In the serene setting of the picturesque British countryside, photographer Cat Arwel captured an editorial shoot that redefines the winter wedding aesthetic. Breaking away from traditional winter elements, the team embraced an understated yet refined and contemporary style for a wedding weekend.
The shoot took place at the Tythe Barn. With its inviting barn that can accommodate up to 200 guests and cozy farmhouse, the venue sets the perfect stage for intimate pre-wedding moments and grand celebrations. Cat’s lens captured the warmth and charm of the location, blending the pastoral backdrop with modern elements to create a fresh perspective on wedding aesthetics.
The images captured during the day were a blend of old and new motifs. The vintage backdrop of the setting contrasted beautifully with the modernity of the bridal gowns. This comparison added visual interest to the photographs and perfectly encapsulated the essence of the shoot, which was to celebrate new beginnings while staying rooted in tradition. Neat garden beds, earthy tones, and the classic overcast British sky created a muted but rich palette that gave the shoot a cinematic feel.
The stunning bridal looks were created by Kladek, a contemporary bridal wear brand based in Paris. Kladek blends French craftsmanship with a laid-back attitude and focuses on creating a versatile bridal wardrobe for those who appreciate understated elegance. The bride wore carefully crafted separates and unique hand-made gowns. As for the groom, he looked elegant in his finely tailored suits, which were created using the finest English traditions by D’Solos.
To complement the visual narrative of the shoot, makeup artist Florencia wanted to create a look that was all about fresh, natural skin, soft, blushed cheeks, and very subtle eyes. Hair styling was all about natural hair texture and giving more definition to the model’s wavy hair—chic yet modern bride vibes.
For the next look, the bride wore an organza blouse with a tie belt at the back, accentuating her natural waistline. The blouse also had delicate fabric-covered buttons along the cuffs, adding a luxurious touch to the outfit.
The floral arrangements embraced the Pantone color of the year, Peach Fuzz. This soft, nurturing color adds a warm glow to the winter backdrop. The choice of flowers included poppies, hellebores, and ranunculus, all known for their delicate and dynamic forms. The inclusion of beech branches laden with catkins added a rustic touch, tying the bouquets back to the countryside setting. The dainty flowers looked beautiful against the Gothic archway.
Cat Arwel captured the couple’s tender and serene moments in beautiful photos. The images perfectly portray a moment of closeness as the couple gently embraced. The bride looked stunning in her white satin dress and double-breasted cape, which contrasted perfectly with the groom’s black velvet tuxedo, highlighting the elegance of their attire. The photos were taken under a canopy of bare branches intertwined with soft glowing lights. Cat expertly used natural light, shadows, and the perspective to make the photos truly outstanding.
The table was set by Duchess & Butler with rustic charm and sophisticated styling, perfect for a modern winter wedding theme. The venue’s interior had stone walls and natural textures, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The long wooden tables were dressed with neutral-toned linens, providing a soft base that complemented the natural stone backdrop of the venue. The plates had a vintage design with gold detailing on the edges, complemented by gold-colored cutlery. Tall, slender candles in simple holders added a romantic glow to the table, enhancing the intimate feel of the dining area.
Terracotta pots, synonymous with earthy charm, were filled with roses and hellebores, creating a grounded yet refined look. Bud vases held silky poppies, providing gentle contrasts of texture and form that complemented the clean lines of the wedding gowns.
The carefully placed soft lighting appeared as darkness enveloped the venue, casting a warm and welcoming glow over the space. String lights, candles, and soft overhead fixtures created a magical setting, perfect for evening festivities.
When the celebration drew to a close, the atmosphere became livelier. The bride changed into a mini dress made of textured fabric. The dress boasts a halter neck and an open back, giving her a modern and sophisticated appearance. To add a touch of glamour, she wore dramatic long rhinestone earrings and completed her look with a tulle veil adorned with ruffles.
PHOTOGRAPHER Cat Arwel | PLANNERS Kladek, Cat Arwel | VIDEOGRAPHER Ed Jones | MODELS Stephanie Tripp, Nicholas J. McFadzean | MUAH Florencia | DRESS Kladek | SUIT Dsolos | VEILS SASH+VEIL | JEWELRY Thilly Thomas Lux | SHOES Emmy London | VENUE Tythe | FLOWERS Lizzy Jones | STYLING Duchess & Butler | CHAIRS Wedhead | CAKE Terre et Lune | STATIONERY Abbie Worton
