LOVE Precious,

The Natural History Museum set the scene for this luxurious elopement shoot

Nikita Lang, owner and photographer at Thorn and Found Photography teamed up with a group of suppliers to create this grand styled elopement shoot at The Natural History Museum.

“We wanted to showcase a one-of-a-kind luxury elopement, in the name of love, art and history,” says Nikita. “We felt this shoot brings all the inspiration for brides who are looking for that classic grand style but maybe also wanting a low-key celebration.” The team incorporated natural resources and fascinating architectural designs to bring the vision to life.

Choosing the museum as the shoot backdrop was a fabulous way of showcasing alternative venue options. “We included some traditional English styling into our concept. Our focus on the day was to inspire and tell a story. When we look at these pictures, we see a rare and precious love like the fossils imbedded the walls of the elopement venue, a love that comes from a connection of history, art and the environment around us,” says Nikita.

The stunning gown was designed by Miriam Chitambo. “Miriam has designed a very grand, luxury eco-friendly dress consisting of sustainable material. The underlayer of the dress is made from bamboo silk and recycled polyester satin and the lace layer is recycled nylon tulle. Luxury doesn’t mean it can’t be eco-friendly,” she says. The ruscus veil worked seamlessly with the bridal gown, bringing all the elegant drama with its beautiful embroidery work.

“For the make-up, we wanted to enhance but not over power our bride’s natural beauty, so we opted for a timeless but modern look,” explains Nikita. The darker lip and shadow complimented the grand dress and detailed background. Gold sleek jewellery was used to add the luxurious finishing touch. “Our bride wore the Kia ring and Isabella earrings from Gloss Studios, whose brand is known for its contemporary designs.”

For the flowers, a light and airy look was achieved with a seasonal white bouquet mixed with long green foliage for a stylish statement.

Venue www.nhm.ac.uk

SHOOT SUPPLIERS https://thornandfoundeastbourne.co.uk;

High Brow Beauty

Nikkie Tutorials swears by Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Genius, and what’s good enough for Nikkie is good enough for me! This multi-benefit brow serum that noticeably improves hair texture, manageability and encourages the appearance of fullerlooking brows, blends six rejuvenating ingredients that work now and later to create a look you’ll love. Think a smoother, softer, tamer, fullerlooking brow ready to frame your gorgeous eyes as your new spouse gazes into them and says ‘I do’. Find it on the company’s website www.anastasiabeverlyhills.co.uk for £61.

A Love Letter To Your Skin

I recently attended a masterclass with Super Facialist’s resident skincare expert, Charlotte Connoley, which posed the question: do we really know our skin type? If like me your answer is somewhat hesitant, it may interest you to know that there’s an easy way to find out. Charlotte suggests simply splashing your face with water and leaving it for 20-25 minutes. If it feels prickly afterwards, you have sensitive skin; if the water’s gone, then it’s dry; if the skin is tight, it’s dehydrated; and if it feels perfectly comfortable you’re blessed with a normal skin type. Whatever you discover, Super Facialist has a range of products specifically tailored to each type, recognising this can change throughout the year. This allows you to affordably create your own individual skincare routine to support your skin throughout the seasons.

Having learned that my skin is dehydrated, I tried the divine Rosehip Hydrate Calming Creamy Cleanser (£9, www.lookfantastic.com) and my annoying dry patches have been banished!

SUN-KISSED BRIDE

A multi-use bronzer, blusher and highlighter, ICONIC London’s new Kissed By The Sun is an all-in-one cheek glow product allowing us all to harness the mystical power of the sun! Available in five different shades its pearlescent pigments disperse a wash of radiant shine, while its hybrid powder-meets-cream texture sits beautifully on the skin. Find it for £26 online at www.iconiclondoninc.com