Photography by Paola De Paola

Book Of Love directory babe, Paola De Paola prides herself on being an inclusive and eco-conscious wedding photographer. This sustainable, same-sex micro-wedding shoot celebrates both, beautifully.

Models, Helen and Lorraine have both been happily married for 3 years and enjoyed the chance to relive the experience in the picturesque countryside with celebrant, Kevin Gibbs.

Styled by Gwenda of Green Union, the mood of the shoot was to be vibrant and modern whilst being deeply rooted in nature.

Wilderley, was the perfect venue for this project. Set in East Anglia, everything about this place shouts out respect and love for Nature. It’s a one-of-a-kind recreational farm resort that rescues animals and is forever planting new trees. The ultimate location for modern couples who want a sustainable wedding to celebrate magical times with friends and family. The venue features a range of comfortable hand-crafted, unusual accommodations and a variety of over 100 free-range animals. All the animals have their own special story; many having been rescued.

Both Glenda and Paola are deep believers of the importance of ethical values and an eco-conscious approach. They both wish to promote more considerate and eco-friendly values in the wedding industry and selected their creative team to reflect this.

The stationery was designed by Ana of Little Green Paper Shop and is not only printed on eco-conscious paper but it’s also seeded and can be planted afterward! Plantable cards not only add a unique dimension but also allow your stationery to live and grow beyond your big day. Couples can choose from a range of seeds including Wildflower Rudbeckia, Lavender, Poppy, Carrot, and Tomato

The pandemic-inspired phenomenon of micro-weddings is a sure thing for reducing the carbon footprint of your wedding, and using a venue that has sustainability at its core, ably assisted by a small team of wedding vendors who are based as locally as possible is about as good as it gets!

Paring back the unnecessary and avoiding excess can still result in a beautiful and meaningful day.

Our favourite part of this styling has to be the STUNNING bridal outfits by sustainable bridal designer, Sanyukta Shreshtha. Sanyukta’s been pioneering sustainability since 2011 through her luxurious designs. The beauty behind each Sanyukta Shrestha gown is in the craftsmanship behind its hand-spun and hand-loomed organic fibres, a century-old traditional Nepalese technique. Sanyukta promotes a cultural and sustainable model that defines the role of her cultural heritage whilst also empowering deprived women, artisans, through sustainable projects. The brand uses only natural and sustainable fibres with traceable sourcing underlining their commitment towards the environment and the community.

The beautiful florals were created by Darling Buds, based in the beautiful Suffolk countryside just down the lanes from Wilderley. Julia aims to incorporate texture, colour, and perfume to create both a visual and sensory experience.

This inspirational shoot is quite literally a breath of fresh air! See more from the gallery and check out the full list of creative involved in the list below!

FULL TEAM DETAILS

Concept and Photography: Paola of Paola De Paola Photography

Sustainability Consultant, Coordination and Styling: Gwenda of Green Union


Venue: Celeste & Kerry of Wilderley Weddings

Models: Helen & Lorraine

Stationery: Ana of Little Green Paper Shop


Jewelry: Lidia of Lola Rosa

Cake: Trudy of The Iced Vegan


Wedding Rings: Jemma of Slade Fine Jewellery

Confetti: Genevieve of Confetti Club

Coconut Bowl: Jake & Maddie’s World

Bridal Outfits: Sanyukta Shrestha

HMUA: Emma of Brunetti Artistry

Tableware: Natasha of A Touch of Vintage

Florist: Julia at Darling Buds


Celebrant: Kevin Gibbs

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