Riviera Dream: European-inspired Wedding at Butley Priory

Nestled deep in the rolling hills of Suffolk, this European-inspired wedding at Butley Priory set the stage for a Riviera-inspired dream — where Mediterranean charm met English countryside serenity. This editorial, captured with poetic elegance by Beth Beresford Photography, was brought to life with romantic styling by Abstract Events and lush citrus-hued florals from Elly’s Flower Studio. Soft tulle gowns from Millia London danced in the breeze, adding a couture touch to this sun-drenched celebration of modern European elegance.

Tucked away in the quiet hills of the British countryside, Butley Priory stands as a testament to time — a 14th-century landmark whose soaring stone arches echo the faded grandeur of the Riviera’s coastal castles. For one day, this historic gem transformed into a Mediterranean reverie, blending old-world architecture with the soft, citrus-toned palette of a sun-soaked summer afternoon.

The creative direction leaned into the spirit of the Riviera, where terracotta pots brimming with lemon trees, Californian poppies, and delicate wildflowers set a tone that was organic, luminous, and quietly luxurious. Shades of pale gold, peach, and warm toffee brought depth and softness, anchored by clean, neutral details that felt effortless rather than staged.

Fashion played a starring role, with Millia London’s gowns leading the narrative. Layers of weightless tulle gave the silhouettes a sculptural quality — voluminous yet impossibly light, wrapped in flowing fabrics that caught every wisp of sunlight. Silk & Maple dresses moved with the air itself; silhouettes were bold yet romantic, their delicate silks a nod to tradition with a distinctly modern soul, paired with sweeping veils by Rebecca Anne Designs. The bridal styling felt both modern and rooted in tradition, an elegant nod to European couture without ever feeling expected.

Textural details tied the story together. Hand-formed clay jewelry, echoing the soft curves of Mediterranean architecture, added an artisanal edge. Minimalist yet thoughtfully layered tablescapes — styled by Abstract Events — wove in a subtle hint of 90s glam with refined metallics and understated linens, grounding the airy aesthetic with just the right amount of polish. Even the stationery, curated by Crum & Co, told a story of understated luxury, pairing organic textures with restrained, timeless typography.

Hair and makeup by Hair by Duboux and Victoria Bradfield MUA completed the look, bringing a modern softness that mirrored the overall atmosphere. From the carefully embroidered linens by The Lost Girls UK to the effortless floral arrangements from Elly’s Flower Studio, every detail felt considered, poetic, and quietly captivating.

Every frame — captured by Beth Beresford Photography — spoke to a quiet kind of beauty: not forced, not overly styled, but lived-in and real. In the shadow of ancient stone, against the softest golden light, a modern Riviera romance was written, chapter by chapter. More than a styled shoot, this was a study in contrasts: structure and softness, history and modernity, wild beauty and careful artistry — all in one unforgettable setting.