Huh? Steampunk? Let me make this blog a whole lot clearer before you start reading through the wonder of Wikipedia. Ahem…’Steampunk’ is a sub-genre of science fiction that typically features steam-powered machinery, especially in a setting inspired by industrialised Western civilisation during the 19th century. Steampunk works are often set in an alternative history of the 19th century’s British Victorian era or the American ‘Wild West’, in a post-apocolyptic future during which steam power has regained mainstream use, or in a fantasy world that similarly employs steam power…Got it? Good!

 Consultant for Hampshire Wedding Supplier Eliza Kate-Beck and owner of Amethyst Weddings Sian Bowron came together on the 23rd April 2014 to create magic on this incredibly avant-garde and daring inspiration shoot, shot at Horsebridge Station in Stockbridge, Hampshire. Eliza wanted to showcase some of the suppliers who are listed in the Hampshire directory as well as create an unusual and trendy inspirational shoot for brides to be. Even if Steampunk is not your ‘thing’ you can’t deny the artistry and flare that this theme creates – you might even want to take small pieces from the shoot and mellow it down (or take all of it and make it bigger and more flamboyant!) I mean, checkout the fabulous freakin’ jewellery from Amanda at Bijou Junkie!

Eliza and Sian had collaborated on a shoot the previous year, so contacted other suppliers in Hampshire to take part and show what they have to offer. They wanted to keep things fresh, fun and fair – it’s also a great way of creatively networking with industry professionals on your doorstep. “We had spoken about a ‘steampunk’ theme back in October 2013 and when we were told about Horsebridge Station by another supplier, the two seemed to go hand in hand. We incorporated the steampunk theme to show how it can be a quirky and elegant add-on to a feminine wedding”. The uber-feminine Victorian element with the bustles, corsets and lacy masks mixed with rich and luxurious colours of bronze, gold and purples are perfect for a dramatic city wedding or a winter wedding to add warmth and vibrancy. Sian and Eliza said that they chose soft feminine florals and colours to soften the look as steampunk as a theme can seem “inaccessible to some brides”.

What was your favourite aspect from the shoot? “I loved the dresses that our suppliers provided. All perfect for a steam punk style but all completely different”. If you’re looking for a sexy feminine shape for your big day, something dramatic and non-traditional, then checkout the gallery shot by BCDigiPhot and Jenny Owens Photography for some inspiration!

After chatting with Sian about the shoot, I asked her as a Wedding Consultant with her pulse firmly on the ‘wedding beat’,  what trends she thinks we’ll be seeing in 2015/16.  “I don’t think Vintage style weddings are losing any momentum, although a more rustic outdoor venue twist seems to be developing. One of my 2015 brides is having a New Forest wedding: venue and style. Whilst a 2016 couple have chosen an opulent style for their day with lace and pearls amongst other things”. It just goes to show how you can take what might seem as a fairly predictable theme such as ‘vintage’ and run with it in any direction you choose. Why not try coupling ‘vintage’ with the following themes to create something truly quirky, beautiful and unique:

Garden – Seaside – Paris – Theatre – Barbie – Forest – Glamour – Vixen – Carnival – Ice Palace…the list can go on! Pinterest is a great way to create moodboards and stylise your chosen theme. For more information on  themes and how to go about it, check out our blog post ‘Wedding Themes: Essentially Essential’!

Supporting Cast

Organisation and coordination – Eliza-Kate Beck – Hampshire Consultant at Hampshire Wedding Supplier & Sian Bowron of Amethyst Weddings

Decorations & finishing touches – Eliza-Kate Beck of Quaint and Quirky Event Hire

Photography – Brian & Wendy Carter of BCDigiPhot & Jenny of Jenny Owens Photography

Hair & Make up – Annette Bradford of Elegance Bridal Coiffure

Rosa Couture – Decorah dress – Ann Wilson of Taloola Bridal

Pink corset and skirt, Plum corset and skirt with bustle cage Paula of Queen of Hearts Dressmaker

Ivory dresses and grooms plum waistcoat – Pauline Choppen of Pauline Forster Bridal Design

Ivory top hat from Simon Meanwell-Ralph at Marvellous Millinery http://www.marvellousmillinery.co.uk/

Button Bouquet and buttonhole – Lesa Simmons of I heart button bouquets

Headpieces & hats – Jane Dudley of Studio-Textiles 

Headpiece, tiara & necklace – Amanda Lawson of Bijou Junkie

Invitations – Barbara Greaves of Blue Blossom Wishes

Car – David Skelton of Portsmouth Wedding Taxis

Cake – Hanli Brain of Cakes O’licious

Vintage crockery – Clare Rhodes of Indulge in Vintage

Flowers – Annie of Blossom & Bird

Blazer – Marsha Swanzy of Velvet Rose

Accessories/ cuffs and collars – Lu Strong at Lulalupin

Cookies – Michele from Michele Bakes Cakes 

Macarons – Allison Knaresborough of Queen Bees

Tissue paper pom poms – Kim Macdonald of Bedazzled Pom Poms 

Champagne glasses & glass air balloon decoration – Tab Thurstan at Me Time Glass

Models – Peter Strong, Natasha Disney, Katarina Letkova and Ella Maddison

Supporting Cast

Organisation and coordination – Eliza-Kate Beck – Hampshire Consultant at Hampshire Wedding Supplier & Sian Bowron of Amethyst Weddings

Decorations & finishing touches – Eliza-Kate Beck of Quaint and Quirky Event Hire

Photography – Brian & Wendy Carter of BCDigiPhot & Jenny of Jenny Owens Photography

Hair & Make up – Annette Bradford of Elegance Bridal Coiffure

Rosa Couture – Decorah dress – Ann Wilson of Taloola Bridal

Pink corset and skirt, Plum corset and skirt with bustle cage Paula of Queen of Hearts Dressmaker

Ivory dresses and grooms plum waistcoat – Pauline Choppen of Pauline Forster Bridal Design

Ivory top hat from Simon Meanwell-Ralph at Marvellous Millinery http://www.marvellousmillinery.co.uk/

Button Bouquet and buttonhole – Lesa Simmons of I heart button bouquets

Headpieces & hats – Jane Dudley of Studio-Textiles 

Headpiece, tiara & necklace – Amanda Lawson of Bijou Junkie

Invitations – Barbara Greaves of Blue Blossom Wishes

Car – David Skelton of Portsmouth Wedding Taxis

Cake – Hanli Brain of Cakes O’licious

Vintage crockery – Clare Rhodes of Indulge in Vintage

Flowers – Annie of Blossom & Bird

Blazer – Marsha Swanzy of Velvet Rose

Accessories/ cuffs and collars – Lu Strong at Lulalupin

Cookies – Michele from Michele Bakes Cakes 

Macarons – Allison Knaresborough of Queen Bees

Tissue paper pom poms – Kim Macdonald of Bedazzled Pom Poms 

Champagne glasses & glass air balloon decoration – Tab Thurstan at Me Time Glass

Models – Peter Strong, Natasha Disney, Katarina Letkova and Ella Maddison