Colourful Cuba! One of the most fabulously unique wedding trends we’ve seen for a while, and we absolutely love it. So much so, that in collaboration with the other winners of the 2016 Four Counties Wedding Awards we captured it for this styled wedding shoot. This was our first foray into a styled wedding shoot for Cuban wedding inspiration and we really enjoyed it, and it in particular gave Lina a chance to go back to her directing skills!
Cuban wedding inspiration is about rich, earthy tones with a nod to the alternative and free spirited couple. Capturing the spirit of Cuba is about being your true self – to choose a one of a kind wedding dress, adding vintage touches to the groom’s style, showing off your tattoos and letting your rock and roll spirit shine!
Cuban bridal style
The ‘bride’ in the shoot wore a traditional lace gown by Lilian West, accessorised with a plush floral crown by Love from Becky, vintage peep toe shoes and her fantastic tattoos. For the ‘reception’ we chose stunning Sharon Bowen-Dryden separates, embroidered with green flowers and accessorised with a glimmering beaded hair crown – another fantastic piece by Love from Becky . A ruffled wrap completed this boho look, and it’s perfect for keeping chills away if you don’t have Havana’s weather.
The alternative groom
Forget the traditional tailcoats and tuxedos, a Cuban groom breaks the mould! Our ‘groom’ chose a slick white suit jacket styled with a black bow tie, later opened up at the chest to show off his tattoos. We wanted him to stand out from the crowd, and our bearded, tattooed model worked so well for the shoot. The true Cuban spirit is about individuality. Don’t be afraid to try a new style for your wedding day.
Lush, plush wedding décor
The Cuban wedding theme comes alive when you add in the wedding décor – leafy ferns, plush pink flowers, deep red roses and festoon lights. Our stylist, Gemma from The White Emporium, did such a fantastic job sourcing vintage china and the perfect red candles to complete the look.
Styling your wedding
What’s perfect about the Cuban inspired wedding theme is that you can go all in or just have a nod to Cuba on your wedding day.
Choose rich red tones for your table settings or incorporate an alternative twist to your bridal gown, or arrive in style in a vintage car. It’s perfect for couples who’d like to create memories to last a lifetime, for those with an alternative look on life and couples who like to break from tradition.
Cuban Dreams Styled Shoot – Team and Suppliers
Concept: Tracy Butterfield
Stylist: Gemma Lander – The White Emporium
Art Direction and Photographer: Lina & Tom
Location: The Barns Hotel, Bedford
Venue Dresser: Stardust Events
Dresses: (ivory) Lilian West at George James Bridal
(green) Bowden Dryden Separates
Headwear Accessories: Love from Becky
Suit: Fogarty Formal Wear
Make-up: Kerry Curl – Cambridge Make-Up Artist
Female Hair: The Annexx
Florist: Signature Flowers
DJ: JN Sounds
Cadillac: American Dreams
Models: ‘Groom’ Karl Grey, ‘Bride’ Charlotte Daniella Harris, ‘Bridesmaid’ Aimee Worboys
We were delighted the shoot was also featured on the brilliant Mr and Mrs Unique blog – where you can read more about this fab shoot.
Loving the Cuban Wedding Inspiration here? Planning to actually get married in Cuba now? Why not take us with you? Check out our destination wedding photography and make the inspiration your reality!