Lauren is one of the kindest, gentlest and most humble artists that I have had the pleasure of working with – she shoots with a grace and sensitivity to her subjects that is admirable and enviable.
I pitched this idea to her, of shooting an entire editorial by candle or fairy light in a dimly lit room with candles being the only source of light – and boy did she outdo my expectations. Everything glowed with all the romance of a deep winter wedding in ways that wild imaginations bring to life.
As featured on Bridal Musings in Nov 2019.
It’s been off season but for this amazing group of talented industry professionals, winters are wet and dark – creating the perfect backdrop for something moody but inviting. The shoot was conceptualized as a night shoot, with the challenge being to shoot everything by candlelight in order to illustrate how beautiful shadows and translucent elements translate into a very romantic setting for a wintery wedding. It’s also ideal for people who love candlelight and would love their entire event to be lit by candles and fairy lights.
All aspects of the editorial contained some level of translucency to allow the candlelight to create its magic. From the stationery, partially printed on velum paper, to the florals, with see-through seed pods and preserved foliage in muted colours, to the embroidered fabric of the dress and the delicate tulle of the veil.
The overall colour scheme was kept to the muted tones of ivory, cream, soft pink, beige and shades of brown – which allow the light to reflect so beautifully off all the textures, but still keeps the tone of the event wintery and romantic.
The brides makeup included combined natural coloured lips with more dramatic glittered eyes and bold lashes to ensure the bridal beauty stood out in the soft light.
So if you are a winter person and are wondering how you can still create something beautiful to celebrate your union – here are some great ideas.
A handy hint – if you like the mix of dried foliage and flowers with fresh, be sure to check that your vendor ‘fire proofs’ the dried elements, especially with so many open flames about.
Photographer: Lauren Pretorius
Dresses: Alena Leena
Dress stockist, Cape Town & Johannesburg: The Wedding Boutique
Makeup and Hair: Celestial Make up Artistry
Venue: Langverwagt
Stationery: Fleur Design Studio
Model: Lucinda de Bruin