When we eventually emerge from this lockdown, there are some things I hope stay with us forever.
It’s I think more evident now than it ever has been in our lifetimes, that we must (note ‘must’, not need) do as much as we can to contribute towards the health of our precious planet. Lockdown is providing a rare and life-changing opportunity for many of us to review how we consume and live our lives and consider lifestyle changes we can be making for the better.
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I’ve been publishing beautiful, inspiring weddings for over a decade now and in that time, I have seen a slow shift towards more ethical and sustainable weddings, but the change of direction that has occurred over the past 12 months has been significant. Long may this continue and in fact, may this become the norm. I’m heartened to see so many brides and couples taking an ethical approach to planning their wedding – and I applaud you.
Here is some beautiful ethical wedding inspo for you to soak up this weekend. I hope you find it as inspiring as I do. It incorporates vegan bridal fashion and footwear, plant based wedding cake, ethical and chemical-free / British grown flowers, sustainable bridal fashion and cruelty-free makeup that has not been tested on animals. Sound good?
Words from photographer Stephanie Green follow…
“This eco-conscious editorial shoot was set in a modern converted loft space in London, with each collaborator bringing their own area of expertise to the session. From UK grown (not flown) flowers, to plant-based cakes decorated with edible flowers and dried blooms, and vegan bridalwear and footwear – our entire shoot was designed to showcase our eco-credentials at the forefront.”
“Our aim was to visually show that maintaining style and luxury whilst being conscious and kind in your wedding planning and design choices is an easy choice. You certainly don’t need to compromise on the look, feel or quality of your day and actually have the added value of knowing you’ve been that little more thoughtful and considerate to the environment.”
Flowers by Nice Bunch
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“Nice Bunch is an ethical floral design studio and cutting garden. Based in London and Somerset, we’re a bunch of nature enthusiasts, collaborating to create bespoke compositions for installations, events, weddings and special orders. We bring together an abundance of colours and shapes from the natural world to create textured, wild and playful pieces that are seasonally-inspired.”
“Set in a modern converted loft space, the flower cloud is reflective of its environment. A hanging metallic grid structure provides the framework from which the organic shapes of flowers and foliage float. Vibrant greens represent the promise of early spring whilst timeless dried grasses and flowers provide strong earthy tones and splashes of pink.”
“These groupings of fresh and dried flowers offer a neat solution to couples at a time of year when British flowers aren’t yet in full bloom. Having a focal piece above the main table means that the room and table dressing can be more minimal.”
“The bouquet combines an abundance of textures. Poppies and teasels are mixed with fluttering details such as ginster and oat grass. The ribbon is made of plant-dyed silk by Cfleurdesign and ties together the woody colours of the dried flowers with the fresh verdant leaves.”
“The whole project uses locally-sourced flowers to cut down on emissions associated with transport, meaning they are naturally seasonally-inspired. The produce is
chemical-free to reduce emissions associated with travel and pesticide use. Dyed elements are using natural processes. Single-plastics, bleached foliages and floral foam, all of which have a negative impact on the environment, are avoided.”
Cake by Bees Bakery
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“Bee’s Bakery bakery is a plant-based wedding cake bakery based in East London. Bee is passionate about creating recipes, bakes and designs which are beautiful, delicious and environmentally considerate too.”
“One of London’s original mobile traders, Bee established her award-winning bakery during a sabbatical from her science job in 2012, and started selling to Selfridges and Harrods from the back of a little three-wheeled Italian van.”
“Since then, Bee has transitioned her business to plant-based, taught vegan baking for Jamie Oliver, published two recipe books, and provides exquisite wedding cakes to venues all over the UK including Kew Gardens, Ham Yard Hotel, Two Temple Place and Soho Farmhouse.”
“Bee’s wedding cake designs are founded on principles of low-waste, plant-based recipes and decorations. She works with UK growers, millers and producers to source delicious and beautiful ingredients, flowers and foliage that look fantastic, whilst also having a lower carbon footprint than standard bakes.”
