This shoot aimed to combine a fabulous LGBTQ+ couple with sustainable wedding elements in the beautiful English countryside.
The shoot has a big sustainable element, demonstrated through the faux flowers and real pressed flowers used on the cake, all of which will be reused and/or recycled. Inspired by Michelle and Graziella’s real love story, their ‘ceremony’ was brought to life by celebrant, Tony, who used the couple’s journey as inspiration for their hand-fasting ceremony, combining five different colors cords reflecting their love.
What are the key styling elements of the styled inspiration, and who brought them to life?
As we were using the Panetone Colours for 2021, the lovely Hannah from Unfauxgettable really brought the sunshine vibes to the table setting, ceremony décor, and the wedding bouquets by using vibrant sunflowers mixed in with some softer blue tones. Mixing these two colors really made the sunflowers’ yellow pop. When the table setting was bathed in beautiful sunshine, the brightness of the sunflowers shone against the crisp white table cloth and countryside setting.
As I wanted to include some sustainable elements within this shoot, Kim from the Kensington Wedding Cake Company used real dried flowers to decorate her cake, combined with the decorated florals by Hannah on the cake stand. A perfect complement to each other and sustainable as these elements can be repurposed and reused post-shoot.
Deb from Paperleaf Studies created a modern vibe with her stationery using blue for the writing element, which worked well against the yellow on the tables and especially the napkins.
The outfits for Michelle and Graziella were supplied by Matchimony, who I chose to work with on this shoot because I identify with their business ethics and values. Their wedding outfits are designed, ethically sourced and tailor-made in Vietnam, providing independence and income to local women who make their products. This speaks volumes about their ethical values and married perfectly with the values of my own company and the styling for this shoot. Furthermore, it demonstrates that you can find ethical products for those couples who are more socially and environmentally conscious.
Words by the couple.
What is your favorite memory together?
Our first kiss! We knew it was going to happen, but we waited and waited and so when Graz finally made a move. It was like you read about in books or watch in movies. That kind of electric life-affirming moment that leaves you shaking. A defining moment in both of our lives. It felt so right.
Tell us about co-parenting and being step mums.
We both have two biological children from our previous relationships. So co-parenting and being step-mums to each others’ kids is a big challenge. It takes lots of patience and understanding. Most days, it’s not this happy romantic family. But we try very hard to build a secure foundation where our children feel valued and loved.
Tell us your favorite thing about one another.
Michele: My favorite thing about Graz is her open-mindedness. She will always listen to and try to understand where someone else is coming from. She questions and deeply considers opinions that differ from hers. And is not afraid to change her mind when new information comes to light.
Graz: I love how Michele always thinks of others and goes out of her way to make everything special. She manages to be a businesswoman and mummy role really well. No matter how busy her schedule is, she finds time to bake the kid’s cakes for their birthday and plan out their day. Knowing exactly what they like. There’s so much love and care given to every single event. Because of this, I experience what it is like to feel “home.”
Photography by The Bostons
Accessories Rachel Sokhal
Cake Kensington Wedding Cake Company
Celebrant Stylish Celebrant
Ceremony Venue Marden Park Mansion
Cinematographer Luke Batchelor Productions
Dress Boutique Matchimony
Florist Unfauxgettable
H&MU Babi Campos
Planner & Stylist Juno Weddings
Prop or Furniture Hire Co-Ordination Event Hire
Shoes Diane Hassall
Stationery Paper Leaf Studios
