A super-glam styled Carlowrie Castle shoot featuring gowns from Sophia Grace Couture
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When a collection of stunning gowns arrive in your boutique, there’s only one thing for it… call in some of the best in the business and put together a fabulous photoshoot.
That was the case for Naydene Jardine, owner of Sophia Grace Couture in Haddington.
“I wanted to showcase gowns from our latest designer, Wona Concept, as well as Calla Blanche who are exclusively available to Sophia Grace Couture in Scotland.
“The shoot was to feature several key pieces from our current and upcoming 2024 collections as well as accessories available in the boutique.”
Naydene loves being involved in photoshoots and really wanted this one to take on a high fashion editorial style. “The brief was glam with a hint of fun thrown in!” she says.
Thinking of a suitable location, the choice was easy, with Naydene already a lover of Carlowrie Castle.
“Who doesn’t love a Scottish Castle?” she says.
“Carlowrie Castle is unique in terms of traditional on the outside but modern, classy and chic inside.
“Oh and I do love the highland cows on site – yes, real live highland cows.
“Both designers which we featured on the day create incredible gowns, many of which are on trend and glamorous however have traditional elements, so Carlowrie Castle was perfect.”
Behind the lens
Renowned photographer Ricky Baillie was drafted in for the project.
“I really like Ricky’s style and thought he would be perfect,” says Naydene.
“As Ricky has shot Carlowrie Castle he knew exactly where to get the right shots.”
And to capture all the little details, especially those behind the scenes ones, Danny from TLC joined the list of suppliers.
“He has filmed many of our own brides’ weddings and his style I feel is unique, it is like watching a film.
“You feel the emotion of the day not just a flick through so I knew Danny would be perfect to capture the details.
“He really does put his everything into creating the perfect story.”
Blooming gorgeous
Naydene had worked on a styled shoot alongside talented florists Victoria and Ailine of VnA Florals before and immediately turned to them for the Carlowrie project.
“I love their work so much,” she says.
“Both have their own florist business, Secret Garden Events Florist and Bbonnie Flowers and came together to create VnA Florals for larger project, so two very talented florists who work together so well.
“I had a vision in terms of colours and where would be good to decorate and on the day everything just fell into place perfectly.”
Glam squad assemble
To get her models Hannah and Charlotte, both stylists from Sophia Grace Couture, camera-ready Naydene again turned to someone she’s worked with before, hair stylist Emma Combe.
“What can I say, she just gets straight away what you want to achieve, and she is so fast at creating different looks.”
Then she put her trust in the make-up artist many of her real brides have used for their own wedding day looks, adding Brooke Lilias to the team.
“I was aware of her style which was just perfect for the vision I had,” says Naydene.
“Brooke was so easy to work with and put her own spin on looks. Brooke and Emma worked so well together, they were a dream glam squad.
“I do love a mood board and sent various over to all suppliers ahead of the day.
“Brooke and Emma totally understood the brief and were able to add so many touches on the day which worked out perfectly to create gorgeous looks.”
Action!
On the day the team was hit by heavy rain which put a dampener on them capturing many outdoors looks.
“However, Ricky made use of the time we did get outside to get perfect shots,” says Naydene.
Indoors the dream team knew just how to showcase these beautiful dresses to their full potential.
“We had a particular gown by Calla Blanche which when we closed the curtains and put a bit of light on it the subtle sparkle was just incredible, and Ricky and Danny got to work to take full advantage of how amazing the gown and model Charlotte looked,” says Naydene.
“They both just knew the right angles to get the perfect shot.”
Decisions, decisions
With so many beautiful looks to choose from it’s no surprise Naydene has difficulty naming a favourite.
“The one look that I just adore is Charlotte with a stunning red lip, hair back in a bun wearing a stunning ballgown by Calla Blanche.
“This gown will arrive with us early 2024 and I cannot wait to see brides try this gown on.”
And the verdict on the entire shoot?
“I just love each image,” smiles Naydene.
“We worked with very talented wedding suppliers who just made this shoot so incredible.”
Dream Team
Dresses and accessories | Wona Concept and Calla Blanche at Sophia Grace Couture
Flowers | VNA Florals
Hair | Emma Combe Hair
Make-up | Brooke Lilias Studio
Photographer | Ricky Baillie
Venue | Carlowrie Castle
Videography | TLC
Think one of these gowns could be your dream dress?
Book an appointment at Sophia Grace Couture to try it on: t. 01620 824 006 or email
