Marie Antoinette Inspired Buckinghamshire Wedding Shoot

What screams opulence, drama and splendour better than the iconic 17th century Queen, Marie Antoinette?

Ashleigh from Ashleigh Jay Embroidery got in touch with me via DM on Instagram, asking if I’d be interested in using some of her embroideries for an upcoming project. We met in a café in Ampthill, where she dazzled me with her portfolio- a vibrant showcase of creativity, filled with intricate experiments, rich textures, and exquisite artisan craftsmanship. She had admired my illusion gown, which was a dress I’d made during lockdown from remnants of lace in my store boxes. Inspired by this, we brainstormed ideas and decided to collaborate on an updated version of that gown, inspired by the regal and whimsical.

I usually hunt high and low for just the right kind of embroidery, in the right colour, so Ashleigh’s ability to create the very embroidery I needed was a Godsend!

The Inspiration

At the time, I was quite inspired by the trend for cool-toned, pale blue wedding gowns and found a remnant of shantung silk in duck egg-blue. I love working with silk, as it ruches so obediently, allowing me to place the pleats and folds to the most flattering effect.  Inspiration is seldom a one track road with me and I also happened to be watching the BBC’s series of Marie Antoinnette. Included were lavish gowns donned with intricate beading, ruffles and embroidery- an absolute dream for a dressmaker who loves loud and proud designs. This gave me plenty of delicious inputs for my creative brain. I set about draping my silk on my dressform, sketched a design and contacted Ashleigh.

Playful and Coquettish

Ashleigh and I liked the girlish innocence that comes with shades of candy pink and coupled it with naive floral shapes, in effect bringing youth to what would otherwise be quite a sophisticated bodice. Perfect for a teenage queen! We wanted to strike a balance between playful charm and mature sophistication, capturing Antoinette’s spirit whilst maintaining her power and confidence. Ashleigh played with scale and added some exquisite beaded twigs to her collection for drama and an added touch of nature.

Regal Details

Meanwhile, I decided on a playful tea-length multi-layered tulle skirt. However, I felt that the gown needed some added “oomph”.  I constructed some panniers to attach onto the sides of the waist- side hoops which were popular in the 17th century, giving the illusion of curves and grandeur. I next decorated these with embroidered daisies and covered with layers of tulle.  

To bring the pink into the picture more, I added some layers of pink tulle into the skirt and created a high-low hemline to add to the playful nature of the gown. Thus “Marie”, the blue dress was born.

Dreamy Tulle

The peachy-pink “Fleur” was our updated version of my lockdown illusion dress, but with elevated luxury. How did we achieve this? I sketched out a rough embroidery design, where I envisioned a tapestry of colourful wildflowers that would bring the dress to life. I handed over the designs to Ashleigh and left it to her to draw them in detail on the tulle. Ashleigh’s knowledge of florals and exquisite artistry made for both realistic and breath-taking blooms.

The bodice was complimented by a multi-layered tulle skirt, which cascaded in a gradient of colours—starting with soft shades of nude, transitioning through peach and pale pink, and culminating in a surprising flash of vibrant cerise. The playful use of colour bought Fleur to life, creating movement and personality.

Choose your version of Fleur

There is no way I could have found embroideries like this anywhere else. Ashleigh painted and beaded some of the motifs, which are just so captivating when you gaze upon them up close! Moreover, the experience further opened my eyes to just how important experienced artistry is when creating a gown with fine details.

The beauty of having a wedding dress made specially is that you can choose your silhouette, more or less embroidery, with or without beading and hand-painting, in any colour and with any choice of flower motifs you like! A lot of work, planning and materials went into Fleur, but we are more than happy to accommodate a bride who is looking for a simpler or more elaborate version of her. One of the most rewarding aspects of my job is witnessing a bride’s creative spark ignite as she explores who she is and how she wants to express herself and her love.

The Shoot

We already had most of our suppliers in mind for our Marie Antoinette shoot and being able to set our scene at Chicheley Hall in Buckinghamshire was such an honour.

I wanted to steer clear of contrived ideas of 17th century up-dos and wanted to embrace the natural curls of our model Mia’s glorious afro hair. We didn’t want it to be forced into curls, smoothed down or straightened, I just wanted it to be free – much like the dress. I wanted the bride vibe to be confident, fun and coquettish. I believe we achieved this with the help of the other fantastic wedding suppliers listed below, who saw the vision and used their artistry and expertise to bring the scene to life.

I will say that if you are planning a Marie Antoinette style wedding, abundant florals are a MUST.  Diane is a sorceress with flowers and there can never be enough for her.  She is definitely my kind of floral artiste! She brought all the perfect colours and shapes on the day, which echoed and complimented the dresses perfectly, so that nothing competed, only enhanced.

If you’re a bride-to-be and have been inspired by the freedom of creating a custom wedding gown, feel free to get in touch.

Credits

Caroline Versallion Bridal Couture @carolineversallionbridal Alternative bridalwear designer

Ashleigh Jay Embroidery @ashleighjayembroidery Embroidery Artist

Shrigley Photography and Films @shrigleyphotographyfilm Photographer

Acorn & Oak Weddings @acornandoak_weddings Wedding Planner and Stylist

Butterfly Road @butterfly.road Floral designer

Chicheley Hall @chicheley_hall_weddings Wedding Venue

Kiran Rival Make-up Artist @kiranravalmua Make-up Artist

Dolly Curls @dolly_curls Hair stylist

Jodie Gearing Jewellery @jodiegearingjewellery Bespoke Jewellery designer

Eva Cockrell Cake Design @evacockrellcakedesign Cake designer

The Copper Ink Pot @thecopperinkpot Stationery and signage

Silk Garters @silkgarters Bespoke Garter designer

Afro Adventures @afro.adventures Model

What screams opulence, drama and splendour better than the iconic 17th century Queen, Marie Antoinette?

