With Cupid's favorite holiday around the corner, Strictly Weddings has brought you this Baroque-styled, Valentine wedding inspiration with sumptuous reds, brilliant golds, and some extra love and sweetness from our beloved partner, Elizabeth's Cake Emporium.
This year expect more extravagance, a return to old world luxury and Baroque themes. "Baroque is a trend we're seeing walking the runways, both in high-street fashions and in many homes. Brides are moving away from blush pinks, and going more toward deep reds, rich golds, and dark pinks," said Jemma-Jade William of Jemma Jade Events, who styled and coordinated the shoot.
To create just the right atmosphere, Jemma chose a lovely old Georgian house in the heart of Notting Hill, the Beach Blanket Babylon, which is known for its regal charm and enchanting decor. Gilded furnishings, colorful chairs with detailed patterns, radiant chandeliers and reflective surfaces evoke high drama.
Enrapturing us with her gorgeous imagery is wedding photographer, Kate Nielen, also a Strictly Weddings, United Kingdom Luxe List partner.
Dreamy floral, by Okishima & Simmonds, adds to the sense of abundance and glamour. Bountiful bouquets and lavish centerpieces of hydrangeas, Columbian Red Paris roses, larkspur, ivy, and redspray roses conjure an air of romance.
The over-the-top luxury extends all the way to the finer details. Even the invitation boasts a gold mirror acrylic engraved with an intricate design. The exquisite personalized tea lights are a thoughtful touch that can double as favors for cherished guests.
Valentine's Day is all about decadence and Elizabeth's Cake Emporium serves up delectable fare. The two dessert tables were fit for a queen. The first cake, inspired by Marie Antoinette using paintings and photos of Versailles, showcases ornate gilding and molding of cherubs and cameos. Each cake layer features exquisite handcrafted sugar roses and pink hydrangeas.
To elicit the feel of many masked balls held during the Baroque period, the second cake is called the mask cake, which was hand-painted using edible shimmer coloring. The tender peach and pinks with gold swag and pearl drops, compliment the more dramatic reds and golds.
Because red was the "it" color during the Baroque times, Elizabeth also created a cake in this hue. Using a stencil and royal icing, she replicated the damask pattern on the dining chair. Elizabeth also fashioned cookies into fans, which were a popular accessory for ladies to wear to parties at the time.
We think that even Marie Antoinette would have been pleased.
Impressed as we are by Elizabeth Cake Emporium's gorgeous wedding cakes and sweet confections? Connect with her on Strictly Weddings' Luxe List partner page. Looking for a wedding photographer that is beyond talented at capturing all the beautiful details? Get inspired on wedding photographer, Kate Nielen's Luxe List partner page.
CREDITS:
Styling & Coordination: Jemma-Jade Events | Photography: Kate Nielen | Wedding Cakes & Dessert Table: Elizabeth's Cake Emporium | Macaroons: Ganache Macarons | Flowers: Okishima and Simmonds | Table Linen: Over The Top Rentals | Venue & Furniture: Beach Blanket Babylon | Stationery & Favors: Intricate Creations | Crockery: Amara
