St Giles House in Dorset, England, is a family house of Lord Shaftesbury. It has recently underwent the award-winning 5-year long restoration and welcomes weddings and private events. Over the years the house has been a home to important politicians and philosophers.  Couples who choose to marry here will find themselves in a truly stunning setting full of history, surrounded by old master paintings, grand fireplaces, beautiful old library and several ballrooms.   Despite being grand in scale, the house has a warm and welcoming atmosphere.   The grounds surrounding the property are full of things to explore - from beautiful gardens to the 18th Century Shell Grotto that is gorgeous to photograph. 

I am very happy to be featured on one of the most beautiful UK Wedding Blogs this week, RockMyWedding.  It is always an honor to be included along with the most inspiring industry professionals.

I was inspired to create this editorial by the beauty of the Art Deco architecture.  A search for a modern angle on classic elegance brought my team and me to the Palm Court – opulent marble ballroom, a jewel inside the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in London.  While the fashion we chose is very much contemporary, stepping into the Waldorf Astoria is like stepping back in time.  The tapestries, marble floor, and glass ceiling details take us back in time to the prosperity of the late 1920s in London.  

Our shoot brought together exceptional vendors. It features accessories and gowns from designers represented by one of London’s top bridal boutiques – Mirror & Mirror Couture.  It was an absolute pleasure to capture the hair and beauty created by makeup artist Vicky Ellis, bouquets and centerpieces by Natalia at TheFlowerFashion and Emmy London shoes.  The whole look is incredibly romantic and feminine, lovingly styled by Alessia Bernasconi.  If you are a bride who wants to embrace tradition but with a modern angle, I hope you enjoy the images.  

I completely fell in love with the historic charm of the West Dean Estate the moment I came here with my beautiful newlyweds, Nadia and Laurence.  West Dean Estate near Chichester in West Sussex is a picturesque setting and an idyllic location for a wedding photo shoot.  Built in the XVII century, it is now home to West Dean College and Gardens.

We started photographing at the stunning main hall and then walked (or more like skipped or waltzed) along the tranquil paths to the walled Kitchen Garden and Victorian Glasshouses, the Sunken Garden and Edwardian Pergola, completely in awe of the beauty around us.  

But above else, it was my beautiful couple that made my heart happy.  I realize it sounds cheesy (but cliches are true for a reason) but I fell for these guys right away.  Married for less than 24 hours, their bright smiles, sparkly eyes, and their open-armed love made me recognize the feeling that comes from being in love and together - the feeling of brave, boundless optimism.  This is why I love photographing weddings and families: for all the emotions and for the responsibility to translate that true connection and love to images.  I wish you guys heaps of happiness!  

If you grew up on Jane Austen's novels or at the mention of the 18th century England your imagination conjures up images of sprawling elegant Mansions and long dinner tables set in candle-lit rooms, this styled shoot will be up your alley. 

The shoot was part of a two-day worksop held at the Nonsuch Mansion and filled with inspiration and beauty.  The Ladies of the Wedding Blues Agency partnered up with WedHead Decor, gathered gorgeous flowers from Okishima Simmonds , dresses from Cathytelle and planned two wonderful days of learning and shooting under the direction of inimitably talented, inspiring and skilful Megan Sadler.  Sara Russell, founder of my favourite wedding inspiration blog Wedding Sparrow, shared her knowledge of the industry, talked about details that make winning submission and her curation process.  We learned from Megan about directing, composition, colour and editing.  Megan seemed  completely open about her workflow, gave us in-depth answers, revealing her shooting and editing  tricks. I left feeling energised by her positive outlook, her creative spirit and commitment to our beloved medium.  

Take a look at the amazing blog ONCEWED to see more of the images