Step into a hidden slice of Italy nestled in the English countryside with this romantic editorial set beneath the classical arches of the Marquis Estate. Inspired by the warmth and elegance of a Tuscan wedding, the shoot blends refined European styling with soft garden textures featuring patterned pistachio linens, sculptural florals in blush and ivory, and delicate, artisanal details, all beautifully captured through the lens of Stuart Wood.
A statement Millia London gown, paired with bespoke embroidered veils and iconic Dior heels, brought an ethereal femininity to the look. At the same time, a sharply tailored Scabal suit from Savile Row added timeless sophistication to the scene. From the winding tablescape of round dining tables to the lush floral design and modern-meets-classic fashion choices, every element was crafted to evoke the feeling of an alfresco Italian celebration without ever leaving the UK.
The Inspiration
This stunning venue is like a hidden Italy within the Suffolk countryside. Bringing all the elegance of a Tuscan wedding to the UK. I was inspired to create this beautiful shoot that told a story of romance and timeless beauty, with every detail carefully chosen to evoke the magic of an Italian celebration.
The lush floral arrangements mirrored the blooms you’d find in a countryside villa, while the patterned linens added an artisanal charm reminiscent of alfresco dining in a sun-drenched piazza. The show-stopping gown by Millia London, with its dramatic silhouette and ethereal textures, brought a sense of opulence that tied the vision together. Altogether, the shoot was a celebration of la dolce vita — luxurious, emotive, and effortlessly elegant.
The Fashion
The Leilani gown by Millia London was the perfect centrepiece for our shoot, dramatic, ethereal, and utterly romantic. With its plunging neckline and cascading tiers of soft tulle ruffles, it struck the ideal balance between bold, Italian-inspired fashion and delicate femininity. The antique white hue glowed beautifully against the lush Italian garden
backdrop, creating a timeless and elegant contrast. We paired it with Millia London’s statement veil for some truly breathtaking moments, but also introduced a more delicate touch through a bespoke embroidered veil by British designer Hannah Cummings.
This two-tier design featured a fine border of hand-embroidered sweet peas, a nod to blooms native to Southern Italy, adding a meaningful, artisanal layer to the look. The veil’s floaty, romantic finish melted seamlessly into the dress, with its tulle edge blending into the soft layers of the gown. Continuing with our feminine, fashion-forward styling, we completed the look with the iconic J’Adior slingback pumps in beige by Dior, a final flourish of European elegance to complement our Italian dreamscape.
To complement the elegance of the Millia London gown and the romantic, Italian-inspired setting, we chose a beautifully tailored tuxedo by Scabal, of Savile Row. Known for their impeccable craftsmanship and timeless British tailoring, Scabal brought a touch of refined masculinity to the aesthetic, perfectly balancing the softness of the florals and flowing fabrics.
The clean lines and structured silhouette of the tux added a modern edge, while still feeling effortlessly classic. Just as the styling blended English charm with Italian romance, this look conveyed understated luxury, a groom’s ensemble that feels both iconic and deeply considered.
The Florals and Decor
At the centre of the design is a stunning floral arrangement that feels both artfully abundant and delicately curated, thanks to Alicia for bringing my concept to life with her own creativity! Layers of blush, peach, and ivory blooms, including garden roses, ranunculus, lisianthus, and sweet peas, spill gracefully across the table, echoing the romance of a blooming Italian villa. The florals were thoughtfully paired with natural foliage and wisps of dried
textures to create depth, movement, and a sense of effortless opulence.
The linen from Table Alchemy, a standout feature in its own right, featured an elegant green botanical print that offered a subtle nod to classic Italian toile. It laid the perfect foundation for the tablescape, adding softness and story while allowing the florals to shine. Each place setting was styled with crystal-cut glassware, fine gold cutlery, and soft sage-green napkins knotted elegantly atop delicate china, striking a perfect balance between rustic charm and
refined sophistication.
Taper candles in muted olive hues added a romantic glow as they lined the table, ready to flicker as the sun set over the garden. The surrounding rattan-backed chairs and the gentle dome structure above helped complete the scene, bringing a timeless European flair to this countryside wedding dream.
The second look introduces a more structural, contemporary floral design, while still honouring the essence of an Italian-inspired wedding reception. Pistachio-toned linens set the stage, complemented by tropical blooms that embrace negative space and sculptural form, creating a striking contrast beneath the timeless arches of the Marquis cloisters. The overall aesthetic beautifully mirrors the fashion decision we took with the dress: a harmonious blend of modern boldness and classical femininity. Vibrant, architectural florals juxtaposed against the historic Italian-style backdrop make for a truly captivating and elevated visual narrative.
Written by Event Curation by Victoria
Full Supplier Credits:
Concept, Planning & Styling – @eventcurationbyv – https://eventcuration.co.uk/
Photography – @stuartwoodphoto – https://stuartwoodweddings.com/
Venue – @marquis.suffolk – https://www.marquissuffolk.com/
Floral Design – @aliciaflowerdesigner – https://www.aliciaflowerdesigner.com/
Content creator – @ivorywhitewedding – https://www.ivorywhitephotography.com/
Dress – @millia.london – https://www.millialondon.com/
Veil – @hannahcummingsembroidery – https://www.hannahcummingsembroidery.com/
Suit – @scabal – https://scabal.com/
Models – Tommy Newbigging, Mia Dessaur
Linens – @tablealchemy – https://www.tablealchemy.co.uk/
Tableware – @banquetinghire_official – https://www.banquetinghire.co.uk/
Cake – @lucas_cakes – https://www.lucascakes.co.uk/
Hair – @chelsea_l_wray – https://cllydfordhairdesign.co.uk/
Make Up – @makeupbycarliex – https://makeupbycarlie.com/
Shoes – @dior – https://www.dior.com/
Stationery – @eventcurationbyv – https://eventcuration.co.uk/