Each season is truly magical here at Eshott Hall, especially in the summertime, the House comes into its own, with its botanical signature…. cascades of lilac wisteria, tumbling down its honey stone walls, make it perhaps one of the most photogenic country house venues in the North. The heady fragrance of English garden roses contributes to the sensual delight of this garden. Beyond the immaculate, striped lawns and walled kitchen garden is a Victorian fernery, with its wrought iron gazebo, with ancient woodlands wrapped around it, carpeted by lush magenta rhododendrons. In our campaign, ‘In a Class of its Own’, the focus is placed upon the timeless and enchanting nature of this country venue, Eshott Hall. Captured by one of the North East’s most acclaimed photographers, Sean Elliott, stills unfold like scenes from a vintage film, evoking halcyon days spent languishing on the lawn, sipping gin cocktails, perhaps even a game of tennis or croquet?
The well-bred bride and groom (Alex Winstone and Sarah Jordan) are accompanied by adorable Afghan hound, ‘Wizz’. All are perfectly groomed for their roles, thanks to their stylists, including gentlemen’s outfitters, Master Debonair and Afghan Hound breeder, Sue Virgo. The couple’s hair is by freelance hair stylist, Tina Elliott. Sarah wears ‘Heaton’, an off-the-shoulder Wtoo by Watters gown, with a dainty chiffon sleeve and a lingerie-lace, fitted corset bodice and soft tulle full skirt with a sweeping train, worn with a full-length veil, trimmed with decorative French lace.Gown, train and accessories, courtesy of Leigh Hetherington Bridal Wear. Accessories include a gold circlet, entwined with lilac and pale green crystals and stones, inspired by the Greek classics, with a matching jewelled ribbon belt. Sarah’s make up look, created by make up artist, Cydney Beasley, is strong and sultry, with a monochromatic shades of burgundy, accentuated by a deep burgundy matte lip, and highlighted cheekbones. Master Debonair’s Sally Minns styled Alex in navy chinos and a heather, linen tweed blazer by Herbie Frogg, with a Grandad-style collared, crisp white shirt by Marc Darcey, worn with London Brogues, to complement the bridal trousseau and classic styling of the shoot.
Floristry and styling was courtesy of Charlotte Harris, Creative Director of The Finishing Touch Company. Inspired by the theme, Charlotte selected wild flowers including peonies, veronica, viburnum, jasmine, cow parsley, flowering mint, astilbe, blushing bride, nigella, agapanthus and Mont rose to create a loose, hand-tie bouquet, with flowing ribbons of sage velvet, and lilac and silver satin, and a groom’s floral buttonhole with pheasant feather detail. The chaise longue room scene particularly captures those perfect summer days, with the lace-delicate white wisteria backdrop, enhanced with a vintage collection of amethyst crystals, cut glass and decorative china, in hues inspired by the garden’s blooms in delicate ivory, dusty pink, purple, lime and dark green tones. Sensual textures of velvet and sheepskin add to the opulence.
Hanging hoops bedecked with delphiniums and lilac Limonium, with other flowers too from the wild flower selection decorate the rattan seat pod beneath the cypress tree, continue the colour palette, whilst symbolising eternity and lasting love. Wizz, the unashamedly regal Afghan hound stole the show, displaying impeccable manners throughout the shoot, he was very much at home in this elegant setting. Later in the day, we gravitate to the library, with its gentleman’s club ambience, antique leather chairs, burgundy red décor and decorative open fireplace.
The intimate nature of the house, with only eleven bedrooms in the main hall, and four bedrooms within the self-catering cottages, three new stable bedrooms, and a further six bedrooms in The Grange, makes it an ideal size to host an ‘exclusive use’ country house wedding. Family and friends can enjoy the charms of this venue and its idyllic surroundings to create their own lasting memories.
CREDITS:
Creative team on this shoot included:
Sean Elliott, Photographer – Newcastle-based photographer, Sean has his studio in The Biscuit Factory, and is an accomplished, internationally-acclaimed photographer, documentary maker, lecturer and artist.
Charlotte Harris, The Finishing Touch Company – Charlotte has her own florist and venue styling company, specialising in the creation of some of the North East’s most beautiful weddings.
Leigh Hetherington Bridal Wear – Bridal wear retailer and couturier, Leigh has a boutique in the city of Newcastle, where she stocks a beautiful array of gowns, including her own bespoke creations.
Sally Minns, Master Debonair – a gentleman’s outfitter specialising in weddings, proms and other special occasions offer classically styled tailoring and accessories, with a strong design ethic, modern flair and highly personalised service. They have a retail store in Newcastle.
Alex Winstone, Boss Model Management
Tina Elliott, Tina Elliott Hair – a freelance hair stylist who specialises in bridal hair, Tina has 25 years’ experience, she creates beautiful styles in consultation with each bride to ensure that they wear their hair style and confidence.
Cydney Beasley, Make Up Artist – a 2 nd year ‘Media Make Up for Fashion’ degree student at The University of Salford, Cyd is also CIDESCO recognised, and has recently been shortlisted as a finalist for ‘Makeup Artist of the Year Award’ by The Confederation of International Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology (CIBTAC).
Our canine model, Wizz….. bred by Suni Afghans Texas USA is a Champion show dog and without doubt in ‘A Class of his Own’. Handled by owner Sue Virgo.
Wizz’s Collar and lead – DogModa
