English Inspired Wedding at Kestrel Park

The beautiful grounds of Kestrel Park in Santa Ynez, California has an ethereal English countryside essence that you can’t help but feel. Creative director and stylist, Hailey of Detailed Touch Event, instantly knew she had to do an English inspired wedding shoot at this location. “Film photography was a must so I brought on the talented Mariel Hannah to shoot this styled wedding editorial. I wanted everything I brought into this shoot to represent this couple’s English heritage and traditions. From the crest that is included in the wedding invitation suite, ceremony booklet and menus created by Kelsey from Kelsey Malie Calligraphy, to the tea set in the bridal room, finished with a traditional naked wedding fruit cake on the dessert table.”

For the bridal and groom styling, everything was intentional. I wanted all the looks to reflect elegance, romance and timelessness. The velvet floral robe for the bridal boudoir shots that lead into the Calla Blance ceremony and reception dresses from Moondance Bridal. My most favorite bridal accessory was of course the stunning engagement ring from Trumpet & Horn. Since the ring and the dresses are such a show stoppers, I wanted to keep the rest of her look simple so I finished the ensemble off with sophisticated stud diamond earrings and tasteful close-toed pumps from Bella Belle. For the groom, I wanted to make sure he looked as English traditional as possible with still keeping in modern form. I put the groom in a cut away lapel, with an ascot tie with complimentary vest and pocket square, completed with pinstripe slacks. For the groom details, I purchased traditional British English crest sixpence cufflinks to represent the tradition that began in the late 17th century which was a part of the dowery gift to the groom. The coin became a form of a good luck charm for the marriage.   

For ceremony and reception design, I wanted both spaces to feel like you were transported to an English countryside garden. Emily Reynolds captured my floral vision perfectly. From the romantic open ceremony arch display to the perfectly placed bar florals and lastly the overflowing florals on the reception table.

Tabletop rentals provided by Casa de Perrin were thoughtfully picked out to display a clean, upscale and sophisticated feel. The mismatched silverware and vintage glassware was chosen to bring in those English heritage touches. All of this was highlighted perfectly on top of the beautiful La Tavola Linen and silk runner by Illume. I finished the reception display by bringing in a natural element of Kestrel Park which is their insanely fragrant and beautiful lavender garden.

We finished the day with a colorful dessert table impeccably curated by food stylist Natalie Drobny, his and her drinks and a married couple send off in the beautiful vintage car provided by Winning Makes.  The bride drink is a Tea Thyme and the groom drink is a Blackberry Bramble. Cheers!

Tea Thyme Recipe:
2 Thyme Sprigs
Ice
1 ½ ounces Tea Vodka
¾ ounce Fresh Lemon Juice
2 teaspoons Honey Mixed with a Splash of Water

In a cocktail shaker add 1 of the thyme sprigs, Tea Vodka, lemon juice, honey syrup and ice. Shake well. Strain into a chilled coupe and garnish with the remaining thyme sprig.

 

---

Black Bramble Recipe:
¾ ounce Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice
6 Large Blackberries
½ ounce Crème de Cassis
Simple Syrup to taste
1 ½ ounces Gin
Blackberries for garnish

Combine the lemon juice and half of the blackberries in a rocks glass and muddle until the berries are broke up. Fill the glass with ice. Combine Crème de Cassis, simple syrup and gin in a cocktail shaker with ice and stir to combine. Pour into glass and garnish with blackberries.

PHOTOGRAPHER Mariel Hannah | CREATIVE DIRECTION & STYLING Detailed Touch Events | FLORAL DESIGNER: @EMILYREYNOLDSDESIGN Emily Reynolds Design | LOCATION Kestrel Park | SILK RIBBON & TABLE RUNNER Illume Silks | ENGAGEMENT RING Trumpet & Horn | RING BOX The Mrs. Box | DRESS SHOP & VEIL Moondance Bridal | BRIDAL SHOES Bella Belle Shoes | BRIDAL ROBE BHLDN | HAIR STYLIST & MAKEUP ARTIST Janet Villa | CALLIGRAPHY & PAPER GOODS Kelsey Malie Calligraphy | STYLING SURFACES Heirloom Bindery | TUXEDO Mens Wearhouse | CHEF & FOOD STYLIST: @NATDROBI Chef Natalie Drobny | TABLETOP, DINNERWARE, FLATWARE AND GLASSWARE Casa De Perrin | LINENS La Tavola Linen | RENTALS Party Pleasers Event Rental | CANDLES Yummi Candles | VINTAGE CARS Winning Makes | BRIDE Andrea Susan Bush | GROOM Richie Vetter | BARTENDER Brennan Burt | FILM lolavideo