What an absolute treat to be gifted this styled shoot by our Sponsors and Coalition members Our Owambe.

A wedding inspiration platform created by two best-in -the biz planners, but this is their first ever creative shoot as an official Our Owambe team, for their own brand. And what a triumph! Shot by super talent Marni V Photography no less.

Entitled Elegance is Wild which sums up perfectly this hot, jewelled toned shoot, that matches an outdoor elements setting and rustic, looser, abundant florals with crisp clean lines, sophistication and a clear finesse in it’s execution. Elegance is, indeed, Wild in this picture perfect inspiration exercise for those who want a relaxed, open feel to their venue and styling but still want that feeling of a classic kind of luxe. We are sold!

We hand you over to one half of Our Owambe Assumpta Vitcu to talk you through every one of it’s gorgeous elements.

“An island venue, bright blooms and a sunset cake cutting on a boat! This inspirational shoot conceptualised by Olivia and co-planned and styled by me (Assumpta) is the embodiment of unconventionality executed elegantly.

Two words you probably aren’t used to hearing together are elegance and wild. However, in this post, that is precisely what we bring to you. We present, our first Our Owambe styled shoot.

To the calculated risk takers who want a stylish and memorable day and the classic brides willing to step out of their comfort zone, this one is for you.”

Love Island

Raven’s Ait (a term meaning small island), on the River Thames, served as a picturesque setting for this shoot. We wanted a space that was scenic, versatile and had natural beauty without being overly manicured and Raven’s Ait provided just that.

The fact that we had to take a ferry to get on the island was a novel and intriguing selling point! If you choose to get married there, I’m sure your guests would get a kick out of this too.

The island’s current façade was built in the early 1970’s and although a little old-fashioned, once you have docked from your short ferry ride, you cannot discount its charm as you disembark on the imposing and delightfully aged concrete steps.

The Colour Story

Rich reds, bright pinks, lilac, deep purple, and ivory. This sounds a little shocking when read but the finished product was stunning. Olivia is our resident colour Queen. She can seamlessly mix colours like no other and still make them look cohesive and chic.

I love colour but I am often afraid to mix them for fear of looking like a clown. I owe the visual impact of this shoot to Olivia because alone, I would not have been so daring.

If you want something a little more exciting for your wedding colour scheme, hire an experienced Planner or Stylist whose style you like and complements your vision. Trust me when I say that a good stylist and designer is worth their weight in gold.

The Ceremony

There is a large and very striking oak tree towards the edge of the lawn on Raven’s Ait. It was here that we chose to set the ceremony, with views of the River Thames. The aisle was lined with blooms designed by the talented Kate Wren Flowers.

Kate Wren Flower’s signature arrangements are intensely romantic and elegant. As our gorgeous model Winnie, walked down the aisle to meet her real-life husband, Andrew, she held a bold hand-tied bouquet with mixed tones of raspberry, crimson, magenta and flamingo pink.

Fashion and Beauty

Winnie styled her short hair herself for a contemporary feel while awarding-winning makeup artist Joyce Connor, created a daytime glam look with pink lips.

Both wedding dresses for the two different looks were designed by Naomi Deru. Both designs have a simple, sexy and feminine silhouette. The ceremony dress had sheer sleeves and featured a thigh split.

The reception look was an off-shoulder number, perfect for dancing the night away in style and for Winnie’s evening makeup, Joyce transitioned it to something more sultry with a bold, deep red lip.

Both three-piece suits worn by the handsome model groom Andrew were his own. The first was a dusky lilac suit complete with ivory tie and his second, a more traditional navy colour with a burgundy tie.

The Tablescape

This is where our unconventional colour palette really shone. Jennifer’s Paper designed our unusual stationery featuring semi-circle-esque name place cards which we sat in cork holders, plus an oblong invitation suite and menus cards to add interest to the table.

You want to create a visual feast for your guests when they sit down. Whether you are a maximalist or minimalist, attention to detail, always elevates your tablescape. I stand by that statement wholeheartedly.

Even down to our choice of plates - they were pink by the way but the larger dinner plate had an embossed relief across it while the side plate was much simpler. Little details make a difference.

YP Bespoke Linen provided the pink napkins and lilac line which complemented our trio of floral arrangements interspersed with pink and burgundy candles. The modern cutlery and glassware was provided by Wren Ark and completed the look perfectly.

Quality linen, cutlery and crockery appeal to your guests touch senses. Essentially, if you bear the five sense (Sight, Sound, Smell, Taste, and Touch) in mind when planning your wedding, you will be on to a winner.

Let Them Eat Cake

Oh what a cake this was. The small but mighty bullet shaped creation by Good Cake Day in shades of red, pink and gold complete with white cones on the side, was certainly a talking point.

Chinelo of Good Cake Day thought Olivia and I were a little crazy when we said the cake cutting would be taking place on a boat but just look at how beautiful it looked with the sun setting in the background.

I’m sure you will agree that it was worth the nail-biting sail around the Thames River. If you intend on doing something similar, please be mindful of the associated risks. We don’t want to be blamed if your cake ends up in the sea or a river!

The Photography

Last, but by no means least, we have the incredible Marni V Photography. Her expert eye and vibrant yet moody style really captured the essence of this shoot and made the colours pop.

Marni is a wonderful photographer who was on board with our crazy vision and incredibly tight deadline from the very beginning. We had a great (but at often stressful) time creating this shoot and hope that you find it inspiring and perhaps use some ideas for your own wedding.

Becky here again just to conclude on our favourite bits, it’s hard to chose but we love that little ferry boat adored with florals, the show stopping cake, Winnie’s beautiful make up and those rather inspired contemporary shaped, colour popping paper goods. We also love the evolution of the shoot, the feeling of moving through the day, and just like a real wedding, you feel the couple relax into the day . Those Naomi Deru dresses are so sumptuous and dreamy and you can tell Winnie’s confidence and joy goes up a level in that incredible second dress which just slays on that boat setting. You just know that was the part the magic happened.. all the fruits of the stress of the shoot slotted into place, everything else fading away as the sun set on that glimmering water, and the couple’s chemistry sparking - glorious!