Be My Valentine – A Katherine Courtney Styled Bridal Shoot

Okay everyone hang on to your hats -I am about to get gushy. Firstly let me whisper something that may shock you. I am not a big fan of Valentine’s Day. Not that I would refuse a gorgeous bouquet of flowers that I didn’t buy myself or say no to Stephen Amell sweeping me off my feet to a romantic dinner (if you don’t know who this is google him-it’s well worth it). 

I love romance, I love hearts and flowers but HATE the pressure of that one day of the year. What about the other 364 days of the year? Also, dare I say it, aren’t Valentine’s hearts and flowers….tacky?? 

Well today’s styled shoot by London Wedding and Event Planners, Katherine Courtney has restored my love of Valentine’s Day, hearts and flowers in a HUMUNGOUS way. It is beautifully styled, with to die for accessories, is gorgeously photographed with soft ambient light, it is so atmospheric and evocative of true romance…oh and I am a sucker for a pair of red shoes!

 

Well let’s dive straight in and bask in the Valentine glow of a hundred candles and find out a little bit more about this inspirational team and shoot.

Katherine Courtney Wedding Planner

The vision behind the shoot originates with the traditional Victorian Valentine greeting card shown above.  We wanted to create a table that incorporated the traditional elements of a Valentines celebration, but in a fresh modern way.

It was important for us to create a sumptuous table and not fall into traditional festive clichés.

As Valentine’s Day falls within the winter period, we enjoyed being able to make use of velvety fabrics and deeper hued roses.  Garnet, cerise, burgundy and winter ivory were accented by silver accent pieces.  Floral displays incorporated  fruit varieties, to include blueberries, cherries and strawberries.  Fruit can be an easy and cost effective way of personalising a centre piece and help make the display fresh and bespoke.  The Victorians themselves would often use fruit as a way of adornment so we enjoyed being able to incorporate that tradition in our shoot.

No Valentine’s Day party would be complete without the necessary array of sweets and treats, and our table surely did not miss out.  Sweetheart cupcakes, chocolates wrapped in shiny foils, cookies and delicious cake complete the table and make for a festive setting.

Style Tips:

Don’t be afraid to use different shades of the same tonal colour.  We used several shades of red and they each complimented each other to create a warm ambience.

Be creative with sourcing your ornamental décor.  Our mosaic, candelabra hearts were actually sourced from a Christmas ornament supplier.

Do use mismatched glassware – it creates a unique setting and can serve as a talking-point.

Do use fruit and berries as a fun way to personalise table settings and centrepieces; it’s inexpensive, abundant and original.

What is your definition of romance and what is the most romantic gesture you have either experienced or want to experience?

Katherine        

It’s not always about roses and chocolates. It doesn’t have to be big gestures; it’s about remembering the little things. Romance is about being thoughtful. It’s knowing what your partner likes and surprising them with it for no reason at all. For a Valentines gift it should show them that you really know them and that you put some thought into it.

 

Courtney  

The most romantic experience by far was my proposal.  My husband completely surprised me.  We were visiting Turkey.  He had arranged a sunset proposal over looking the Mediterranean on an ancient sand dune.  The whole world had stopped for us at that moment.  The stars started to shine overhead. He was on one knee, champagne and diamond ring in-tow – very romantic.

How do you work with suppliers to realise your vision?

Katherine        

By having a very clear vision of what we wanted, describing what overall look we were trying to achieve and keeping in close contact throughout developing the theme.

 Courtney

In addition, we are very collaborative and are keen to work intimately with suppliers benefiting from their industry expertise, which can best compliment our overall look or aesthetic.

Does this process differ when creating a wedding vision for a bride and groom?

Not really.  We listen very very carefully to the image a couple wish to convey on their wedding day.  In many cases brides have been envisioning their wedding for years so they often have a clear picture of what they are after.  We merely fill in the gaps and help guide the couple through the vast and often overwhelming, wedding industry maze.  We act as a vessel, through-which the couple’s imagination can come to life.  We are inspired by their vision and then collaborate with the best industry suppliers turning that dream into reality.

What area do you cover?

London, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Essex, Surrey, Middlesex, Kent, Hertfordshire.

 

We are offering a very special discount to Love Me Love My Wedding readers. 20% discount on full wedding planning and 15% discount for On the Day Management.  Please go to our Facebook page and quote: VDay13 and we shall get in touch to book a commitment free initial consultation.

Suppliers

Photographer:      Steve Davies of filmcafé 

 

Props:       Lisa Baldwin of J’aime Beaucoup

Flowers:  Chelsea Owen Flowers in Shropshire

Gowns:        Hannah Wilkins-Webb

 

Cakes:        Elizabeth Solaru of Elizabeth Cake Emporium

 

LOVE,LOVE, LOVE! Thankyou so much to Katherine and Courtney of Katherine Courtney Wedding Planning for sharing this truly beautiful Valentine’s shoot with us. I cannot wait to see what this talented due have in store for us in the future. if you have a theme you would like to see brought to life please get in touch and we will help to realise your vision,with a little help from an army of special wedding industry friends. Bye for now, Jenny.

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