You Are Cordially Invited... to a Downton Abbey Inspired Wedding
When Jenn proposed the idea in January of a Downton Abbey shoot in conjunction with the movie coming out, I had to admit a dirty little secret — I had never watched even a moment of the show. A week of binge watching later (and a great deal of crying-- can’t anything happy happen on that show without someone else dying or going to jail?!), and I was a convert.
Usually, I like to make up a story for planning styled shoots to help bring the event to life and give it direction. For this shoot, there just didn’t seem to be a story better than those we already have. To paraphrase Mrs. Hughes, we just needed to build the fire, not invent it. I had so much fun drawing inspiration from the show to put our own modern spin on the world of Downton Abbey while still honoring all the wonderful vintage touches that make that world so captivating.
I hope you enjoy our homage to the House of Grantham.
“If you’re tired of style, you’re tired of life.”
Buhl Mansion Guest House & Spa, in Sharon, Pa., played host to us for the day, and it was the perfect place to hold a wedding fit for an Earl and Countess, or even a Marquess and Marchioness. The property boasts the main house, with the grand hall and stair case, living room, library, formal dining room, breakfast room, and 10 luxurious guest rooms, the spa (located below stairs in the main house), the carriage house and courtyard (where most indoor weddings are held), the newly-remodeled green house, and the grounds.
Jae Lee Paredes Makeup Artist and Brooke Rockwell Hair Design were the perfect glam squad to create a modern take on 1920s beauty for our bride, with bold red lips and loose finger waves in the hair.
“I didn’t think it was possible to love as much as I love you”
Jenn and I teamed up again with Krustallos Couture Haute Atelier for another custom designed wedding gown. This two-piece ensemble features an A-line wrap skirt made of silk crepe and lined in silk charmeause with semi-chapel train. The top is a silk crepe body suit lined in silk jersey with long full sleeves with button closures at the wrist. While the top is a modest scoop neck, it has an element of surprise by having a fully exposed back that is finished in silk covered buttons.
The Veiled Beauty lent us a gorgeous lace Juliet Cap cathedral length veil that perfectly frames the face and hair.
“I know what real love is and there aren’t many who can say that. I’m one of the lucky ones. ”
We couldn’t have a wedding inspired by British nobility without a groom in a morning suit and top hat.
Posy never disappoints with floral magic, and she truly pulled out all the stops for this event. After all, nothing but the best for those of Downton Abbey.
“I’m not a romantic, but even I concede that the heart does not exist solely for the purpose to pump blood.”
“I have to take one thing for granted, that I will love you until the last breath leaves my body.”
Fresh Cut Prints created the gorgeous invitation suite and dining table stationery incorporating the emerald green and mustard yellow of Posy’s floral arrangements and Buhl Mansion’s antique Winner Collection bone china.
Priory Fine Pastries went above and beyond my dreams with this masterpiece of a cake, and it certainly is equal to those that come from Mrs. Patmore's and Daisy’s kitchen. I especially like the silhouette detail of the bride and groom.
“I’m hot and cold, I can barely breathe, and it’s all because of you...”
And we couldn’t have a Downton Abbey wedding without a canine companion. Belle the Golden is Buhl Mansion’s general manager’s dog and was the perfect model.
“The business of life is the acquisition of memories, in the end that’s all there is.”
“You can always hold my hand if you need to feel steady.”
“I believe in rules. And traditions, and playing our part. But there is something else...I believe in love. ”
As always, we could never create these beautiful styled weddings without the help of our amazing local vendors.
Photography: Jenn Marie Wedding Photography
Venue: Buhl Mansion Guest House & Spa
Planning, Design, and Styling: Bespoke & Beloved Events
Floral Design: Posy
Make Up Artist: Jae Lee Paredes
Hair Stylist: Brooke Rockwell Hair Design
Bakery: Priory Fine Pastries
Stationery: Fresh Cut Prints
Wedding Dress: Krustallos Couture Haute Atelier
Veil: The Veiled Beauty
Morning Suit and Accessories: Top Hat Tuxedo
Models: Blaze and Anthony
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