In Floral Splendor

South Africa

With an extraordinary team of creatives and collaborators, we came together to create and celebrate a story of seasons through colour, bridal fashion couture, florals, feminism, and liberation.

When the opportunity presents itself to collaborate with an amazing team of creatives and contributors, I’m always itching to jump at the opportunity to create something purposeful. It is something I enjoy thoroughly as it drives us to push the boundaries and experiment with things that we’ve never done or tried, let alone seen. It was a privilege to honour the value of collaboration, creation, experimentation, and problem-solving to make the most of this idea to fit.

In a time where the changes in the seasons have become prominent, and sustainability has become important, preservation has become necessary for climate change. Climate crisis and sustainability are pressing issues in the world and seasons have become unpredictable. This is just one of the reasons why I story tell for positive impact through my passion project, The Wild Legacy by Bhavika.

Somewhere Between Fantasy & Reality

This shoot infuses colour, detail, and audacity to embrace the strength of femininity, romance, and timeless bridal fashion and nurture the beauty of nature through florals. Between fantasy and reality, this editorial shoot expresses an ethereal lightness.

But first – the florals… the precious flowers… We must start with the wearable florals.

In Floral Expression Of Allure

Produced entirely from real flowers and foliage, these floral wearables celebrate the beauty of the creative gesture and are poetic emblems of the imbued sense of nature of this shoot: one that is connected and attuned to nature and bridal fashion.

It was something of romantic poetry and breathtaking, thanks to Pippa and Anja of Wildeflower. From sketched works of art that I created inspired by fashion couture and a challenging goal to use real flowers and foliage, Pippa and Anja certainly brought this shoot seamlessly to life in a way that is beautiful and purposeful.

From the pastels of Spring to the brightness of Summer, to the vibrancy of Autumn, to the dormancy of Winter, each season is depicted through the hues of the seasons we experience.

Drawing inspiration from seasons and natural elements of nature, the couture and florals resemble the seasons through colour, movement, and textures of nature, yet remain feminine and classical, with a whimsical touch of modernism through bridal florals.

Dancing In Spring Blooms

“In Spring, I feel we come alive all over again. Amazed by the beauty of life and growth that pours out of the earth. It’s incredible to watch the ground do it’s thing, offering up new possibilities and hope. Blooming right on schedule every year, offering it’s new growth.”

Spring is a celebration of new sprouts and the blooming of fresh flowers. Evoking a feeling of hope, Spring feels like a time perfect for a new beginning, new possibilities, or new growth. The colours are subtle, soft, delicate, and whimsical. The white tulips created a sense of uncontrollable sprouting growth that is wild and dancing in subtle movements; paired with a delicate and whimsical bridal skirt that is feminine, this look depicts free-spiritedness.

Bright, Green & Bountiful

“The earth is in abundance, with more flowers than one could ever need in Summer. The trees are full of lush green leaves, the flowers bloomed in full, there are fruits and vegetables hanging from vines and branches. It’s cheerful and bright.”

In Summer, everything appears to be in abundance and full of colourful cheer with flowers in full bloom, everything is bright and lush. It brings a sense of playfulness and grandeur that evokes a feeling of cheer. The white orchids and hydrangeas in full bloom created a delicate, feminine, and cheerful feel with bright pink hues. The scattering fade of the pink hydrangea flowers created an emblematic floral texture. Paired with a beautiful bridal train skirt with lace flower detailed embellishments, this look was feminine in colour and florals, that showcases a sense of grandeur and sophistication.

Vibrant & Fleeting

“Everything is changing. Autumn moves fast, as if it were a race. I am in awe with watching all the colors swiftly moving through gradients to reach the finish line.”

In hues of subtle greens fading in autumn tones of red-orange, burgundy, brown, and yellow, this palette presented the perfect feel for autumn. The simple use of leaf foliage from hibiscus and coleus plants created the perfect marriage for the stunning ombré effect. The foliage feels like a dream as they fade into a natural gradient, creating a fluent movement in a way that is avant-garde. The moody tones and rich autumnal colours inherently feel regal and set the stage for drama in Autumn. The richness of the colours was a manifestation of autumn itself and the simple white mermaid bridal skirt was perfect for Autumn.

Dormant, Deep & Rich

“Icy chills of Winter set in. Though not much life seems to be around, the trees remain bare, and the air is crisp. I am memorized by the remaining greens of pine trees that cascade snow-capped mountains.”

Dreaming of misty mornings in the icy Winter, we seek warmth to shy away from the chill. A floral wrap of Baby’s Breath/ Gypsophila was the perfect idea to give the feel of seeking warmth. With a clean palette of white and the soft texture created by the florals, this wearable floral wrap by candlelight sets the tone for the arrival of Winter. Sheer and bare, this bridal skirt was elegant to compliment the clean palette for Winter.

As a conservationist with nature at heart, I wanted to bring to light the seasons we experience in ways that are poetic, subtle, and feminine. Each is different through seasonality, with a story through beautiful florals to compliment it. Through hues of fashion, real florals, and vast landscapes, I share with you something beautiful and contrasting; and perhaps an inspiration to brides who are seeking to try something different and sustainable.

Let the splendor of floral allure inspire you, no matter the season you’re in!

Explore Part II of The Seasonal Bride shoot, Bridal Fashion through the Seasons!

EXPLORE MORE OF THE SEASONAL BRIDE BELOW: