Thoroughly Modern Cecilia Atonement Inspired Glamorous 1940s Wedding Ideas

Have you ever seen the film Atonement? I urge you to watch it. The drama, the romance, the glamour; it all translates perfectly into an elegant and vintage 1940s style wedding editorial.

From the decadent and luxe florals, jaw dropping tables laden with treats and a bride that radiates style and luxe hair and make up looks. There is so much here to be inspired by and all captured so perfectly by Ikonworks.

“Frances and I have worked together so many times now, we refer to each other as work wives. There is something very special indeed about professional collaborations in the wedding industry. What makes it even better is we work so well together, it is always fun and rewarding. Frances mentioned an Atonement themed vintage shoot, I was immediately inspired and besotted. I adore her meticulous approach to make up design, and her styling talents are superb. She knows exactly what she likes, as do I. Our styles compliment each other, making our joint projects work brilliantly!

Our first mission was to find the perfect venue. Hill Place is unique, and has that perfect vintage getaway feel. The house has a Georgian country villa style, and is set in the prettiest of Hampshire parkland. The beautiful magnolia trees were in bloom when we arrived, and it was stunning.

I watched the film three of four times, making note of all the beautiful detailing. We talked together about creating something inspired by an edition of vintage Vogue. Careful to add a few modern twists, and adaptations to keep it up to date and fresh. Think femme fatale, American socialite, mixed with Hampshire lady. We wanted to use a very feminine colour palette throughout, it had to be romantic, elegant and classy. We wanted it to be very English in style, and gorgeously floral. Like the film, the story and the venue, intimate, welcoming, and inspirational.

Victoria our beautiful model, embraced the role to perfection. She wore a drop dead gorgeous trouser two piece by Catherine Deane, and two stunning gowns by Jesus Peiro. Natalie from Exquisite working magic to ensure we had the gowns from Jesus Peiro arrive on time. The Metropolis collection had not even been on the catwalk at the time we shot, so we were very lucky indeed.

There are key details from the film present throughout the shoot. The star hair piece from Victoria Ferguson, which Cecilia wears and loses after her “encounter” in the library. The typewriter which Robbie uses to create the scandalous note. I found the score by Dario Marianelli for the music to the film, which Lou from Beyond Vintage aged perfectly for us. The ugly vase Cecilia and Robbie fight over, with the gorgeous British flowers in. Thank you so much to our florist Judith and the team at What Peggy Did Next for making that element happen. Lovely Frances even incorporated the lipstick worn by Kiera Knightly at the Oscar’s in 2007 into her selection of make up.

With meticulous historical food research the wonderful Smallpiece Catering and Jemima excelled. Creating the most beautiful dinner, cakes and sweat treats, complimenting the style of the shoot to perfection. Working together we created the the most stunning, decadent table in the dining room of Hill Place.

Towards the end of the shoot, I wanted to incorporate a bridesmaid style dress. I have always loved Maids to Measure, so the duck egg Bellatrix gown was perfection. Retreating to the library with a glass of champagne our wonderful day came to a very stylish end.”

CREDIT WHERE CREDIT IS DUE |

Director and Photographer | Ikonworks

Host | Hill Place Property

Management of site and styling | What Peggy Did Next

Creator and MUA | Frances Moore MUA

Hair | Bridal Hair in Hampshire

Props, lay flat styling accents, stationery and signage | Beyond Vintage

Florist | Judith Searles Flowers

Caterer | Small Piece Catering

Jewllery and Hair Pieces | Victoria Ferguson

Catherine Deane trouser suit and two Jesus Piero dresses | Exquisite Bridal

Suit and Shirts | King and Allen

Bridesmaid Dresses | Maids to Measure

Rachel Simpson Shoes | Hannah Elizabeth Bridal

Cakes | Jemima

Ring Box | The Mrs Box

Silk and Ribbons | Silk and Purl

Honeymoon Book | The Safekeeping Society

Cocktail Trolley | The Toast

Model | Victoria Lindsay Coutts

Utterly beautiful!

Huge thanks goes to the whole team for sharing these special images with us today xo Lou