Makeup & Hair Inspiration for an English Garden Party Wedding

I have always been a fan of British humor, but I have also recently become a fan of British drama - especially the popular Downton Abbey series.  While I was a bit late joining the Downton Abbey train, I quickly got on board after several marathon viewings of the entire 4 seasons.

If you're anything like me, I am anxiously awaiting the beginning of Season 5 and I wanted to share some photos of a recently styled photo shoot that may inspire you to plan your own enchanting English Garden Party or Wedding!

Please note that ALL of these images belong to Lacey Peyton Photography, who so graciously shared them with me.

The fabulous Carolyn Mills, from Sweet Tea & Linen, assembled the Houston, TX area / Montgomery County wedding vendors and did all of the wedding styling.  Sweet Tea & Linen provided the vintage rentals too.

Hodge Podge Lodge in Montgomery, TX opened their doors and beautiful English style garden for us, which created the perfect backdrop for our party!

As a Houston makeup artist, I was thrilled to be asked to do the makeup for these beautiful models!    I just love the very natural and fresh faces on Downton Abbey and wanted to keep the bride's makeup very light and natural.  I wanted to contrast our maid of honor a bit and went with a little more dramatic look, but one that did not compete with our bride.

Why yes, that's a real dove, provided by Magic & Miracles*!

The wedding dress and the bridesmaid dress was provided by Princess Bridal.

Photo Courtesy of: Lacey Peyton  /Makeup by: Makeup by Keri Ann Reardon

Jessica Nelson, who works with me on many of my Houston area weddings,  did a great job styling the hair for these lovelies ….

Photos Courtesy of : Lacey Peyton / Hair by Jessica Nelson

And for this little cutie:

Photo courtesy of Lacey Peyton/ Hair by Jessica Nelson

We all know the perfect party begins with the perfect invitation and Jo's Paper Kitchen made the most beautiful ones!  The envelope is so inviting, I think I would clear my calendar for any event that may be enclosed.  Wouldn't you?!?

Photo Courtesy of: Lacey Peyton / Invitations by Jo's Paper Kitchen

The flowers from A Different Bloom were AMAZING.  The little details make a big difference - look closely...

Photo courtesy of: Lacey Peyton / Florals by A Different Bloom

Photos Courtesy of:  Lacey Peyton / Wedding Styling & Vintage Rental by Sweet Tea & Linen

Photo Courtesy of: Lacey Peyton  / Florals by  A Different Bloom

Photo Courtesy of: Lacey Peyton  / Florals by A Different Bloom

Photo Courtesy of: Lacey Peyton / Florals by A Different Bloom

Photos Courtesy of:  Lacey Peyton / Wedding Styling & Vintage Rental by Sweet Tea & Linen

This couple had a great time being the center of attention for all of us!

Photo Courtesy of:  Lacey Peyton / Makeup by:  Makeup by Keri Ann Reardon

Photos courtesy of: Lacey Peyton / Wedding Styling by Sweet Tea & Linen

  OR….

CAKE!

Photo Courtesy of:  Lacey Peyton / Cake by Deborah Abrego

I was determined to stay until the very end to get a piece of this most beautiful cake! Deborah Abrego Valdez brought an old family recipe to life and included florals from A Different Bloom.  This is not your typical American wedding cake, but it is a very English wedding cake and looks so very amazing!  It was not too sweet and would compliment a cup of tea nicely….

And speaking of tea...

Tea is a wonderful way to wrap up the end of your English Garden Party Wedding, don't you think?

Photo Courtesy of: Lacey Peyton / Sweet Tea & Linen Styling & Vintage Rentals

I hope these pictures inspire you.

You can find more inspirational ideas from this same photo shoot.  This styled session was featured in The Woodlands Bride Fall 2014 issue.   The article is entitled Secret Garden and it's on page 14. 

Please let me know what you think by leaving a comment below!

*To get more information about the rental of doves & pigeons from Magic & Miracles in Montgomery.

Many thanks to our models, who spent more time than they expected, posing in front of the camera:  Michelle & Todd Hammons, Destinee Williams, Aleena Burns and Declan Kenney!

Thank you again to Hodge Podge Lodge for the hospitality - your Montgomery, TX B&B is a little piece of heaven right outside of Houston, TX!