Emma Brooks is a fellow Tollesbury Lass, Mum to gorgeous little Matilda (who’s just a few months older than my Arabella). Emma’s great fun to be around, basically in truth she’s a little bit nutty like me but most importantly she’s a blimmin’ brilliant (MAC trained) make-up artist who specialises in wedding day make-up so I couldn’t very well say no when she asked if we would get involved with a fab photo shoot which took place at Pontland’s Park Hotel near Chelmsford. Emma popped round one evening to chat through what was needed and as usual was full of boundless enthusiasm for the photo shoot and promo vid she was helping to plan. We drank a few glasses of vino and in between general chit chat we discussed the vintage styling that she wanted for the Pontland’s Park shoot, it all sounded rather fun and although I often decline photo-shoot dress loan requests I was really pleased to be involved with this one.
Pontland’s Park Hotel near Chelmsford was a great location for the shoot, thank you soooooo much to the staff there. It’s a delightful three star family run hotel set in the Essex countryside. Our shoot took place in a really swish room (bridal suite) and then in the grounds of the hotel itself. We all agreed it was the perfect setting for the crew and models, many thanks to Pontland's for letting us all take over!
As the day approached I was really delighted to be invited along to dress the girls who were the models for the day. I thought they did a great job especially to put up with me corseting, pinning, pruning, adjusting and well, just generally getting in the way!
Their stunning hair do’s were styled by Tina Crossley (Beautiful Hair by Tina Crossley) and with over 20 years in her field there’s certainly a thing or two I think Tina could teach most hair stylists including ‘Toni’ and his Big Brother ‘Guy’, lol …. Tina carefully curled and twirled, pinned n’ sprayed and then added our gorgeously blingy finishing touch hair accessories whilst Emma lightly air based n’ air brushed before stylishly making up the girls. Between Tina and Emma (plus a bit of dressing from me) our three natural beauties transformed into an ultra stunning mock bridal party all ready for the lights, camera and action! I thought that they looked stunning and sat back enviously thinking how slim, young and beautiful they looked, then I just thought ‘oh well’ and ate another chocolate cornflake cake ……. ha ha I’d love to take a little more credit but in truth and all jokes aside the crew and Tina and Emma did all of the hard work, a tremendous job in fact and the girls really did look amazing!!
Our bridal model Olivia wore one of our stunning 50’s inspired vintage ivory gowns, it’s style
no2156 designed by Mark Lesley (£899). We decided the bridesmaid’s models (Alice and Jorjia) would look amazing in fabulous full length, pleated bodice and off shoulder Alfred Angelo satin dresses. They were style no’s 7050 and 7168 and priced at £199. The vibrancy of the violet bridesmaids gowns worked really well both in the setting and on the girls, they all looked gorgeous and I think they all enjoyed being styled and made up to perfection, there were certainly a few laughs along the way…..
MASSIVE thanks to Sally Parkinson who took these superb images. Sally was a delight to work with, she knows what she’s doing behind a camera and shot some cracking images thanks so much Sally, the pictures are beautiful! Next to thank is Bridgette and her Hubby from Colbridge Videography a lovely couple now busy producing Emma & Tina’s promo vid. And finally thanks to Carole Johnson Wedding Flowers who created the most wonderful bouquets – again stunning work!
So there you have it, another day at the office and this time I was in photo shoot mode! Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with these Guys if you’re planning a wedding, they’re a great bunch to work with and am sure you’ll agree the results of everyone’s efforts are fabuloso!!! Thanks for a fun day Ladies, look forward to seeing you all soon x x