Gosford House, a charming mansion nestled in the picturesque Scottish countryside, stands as a testament to timeless elegance and historical grandeur. Built in the 19th century, its architecture is a harmonious blend of neo-classical and Palladian styles. The mansion’s interiors, adorned with fine art, antique furnishings, and elaborate plasterwork, offer a rich tapestry of history and elegance. The moment you step into its opulent interiors, you’re transported to a bygone era of luxury and sophistication.
In this magnificent setting, Olesja Samina and her talented team of In the Name of Love Photography orchestrated an extraordinary editorial, capturing the essence of bridal fashion through the ages. Each look, meticulously styled and photographed within the house’s lavish ambience, takes us on a captivating journey from the Elizabethan era to modern-day minimalism.
REGAL BEGINNING
The editorial journey began in Elizabeth I’s era. The setting, with its ornate columns and gilded details, amplified the ambiance, making it feel like one has stepped into a scene from a historical drama.
The table was adorned with an array of white orchids and hydrangeas, their delicate petals adding a touch of freshness and elegance. Crystal candlesticks held tall, white candles, their flames flickering gently, casted a warm glow over the table. The fine china and silverware, meticulously arranged, added to the luxurious feel of the setting. A feast fit for royalty, with clusters of grapes and an elaborate menu, completed the scene.
The bride’s transformation was striking. Stephanie dress from Sassi Holford, a stunning representation of Golden Age fashion, featured strict sleeves and a high collar. Her complexion, porcelain-like, with a subtle blush that highlighted her cheekbones, was a perfect match for the era. Her eyes, accentuated with a soft, smoky eyeshadow, and her lips, painted a deep, luxurious burgundy, added a touch of drama to her overall appearance.
Olesja, the photographer behind this stunning editorial, captured a moment that perfectly encapsulates the bride’s character. The interplay of light and shadow, masterfully handled by Olesja, highlighted the rich textures of the gown and the bride’s serene silhouette. The majestic setting of the mansion, with its opulent architecture and grand decor, was shown in all its glory, providing a perfect backdrop that enhances the timeless beauty of this Elizabethan-inspired look.
JAZZ AGE
The editorial swiftly transitioned to the vibrant Roaring Twenties. An era defined by its vitality, luxury, and dramatic fashion. The bride donned a sleek, satin gown that epitomized the style of the Jazz Age. The dress had a bias-cut silhouette, reminiscent of the iconic flapper style with The Great Gatsby vibes. The dress was completed with an exquisite Stardust cape from Catherine Deane. The cape featured delicate beadwork arranged in intricate patterns. The cascading beads created a waterfall effect, adding movement and texture to the overall look.
The bride’s eyes were defined with dramatic, smoky eyeshadow, and her lips were painted in a deep, sultry red, echoing the beauty trends of the era. Her hair, styled in a wet effect, framed her face, adding a touch of softness to her bold makeup.
ICONIC 80's
This look from Pronovias was a stunning homage to the iconic wedding style of the 80s, an era renowned for its extravagant fashion and dramatic silhouette. The theatrical puffed sleeves added a touch of regal elegance, while the open back made the dress modern, strikingly contrasting the traditional and the contemporary. The voluminous curls added a sense of drama and sophistication, perfectly complementing the extravagant silhouette of the gown. Her makeup was equally bold, with a vibrant red lip and defined eyes that captured the essence of retro beauty trends.
This look was a heartfelt tribute to the fashion icons of the 1980s, particularly the Queen of Hearts – Princess Diana Spencer, whose wedding dress remains one of the most iconic bridal gowns in history.
We carefully chose each dress and accessory to showcase luxury, perfectly matching the grand surroundings of the estate. We used natural light and the architectural features to create stunning images.
21st CENTURY GLAM
The gown, shimmering with sequins and delicate beading, embodied the fearless and sophisticated spirit of the contemporary bride. The off-the-shoulder design from Wona Concept, paired with a daring thigh-high slit, highlighted a perfect blend of elegance and daring.
Olesja’s vision for this look was to encapsulate the essence of the modern bride – one who is unapologetically herself, embracing her sensuality and sophistication. “In this look, we wanted to push the boundaries and showcase a confident, radiant, and undeniably glamorous bride,” Olesja reflects.
Drawing inspiration from Pamela Anderson’s beauty look, the hair was styled in voluminous, tousled waves that exude effortless glamour and a touch of rebellious flair.
The makeup look was captivating, with a focus on luminous complexion. The eyes were accentuated with shimmering shadows, creating a mesmerizing effect that draws you in. Lips are kept soft with a natural hue.
PRESENT & SIMPLE
Today’s minimalistic and understated bridal look celebrates relaxed elegance and self-assured sophistication. The concept behind this ensemble is to highlight the beauty of simplicity while exuding a modern, confident aura.
The smooth, luxurious fabric drapes elegantly, accentuating the bride’s natural silhouette without overwhelming it. This minimalist approach ensures that the bride’s inherent beauty takes center stage, free from the distractions of overly intricate designs or excessive embellishments. A crisp white blazer paired with the gown adds a layer of sophistication and versatility.
A soft, luminous glow highlights her skin, with neutral tones on the eyes creating a subtle yet captivating effect. The lips are kept in a nude shade, maintaining the overall theme of natural elegance. This approach ensures the bride looks radiant and polished without appearing overly made-up. Styled in loose, voluminous waves, the hair adds a touch of glamour and movement.
As we celebrate the multifaceted nature of bridal fashion, this editorial reminds us that beauty knows no bounds and transcends time. You can mix and match different eras, styles, and ambiance seamlessly with the right idea, styling, and shots. Olesja showed us how the elegance of historical sophistication can blend effortlessly with modern minimalism and how the bold glamour of the 1920s can coexist with the understated charm of contemporary fashion. Each look and frame tells a unique story, demonstrating that true beauty is timeless and ever-evolving.
CONCEPT, ORGANIZATION & PHOTOGRAPHY In the Name of Love Photography | VENUE Gosford House | BRIDAL SHOP Anne Priscilla | MUAH Inna Make Up | FLORALS Wedding Flowers by Susan | TABLEWARE Green Cockatoo Events | STATIONERY Laura Elizabeth Patrick | CAKE Art Cake Boutique | MODELS Hannah, Sofia | DRESSES Pronovias, Sassi Holford, Savannah Miller, Catherine Dane, Wona Concept | ACCESSORIES Stephanie Browne