Ashleigh from Ashleigh Jay Embroidery got in touch with me via DM on Instagram, asking if I’d be interested in using some of her embroideries for an upcoming project. We met in a café in Ampthill, where she dazzled me with her portfolio- a vibrant showcase of creativity, filled with intricate experiments, rich textures, and exquisite artisan craftsmanship. She had admired my illusion gown, which was a dress I’d made during lockdown from remnants of lace in my store boxes. Inspired by this, we brainstormed ideas and decided to collaborate on an updated version of that gown, inspired by the regal and whimsical.

I usually hunt high and low for just the right kind of embroidery, in the right colour, so Ashleigh’s ability to create the very embroidery I needed was a Godsend!

The Inspiration

At the time, I was quite inspired by the trend for cool-toned, pale blue wedding gowns and found a remnant of shantung silk in duck egg-blue. I love working with silk, as it ruches so obediently, allowing me to place the pleats and folds to the most flattering effect.  Inspiration is seldom a one track road with me and I also happened to be watching the BBC’s series of Marie Antoinnette. Included were lavish gowns donned with intricate beading, ruffles and embroidery- an absolute dream for a dressmaker who loves loud and proud designs. This gave me plenty of delicious inputs for my creative brain. I set about draping my silk on my dressform, sketched a design and contacted Ashleigh.

Playful and Coquettish

Ashleigh and I liked the girlish innocence that comes with shades of candy pink and coupled it with naive floral shapes, in effect bringing youth to what would otherwise be quite a sophisticated bodice. Perfect for a teenage queen! We wanted to strike a balance between playful charm and mature sophistication, capturing Antoinette’s spirit whilst maintaining her power and confidence. Ashleigh played with scale and added some exquisite beaded twigs to her collection for drama and an added touch of nature.

Regal Details

Meanwhile, I decided on a playful tea-length multi-layered tulle skirt. However, I felt that the gown needed some added “oomph”.  I constructed some panniers to attach onto the sides of the waist- side hoops which were popular in the 17th century, giving the illusion of curves and grandeur. I next decorated these with embroidered daisies and covered with layers of tulle.  

To bring the pink into the picture more, I added some layers of pink tulle into the skirt and created a high-low hemline to add to the playful nature of the gown. Thus “Marie”, the blue dress was born.

Dreamy Tulle

The peachy-pink “Fleur” was our updated version of my lockdown illusion dress, but with elevated luxury. How did we achieve this? I sketched out a rough embroidery design, where I envisioned a tapestry of colourful wildflowers that would bring the dress to life. I handed over the designs to Ashleigh and left it to her to draw them in detail on the tulle. Ashleigh’s knowledge of florals and exquisite artistry made for both realistic and breath-taking blooms.

The bodice was complimented by a multi-layered tulle skirt, which cascaded in a gradient of colours—starting with soft shades of nude, transitioning through peach and pale pink, and culminating in a surprising flash of vibrant cerise. The playful use of colour bought Fleur to life, creating movement and personality.

Choose your version of Fleur

There is no way I could have found embroideries like this anywhere else. Ashleigh painted and beaded some of the motifs, which are just so captivating when you gaze upon them up close! Moreover, the experience further opened my eyes to just how important experienced artistry is when creating a gown with fine details.

The beauty of having a wedding dress made specially is that you can choose your silhouette, more or less embroidery, with or without beading and hand-painting, in any colour and with any choice of flower motifs you like! A lot of work, planning and materials went into Fleur, but we are more than happy to accommodate a bride who is looking for a simpler or more elaborate version of her. One of the most rewarding aspects of my job is witnessing a bride’s creative spark ignite as she explores who she is and how she wants to express herself and her love.

The Shoot

We already had most of our suppliers in mind for our Marie Antoinette shoot and being able to set our scene at Chicheley Hall in Buckinghamshire was such an honour.

I wanted to steer clear of contrived ideas of 17th century up-dos and wanted to embrace the natural curls of our model Mia’s glorious afro hair. We didn’t want it to be forced into curls, smoothed down or straightened, I just wanted it to be free – much like the dress. I wanted the bride vibe to be confident, fun and coquettish. I believe we achieved this with the help of the other fantastic wedding suppliers listed below, who saw the vision and used their artistry and expertise to bring the scene to life.

I will say that if you are planning a Marie Antoinette style wedding, abundant florals are a MUST.  Diane is a sorceress with flowers and there can never be enough for her.  She is definitely my kind of floral artiste! She brought all the perfect colours and shapes on the day, which echoed and complimented the dresses perfectly, so that nothing competed, only enhanced.

If you’re a bride-to-be and have been inspired by the freedom of creating a custom wedding gown, feel free to get in touch.

Credits

Caroline Versallion Bridal Couture @carolineversallionbridal Alternative bridalwear designer

Ashleigh Jay Embroidery @ashleighjayembroidery Embroidery Artist

Shrigley Photography and Films @shrigleyphotographyfilm Photographer

Acorn & Oak Weddings @acornandoak_weddings Wedding Planner and Stylist

Butterfly Road @butterfly.road Floral designer

Chicheley Hall @chicheley_hall_weddings Wedding Venue

Kiran Rival Make-up Artist @kiranravalmua Make-up Artist

Dolly Curls @dolly_curls Hair stylist

Jodie Gearing Jewellery @jodiegearingjewellery Bespoke Jewellery designer

Eva Cockrell Cake Design @evacockrellcakedesign Cake designer

The Copper Ink Pot @thecopperinkpot Stationery and signage

Silk Garters @silkgarters Bespoke Garter designer

Afro Adventures @afro.adventures Model