I just had to share this. I was asked to do the bridal hair for a wedding day dogs photo-shoot at The Kedleston in the heart of Derbyshire. What a brilliant day!The shoot was captured by the very talented Ed from Ed Godden Photography
I was invited by my friend Michelle Dixon, owner of Hurley’s dog grooming in Nottingham, Bingham, to style the hair (not for the dogs) but to do the bridal hair for a wedding photo-shoot. She was planning to promote a new side to her business called Hurley’s wedding day dogs. As a complete dog lover myself and a lover of all things wedding and wedding hair, how could I refuse? This sounded like the perfect day and boy, it really was just that! I met some amazing and hugely talented people and of course I got to fuss lots of lovely dogs too, I was in doggy heaven!
Hurley’s named after Michelle’s gorgeous Border terrier is a unique Pet chaperone service. For couples getting married this is a bespoke pamper service for your precious pooch to be a part of your wedding day. Whether it’s for your photographs or as a ring bearer it can all be arranged. I love this brilliant idea and not only will your dog look and smell fabulous, but a floral collar or a bow tie can also be arranged to fit in with your colour scheme. So who will take care of your four legged friend ? Everyone you know and trust will be there with you on your wedding day so why not let Michelle take care of your dog for the rest of the day or even overnight. Not only will there be food and walkies but lots of love and cuddles too leaving you to relax knowing your dog is in very safe hands. What’s not to love!
Michelle had a very clear vision of how the she wanted the shoot to look and also wanted to create a nice relaxed feel and make sure we all enjoyed the day. We had all been given lots of lovely ideas to help bring it all together so I knew exactly what I needed to do with the bridal hair. I arrived bright and early on what was a gorgeous warm and sunny day to The Kedleston Country house hotel. Rebecca our model for the day was just arriving, we were made very welcome by Robyn from Kedleston and shown to the room where we made ourselves very at home. What a gorgeous place for a wedding and so dog friendly. Just as well really as a lot of dogs were on their way.
The team arrived with all their fabulous goodies, I knew straight away we were going to have a fun day. The girls were in heaven with all the jewellery, flowers, make up and dresses. Before I knew it I had booked a jewellery party with the lovely Shivani from Stella and Dot . Lizzie was in her element trying on all the floral crowns, Ed was already busy snapping away at every opportunity. The girls from the little creative caravan The Little Creative Caravan were setting up outside in the gorgeous sunshine.
We all set to work with me styling the hair for Rebecca Elston our gorgeous model and Amy Wilkinson was doing the makeup then it was time to get Rebecca in to one of Lizzies stunning handmade dresses from Elizabeth Malcolm , a floral crown made by Wendy from Wild Thyme and jewellery from Stella and Dot then head off in to the sunshine to the little creative caravan which is a quirky little photo-booth which can be hired for your wedding.
Lots of gorgeous dogs had arrived with their owners and were waiting patiently to be dressed in their gorgeous floral collars made by Wendy from wild thyme. Michelle kept all the dogs in control (well, most of the time) until Tick , a shepherd cross fancied a kiss with Ed.
After a spot of lunch, several hairstyle and head dress changes, dress flowers, jewellery and makeup changes and more pics we headed off to a field down the hill that Ed had spotted. With dogs in tow, Rebecca was about to put her fitness levels to the test as Ed had her running up and down the hill being pulled along by a gorgeous cocker poo called Ollie wearing a stunning floral collar made of gypsophila, what great fun and I can’t believe you didn’t fall over Rebecca.
We headed back to the hotel for yet more wedding hair styling, make up jewellery and dress changes and some more pics inside the gorgeous Kedleston Hotel. Hendrix looks gorgeous in his bow tie from Hufton and Hound at home and he knows it! After several attempts to take pictures and lots of licks on the face for Rebecca, Hendrix decided it was meal time and ate his way through his floral lead. Michelle managed to persuade Hendrix to sit for just a few seconds to get a few shots, What a cutie!
After all the dogs had their 15 mins of fame it was time for the Main dog Hurley himself who had waited so patiently although had been fussed all day and loved every second. Hurley did not disappoint with his lovely little poses and lots of kisses.
It’s a wrap
After an early start and a long but fabulous day and lots of photos taken it was time to wrap up and pack up and have a well-earned glass of beer with the team.
When Ed sent the photos we were all blown away by such fabulous picture’s and were desperate to share but couldn’t, but it was worth the wait for Hurley’s to appear in www.savethedatemagazine.co.uk/magazine/ www.festivalbrides.co.uk and www.weddingideasmag.com
Nice one Michelle!
I seriously cannot recommend this team enough for your wedding day, true professionals and lovely people. I have worked on a few shoots now and loved them all but this is one shoot I will certainly never forget.
Thanks to you all for the fun and laughter , the fantastic images and for some sound advice for my business.
Good luck Michelle and Hurley’s it was an absolute pleasure! Can we do it all again please!
