Ever wondered what it takes to create an incredible styled shoot? Freddie Garland of www.tenfootdancecompany.com tells us how the latest styled shoot at Rise Hall came about!
In between the very many lockdowns that occurred in 2020, a planning meeting between Matthew Laraway ( the brainchild behind this shoot concept ), Helen Gill of Rise Hall (who it has to be noted went over and above to make the whole experience nothing short of a treat for all involved) and many of the other wonderful suppliers that you’ll see and read about in this article, for quite simply what was set to be nothing short of a divine shoot, took place at the equally divine and magical Rise Hall.
What makes a videographer/photographer attempt to take on the mammoth task of organising a wedding style shoot?
As most people know, the wedding industry was one of the biggest areas to be impacted on throughout this pandemic. Matthew, not one to sit still, spent hours thinking about how he could try to help rescue his work and that of as many other suppliers as possible, stay creative and focus on something to look forward too.
Having worked on many arranged wedding shoots previously, and having the benefit of hours stuck in lockdown he decided that actually arranging a shoot to showcase everyone’s artistic visions and incredible work was it!
Met with incredible support and a team of likeminded industry specialists from their various fields ‘Spring and Luxury’ became the mood board.
Lockdowns being what they are and ceasing all wedding industry action, unsurprisingly everything got postponed. But what actually happens when you put on hold a team of incredibly creative wedding suppliers? Let me show you…
From the idyllic surrounding rolling landscapes to the magical beauty that classically festoons the interiors of Rise Hall, you cannot help but fall in love!
Rise Hall is Yorkshire’s largest privately owned Grade II stately country house venue offering exclusivity in the East Riding of Yorkshire, a short distance from Beverley. Exquisite interiors and unique styling, all exclusively for you and your guests to enjoy.
Rise Hall dates back to the Domesday book, but the majority of the present house was built by Richard Bethell between 1815-1820. The house retains many of the original features, including the cantilevered staircase, Regency library and Jacobean panelling.
The hall was the home of the Bethell family until the Second World War when it was requisitioned for use by the Army and ATS. From 1946 until 1989, the building was used as a convent school dedicated to St. Philomena, and served as host to an order of nuns, the Canonesses Regular of St. Augustine.
The hall was then empty for a few years and derelict in places, when it was bought by TV host and property expert Sarah Beeny and her husband, artist Graham Swift. They had to make the property watertight, by renovating the roof and guttering, and dealing with wet and dry rot. It became a wedding venue in 2012.
In 2019 the hall was bought by Helen & Daniel Gill and is now operated as part of the Dine group.
A phenomenal feast veiled the dining table with an assault of immense pleasure and magnitude on all the senses. A very carefully constructed dish took centrefold complementing the beautifully dressed tables designed by Blush Venue Decor ( The Florist by Blush).
The food served was Porcini Chicken, this flavoursome dish combines the fresh taste of the individually wrapped cabbage parcels with the wholesome taste of corn fed chicken with porcini salt and the earthy taste of a thyme jus. A superb main dish for any occasion.
Nestled in Marshall’s Yard Gainsborough, is award – winning ‘The Florist by Blush’. One of Lincolnshire’s treasures, they dressed Rise Hall in what can only be described as an outstanding displays of creative genius. Their use of Pampas grasses, dried and fresh flowers, contrasting textures and colours and an immaculate attention to detail brought together a sense of contemporary, timeless, sophisticated luxury whilst remaining bang on trend with the current desires for sustainability of being able to reuse your dried flowers post event.
Aptly named ‘Osh Gosh Gowns’, or perhaps I should say “oh gosh what gowns” dresses are genuinely to die for!
An incredible selection of luxurious dresses graced our presence. Chosen carefully to create a showcase of exquisite classic couture through to whimsical/ boho gowns with current on trend fabric and lace.
Based in North Lincolnshire, Osh Gosh Gowns stocks a beautiful collection of bridal and prom wear from some of the UK’s top award winning designers.
With incredible artistic vision, Elizabeth from Saint Beth Official wowed us with her head dresses.
Taking inspiration from her love of nature and the natural world around her, these ethereal headpieces flourish across the style spectrum from vintage inspired to bohemian to classical. An astonishing collection of embellished crowns, and hair pieces adorned our models adding that extra ‘Je ne sais quoi ’. Based in Aberdeen, Saint Beth official sells head pieces worldwide.
Fallen Hero was established in 1989 and has remained at the forefront of the fashion industry adapting as the times have changed to recently a more formal approach. With clients travelling from all over the UK to be fitted with some of the most remarkable suits and impeccable tailoring.
The suits modelled at the Rise Hall shoot offer a directional approach and point of difference with laser cut fabrics and bespoke tailoring.
Based in North Lincolnshire, with private appointments available seven days a week, Fallen Hero has an incredible range of suits for men, women and children alike.
Award winning Make-up Artist Natalie Kate, has been working in the UK and International wedding industry for ten years, holding 6 awards including Bridal Makeup Artist of the year 2020 and 2019 for Yorkshire and The North East. Having previously been seen in magazines such as VOGUE and Weddings Ideas Magazine, she joined the team of incredible artists for the Rise Hall shoot. Creating nothing short of ‘a sight for sore eyes’ on two of our beautiful models. Her inspiration comes from an obsession for timeless beautiful looks, the choice of gown/ venue/ florals/ decor/colour palette and grooms wear.
