for Ursula to become the Queen of the sea.
The idea of course had to be on a secluded beach. We used the Orwell Country Park, as it is just that; secluded, yet timeless. I wanted the theme to be shipwrecked; so all the items used would have been what Ariel had collected over the years. This included unmatched cutlery, random plates, glasses and candlesticks. But also things they could find on the beach including a washed up barrel and seaweed.
The Vision
The colours were still the original green and purples but a much darker shade. To show the darker side of the characters.
Goldsmiths Events completely got my vision and went out to source all our unusual and natural décor. Including seaweed, reeds, white flowers, barrel and wood for this fantastic table set up. She also provided our arch and decor for the ceremony overlooking the beautiful scenery.
The Finishing Touches
I just loved these eggshells designed and made by Hatchfully Yours, so intricate and so different. To bring in the mermaid element as they were in human form for the shoot.
Our fab poem by Moo Collection Calligraphy. Which shows Ariel still comes from Royalty and it still has a very special place in her heart.
The shell place names by Paper Leaf Studios. For their private and romantic banquet. As they had kept their wedding day a secret from the other merfolk.
On top of our washed up barrel was the epic cake by Stacey’s Cakey Bakes. Who kept to the theme of the sea.
All coming together
So on to our gorgeous models Graci and Luci that travelled all the way down from Manchester. They were just brilliant and they captured the vision of their roles and were a dream to work with.
They were dressed by the very talented Tarty’s Original who makes bespoke wedding dresses. We had so much fun finding inspiration from Ariel and Ursula’s colours.
Along with matching jewellery from Nu Jewellery by Emma. Creative hair by SJ’s Bridal and Beauty. Make up by Dawn Taylor Wedding and Beauty. Who let their creative juices flow from stepping out from their normal eye shadow palettes. To dying hair extensions in the hotel sink the morning of.
We were made two stunning bespoke veils by the very talented Visionary Veils. They created a ponytail veil and gorgeous blusher veil with lace trim, both in black of course for Ursula.
Shoes and boots were hand painted by Inanna Bespoke Shoes. I love how she used the colours and sea theme, especially the octopus. They were awesome!
Finished off with a 3D printed, handheld trident. Instead of a bouquet of flowers.
Obviously none of this could come to life without our photographer Cheryl Anne Photography who captured it all beautifully.
You can see more on this shoot over on Pretty and Punk Weddings were we had it published. A huge thank you to all the suppliers who came together for this shoot.
Thanks for reading
x Jodie x
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