Spring Decadence at Wildhive Callow Hall

Botanical Spring Decadence

A sustainably-led editorial project at Wildhive Callow Hall, Derbyshire

This editorial project was first conceptualised by the wonderful Fran at Limewood Flowers, with a mission to highlight more sustainable choices within the wedding industry, without compromising on luxury and quality. Wildhive Callow Hall, a country house wedding venue in Derbyshire, was the perfect setting for the photo shoot, as they are a luxury hotel committed to making more sustainable choices in everything they do.

Fran and I centred the day around the concept of an enchanted garden, surrounded by the scent of spring. An organic, luxurious floral installation welcomes you in with painterly blooms layering upon the bespoke wallpaper. Delicate and romantic florals take inspiration from the countryside, harmonising with the timelessness of old-world country manor. Our thoughtfully-designed, intimate tablescape took centre stage as the sun set; candlelight showcasing the abundant flowers that balance lavish drama with understated elegance.

Highlighting past and present in the design, our vendors were chosen with the future in mind. We consciously worked with suppliers with strong principles; from inclusivity to more sustainable choices and ethical options in keeping with the commitments of Callow Hall.

For the florals, Limewood Flowers used exclusively British growers, selecting seasonal blooms including 300 tulips grown in Lincolnshire, 200 snowflakes and nearly 600 daffodils from Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. This included the first cut anywhere in the UK of pink charm daffodils; a creamy daffodil with a peach trumpet. It is believed that British grown flowers can have one tenth of the carbon footprint of imported flowers - making a huge impact on the overall sustainability of a wedding, without any compromise on style.

We coordinated each detail of the tablescape, opting for natural linen tablecloths and eco-conscious tableware items from The Luxe Collection, including recycled glassware and hand-painted linen napkins. Studio Anika designed luxurious stationery items, printed on FSC environmentally-accredited paper with chemical-free, biodegradable inks.

Keeping with the sustainability theme, we worked with British designer Rolling In Roses to source the bridal wear. Hayley and her team are committed to working with ethically sourced, environmentally friendly materials, without compromising on luxury, craftsmanship or style. Jayne's effortlessly elegant bridal looks were completed by makeup artist Jessica Rose, who consciously reduces her product turnover by minimising single-use waste and keeping a concise kit of cruelty-free, ethical brands that allow for beautiful, long-lasting and luxurious makeup whilst supporting her sustainability ethos.

Every element of this project was as carefully considered as it would be for a real wedding. Leaning on the different expertise of the team, we collaboratively worked together to achieve something elevated, artistic and inspiring.