Ethereal Italian Blues at Middleton Lodge | A Styled Bridal Shoot Close to My Heart

Natalie
Aug 14
3 min read

Some venues are special, and then there’s Middleton Lodge; where I walked down the aisle myself. Stepping back into its sunlit Fig House for this shoot felt like coming home, only this time I wasn’t the bride… I was there as the Makeup Artist working alongside some of the most talented suppliers to bring our dreamy, Italian-inspired vision to life.

The brief was soft, ethereal, and elegant, a timeless blend of delicate lace, romantic florals, and elegant white and blue styling that whispered of Tuscan courtyards and Mediterranean skies. This wasn’t just another styled shoot; it was a love letter to Middleton Lodge and to the kind of timeless bridal beauty that feels as luxurious in person as it does in your wedding photographs.

A Venue Bathed in Light

The Fig House is one of Middleton Lodge’s most magical spaces. It’s airy and bright, with walls that seem to drink in natural light. That soft, diffused glow is a makeup artist’s dream, and I leaned into it, crafting Signature Glowing Skin Makeup that caught every ray, making our brides and bridesmaids look lit from within. The Italian nod came through in the elegance of the styling, with My Pretties UK creating florals and tablescapes that felt chic yet effortless, the kind of beauty you almost can’t plan, except of course, you can when you have a creative mind like hers.

The Looks: Glowing Skin and Elegant Detail

We worked with two different sets for this shoot: a real-life couple whose chemistry radiated through every image, and a bridal party with one bride and two bridesmaids. For the bridal looks, the dresses from Chloe Jane Bridal Wear by designer Savannah Miller Bridal stole the show. Layers of soft lace, delicate structure, and almost weightless movement made each step look SO dreamy. The bridesmaids wore elegant midi-length gowns in soft, powdery blues, a refreshing change from traditional floor-length styles, each carrying a single calla lily for a refined, modern touch.

For makeup, I wanted to echo the softness of the day with skin that was luminous yet understated, perfectly complementing the romantic bridal makeup brief. Cheeks were kissed with a warm, subtle rose-toned flush, eyes kept naturally defined, and lips finished with a fresh, balmy look. The result was an elegant bridal look that felt timeless with a hint of modern soft glam.

Styling That Felt Like a Destination Wedding

Although firmly rooted in Yorkshire, this shoot could have been transported straight from an Italian villa. The crisp linens from Table Alchemy, the effortlessly stylish chairs and cutlery from Crosby Hire, and the ethereal veils and accessories from The Veil Atelier UK, all sang in harmony with the overall vision. Gray Starling Studio’s stationery and Where the Ribbon Ends’ exquisite cake tied it all together with just the right amount of refined luxury.

And working with my ultimate favourite on Hair, Colette meant it was a match made in Bridal Heaven. Hair by Tosetti Bridal Hair Team and Natalija Hair brought soft romance to the looks, loose textured waves and relaxed updos that felt perfectly undone. The finishing touches, delicate earrings from Maison Sabben, caught the light beautifully in the Fig House’s sun-dappled corners.

Why This Shoot Speaks to My Heart

As someone who said “I do” at Middleton Lodge, seeing it dressed in such a new way was pure joy. It’s proof that even the most familiar venue can feel completely reimagined with the right team, creative direction, and vision. This shoot showcased the magic of Middleton, and I was so very proud of the looks I created that day; skin-focused, light-enhancing, and utterly bespoke to each girl in my chair, and proved how seamlessly a bridal look can translate from English countryside all the way to an Italian dreamscape.

It’s also a reminder to brides that your styling choices, from a single calla lily bouquet to a midi bridesmaid dress, can transform the entire feel of your day. Just like makeup, it’s about enhancing the essence of what’s already there, not masking it. And when the light hits just right, as it always does at Middleton Lodge, the result is nothing short of unforgettable.

Thankyou for reading,