Photographer Annie Walter and bridal-wear designer Jay Whitestone loved the idea of creating a fairy-tale inspired styled shoot that focused on playing with gender roles. “Jay was inspired by her beautiful wife,” Annie told us, “and the want to bring an element of romance and historical drama to androgynous wedding attire. Her garments are suitable for any gender identity, as she believes that on one of the biggest days of your life, you shouldn’t settle for anything less than being you.” An ethos we can get on board with!

Shot in the Wild Garden of Sprowston Lodge near Norwich, Annie was inspired by an ancient apple tree, dreaming of decorating a set all around it. Florist Charlotte Staff filled the branches full of flowers, and then from there even more creatives collaborated with them for the project, with ceramic-mushroom centrepieces from Pale & Interesting, and a stag-horn crown from Mystic Magic Masquerade adding to the fairy-tale nature. The stars of the show were owls from Evie’s Owls. 

“We aimed to create a set that was full of romance and surrealism and packed full of details for couple’s to be inspired by,” Annie told us. “For example the little mushroom decorations, the vintage mirrors, lamp shades, the vintage tea cart, the fireplace, the flower cake, the smoke which creates a very mystical and dreamy atmosphere and of course the highlight of the shoot, the real owls.”

“We hope the gender-fluid theme and garments as well as attention to detail will inspire couples of any gender to be confdent, break rules and wear whatever they would like to wear at their wedding. As society should be celebrating diversity and that’s what our shoot ‘A Fairytale Wedding’ is aiming to do.”