Essex Wedding Photographer: Epping Forest bridal shoot with Poppy Perspective dresses

As a photographer, autumn is definitely up there as one of my favourite seasons to shoot in. My style is all about the outdoors and incorporating greenery into my shots, so I love it when that greenery goes orange! As an Essex wedding photographer, Epping Forest is on my doorstep. Today’s blog features a recent bridal shoot in the forest. I have two completely different looks for you today from Poppy Perspective.

Having got some big styled shoots under my belt over the summer, I wanted to shoot some new autumnal content. Epping Forest has long been my happy place and I go there most weeks for a walk.

I had the idea to do a bridal shoot in one of my new favourite areas of the forest, up near Theydon Bois.

I’d been eyeing up one of Poppy Perspective’s black wedding dresses for a while, so immediately messaged her about it. You’ll know by now from some of my other shoots, I’m a huge Stevie Nicks fan! For this reason I was desperate to shoot her black ‘Tennessee’ dress.

Sustainable bridal wear with Poppy Perspective

Made of vintage lace fabrics and kimono sleeves and stunning fringe, this dress was ethereal with a touch of Halloween for a seasonal wedding. My beautiful model Jenna, who is also a dancer moved like a dream in it which just emphasised the fit and tasseled details.

All Poppy Perspective’s dresses are one off and sustainable! I always fall in love with the pretty lace and totally unique creations.

One thing I love about shoots is getting to meet new suppliers. For this shoot, Jenna had her hair and make up done by Vicky Jiggens Hair and Make up. Vicky created a beautiful glowing look with slightly darker tones to fit with the autumnal feel.

Stunning autumn wedding bouquet idea

Augusta Hope Flowers created an over-sized stunning seasonal bouquet, filled with oranges, reds and texture. My favourite bouquets are oversized with a combination of different textures, and finished off with a co-ordinated ribbon. A ribbon especially adds a lovely pop of colour against a white wedding dress.

To finish this black bridal look, Jenna wore a pair of lace black boots from House of Elliott. I shoot with House of Elliott boots a lot as they just look absolutely divine and are definitely something special for your big day! This is the first time I’ve used a black pair, and they go with this dress like a dream.

Epping Forest golden hour

We shot in the early evening, just as that beautiful golden light which all photographers love was starting to appear. Admittedly, it was early in the season so the gorgeous orange leaves weren’t out in full force yet. However, it was still really great to get out and shoot some bridal content just for the fun of it! As an Essex wedding photographer I am just so happy to have shot in Epping Forest, finally!

I also gave Jenna by To Be Adorned earrings to wear with this dress as the black and silver perfectly goes with the dress. I had originally borrowed these earrings for another shoot, but ended up buying them off Becca as I loved them so much! They are my absolutely favourites. I wear them all the time!

After shooting in the heart of Epping Forest, we headed back to mine for a fresh make up look and a change into another Poppy Perspective’ dress. Our second look was ‘Izzy’, a pretty vintage crochet design with an open back and staggering low neck line.

Stunning vintage lace wedding dress

I can’t choose a favourite element from this dress, it’s all so pretty. I’m torn between the tassel detail on the sleeves and the impressive train!

For this part of the shoot, we went more local to me at Hollow Ponds in Wanstead. We were catching the very last bit of daylight, catching the blue hour. For this look, Augusta had designed a second bouquet! I don’t think I’ve ever seen one like this before, a masterpiece cascading bouquet filled with autumn colour.

Dresses – Poppy perspective / Hair and Make up – Vicky Jiggens / Flowers – Augusta Hope / Shoes – House of Elliott / Black hoop earrings – To Be Adorned.

If you’re looking for an Essex wedding photographer, do get in touch. There are some wonderful wedding venues around Epping Forest, including The Barns at Lodge Farm and Gaynes Park. You can read my blog post about some of my favourite local venues here.