Good morning! I have something a little extra special for you this morning. Extra special not only because it is seriously gorgeous, packed full of the most beautiful florals and just perfect for the season; but also because it introduces you to the talents of two soon-to-be Chic Vintage Brides regulars! This vintage wedding inspiration from Natalie McNally, shot in my home area of Hawkes Bay no less, is brimming with opulent floral design and styling by Toni McGregor of Magdalen Hill – including a fresh flower necklace sure to take your breath away! Complete with gorgeous vintage styling, a little bit of whimsy oh and the most incredible braided updo (with a hint of modern Victoriana) you ever will see, I just know you are going to love it!

I absolutely adore the sumptuous shades of red and purple in this ‘The Secret Garden’ inspired shoot. They add an elegance, drama and romance to the rustic setting, making it simply perfect for you brides planning an Autumn or Winter wedding. Toni, the lady behind both the flowers and styling, says about the shoot and the inspiration “It was love at first sight, those magnificent doors to the Underground Cellar at Black Barn Winery. Instantly I was transported back to treasured childhood memories of Mary Lennox, her brother Dickon and the wonder of what lay beyond – an Urban Secret Garden was born. Romantic hues of rich ruby reds and deep plum were chosen to make a dramatic statement against the rustic textures and solid grey concrete which provided the perfect backdrop. The right amount of whimsy to our modern day take on an old classic tale was provided by details such as the chocolate apples served on wood slices. These playful notions were given sophistication by the stunning detail of the Rowan McLennan dress, Teagan Stead’s amazing hairstyle and the flawless make up by Candice Dear. Natalie from Natalie McNally Photography shared my vision and passion for beautiful blooms and captured every aspect perfectly. ” I couldn’t agree more! Toni’s floral creations are artistic masterpieces, that will truly make your heart sing and every image of this shoot is seriously stunning, so have your pinning finger at the ready!

A big thank-you to Natalie McNally, Toni from Magdalen Hill and the whole team for creating such stunning wedding inspiration – and for allowing me to share it with you.

And now for the really exciting news!! You will be seeing more, much more, of Toni’s floral creative flair over the coming months as she will be sharing some of her beautiful blooms from the coming New Zealand wedding season, captured perfectly by Natalie of course. I have seen the first one and it is a vision in white – you are going to love it! She has also kindly offered to help shed some light on the mystery (for me at least) that is flowers, helping you identify the different styles and shapes; providing an easy to understand guide for budgeting and breaking down a selection of your favourite bouquets into blooms and stems (with the first one the bouquet featured in this very shoot!) – so you know exactly what to ask your florist for. I have long been a fan of Toni’s elegant floral finesse, and it is matched by her love and passion for all things floral, so I just know you are going to love her and the posts we have planned.

What’s even lovelier is both Toni and Natalie are local, cue long leisurely chatter filled lunches fueled by coffee and Toni’s homebaked goodies – oh yes, she is also amazing in the kitchen, seriously there are no ends to this lady’s talents!! I can’t wait to share their first post and am looking forward to a long collaboration, and many more lunches, with these lovely and super talented ladies.

Amy

x

Photography ~ Natalie McNally

Florals and styling ~ Magdalen Hill

Tableware ~ Style Me Vintage

Dress ~ Rowan McLennan Design 

Hair ~ Teagan from Pure Hair

Makeup ~ Candice Dear from Embellish Me

Venue ~ Black Barn Vineyards