Inspired by the timeless elegance of French garden weddings, this styled shoot, captured by Brooke Arte Studio, breathes life into a vision of understated sophistication. Set amidst the enchanting grounds of Albion Farms, this collaborative project sought to reimagine the effortless charm and beauty of old-world celebrations with a contemporary twist.
The whole creative team aimed to create a look that felt both intentional and refreshingly undone. Their goal was to capture these elements in an honest and contemporary way, embracing imperfection as part of the beauty.
“We were inspired by old photos of French garden weddings. We loved the uncomplicated elegance of flat shoes, raw silk, antique silver, baguettes, French cheeses, and garden roses.”
For this shoot, the team wanted to capture a sense of vulnerability and natural beauty. They explored an aesthetic that felt less polished and more authentic, showcasing the natural allure of the venue and its surroundings.
Albion Farms, with its romantic backstory of a garden built as a testament of love, provided the perfect backdrop. The gardens were lovingly constructed by the husband for his wife, drawing inspiration from The Secret Garden. This deep connection to love and nature became the heart of the shoot’s narrative.
The State Of highlighted this idea in the reception decor. The tablescape was a beautiful mix of the prim and proper with modern-day nostalgia. Vintage silverware, French baguettes, and soft candlelight combined to create a scene reminiscent of a long, leisurely lunch in a European garden. The cake, crafted by Wonderland Kitchen, mirrored this aesthetic with its intricate floral details and timeless design.
Brooke Arte Studio played a key role in bringing this vision to life. Her images tell a story of a dreamy afternoon filled with light, nature, and subtle elegance. Each photograph captures the raw, unfiltered beauty of the elements, whether it’s the intricate details of the model’s gown, the texture of the cake, or the way the sunlight filters through the trees.
"As creatives in the industry, we are often required to create with precision and perfection in mind, so being able to work collaboratively in a way that was still intentional, yet embraced an imperfect, undone style felt really vulnerable and significant.”
The bridal styling, curated by Face Lady and Moira Hughes Couture, was designed to be both nostalgic and modern. The model, Kate Gander, wore a stunning raw silk gown embodying the old-world romance. Her natural beauty was enhanced by a low bun and pared-back makeup, reminiscent of the effortless chic seen on 90s couture runways. This minimalist approach highlighted the dress’s exquisite fabric and the model’s beauty.
“We went for a less is more, effortlessly chic look.”
Petal Bang created a sculptural floral installation that featured Australian-grown white garden roses. The flowers were arranged to appear as though they were blooming and cradling the bride, exuding a sense of old-world romance.
“We love how the flowers look as if they are growing, blooming, and almost cradling our bride.”
Reflecting on the day, the photographer said, “We adored the moment our bride stepped into Petal Bang’s rose installation; we all had a moment of collective awe.”
The fading golden light, initially seen as a challenge, added a unique element to the shoot. “It made for a truly unique moment,” Brooke concluded, noting that it transformed the scene into something magical.
PHOTOGRAPHER Brooke Arte Studio | VENUE Albion Farms | STYLING The State Of | FLORALS Petal Bang | MUAH Face Lady | DRESS Moira Hughes Couture | JEWELRY RUUSK | CONTENT CREATION Your Wed Woman | CAKE Wonderland Kitchen | MODEL Kate Gander
