This beautifully moody and ethereal bridal shoot was inspired by the iconic work of Alphonse Mucha from the Art Nouveau period. It features the work of Make Me Bridal pro hair and makeup artist, Julia Jeckell, in collaboration with a talented team of Yorkshire wedding suppliers. Once Upon a Wedding Events’ Laura and Kim design and directed the shoot, which was captured by Sheffield-based photographer Mariola Zoladz and cinematographers, Lukas & Laura Films. Whitley Hall proved to be the perfect location, with its leafy doorways and regal courtyards reflecting Mucha’s signature detailed botanical backdrops.
Mucha’s work, which often featured beautiful women in flowing gowns with loose tendrils emerging from intricate floral crowns, also provided gorgeous bridal hair and makeup inspiration for Julia. Two auburn-haired models, the stunning Miriam and Matilda, were perfectly cast. Julia selected coral and peach tones to blend with the shoot’s overall palette of pinks, oranges, copper, white, and dusky blues and purples. She swept Miriam’s hair into an updo directly inspired by Mucha’s paintings, and finished it off with an assortment of fresh flowers. As a contrast, Matilda’s hair was allowed to flow free, in smooth, loose curls. Photographed against a hand painted backdrop by Fem Sorcell, the two made a truly ethereal vision, with their flowing red locks and glowing skin, that truly did justice to Julia’s artistic inspiration.
The models were dressed in exquisite Art Nouveau-esque gowns from Sheffield bespoke dress designer Kate Beaumont, and draped with delicate jewellery from Roseanna Croft. Marianne of Frances & Rose created the breathtaking blooms for the models’ hair as well as the painterly arrangements that were a true highlight of the shoot. She crafted orchids, scabiosa, dried seed heads, bracken, straw flowers, helichrysum, sedum, honesty, and astilbe into whimsical bouquets and floral crowns, and added single flowers to create romantic table settings. The table itself was a collaboration between Once Upon A Wedding, Frances & Rose and Little Acorn Silks, who provided heavenly pastel silk runners. With vintage tableware from Save the Date Events and Art Nouveau-inspired paper goods from With Love Stationery to complement the setup, the design was complete. As a final finishing touch, Sophia’s Cake Boutique provided two incredible cakes.
Julia creates natural, bespoke bridal make-up that is designed to reflect the individual beauty of each of her clients. Her work has featured in a number of bridal publications, and in 2018 she earned the 'Best Bridal Beauty UK' Award from Hitched/You and Your Wedding Magazine. You can see her profile here.
Featured Hair & Makeup Artist: Julia Jeckell Hair & Makeup Artist
- Photography: Mariola Zoladz
- Coordination: Once Upon a Wedding Events
- Venue: Whitley Hall
- Florist: Frances & Rose
- Stationery: With Love Stationery
- Bridalwear: Kate Beaumont
- Wedding Cake: Sophia’s Cake Boutique
- Videography: Lukas & Laura Films
- Jewellery: Roseanna Croft
- Props: Save the Date & Little Acorn Silks
- Backdrop: Fem Sorcell
