“We hoped to create a minimalist shoot that embodied a modern, effortless South Asian bride. A little bit of wind and a breathtaking bride were all the elements we needed as inspiration for this Bollywood inspired editorial. Most South Asian brides are accustomed to bold and brighter tones of deep red and pink tones when planning their weddings, but we wanted to showcase a softer, more muted touch for the modern bride. I find so much beauty in simplicity and showcasing softer, neutral palettes. There is still an element of the bolder homage to the beautiful culture of the bride with her stunning jeweled Lazaro gown while the florals balance everything out. The beauty is truly in the movement of the bride as she is walking towards a new adventure in her life and how the wind delicately blows her saree, her hair and the stunning Silk & Willow ribbon in her bouquet.”

I couldn't be happier that this is the first shoot we have featured on Once Wed. I loved everything about this project - the team of creatives, the dress, the hint of sparkle in the jewellery and beading, the trailing ribbons, the chance to create a lushly textured bouquet, and of course the beautiful, beautiful bride!

There are definitely sweet spots in the gardening calendar when, in the perfect year, flowers overlap and you get the best of two seasons. This bouquet, made the first week in July, caught the tail end of spring and the beginnings of summer. I begged the last few stems of blooming mock orange and peonies from my friends and gathered the first of the garden roses, viburnum berries, phlox, cosmos, allium, sweet peas and poppies. It was by far the most fragrant bouquet I've ever made and the first one of the season using only locally grown flowers. What a treat that it could be captured so beautifully in this project.