A group of wedding professionals have come together to raise awareness of VOW for Girls, a charity they are collectively passionate about, in a joyful styled shoot. The shoot features a group of young girls, having fun and enjoying a tea party at Four Seasons Hampshire that celebrates girlhood and their individual potential.
It all began with a spark of inspiration and an innovative idea. I approached the renowned luxury wedding cake expert Elizabeth Solaru from Elizabeth’s Cake Emporium and proposed a unique collaboration that combines my love for painting with Elizabeth’s exquisite cakes. Little did I know that this humble idea would evolve into a magnificent styled shoot, with the most brilliant minds in the wedding industry generously contributing their time and talent for free. It was my first time organising a creative shoot and it was a whirlwind. I am beyond proud and excited with the result.
VOW for Girl’s vision is a world where no child is ever a bride. The charity partners with wedding professionals, brands and individuals to raise awareness and much needed funds to end the international child marriage crisis. Every year, 12 million girls around the world become brides before they turn 18. That is one girl every 3 seconds.
Our shoot focused on 5 girls aged 6-12 and expresses each girl’s individuality, their freedom to be whatever they dream to be and live a life they love as they grow to become strong and valued women with the world at their feet. None of the girls had ever modelled before and they all worked hard on the day and were very professional. Their efforts were rewarded with lots of delicious cake.
Dunn added, this project is a great example of how wedding professionals can take a stand and say #LoveIsOurBusiness while using their skills to support VOW’s vision of a world where no child is ever a bride.
The shoot represented VOW for Girl’s vision in every way possible. Florist to the stars Paula Rooney chose the vibrant colour palette and flowers based on VOW’s branding. The stationery was beautifully designed and laser cut by Intricate Creations incorporating VOW’s logo and delicate 3D butterflies.
Elizabeth Solaru of Elizabeth’s Cake Emporium created individual cakes for each girl involved in the shoot. She commented:
“The individual cakes in different designs and shoot colours, were made for each girl as a celebration of their common girlhood, their different personalities and individuality. It is important that we set a good example for our girls by believing in them and their dreams which are limitless in their potential.”
The energetic, tea party atmosphere and the hot air balloon represented that girlhood is about having fun as you learn who you are and what you want to become. The world is your oyster and your limitless potential is celebrated.
Sian Hughes Cooke from Shimmering Ivory designed and created a bespoke dress for Layla (9) especially for this photoshoot. The origami butterfly emulated the butterfly logo of Vow for Girls and the feather design of the skirt was made using poly chiffon and poly organdie made from 100% RPET meaning that these fabrics are made from 100% recycled plastic bottles. The blue volume fabric worn by Emily (11) was also made from sustainable fabric.
Wonderful wedding planner and amazing human being Jane Riddell from Planned for Perfection, was in charge of planning and styling; she added:
“What better way to celebrate with young girls than with a bright, vibrant, and energetic tea party, full of fun and laughter. The celebration culminated with a ride in a hot air balloon, allowing the girls to fly away, to explore the world, a world where anything and everything is possible and where girls can be whoever and whatever they want to be.”
It is hoped this shoot will not only convey the positive message of a girl’s infinite potential, but also inspire other wedding professionals and couples to support VOW, whether by becoming a VOW Pro supporter (as these collaborators are) or by collating donations to VOW for Girls as an alternative to their gift list.
Shoot Credits
Feature: @wedluxe
Charity: VOW for girls – @vowforgirls
Venue: Four Seasons Hampshire – @fshampshire & @fshampshireevents
PR: Guides for Brides @guidesforbrides
Artist & Shoot Creator: Live Event Artist – @liveeventartist
Planner / Stylist: Planned for Perfection – @plannedforperfection
Cakes: Elizabeth’s Cake Emporium – @elizabethscakeemporium
Stationery: Intricate Creations – @intricatecreations
Photographer: Cristina Ilao – @cristinailaophoto
Videographer: Muse Motion Pictures – @musemotionpictures
Flowers: Paula Rooney – @paularooneyfloraldesigner
Hair & Makeup: J&L Hair and Makeup – @jujuwest15 and @lisabridalhairandmakeup
Balloons: Bubblegum Balloons – @bubblegumballoons
Main dresses: Shimmering Ivory – @shimmering_ivory
Silk dresses (Orange & Grey): Little Bevan – @littlebevanlondon
Outfits: House of Gallet, ladies designer wear – @houseofgallet
Shoes: Models own
Accessories: Models own
Hot Air Balloon: Atmosphere Hot Air Balloons – @atmosphere_hot_air_balloons
Furniture: Event Hire Hub – @londoneventhire
Linen: Just 4 Linen – @just_4_linen
Tableware: Whitehouse Event Crockery – @whitehouse_crockery
