What began as a small creative idea, grew into an ethereal editorial tapestry woven with airiness and romance, shot in the seasonal beauty of Autumn at a gorgeous French Chateau.
It has always been a dream to see more couples wed in the ‘shoulder seasons’ (Autumn and Spring) when the light is gloriously subdued – perfect for wedding photography and skin tones, and the temperatures both mild and crisp – lovely conditions for couples and guests. My inspiration for ‘All that Shimmers’ was the golden green hues of the bosc pear, Autumnal tones and my current obsession with toffee and caramel hued roses, aged lace fabrics and golden light.
Collaboration is the key to creating magical spaces and events. Assembling and briefing this experienced team of the best in the business on a clear creative vision brought forth an occasion of flawless style and elegance.
I was blessed to meet Agnes and Henri, custodians of this historic and intimate Chateau in the beautiful Southwest France. The Chateau has a fairy tale elegance on an intimate scale perfectly suited to elopements, micro weddings and small celebrations.
Henri and Agnes have lovingly restored this ancient building with incredible attention to detail, highlighting heritage features with fine taste, elevating the historic chateau beyond imagination. The interiors with a palette of pear coloured velvet chairs, gold mirrors and stone walls, perfectly aligned with my Autumnal shoot vision, complementing the editorial mood and toffee and gold themes.
I am fortunate to work with the most highly regarded suppliers and co-creators, and always seek out the very best in the business to bring my editorial and creative vision to life. Though I offer my creative vision to them in a clear briefing, it is always a thrill to see them bring their own expertise and talents to further elevate and bring my vision to life.
The gowns, from Katya Katya London, were chosen for their old-world charm and bohemian feel. Our brides for the day, Ornella and Oceane, resplendent as they frolicked in the centuries old building, wearing the other worldly lace illuminated by shafts of gentle Autumnal light.
Hair was created by Nadine. I briefed a medieval look with relaxed modernity. Nadine created a loose braid for Ornella, setting the Eden B Studio Lena Leaves into the braid. For Oceane, Nadine pulled together a chic loose chignon so the Elmley crown could be worn in all its glory while the gown’s gorgeous detail could be on full display.
The intricate Eden B Studio hair pieces worn by Ornella and Oceane featured gold botanical themes. The delicacy of the pieces complementing the beauty of the lace gowns, floral tones, historic venue and autumnal theme.
Sarah – a master of makeup, understood my vision and created makeup to suit the unique features and colouring of each model. My vision was natural makeup with light airy feel and a vintage look- nude natural tones highlighted by gold shimmers. Sarah, brought this to life with tones matched to each bride, creating understated shimmering looks for Ornella and Oceane. Shimmering, but not over the top – sweet, sophisticated, and subtle.
Part Magician, part botanist, part storyteller, Jen – our stylist is also an experienced florist with a plethora of décor, furniture, linens and props at her disposal to create the mood for your event, wedding celebration or shoot day.
Jen’s van of florals and décor takes my breath away every time and she always creates and curates the perfect elements to bring my vision to life. Florals and foliage sourced in pear tones to sit with toffee and cream hued roses. Other foliage designed with a more rustic but elegant feel- loose and with movement.
The tablescapes- full of urns, real bosc pears, and even dried slices of pear to tie to the napkins, a beautiful touch of Autumn deliciousness.
For the ceremony we utilised a trio of urns and vessels of varying heights to frame the ancient Pigoniere, which were then reused in other areas such as the outside reception area and opening to the stairs. This re-use and movement of props can be a wonderful efficiency for couples with a smaller budget, for micro-weddings and is also great for the environment.
Our videographer, Katy is a joy to work with and a true artist. Her moving story-telling sits beautifully alongside my photography. Creative souls with a synergy – we visualise and capture our work in ways that complement each other, and it is always a thrill to share in the beauty of each other’s work when we’ve collaborated on a project or event.
Models Oceane and Ornella proved dreamy and beautiful, both with relaxed, joyful energy that brought exuberance and happiness to the day.
Photography is itself the ability to tell a story in a visual medium. Crafting moments such as these with a creative vision, designing experiences and spaces visually, and bringing the best in the business along for the ride is an amazing honour. It is with delight and joy I capture the world of weddings, freezing moments in time to be enjoyed for years to come.
I visualise the world in pictures, seeing magazine spreads and cinematic frames in a natural authentic and everyday moments. Inspired by my photographic heroes such as Henri Cartier Bresson, I act as a fly on the wall to capture moments as unobtrusively and naturally as possible – a sideways glance, touch of the hand, a look of adoration, love and enduring friendship, unguarded laughter shared.
Whether I’m shooting an editorial or a real wedding day I take a relaxed and unposed approach- orchestrating a desired atmosphere – creating visual experiences and ambient spaces, prompting and capturing the relaxed energy and mood generated by the elements, places, spaces and personalities involved.
When you also add the element of shoulder season light and the mild beauty of Autumn or Spring, the results can be truly magical…
Shoulder season weddings – those in Autumn and Spring, in my opinion are the most magical times of year. Sharing this creative vision with a team of absolute professionals has been a joy, and I hope provides inspiration for you in the planning of your day.
With love from France.
Bisous!
xx Corrina
SUPPLIER LIST
Special thanks to my wonderful Little Black Book of collaborators and suppliers – the best in the business in the South West of France, all who brought their incredible talents and skill to bring my creative vision to life.
Photography/ Planning/ Creative Direction/ Props: Corrina Tough at Corrina Tough Photography
Fashion/Gowns: Katya Katya
Hair Pieces: Eden B Studio
Creative Team – Videographer, Florist, Venue, Makeup, Florals, Decor Hire, Styling from my Little Black Book of the best creatives and suppliers in the South West.
