This may come as a surprise, but some of the most unique event designs we’ve seen are inspired by iconic painters, from Frida Kahlo all the way back to 17th century Dutch masters. It’s pretty incredible how a single painting or series of paintings can inspire a modern day wedding.
In this case, bridal fashion designerJoanne Fleming Design teamed up with Elizabeth’s Cakes Emporium to channel famed artist Edward Burne-Jones for an ornate, romantic, British editorial at Michelham Priory in East Sussex, an idyllic setting for bringing late 19th century art to life in fresh new way. And these florals by All in One Season? Just one of the fairytale elements Jo Bradbury captured in the photos below:
On the concept… The inspiration comes from the work of one of the last Pre-Raphaelites, Sir Edward Coley Burne-Jones, who brought imaginary worlds to life in awe-inspiring paintings, stained glass windows and tapestries. He created spectacular works depicting Arthurian knights, classical heroes and Biblical angels—working across painting, stained glass, embroidery, jewellery and more. With his friend William Morris, he was a pioneer of the arts and crafts movement, which aimed to bring beautiful design to everyone.
Two of Burne Jones’ most famous cycles of paintings have been united for the first time in an exhibition at Tate Britain, with one series drawing from Sleeping Beauty.
The jeweled leather and silk babouches from South African designer Coast & Koi paired beautifully with Art Nouveau accessories by HF Couture.
Being an art and history lover and an avid fan of the artist, Joanne designed a range of exquisitely embroidered dresses using the most sumptuous fabrics in the rich colours reminiscent of Burne-Jones’ paintings. The royal blue gold embroidered velvet dress featured long funnel sleeves and a beautiful deep v-shaped draped back. The incredible burgundy dress with its puffed pin tucked long sleeves had the most beautiful embroidery on the bodice. The third dress was a dreamy moon and stars embroidered lace overlaid on aqua silk with long funnel sleeves.
Alice Calcasola of All in One Season created a full-blown medieval inspired banquet table using a combination of bold and soft coloured flowers including red and yellow roses, orange ranunculi, and pink tulips. Assorted berries, delicate foliage, trailing ivy and fruit also featured in the design. She fashioned the flowers and foliage into a tumbling floral cascade over one side of the table for a modern asymmetrical look. The table was set with gorgeous crockery, crystal and cutlery and the specially commissioned stationery with beautiful hand painted detail and calligraphy was from Crimson Letters. Rubana also kindly transcribed in her beautiful flowing hand the lines of verse that Burne-Jones had written under the Rose Bower painting.
As you might remember from the cakes featured in our Frida Kahlo shoot, Elizabeth of Elizabeth’s Cake Emporium spares no detail when it comes to channeling a concept in cake-form. In addition to the cakesicles, cookies, cupcakes and chocolates, she created a cakescape of five beautiful cakes. Each cake featured bold jewel tones in royal blue, emerald, and ruby, as a nod to the colors in his paintings. Further, each place setting featured a ruby red sugar rose cupcake.
So amazing! Cakies, be sure to pop into our gallery below for a closer peek…
And did we mention that the venue was founded in 1229? The site has the longest water-filled moat in England, is surrounded by gardens, contains a working watermill, *and* a barn built in the late 1500’s. Can we all travel to England to revel in its beauty now, please?!
Kudos to the dream team below who came together to bring The Legend of Briar Rose to life for 2019. We are blown away!
Photography: Jo Bradbury / Venue: Michelham Priory in East Sussex / Original Concept & Dress Design: Joanne Fleming Design / Planning, Styling, & Additional Props: Joanne Fleming & Elizabeth Solaru / Cakes: Elizabeth’s Cakes Emporium / Floral Design: All in One Season / Hair: Simply Beautiful Wedding Hair / Makeup: Harriet Rainbow / Stationery: Crimson Letters / Candelabras, Gold Glass Bowls & Cherub Holders: Wedding Day Hire / Tablecloths: Over The Top Fine Linen Rentals / Shoes: Coast & Koi / Accessories: HF Couture / Gemstone Rings: The London Victorian Ring Co / Gold Rings: Lotta Djossou Jewellery / Models: Emily, Isabella, & Selina of MK Model Management
