I had the absolute pleasure of bringing together a band of phenomenal wedding professionals at the prestigious Randolph Hotel in Oxford for this elegant, tropical, luxe inspired shoot. It is pleasure and a privilege to be named as one of their recommended suppliers.
The iconic Randolph Hotel in Oxford, rich in centuries-old grandeur, has recently emerged from the ashes of fire damage with a fresh, contemporary spirit. Now boasting a modern contemporary flair amongst it's heritage, the juxtaposition of old and new provided the perfect backdrop to stage a wedding shoot that captured a tropical luxe aesthetic—a seamless blend of old-world charm and modern sophistication.
The synergy of rebirth and renewal was not only evident in the venue, but also in the stories of the talented suppliers who helped to bring this vision to life. Each of them had left behind successful careers in various fields to pursue their passion in the wedding industry, driven by a love for creativity and a desire to be part of life's happiest celebrations. This shoot went beyond showcasing beautiful designs; it was a testament to the power of following one's heart and reinventing oneself. Their collective journey from previous careers to new passions mirrored the hotel's own transformation, adding a deeper layer of meaning to the shoot.
Styling elements were designed to be simple yet sophisticated, with bespoke monogramed linen napkins made by Laurel House Designs, monochrome stationary from Your Perfect Invite and rich velvet bows illuminated by candle light adding a touch of understated luxury. This neutral, minimalist approach let the natural beauty of each detail stand out, creating an ambiance of effortless elegance.
Our choice of florals played a crucial role in bringing this vision to life. I worked with the incredibly talented Kate Kashiri from Kate Wren Flowers to design our floral palette. The bouquet was a simple yet striking arrangement of Anthurium which I styled with a slim black velvet bow. Kate crafted a lush array of dark green tropical leaves paired with the pristine beauty of white orchids, lilies, hydrangea and roses gave a sense of luxurious minimalism, where each element was thoughtfully chosen to enhance the overall aesthetic without overwhelming it. The greenery provided a lush backdrop, while the white blooms added a touch of refined elegance.
The wedding attire was thoughtfully chosen to align with our theme. Dusanka from The Bridal Box provided two stunning dresses and brought along bespoke embellishments to transform each look. The day dress exuded effortless elegance, featuring clean lines and a chic, modern silhouette. For the evening, a fun and playful vibe took center stage with a short, sparkly dress enhanced by bespoke customizable embellishments such as that show stopping bow! This seamless transition from day to night perfectly captured the modern bride's desire for timeless beauty with a contemporary edge, embracing the growing trend of having a second dress.
Carousel Classique, a rising name in luxury portrait photography brought their signature elegance to the shoot with a stunning pop-up studio in the hotel's chic Garden Bar. Their timeless black-and-white portraits of the couple embodied sophistication and grace, perfectly aligning with any monochromatic or luxury wedding aesthetic. Guests & suppliers were treated to a bespoke portrait experience, leaving with same-day edited, studio quality prints as keepsakes. Unlike some traditional photo booths and selfie stations where guests can be left unattended to operate equipment themselves, Carousel Classique offers a personalised experience with a dedicated professional photographer and editor bringing a real sense of luxury to the occasion.
The talented Lisa Adams brought two show-stopping cakes to the shoot, perfectly encapsulating the event's contrasting themes. One cake celebrated the timeless elegance of art deco heritage, with intricate geometric patterns, ostrich feathers and an opulent gold leaf that echoed the glamour of the era. The other was a modern bespoke creation, sleek and minimalist, showcasing innovative design, hand painted detailing and contemporary flair. Both cakes were not only visually stunning but also resonated beautifully with the overarching theme, making them true crowd-pleasers and unforgettable centerpieces for the shoot at the Randolph Hotel.
Entertainment was brought in abundance, creating a lively and unforgettable atmosphere. Ceremonies by Nicola set the tone with heartfelt moments, while Noa Harpist added a touch of elegance, playing modern-day favorites with a beautifully melodic twist. Elegant Events Staffordshire provided a show-stopping champagne tower that became a focal point of the celebration, and Blind Tiger Cocktails kept the energy high with their expertly crafted drinks and captivating flair bartending display. Together, these elements created an immersive experience that delighted everyone in attendance.
Hair and makeup were flawlessly provided by the brilliant Abi Maynard Makeup and Rachel Capocci who ensured that our models looked stunning from every angle.
The delicate bridal accessories from Jen Gilbert added the perfect touch of elegance and sophistication. Not only were they stunning, their presentation was just gorgeous.
I was, of course, on hand to style the shoot and coordinate our incredible team of suppliers.
A special thanks goes to our insanely talented photographers, Nicola Belson and Jun Tan, for capturing the magic so beautifully, and to Hemel of Twenty Two Moments for the exceptional short-form content that brought the event to life in an unforgettable way.
In essence, this shoot was about celebrating new beginnings – the rebirth of a historic venue, the reinvention of our creative partners, and the timeless beauty of love, all wrapped in the luxurious, elegant aesthetic of tropical luxe.
I encourage you to find inspiration in this shoot, understanding that your love story, much like The Randolph, beautifully combines history with modernity, tradition with innovation, and the old with the new.
If you need help planning or designing your big day, book in your complimentary discovery call now.
In the meantime, speak soon, Dani x
