Behind the Scenes of our latest photo shoot!

After much anticipation we're pleased to share the behind-the-scenes photos from our fairytale wedding photoshoot at Thornbury Castle, featured in our latest issue. Buckle your seatbelts because we're going multimedia with this blog post too (but you'll have to scroll all the way down to see what we mean)!

These lovely shots were all taken by Charlie Birchmore of Your Pictures Wedding Photography and he supplied us with so many beautiful images it was difficult not including all of them!

Our two gorgeous models for the day - Natasha Torres and Ryan Harper from Shoot DHS

The shoot was styled by WW's Creative Director and owner of The Little Wedding Helper, Kristen Butler

We love this one for showing off one of our favourite Krystle Brides gowns from the shoot!

Our little bridesmaid Eden (our makeup artist Jodie's daughter) having her moment in the spotlight!

We couldn't get over this beautiful green 1966 Jaguar S-Type provided to us by AJE Classics. Perfect colour for a summer wedding!

Stacey Jade working wonders to create several perfect bridal looks throughout the day. Though poor Natasha was probably happy to be done with hairspray by the end of the day!

We loved this classic, feminine headpiece from Amanda Davis-Harrison, our friend at the award-winning Bridezillas.

That's right - a West Weddings first - we had a real, live harpist on set for our photoshoot (no wonder Natasha and Ryan look so relaxed!). Sally Jenkins delighted us with her enormous repertoire throughout the shoot, and we wanted to give readers a taste! Though her beautiful music couldn't be captured in the magazine, we are happy to share it here on the blog!

Sneak peek: behind the scenes of the latest West Weddings photoshoot

One of my favourite things about being the editor of West Weddings is doing the photoshoots. It's always a really fun day when we get a great team of people together to create some beautiful photographs, and our photoshoot for the upcoming autumn edition was no exception.

 

Held at Old Down Manor in South Gloucestershire, and with David J Brewin at the photographic helm, we all had a brilliant time creating a 1920s inspired wedding. The photos from the day will be in the autumn edition of West Weddings, out on 17th August, and we'll also share some other shots on the blog. In the meantime, to whet your appetite, here are a few behind the scenes photos...

Hannah and I check out the grand staircase at Old Down

One of our beautiful dresses from Truly You

Ria from HUSH puts the finishing touches to model Jessica



David Hill-Souch from Shoot DHS, who art directed the shoot, with groom Tian

Hannah and I are pretty pleased with how it's going so far!

Verena from Truly You and Amanda from Bridezillas keep a close eye on proceedings - and you can just see Kate in the mirror!

Hannah, Jacqui and I check out David's latest shot

The West Weddings shoe collection, which usually lives under my desk!

Jessica strikes a pose in the bridal suite

Everyone was taking photos by the end!

We tried to get this peacock to be in a photo, but he wasn't having any of it

How to photobomb a professional shoot!

The West Weddings autumn photoshoot team were:

David J Brewin
Shoot DHS
Hannah Chapman
Kate Hacker (who took all the photos in this post except the final two)
Jacqui Lewis
Truly You
Bridezillas
HUSH
RSR Men's Hair
England's Finest Cars
Tigerlily Flowers
Hope Designs
Clifton Bunting
Poppy in Pearls

Summer is a-comin' in!

As I type, the final touches are being put to the summer edition of West Weddings. And what a treat we have for our readers.

Our covershoot this edition took place at Bath's beautiful Holburne Museum and features photography by David Brewin. Our collaborators on the shoot included Shoot DHS models - with David Hill-Souch, company director, as our dapper groom! - Bridezillas, Hush hairdressing and Victoria Park Bridal. 

With warmer weather on the horizon, we look at bridesmaid dresses in summer's latest hues, explore far-flung destinations for your sunny honeymoon, and share a day in the life of a wedding caterer. Our real weddings this edition features a variety of ceremonies and celebrations, including one with a rickshaw and bhangra band!

The grooms aren't forgotten either with features on lightweight suits, which watch to accessorise with and top tips on keeping your wedding sanity.

Summer 2012 will be out at the end of April. Visit the West Weddings main site for a full list of where you can pick it up.

 - Helen