Editorial: Enchanting Elegance at Kew Gardens
Kew Gardens, a verdant oasis nestled in southwest London, is renowned for its stunning landscapes and historic glasshouses. Among its most iconic structures is the Temperate House, the largest Victorian glasshouse in the world. With its towering ceilings and lush foliage, this magnificent venue provided the perfect backdrop for this incredible editorial shoot. Designed to celebrate bridal designer Christie Nicole’s capsule collection coming to the UK, the shoot was a collaboration with an exceptional team of suppliers, including Alice Wilkes Design, Katie Julia and All For Love,
The Venue: Kew Gardens
Kew Gardens offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance. The Temperate House, with its intricate ironwork and expansive glass panels, houses an impressive collection of temperate zone plants. This majestic glasshouse not only serves as a sanctuary for flora but also as an enchanting venue for events and editorial shoots. The Temperate House’s ability to merge history with contemporary elegance made it the ideal setting for our concept: a striking contrast between traditional structure and modern bridal design.
The Vision: Modern Elegance Meets Historical Grandeur
Alice Wilkes Design orchestrated the event’s planning and styling, bringing a vision of modern elegance to life within this historic space. The Temperate House was transformed using clever lighting and reflective surfaces, creating a dreamlike atmosphere. At the heart of the greenhouse, a 30-foot long table took centre stage, surrounded by the verdant foliage of Kew. This organic setting inspired sustainable table settings, featuring bamboo silk bows and mother-of-pearl cutlery, enhancing the natural beauty of the surroundings.
The Team
Known for her impeccable planning and innovative styling, Alice Wilkes spearheaded the creative direction of the shoot. Her attention to detail ensured every element aligned perfectly with the editorial’s theme. Capturing the magic of the day, Katie Julia’s photography brought the editorial to life. Her keen eye for detail and ability to harness natural light resulted in stunning images that highlight the contrast between the modern bridal designs and the historic venue. And the sensitive floral arrangements by All For Love added a touch of ethereal beauty to the shoot: their artistry in floral design complemented the lush environment of the Temperate House, creating a seamless blend of natural and crafted elements.
The stationery, crafted by Ink & Paper, featuring tactile champagne hot foil on vellum menus attached to elegant handmade paper. The use of fabric signage and capiz shell calligraphy place cards added a touch of sophistication and sustainability to the table settings.
The Details
The shoot celebrated the intricate designs of Christie Nicole, known for her bold fabric pairings, renaissance-style embroidery, and hand-sewn ornamental needlework. Her designs challenge traditional wedding standards, epitomising contemporary femininity and power. The juxtaposition of Christie’s modern designs against the historic Temperate House created a visual narrative of connection, growth, and the blending of old and new.
Credits:
Planner Alice Wilkes Design | Venue Kew Gardens | Photography Katie Julia | Florals All For Love | Bridalwear Christie Nicole for Amare Bride | Stationery Ink & Paper | Cake Anna Lewis Cakes | Linens Just 4 Linen | Textiles & Bows Mia Sylvia | Tableware Options Great Hire | Rentals City Furniture Hire | Chandeliers Crescent Moon Events | Menswear Oliver Brown | Shoes Emmy London | Videography Each & Every Moment