A Styled Shoot in Soft Blues at Manor By The Lake

There’s something so effortlessly elegant about a soft blue palette ~ timeless, delicate, and full of romance. I was thrilled to be part of this dreamy styled shoot at the beautiful Manor By The Lake in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire. Together with an incredible team of suppliers, we created a look that was chic, serene, and full of French-inspired charm.

a table set up under the arches at Manor by the Lake in dusk pale blues and neutral candles & flowers with gold accent details

The Setting: A Dreamy Cotswold Manor

Manor By The Lake is a gem of a venue. Nestled in the heart of the Cotswolds, its Victorian architecture and peaceful surroundings make it the perfect backdrop for a wedding full of elegance and grace. It’s one of those places that instantly feels special ~ a perfect blend of stately and inviting.

The Styling: Soft, Elegant & Full of Character

The colour palette for the shoot was built around delicate blue tones, soft greys and crisp whites ~ refined, romantic, and full of French flair. My styling focused on bringing out the charm of the manor without overpowering it, using fine linens, graceful candlelight, and elegant place settings.

One of my favourite details was the use of antique keys as a finishing touch ~ adding a whimsical, storybook feel to the tablescape. It’s those little details that spark emotion and give the day personality.

Table plan consisting of suspended Brass Keys and pale blue ribbon, styled at Manor by the Lake by All Things Pretty Weddings

Bridal Style: Timeless With a Touch of Vintage

The bridal look was an absolute vision of timeless romance. The dress ~ a breath-taking A-line gown with a full flowing skirt — was both soft and dramatic, creating that perfect floaty movement as the bride walked through the venue’s arched doorways and gravel paths.

The bodice featured delicate lace with a plunging neckline, sheer sleeves, and subtle lace detailing ~ intricate without being overpowering. It struck the perfect balance between ethereal elegance and modern femininity.

Her look was finished l by the most delicate hair accessory by Olivier Laudus, a handcrafted piece that added a soft shimmer and paired beautifully with her loose, romantic hairstyle.

This combination of textures and finishes created a look that felt modern but full of vintage charm ~ perfect for a manor house setting like this.

Dessert Display: A Sweet Showstopper

The cake and dessert styling truly stole the show. The team created a beautiful dessert station using a traditional wooden dresser, which was styled with candles, florals, and soft flowing fabrics to complement the overall look.

The display featured not only an elegant cake by April Bakery, but also a delicious array of macarons, cake lollipops, and iced biscuit favours. It was visually stunning and would be a real talking point at any wedding ~ a perfect way to treat your guests and elevate your reception décor.

Cake table styling at Manor by the Lake as part of the French Manor Romance styled shoot, styling by all things pretty weddings

The Tablescape: Elegant Dining Under the Archways

One of the standout settings of the day was the dining table, styled beneath the romantic stone archways of Manor By The Lake. This natural frame added so much atmosphere and intimacy to the scene ~ the perfect blend of architectural beauty and soft styling.

The table itself was dressed in fine linens, elegant taper candles and delicate tableware with subtle blue accents. Florals spilled gently across the centre, with antique key details and hand-finished touches adding that layer of storytelling I love to bring into every design. It felt luxurious but unfussy ~ a setting that would invite guests to relax, connect and celebrate in style.

Why I Loved This Shoot

Shoots like this are a real joy. They give us the space to experiment, showcase what’s possible, and collaborate with some truly talented creatives. This shoot captured everything I love about wedding styling ~ refined, romantic, and full of meaningful little details.

If you’re drawn to soft tones, timeless elegance, and a touch of whimsical charm, this kind of look might be just the inspiration you’re looking for.

Planning a Wedding in the Cotswolds or South West?

Whether you're getting married at a grand manor, a rustic barn, or somewhere in between, I offer full wedding styling services to help create a look that's true to you. From ceremony set-ups to tablescapes, signage, props, and thoughtful little details ~ it's all about creating something that feels personal, polished, and full of heart.

If you loved the feel of this shoot and you're planning your wedding in Wiltshire, the Cotswolds, Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, or beyond, get in touch ~ I'd love to hear all about your plans.

K x

Suppliers who made this shoot possible:

Planner: Dreams into Plans Weddings & Events
Props & Styling: All Things Pretty Weddings
Photographer: Hannah McClune Photography
Florist: Wendy House Flowers
Dress: Cotswold Bridal Boutique
Jewellery & Accessories: Olivier Laudus
Cake, Cookie Favours, Macarons & Lollipops: April Bakery
Stationery: White Olive Design Studio
Charger Plates & Cutlery Hire: The Luxe Collection
Ribbon: Silk & Purl
Venue: Manor by the Lake

French Manor Romance