Historical Castle Wedding
with a Striking Red Dress
This styled shoot set at Powderham Castle took historic influences and turned them into something bolder. With a striking red wedding dress, it blends the opulence of royalcore with a modern edge, creating something slightly dark, romantic and very untraditional.
Planned by Blotted Ink Photography and Howard Southwest, the pair brought together a team of creatives who took tradition and turned it on its head (quite literally when it comes to the cake).
Take a look at how the whole concept was built around a single dress.
Photos throughout from Blotted Ink Photography
Red Wedding Dress
“The stunning gown was the inspiration and centrepiece for the entire shoot,” Danni from Blotted Ink Photography told us. “Personally, as a huge history nerd with an obsession with Anne Boleyn, I was immediately drawn to the rich, romantic vibes but loved the rebellious edge to the gown, and the hint of sexiness!”
Designed by Scarlett Tayla, the red wedding dress with corseted top and multi layered skirt, was right at home at Powderham Castle. It created the whole vibe – setting the vision for everything else.
You might also love: Our Ultimate Guide To Coloured Wedding Dresses
A Royal Look
Headpieces & Pearl Accessories
Janie from The Lucky Sixpence supplied two crowns, layered together to continue the Anne Boleyn reference. A rhinestone halo added a touch of sparkle, while a double strand pearl crown brought in a more modern take on the historical influence. Long pearl earrings and a beaded pearl necklace also from The Lucky Sixpence completed the look.
Wedding Hair & Makeup
Caroline Ruddock styled a romantic updo, pinning curls through the back of the head while leaving softer pieces to frame Lisa’s face. Red pearl pins from The Lucky Sixpence sat within the curls, adding further detail.
Make Up By Lisa Hannah created a warm, glowing base with a bold red lip that mirrors the tone of the dress.
Lace Wedding Boots
House of Elliot’s ivory lace over-the-knee boots, finished with ribbon lacing up the side, lean into the historical references while bringing a sharper, more playful edge.
Wedding Day Lingerie
Limari Lingerie provided a tulle robe with floral detailing and silk edging, paired with a simple slip to sit underneath. A coordinating garter, finished with lace and feather details, added another soft romantic layer to the look.
Wedding Details with Rich Colour & Texture
Wedding Flowers
Sherbert Bloom Florist created a striking bouquet using red and blue tones, built with an architectural shape rather than something traditional.
Coordinating arrangements ran along the banquet table in the Great Hall, with smaller bud vases placed on the piano.
Wedding Stationery
Betty K Designs kept the stationery elegant, using white paper with deep red accents.
The invitation featured a line drawing of Powderham, paired with deep red envelopes. A hand-torn promise book, menu cards and place settings with gold initials are all finished with rich red ribbon.
Statement Wedding Cake
AT Cake Artistry designed a five-tier cake that seemed to defy gravity. Smaller at the base, widening towards the centre, then narrowing again towards the top, it offered three different flavour options.
Inspired by the dress and venue, it was deep red, with gold lacework and raised detailing that echoed plasterwork. Smaller jewel-toned cakes with decorative icing sat around it.
You might also love our blog: How to add Colour to your wedding day
Photography, Film & Setting
Powderham Castle was chosen for its scale, grandeur and history – the perfect royalcore setting for the dress. The iconic turquoise staircase set the colour palette for the day, reflected in the flowers and cakes.
Blotted Ink Photography captured the vibrancy of the shoot in her bright, airy style, exploring how the light shifted between each space. The library allowed for softer, more playful moments, while the Great Hall, with its heavy dark wood, brought in texture as sunlight moved across the carved details.
Howard South West also documented the shoot, working across the same spaces and light alongside Dannie.
Film by Halsey Media captured both the scale of the setting and the smaller details, the moving images playing out like a historical drama.
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supplier dream team
Planning, Coordination and Photography: Blotted Ink Photography and Howard Southwest
Featured photographer: Blotted Ink Photography
Hair Accessories and Jewellery: The Lucky Sixpence
MUA & Model: Make Up By Lisa Hannah
Hair: Caroline Ruddock
Venue: Powderham Castle
Flowers: Sherbert Bloom Florist
Dress: Scarlett Tayla
Film: Halsey Media
Cake: AT Cake Artistry
Stationery: Betty K Designs
Boots: House of Elliot
Lingerie: Limari Lingerie
