Inspiration

fallingFOR YOU

THE RUSSET TONES AND BROODING CALM OF LATE AUTUMN AT LEURA’S EVERGLADES HOUSE & GARDENS SET THE STAGE FOR THE TIMELESS ELEGANCE OF THIS STYLED SHOOT BY ANYA OSTAPENKO.

Set over five hectares of European gardens, with magnificent bush views over the Jamieson valley, Leura’s Art Deco Everglades House & Gardens is a world-renowned National Trust property. The evocative winding paths, dry stone walls and seasonal English plantings are features that draw Anya Ostapenko to the Blue Mountains each autumn.

“There’s a certain feeling of nature going to rest, of getting ready for winter, that reminds me of Europe and its distinctly defined four seasons,” says Anya, designer and stylist at Bride La Boheme in Sydney.

Anya specifically styled the autumn shoot with sultry, redhaired model Jemma Hensen in mind. To complement Jemma’s piercing blue eyes, makeup artist Niki Simpson used copper and rust-toned eyeshadows, finishing with smoky chocolate-brown shadow along the upper and lower lashes. Barely there, peach-nude matte lipstick was patted into the lips, with Niki creating soft, natural waves to frame Jemma’s face and complete the look.

A feeling of bohemian romance is evoked in the delicate lace fabrics, softness and sheen of the modern yet timeless gowns from Sydney bridal boutiques White Meadow Bridal, Hope X Page and Georgia Young Couture. The gowns are complemented by Anya’s vintage and boho-inspired hair accessories, veils, capes and sashes, all of which are individually handcrafted at Bride La Boheme.

Sydney floral artists, Boutierre Girls, also took their cue from autumnal foliage in the garden, incorporating Japanese maple leaves into Jemma’s bouquet.

“The dreamy, moody feel of the shoot, combined with mottled shade and colour in the garden, make it nostalgic and everlasting,” adds Anya. BML