Natalie said “I believe makeup should make a woman feel amazing in their own skin, and that hopefully shines through in my work.”
Bridal Makeup specialist Charlotte Mallinder, is a Professional Makeup Artist based in South Yorkshire. Renowned for her wedding artistry, Charlotte has a reputation that proceeds her and is proud to be regional finalist for ‘Wedding Makeup Artist of the year’ in the Wedding Industry Awards 2020.
Focused on creating a flawless finish, Charlotte says “I look to create make up to highlight the natural beauty of my brides allowing them to feel the very best version of themselves”
With over 8 years of experience in the wedding hair industry, Sophie Jane a freelancer based in North Lincolnshire, brings to the table some stunning designs. With three models and an entire assortment of head dresses, crowns, pieces and veils Sophie brought about three entirely unique designs. From Hollywood waves and bouncing curls to poker straight lines and everything in between. “My job as your hairstylist is to create unique styles to suit the client. I believe that a bride on her wedding day should feel and look how she’s always dreamed. I love to be a part of making that come true!” says Sophie Jane.
With cascading chic Edison lights aesthetically decorating the famous cantilevered staircase, vibrant neon words of love and adoration completing a library, and evening lights illuminating the already idyllic grounds, ‘Love Lights the Way’ really knows how to light up a space. As a family run business based in Yorkshire and Cheshire supplying across the North of the UK, their bespoke light-up letters, backdrops and lighting designs are anything but run of the mill. “We jumped at the chance to work with Matthew and Rise Hall on this incredible shoot. We love to bring a modern twist to the most classic and elegant of venues.”
From super pretty printed papers to wedding signage, Ivy Alice Stationery based in Yorkshire supplies some of the finest weddings across the UK. The Rise Hall shoot concept gave inspiration to gorgeous stationery designs featuring finely hand drawn florals to sophisticated scripted typography signage. The stationery and signage for the day quietly completed each other creating a sense of luxury, seamless with a contemporary play of blush pinks, whites and black.
A Boho luxury style cake featured at this shoot, using different textures and inspiration from nature they delivered a beautiful example of ‘Where the Ribbon Ends’ cake designs. Specialising in creating bespoke wedding cakes, pretty yet modern designs, most definitely reflects the passion the attention to detail and taste that this supplier has become known for.
Out of ‘Gods own country’ arrives harpist musician Stephanie Halsey. Based in East Yorkshire, wedding harpist Stephanie travels around the UK delivering a magical enchanting atmosphere to your perfect day. A wonderful statement addition to your ceremony, reception or wedding breakfast, Stephanie Halsey, a graduate of the acclaimed Royal Northern College of Music performs music with such a passion and wealth of experience to the highest standard you and your guests cannot help to be wowed!
Choosing your celebrant is as important a decision as finding the perfect venue/ dress or photographer. They share the most important moments of your wedding day with you. Penelope Jayne independent celebrant, carefully looks to create a bespoke, unique ceremony to couples on their special day. With her perspective of “No rules, restrictions or red tape, anytime, anyplace, anyhow.” “Your wedding day is one of the biggest moments and experiences in your life. The words you choose to publicly share with one another on your big day are the most important words you will ever share. Let me help you to say what really matters to you both and what lies within your heart”
Sarah Vuong Bridal Jewellery adorned our models seamlessly adding just the right amount of embellishments to the finished looks. Based in Northumberland but selling worldwide, Sarah feels that when choosing accessories to complete a bridal look it’s all about balance. The collection for this spring shoot comprised of beautifully stylish statement yet timeless pieces to complete the myriad of artistic visions.
“We loved the whole shoot experience, although we are already married it felt like a second wedding! It was so magical and romantic- just like a fairytale, Rise Hall is one of the most beautiful venues I’ve ever been to. Everyone who was at the shoot were so friendly and an absolute dream team to work with. I would highly recommend all the suppliers, they all worked so hard to make the shoot run perfectly.” Paris- Model at Rise Hall Shoot, Spring 2021.
The day concluded with the most incredible of firework displays saturating the skies with light. Based in Lincoln, Rave fireworks travel nationwide to deliver some of the most spectacular bespoke displays possible. Meticulously choreographed to music, the days finale wowed its viewers with precision and beauty in what can only be described as the perfect ending to a perfect day.
Matthew Laraway- concept and videography
Award winning Matthew Laraway is known for his incredible videography/ photography skills and ability to capture an entire love story within minutes! Placing Matthew in Rise Hall with other equally skilful creative’s from the wedding industry was a sure thing! His pacing and approach to filming airs a feel of cinematographic romance, elegance with a sprinkle of fairytale magic that totally captivates his audience. Don’t just take my word for it- take a look for yourself!
“I just love and feel honoured to be a part of a couples special day. Capturing their journey and giving them the opportunity to cherish all those special moments is what motivates me.”
“Understanding the clients, their needs and wants, their venue of choice, all helps me to realise the finished desire. I’m a firm believer in capturing the day as it unfolds in front of me… all the ‘real’ moments, I’m unobtrusive in my approach and more often than not they don’t even notice I’m there!”
Weddings Videographer & Photographer // Matthew Laraway Weddings
