Gothic Design Inspired Wedding Style

Strawberry Hill House & Garden served as the exquisite backdrop for this stunning styling project, orchestrated by Lucy Meehan Events Ltd.

Together with a talented team of suppliers, including Love My Dress recommended cake designer, Louise Hayes, Lucy transformed this 18th-century Gothic treasure into an intimate wedding day scene, brimming with modern floral and decorative elegance – thanks to floral designer Johanna Pedrick. Every thoughtful detail was designed to complement and highlight the venue’s breathtaking, storied architecture and rich interior design, creating a seamless blend of old and new.

This editorial not only showcases a masterclass in wedding day styling that considers pattern, colour, print and texture, it also demonstrates how sophisticated touches can dramatically redefine and elevate a venue.

Lucy’s words follow.

My vision was to design a wedding shoot which captured the design and architectural features of the House, while bringing a contemporary elegance to inspire bridal couples looking to get married in a historic space.

I drew inspiration from the rich 18th century Gothic features particularly, the dramatic staircase, stunning Library, and the white fairy-tale exterior of this ‘little Gothic castle’.

Flowers were grouped at different heights to create lines and structure to complement the unique Gothic architectural details on the floor to ceiling bookcases.  The texture and shape from the grasses and Amaranthus in shades of biscuit and hazel subtly pick up the leather tones of the antiquarian books to enhance the ambience of the room.

The bride’s hand tied asymmetrical bouquet used a selection of seasonal flowers and foliage in soft autumnal tones. Flowers included: Golden Mustard Roses, Playa Blanca Roses, Dahlia, Majolica spray rose and Biscuit Ornamental Grasses which included Pennisetum. Rosemary was also added for remembrance.

I brought modern touches to the table décor with the chairs and cutlery but chose a slightly more ornate charger plate to blend the old and new. Different textures were selected in a variety of the details on the table settings, to mirror the design of the room.

A neutral colour base was chosen to work with the books and high arches of the library. Name settings were bound with beautiful deep green velvet bows which brought a touch of contemporary and provided a stylish keepsake alternative to place cards.

The classically three-tiered cake continued the theme of texture and contemporary elegance, with its white minimal design and refined sugar detailing. Designed and created by Louise Hayes Cake Design.

Styling Notes

Starting with a base of the subtle tones from your colour palette on linen and stationery you can layer the full range of complementary colours, reflecting the room, in details such as floral designs and long tapered candles.

The key to creating your own unique look and identity is then to layer in textural elements such as a luxurious napkin (or coloured bow), ornate crockery contrasted with elegantly simple place settings.

By balancing these elements with the rich and historical features of a unique property, such as Strawberry Hill House & Garden, this offers couples the opportunity to create a truly individual and stylish look to celebrate their special day.

Lucy Meehan Events Ltd