Ladies, if you are struggling with inspiration and ideas for your bridal party then you are going to love today’s shoot, put together by Courage & Dash Photography and featuring a wealth of wedding suppliers. It comes with gorgeous bloom ideas (note the stunning flower crown above), on trend hair accessories and oh so very pretty Needle and Thread bridesmaid dresses. The colour palette is soft and romantic and the decor pays homage to the Californian Desert wedding trend that is taking our Instagram feeds by storm.

It is pretty, romantic and summery with just the right amount of bohemian luxe.

Jose of Courage & Dash talks us through the shoot, it’s inspiration and the fabulous suppliers involved.

The Sisterhood…

“Sisterhood was about shared experiences, trust, knowing you had people who would be there for you and would listen to you no matter what, and who could always tell if there was something wrong. They were the ones who, with a single look, knew if you were about to burst into giggles or into tears and why, and who knew when you needed to get out of the house for a midnight trip to In-N-Out Burger to gorge on a milkshake and animal-style fries. They were the ones you could be raging angry with one moment, and completely forgive ten minutes later. She would always be there for her sisters, and they would always be there for her, because they loved each other no matter what.”
Michelle Madow

Quiet and Intimate…

English winter days on the cusp of spring bring such rich light, dripping with gold, reminiscent of Californian sun. This relaxed, bridal party picnic recreates the dreamy feel of a Californian desert in the heart of London, focusing on the bond and sisterhood between a bride and her maid of honour/bridesmaid. The concept hinged on the idea of love letters – homage to the adventures experienced by the women on their way to the bride’s wedding day, and the magic of a couple in love.

The picnic idea was dreamed up by photographer, Courage & Dash, and came from the desire to create space and time away from the wedding festivities for little moments of quiet and intimacy. The wedding day can speed by all too quickly, so a little pre-reception, sunset drinks picnic could give the wedding party a chance to take the day in and press pause. This is for couples who want to honour and celebrate the day’s love, in all its forms.

Loyalty and Love…

Hire Love created a picnic set up, inspired by the Californian desert, with woven rugs, low seating, traditional lamps and brass trays laden with drinks and florals (Boom Blooms). The setup created a feeling of intimacy, away from a formal table setting of a wedding. Here, the bride shares a moment with her maid of honour and bridesmaid, handing them hand-written love letters (Babooche UK) and honouring their loyalty and love. The groom’s presence is an acknowledgement and appreciation of the vital importance of the role of women and sisterhood in his bride’s life. It is a celebration and a festival of love, and what it can achieve.

Otherness and Escape…

The intricately hand-adorned cupcakes (Editta London) add another dimension to the textured florals designed by Boom Blooms. The deep cappuccino colours and soft burgundy floral tones, offset by feathery greens are another nod to the desert, adding to the sense of otherness and escape from the day’s festivities. The embellished dresses (Needle & Thread, Aterlier Lyanna) create an ethereal, feminine feel, while the loose braids, modern hair accessories (Ashley Wild Bridal), customised jackets (Ophelia Rose) add a carefree edge to the fashion, and are reminiscent of the tribehood and delight of a desert festival.