Butley Priory, Italian-Inspired Wedding Shoot

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I love collaborating with a talented team to bring a wedding vision to life. I’ve had the pleasure of working with many amazing professionals, but when I hear the name Beth Beresford, I know it’s going to be a good day at work. Beth is an incredible Suffolk-based wedding photographer, and when I was asked to be part of her Italian-Inspired Wedding Shoot at Butley Priory, I jumped at the chance.

 

The Vision: An Italian Dream Wedding

Butley Priory is one of my all-time favourite wedding venues in Suffolk. With its 700-year-old history and stunning architecture, it’s always a breathtaking place to work. Beth’s vision for this particular shoot was magical — an Italian-inspired dream wedding, with Sunkissed yellows and Mediterranean details. Every element, from the decor to the overall vibe, was meticulously curated to transport you to the romantic streets of Italy.

As a wedding makeup artist, it’s crucial to understand the aesthetic of the shoot, so I always start by reviewing mood boards and briefs. Beth wanted to channel a 90s glam look for the makeup, featuring pale gold tones, warm amber hues, and soft, toffee-coloured eyeshadows paired with neutral accents. I couldn’t wait to dive in and start planning!

 

Planning the Makeup Looks

Once I’d gathered all the details, my first task was researching iconic 90s makeup trends and brainstorming ways to give them a modern twist. I wanted the makeup to complement the stunning venue and dresses while staying true to the theme. I sifted through my kit (and realised just how much makeup I own!) to select the perfect products for this Italian-inspired wedding shoot.

The next step was reviewing the models’ photos and considering their outfits and hairstyles. We had two gorgeous brunettes, each with unique looks, so I tailored their makeup to match their individual styles. It was a busy day, but with a clear plan in mind, everything fell into place beautifully.

 

Model 1: Monica – The Influencer Look

Monica, a digital creator and influencer, has an incredible eye for fashion and is known for snagging secondhand designer pieces. You can follow her on Instagram at @themonicaway, where she shares her style secrets. For Monica, I wanted to keep her makeup fresh and radiant, enhancing her natural beauty.

I opted for a light-reflecting foundation by Nars to create a flawless base, sculpted her cheeks for a defined yet soft look, and added a coral blush to bring warmth to her complexion. On her eyes, I used the Queen of Glow eyeshadow quad by Charlotte Tilbury, which features stunning gold tones perfect for the sunset-inspired theme. A touch of coral on the lips tied the whole look together, creating a fresh yet glamorous feel.

Model 2: Megan – The 90s Glam Look

Megan, a beautiful mom to August and one half of a ridiculously photogenic couple, embodied the 90s glam look perfectly. For her makeup, I went for a full-coverage foundation by Nars to give her skin a flawless finish. I sculpted her cheeks for a more dramatic look and used rich toffee and chocolate tones on her eyes to add depth.

To give her lashes a fuller appearance, I applied Wispy lashes, brushed up her brows for a modern, fluffy look, and finished with a nude lip. I used a darker lip liner by Victoria Beckham, blended seamlessly with Charlotte Tilbury’s Nude Kate lipstick, which captured that quintessential 90s vibe but with a contemporary twist.

 

The Big Day at Butley Priory

On the morning of February 12, 2024, I made the scenic drive up to Butley Priory. As I turned the corner and saw the stunning building, I was reminded of why I love this place so much. The priory was originally a gatehouse to an Augustinian monastery founded in 1171. With its towering stone ceilings and natural light flooding in, it’s truly a picture-perfect setting for any wedding.

Both Monica and Megan looked incredible in their dresses — two completely different styles that required slight adjustments to the makeup. The day flowed smoothly, and before we knew it, the shoot extended into the evening, allowing us to capture some magical shots as the light faded. The luxurious hire cars, reminiscent of James Bond, added a dramatic touch to the final images.

Bringing It All Together

If the photos from this shoot don’t make you fall in love with the idea of getting married at Butley Priory, I’m not sure what will! I’m so proud of how everything turned out. Working alongside Beth and this incredible team of suppliers was an absolute dream. From the romantic venue to the flawless styling and photography, every detail was perfect.

For any brides-to-be planning a wedding in Suffolk, I highly recommend checking out the talented team behind this shoot. They’ll help make your wedding day as magical as this Italian-inspired dream.

The Dream Team

  • Photographer & Concept: @bethberesfordphotography
  • Stylist: @abstracteventsuk
  • Celebrant: @b_celebrant_
  • White Dresses: @silkandmaplebridal
  • Colour Dresses: @millia.london
  • Florist: @ellysflowerstudio
  • Hair: @hair_by_duboux
  • Makeup Artist: @victoriabradfieldmua
  • Stationery: @crumandco
  • Venue: @butleypriory
  • Veil: @rebeccaannedesigns
  • Confetti: @yourconfetti
  • Cake: @suehurstcakedesign
  • Content Creator: @the_wedit_
  • Accessories: @edenbstudio
  • Shoes: @di_hassall
  • Embroidered Napkins: @thelostgirls_uk
  • Trees & Prop Hire: @arrayweddingandeventhire
  • Transport: @retro_rides_of_norfolk
  • Chairs & Tableware: @banquetinghire_official
  • Model Couple 1: @thewilks_
  • Model Couple 2: @themonicaway @officialajbrown

For your dream wedding, don’t hesitate to reach out to this incredible group of suppliers. Whether you’re looking for a wedding makeup artist in Suffolk or any other service, this team will ensure your day is unforgettable.