The Timeless Elegance of Inspired Bridal

Bringing a Vision to Life

Working with Inspired Bridal and Occasion Wear was a wonderful opportunity to bring their vision to life through photography. As the sister company of Ainsworth Jewellers, a Blackburn institution with 154 years of history, the brand radiates both elegance and legacy. The setting of their beautifully curated bridal collection, nestled on the first floor of the historic Darwen Street store, was the perfect backdrop for an Art Deco-themed photoshoot.

Inspired Bridal’s theme of classical, vintage-inspired designs naturally led to a photography style that mirrored that timeless appeal. To create the dramatic and glamorous feel of the Art Deco era, I used a Fresnel (pronounced fre-nel) lens—a modern adaptation of the lenses used in old Hollywood portraits. The way the Fresnel lens controls light added depth and shadow to the images, creating that cinematic drama characteristic of the Art Deco movement.

The elegance of the bridal gowns, complemented by the intricate jewellery from Ainsworth, was perfectly accentuated by the dramatic lighting. The strong contrasts in black and white captured both the softness of the fabric and the gleam of the pearls and diamonds. This portrait embodies the sophisticated beauty of the Art Deco era.

The Power of Planning for Unique Imagery

When capturing a brand like Inspired Bridal, it’s important that the photos reflect both the company’s identity and the experience they offer their clients. With their ethos of “a warm welcome, exceptional client experience, and trusted expertise,” every detail in the photoshoot was carefully considered.

Planning was key to achieving the unique look we wanted. From scouting the space to understanding how the shop’s elegant interior could enhance the Art Deco theme, each decision was aligned with their brand story. I brought my full lighting kit to the store to ensure we could play with shadows, reflections, and highlights in a way that highlighted both the intricate details of their gowns and the historic charm of the location.

Being unique in brand photography is not just about using specific equipment, it's also about understanding the essence of the business and translating that into imagery. Inspired Bridal’s collection, inspired by classical, vintage design, deserved images that captured both the modern sophistication and the timeless elegance of their offering.

The result? Dramatic, captivating images that align perfectly with Inspired Bridal’s brand, offering a glimpse into the exceptional experience they provide for their clients. The moody tones, enhanced by the old Hollywood lighting techniques, draw viewers into the magic of the moment.

Helen said

“Alison was so incredible to work with, right from the start with the brilliant mood board she created, she perfectly understood the age of glamour that encapsulates the Eliza Jane Howell collection at Inspired Bridal and the style of the 1920’s which is personally a favourite era.  With her makeup and styling I was delighted with the look achieved. Actually ‘modelling’ can be quite daunting, but she expertly put me at ease and her dynamic approach was in turn so inspiring”

Phil said

“ Alison has achieved a technical masterpiece, with the exacting lighting highlighting the mood of a bygone age, the angles she created with guided poses and placing us against the beautiful features of our iconic store, we are thrilled with the images taken, it has truly captured a special time for us and the businesses”