Twelve Dancing Princesses

Twelve Dancing Princesses is a dark, mysterious, and surprisingly glamorous fairytale created by the Brothers Grimm. A deep aesthetic mix of Maleficent and Alice in Wonderland, this wedding inspiration shoot styled by Jennifer Holden of Raspberry Bespoke Events combines rich colours with a thoroughly magical aura.

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Slipping away in the dead of night, twelve usually well-behaved and demure Princesses tiptoed through a secret door and found themselves in the neo-classical Georgian masterpiece of Chippenham Park, now masquerading as a magical forest. Trees and greenery overshadowed by gorgeous bouquets of Hellebores, Scabiosa and Rosa Dolcetto in pastel pinks, lilacs, and purples from Alice of All In One Season… Who also crafted stunning crowns from hand shaped twigs and semi-precious stones, which the princesses wore with aplomb.

Elizabeth’s Cake Emporium
Elizabeth’s Cake Emporium

As if it had risen from the ground, their secret door became a tabletop, and the beauty of the natural surroundings gathered to create an incredible tablescape fit for a princess – or maybe twelve – covered in cherub baroque gold candlesticks, hurricane lamps, jewels and hanging crystals from Wedding Day Hire. The opulent stationery from Intricate Creations included laser cut menus, table plans and place cards, in a regal mix of gold and a rich royal blue, and gracefully accented with gorgeous flowers, scrolls and curlicules.

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One special candelabra from Classic Crockery led the way to a gorgeous colour palette of tableware, with unique baroque glasses, white and gold crockery, and silver pheasants to catch the eyes of the princesses. Their royal heritage was encapsulated in the beautiful crown atop the table, made more beautiful by the stunning florals.

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If the princesses thought the flowers were incredible, they had yet to taste the delicacies waiting for them on the table. Elizabeth (of Elizabeth’s Cake Emporium) had created a tiered pale lilac baroque cake, embellished with gold detailing, and delicately hand painted with an exquisite woodland scene, and delightfully realistic sugar flowers in pastel pinks and purples. Other edible treats included a whimsical single tiered cake, magical cupcakes, scrumptious cake pops, featuring sugar flowers, edible laser cut lace, edible gold ballet slippers, cameos, bows and cherubs – phew! That’s a royal sugar rush.

Dancing Princesses Ikon works
Dancing Princesses Ikon works

The princesses’ gorgeous gowns were created by designer Joanne Fleming, including a gold and black beaded lace gown in metallic silk organza, and a rich gold embroidered navy tulle over bronze silk organza, with a graduated hem, as well as a lace and feather cape, a silk tulle veil, and wonderful Swarovski accents. The richly textured dresses were complimented by ethereal shoes from Emmy London, allowing the princesses to dance the night away, and their hair was held in place with hair accessories from Jane HF Couture Hair. Regal makeup was carefully applied by Boe of Botias Hair & Makeup, with a mixture of dark, mischievous looks and softer, ethereal looks, against the extreme, sweeping hairstyles.

The beautiful shots of this mystical tale were taken at different hours in the day, by Tasha of Ikonworks, to reflect the timeline of the story; from the princesses sneaking out at dusk to dance the night away, to them arriving home at dawn, exhausted and exhilarated.

A glamorous fairytale indeed…