TH E B R I D E : TH E TH I N G S W E D O FO R LOV E
photographY BY Charlene Morton
elements we’d planned to draw on, but the main inspiration for the shoot. Make-up and hair were kept very simple, but we styled a table with a fantasy medieval feel to add depth and detail to proceedings.” The two dresses used were both by Bristol designer Lisa Keating, who has 35 years’ experience of bridal gowns. “The first look she brought along revolved around a bead-encrusted corset in pale gold, laced up with ribbon,” Charlene says. “This was worn with a long net skirt with lots of whimsical layers. To top off the outfit, we added a lace cape which gave a regal feel. I then made a headpiece of twisted hazel, which was sprayed gold and sprinkled with beads.” The second dress had a similar soft gold colour, and again featured beaded detail over a silk underlay and a long train. “We used a cape in some shots to show off its versatility,” Charlene says. To add to the shoot’s natural, outdoorsy feel, forest flowers were used – against all the lovely green ferns and foliage, their bright reds and purples added a real pop of colour – held together with orange florist wire. “Lisa Elliot, the well-known Clifton Village florist, also made an incredible flower headpiece for the second dress,” Charlene says, “and even decorated the garden swing and table for us.”
“W
inter came for House Frey,” Arya Stark says in the seventh season premiere of the world’s most blood-soaked fantasy show, but though sadness and revenge are everywhere as Game of Thrones heads towards its last leg, some characters are coming into their own. And chief amongst them is the bitter, skilled, tomboyish Arya’s older, soppier, stroppier sister, who’s suffered one betrayal after another, but now stands – older and wiser – alongside Jon Snow in rallying the North against enemies to either side. “We definitely thought we’d embrace the fantastical for this shoot, inspired by new season of Game of Thrones,” says snapper Charlene Morton, who organised it. She’s an internationally-known wedding photographer from Chepstow in South Wales, with a crisp yet romantic style. “It didn’t hurt, of course, that it took place at the stunning Berwick Lodge, near Bristol. This red brick manor house was built in 1890 and has a quirky but elegant feel. It’s well known for its 18 acres of magnificent gardens, which offer manicured lawns and wilder woodlands, as well as surprise ornate structures.” Berwick Lodge has 14 rooms and normally operates as an exclusive hotel, but can be booked in its entirety for weddings or civil partnerships. Charlene and her team spent the day here exploring, trying out as many ideas as they could. It didn’t hurt that the model, Lili Houghton, actually works here occasionally, so felt right at home. “I didn’t actually realise, until meeting her in person, how much Lili looks like Sansa – and, of course, the actress Sophie Turner, who plays her – and so Game of Thrones became not just one of many 2 6 | VOW
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o far, so pretty, but it was when Charlene started looking around the Lodge for props that things really got exciting. “I’d already found the 17th century sword,” she says, “but did you realise that the key fob isn’t actually a prop, but a genuine room key? And soon more opportunities and ideas started to present themselves, the best of which had to be the use of a white horse. When that was mentioned, I jumped at it! Although she had to take care keeping the silk and lace dresses safe, a barefoot Lili managed to pose beautifully with him. All it took was a few horse nibbles!” When we first heard about this shoot, we did wonder why it stars a Sansa-alike, rather than, say, a Margaery Tyrell. After all, Berwick Lodge is more lush Highgarden than bleak Winterfell, surely? “Actually, the day we went was the hottest of the year,” Charlene laughs. “Rather than ‘Winter is coming’ it was ‘Summer is here’.”
With fire and blood Channelling their inner Starks and Targaryens to get in the mood for this shoot were… Photographer: Charlene Morton;
charlenemorton.co.uk Venue: Berwick Lodge; berwicklodge.co.uk Dresses: Lisa Keating Bespoke Bridal;
lkbespokebridal.co.uk Florist: Lisa Elliot Floral Design; lisa-elliott.co.uk Model: Lili Houghton at Gingersnap Models; gingersnap.co.uk Special lenses: Lensbaby; lensbaby.com