Take two friends who happen to be Shakespeare fans, a lockdown and some socially distanced wine drinking. Add in the fact that they are both wedding suppliers, trying to find new ways of working in the COVID world of 2020. You are only a Sauvignon Blanc away from a Tempest themed beach elopement shoot!
‘I grew up near the Lincolnshire Coast, and in my opinion, no other beach measures up to it’ said Leni, of Ceremonies by Leni Robson. ‘Emma from Doodah Photography and I first met through a local Shakespearean Theatre Company. When I showed Emma the pictures of Chapel St Leonards, we both knew that The Tempest was a perfect choice for a shoot that was a little different from the norm. Its themes include: shipwrecked lovers, deserted islands and magical unions!’
Eco-Friendly Beach Elopement
The main decorative items were the flowers from Limewood Flowers. Fran is an eco-florist and uses the best locally grown seasonal flowers. Waste is a major issue in floristry so where flowers can be dried and added to arrangements at other times of the year, this is a fabulous way to reduce waste. The wedding dress was supplied by Gill at Bridal Reloved Caistor, chosen to emulate the waves with its gentle rippling effect. Bridal Reloved stores sell wedding dresses that are either brand new, ex-sample or worn once and cleaned. These dresses might otherwise be out of budget or go to waste, so their eco ethos really chimed with what we were trying to show with this beach elopement.
It’s no coincidence that there are very limited props on display. The aim was to show off the beauty of the beach, and everything was chosen enhance the surroundings. The macramé backdrop used for the ceremony was supplied by Knot Again Jill. The design was kept simple to represent a fishing net, keeping with the theme that these were items either found on an island or pulled from the shipwreck.
Shipwrecked Lovers...
If you are going to organise a beach elopement shoot, why not get in on the action?
‘I couldn’t resist a little indulgence myself so took the opportunity to throw myself into the role of Juno who speaks the magical words in the play for the young couple’s marriage. This is exactly what celebrants do!’ Ceremonies by Leni Robson
The gorgeous model Holly was found through the MIBA Int Networking group and the fact that she came with Billy was a bonus! She captured a youthful innocence, but also a steely determination to marry her man. Holly is a beauty therapist so did her own make-up and hair. Billy’s jacket and waistcoat came from Westlands UK. In the play, Ferdinand is a lord, so the contrast of smart, next to Holly’s wilder look, both complemented and contrasted.
A Celebrant Ceremony For A Beach Elopement
For the rings, a simple but beautiful star design was made by CRZyBest. In the play, Miranda has been brought up to appreciate the beauty in all things – she doesn’t need jewels and riches. A ring made with love was required, making CrzyBest’s designs a perfect fit!
Conscious of the current times, Emma and Leni thought about how to include the guidance around weddings within the beach elopement. Leni drew on her experience writing unique ceremonies and created a handwashing ritual which avoided the need for any bottles of antibac ruining the aesthetic. The bowl was hand made by Stevie Davies Glass and is part of her new collection.
Whatever The Weather...
Emma was not only the photographer on this shoot, but the invites, menus, name cards were designed by her, through her stationery business Doodah Designs. She tied this into the table display which were placed on a beautiful table and chairs from Pretty Vintage Hire. The vows were written by William Shakespeare – with a little bit of editing from Leni!
As the ceremony took place, mother nature threw in a rainbow to bless the two young lovers, a backdrop not even the best theatre designers could have matched.
You can’t have a rainbow without rain and when it finally came, Seascape Café and the North Sea Observatory provided a stunning venue for the last few pictures as the sun started to set.
You may also love: How To Elope For Your Wedding In Style
The Team Behind This Gorgeous Beach Elopement
Celebrant and Concept – www.uniquetoyou.co.uk
Photography and Concept – www.doodahphotography.co.uk
Stationery and Table design – www.doodahdesigns.co.uk
Flowers, buttonhole, flower crowns, table stems – www.limewoodflowers.co.uk
Wedding Dress – www.bridalreloved.co.uk/shops/caistor/
Table and Chairs –www.prettyvintagehire.com
Macrame – www.knotagainjill.uk
Venue – Manager@seascapecafe-nso.co.uk
Bride’s ring – www.crzybest.co.uk
Glass Bowl – www.stevie-davies.co.uk
Jacket and Waistcoat – www.westlandsuk.com
With thanks to – the people of Chapel St Leonards https://www.chapelstleonards.info/
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