“Bee’s recipes factor in seasonal ingredients wherever possible, (think lemon, thyme and blackberry, or raspberry and rose cake) and all are available as gluten free / dairy free / vegan / nut free. Bee is currently transitioning her kitchen to plastic-free, and offsets the carbon emissions from her deliveries – her aim is to move towards running a more sustainable, future friendly small business.”
All of the fresh flowers and foliage used on Bee’s cakes are UK-grown (not flown), and the dried decorations are easily removable and re-usable for year-round designs.”
Photography by Stephanie Green
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“Stephanie Green is a London based wedding photographer with an authentic, contemporary style. With a background in fashion photography, she brings style to sentimental moments.”
“I was overjoyed when asked to be part of this eco and ethical styled shoot. From Nicebunch’s ‘grown not flown’ concept, Melissa’s cruelty free make up, Bee’s vegan recipes and Blonde Army sourcing sustainable ensembles, it encouraged me to look at how I could be more accountable as a photographer and be more sustainable.”
“I love this planet we call home, and you will often find me in the beautiful outdoors with my dog. I wanted to give something back.”
“As a photographer, a long drive to a wedding, electricity to run the office and a physical printed photo album are probably the biggest issues for my personal carbon footprint.
On this journey in finding out how I can be greener, I hope I can inspire fellow photographers and wedding vendors in general to see options on how they can too if they felt a little helpless like I did.”
“Now for every album purchased, I will donate £20 to One Tree Planted, one dollar for one tree!”
“For my travel and electricity usage, I have joined a business membership of Offset Earth as an employee, meaning 144 trees will be planter per year, and 14 tonnes of CO2 removed every year! This covers me for car journeys up to 5000 miles, and for 2 short-haul flights. I definitely feel specifically working with vendors that are passionate about sustainability and animal welfare has taught me so much on how little choices can make a big difference for the better, and has tailored my approach for future shoots to come!”
Planning & Styling by Blonde Army
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“My natural styling aesthetic is minimal and clean lines and so when I was asked to style this shoot I knew the bridal brand I wanted to work with. Bon Bride, (designer Pippa Cooke), creates understated yet striking dresses about women and for women who dress for themselves.”
“More than that, Bon Bride creates garments with conscience and offers an amendment service so that their dresses can be worn time and time again.”
“Footwear by luxury vegan brand, Beyond Skin, finished the two looks we created. The knee high tan boots helped achieve the androgynous vibe we wanted to portray and the heeled sandal created an effortless evening look. The table styling was kept light, airy and minimal using natural textures complimented by florals by Nicebunch and stationery by All My Years.”
Makeup by Melinda Grant
@mels.brides + Follow
“Providing makeup for sophisticated brides-to-be, I’m dedicated to having brides and their bridal party look and feel their ultimate best. Using a selection of products from cruelty free luxury makeup brand Code8. Using their vegan makeup range, I went with colour tones that complimented the floral arrangements.”
Stationery by All My Years
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“All My Years is a stationery design studio based in London offering semi-custom and bespoke designs for modern romantics who make their own traditions. With a focus on colour, print and modern typography, we work with you to encapsulate everything that makes you one cool couple.”
“We wanted to produce a stationery collection that was ethically sourced in terms of materials used but didn’t compromise on quality or luxury. The designs have been printed onto luxe Fedrigoni Woodstock paper which is 80% recycled fibres and is FSC certified which is so important in ensuring that the production has as little impact on the environment as possible.”
“Utilising the signature style of All My Years designs, the collection features warm earthy tones with a pop of pink and a printed outline botanical design. The idea being that the invite can be kept by guests and framed as an artwork to cherish long after the day.”
“For the place setting stationery, All My Years is proud to say that we refrain from using Perspex in any of our designs as it is so difficult to recycle afterwards. The name place cards have been printed onto seed paper as a favour which can be taken home and planted in their garden to watch British wildflowers grow as a reminder of your wedding day.”
Annabel
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Annabel is the founder of Love My Dress. She lives in rural North Yorkshire with her husband and business partner Philip, two daughters Eska and Leanora and three dogs. She is passionate about photography, supporting women in business and in life, and is in her element being surrounded by nature and the countryside.