An Ode to Vintage Glamour

First Look
May 20
3 min read

Updated: Jul 9

Step into a world where vintage glamour meets old-world allure. Set against the historic backdrop of The Tannery, this styled shoot is a masterclass in old-world charm reimagined through a fresh, contemporary lens. With its 19th-century heritage architecture and timeless character, The Tannery was the perfect venue to bring this vision of sophistication to life.

The creative brief? Vintage glamour with a modern twist. Think luxury, elegance, and a refined sense of drama - and this talented collective of wedding professionals certainly delivered. From the fashion to the florals, every element was thoughtfully curated to strike the balance between tradition and trend.

Designed and created by Sarah Stoute Bespoke, both gowns in the shoot epitomised ‘romantic vintage’ styling. The hero gown featured a corset bodice with a long, flowing skirt and dramatic train, complemented by a full-length veil edged in hand-stitched chantilly lace. For a playful modern moment, the second look embraced after-party energy with a structured short skirt and a corset bodice adorned in beaded lace that caught the light beautifully.

The styling, led by Blank Space Events, was all about indulgence and detail. Silver champagne coupes and buckets, elegant candlelight from Frankie Leigh Candles, and a glittering champagne tower set the scene for celebration.

A true showstopper, the dessert duo by Meraki Cake Design brought artistry and indulgence to the celebration. The modern sculptural cake turned heads with its minimalist silhouette and expertly draped folds. Alongside it, a classic Croquembouche added an air of Parisian charm, adorned with delicate ribbons and a glossy caramel finish.

Delicate personalised touches, designed by Paperweight Design and H Studio Co, added a fashion-forward layer - from monogrammed pizza boxes and matchstick favours to custom menus, fabric-printed table runners that doubled as table numbers, and a stunning seating plan and welcome sign. Luxe silverware from The China Cabinet and beautifully crafted plinths from Loula Hire tied everything together with a nod to timeless hosting.

Floral design by A Little Bit Floral introduced two distinct moods. The first look kept things classic with white lilies, roses, and hydrangeas. The second brought contrast with a deeper palette of purples, including trending green moss details that added depth and drama without overwhelming the romantic tone.

Sarah Stoute Bespoke's gowns were paired with refined styling touches: hair by Tessa Taylor Make Up and Hair and makeup by Jessica Nicole Makeup. These talented artists worked towards enhancing the soft romanticism at the heart of this vision. Completing the look was sharp tailoring from Working Style, bringing a balance of masculinity and polish.

The shoot was beautifully captured by Katrina Cooke Photography, whose eye for light and detail brought the creative vision to life.

Looking for more inspiration like this in person?

You won’t want to miss the upcoming Bloom Wedding Fair. Mark your calendar for Sunday 25 August 2025 at The Tannery, Christchurch. It's your chance to meet vendors, discover dress and styling ideas, and immerse yourself in wedding magic.

Featured Vendors:

- Venue, Food + Beverages: Wedding at The Tannery

- Styling, Linen, Small Hire: Blank Space Events

- Florals: A Little Bit Floral

- Cake: Meraki Cake Design

- Dress + Veils: Sarah Stoute Bespoke

- Menswear: Working Style

- Hair: Tessa Taylor Makeup and Hair

- Make Up: Jessica Nicole Makeup

- Stationary: Paperweight Design | H Studio

- Plinths: Loula Hire

- Silverware: The China Cabinet