Putting the Ribbons N Bows into a 90’s RnB-Themed Photoshoot

📸 A FUN STEP BACK IN TIME 📸

On 1st June, I embarked on a journey back to the 90s with an incredible RnB-themed hen do/bridal photoshoot, and I couldn't be more thrilled to share the details with you all! Collaborating with a fabulous group of wedding suppliers and models, we captured the essence of nostalgia and style and it took me dancing and mixing back to my youth.  All from inside a car park in Huddersfield.

TLC Tip! Fan Mail Fan Fare

Of course as a huge TLC fan, a few of their classics were added to the day's playlist and this this piece's name.   TLC Tip are lyrics with 'Ain't to proud to beg' and 'Fan Mail' relates to the style while giving a nod to their album of the same name.

I crafted two stunning headpieces to suit different hairstyles. It turned out that I needed both designs as there was a model swap, so design 2 -the bow- fitted in with the new bride perfectly.  I’m delighted with how versatile and beautiful the designs turned out!

The Inspiration

The vibrant colors reflecting from CDs served as the primary inspiration for our creations. The bride's colours were  chosen to be the bright shades of green, and so I crafted two stunning headpieces to suit different hairstyles.

Although this particular piece can be worn with your hair down, its design to resemble a 40's pin up headscarf look with the hair up.  The fan folds are intentionally round to create a softer, more relaxed vibe than harsh sharp edges.

The stunning and full bodied red headdress that you can see in the collage picture is from @Vivera_milinery_accessories and demonstrates a similar but larger effect.

Side note: I also love the lines trailing through the fabric, it's so nice to look at on so many levels.

Although I would've loved to have gone big like this red example, it was important that I stuck to the brief, and big was not in it.

 I couldn't help myself with the giant bow piece. It's simplicity made it just the right amount of showy.You

On set

The whole plan came together seamlessly, resulting in an amazing look and vibe that truly captured the spirit of 90’s RnB. I did end up explaining music artists and ways of life from the time to the models. It's like someone explaining the early 70's to me back in the day I suppose. Eek.  The combination of creativity, collaboration, and attention to detail was evident in every shot.

The curved TLC Tip Fan Mail piece

I started by layering a vibrant lime green and darker green tulle, before shaping the piece into a a layered fan with curves and edges.  The lines are exentuated with satin ribbon strips and rhinestone gems all leading from a flowing cluster of gems at the top crown corner.

Further wavy satin ribbons were added once they had been moulded and were dry.

The headband is intented to give the impression of a headscarf, but is stretchy for security and ease.

Rhythm n Bows

Once again, I layered shades of bright green, but this time the look was created by fusing together sheets of sinamay fabric.  The size of the bow was really important when considering balance with the model's features so as to look intentionally bold, but not uncomfortable or a characature statement.

The bow was shaped, moulded and stiffened before being fixed to a velvety headband and decorated with a few carefully placed gems.  To bring in some relation to the fan piece, the wavy ribbon was added as a finishing touch.

The Team Behind the Magic

This shoot was a true collaborative effort. We all went away with the brief and came together in an empty urban space to bring a individual talents and turn them into a cohesive spark of colour and energy. A big thank you goes out to everyone who played a part (Instagram handles below).

• 📸 Photography: @terezaghattphotography
• 👰 Bridal Wear: @catherine_deane & @claude_bridal_studio
• 💄 Makeup: @nuelama_mua
• 💐 Flowers: @beulahflowersdorset
• 🍰 Cake: @CakesbyCaitlin
• 📝 Invites: @with_bells_on_invites
• 💡 Lighting: @pinchmeplease_
• 💎 Jewellery: @becauseearrings
• 🚺 Model: For TLC Tip! @blossom_wisdom

Special thanks to our models Blossom, Celina, Naomi, Sarah, and Tania, who brought so much life and energy to the theme. And of course, kudos to Abi for the impeccable hairstyling.