One of our lovely wedding planners, Clarisse Elysée, a new Ethical Wedding Consultant from La Vie Est Un Voyage, organised a new style of engagement photo shoot in October 2011. Not only did the event have a strong vintage theme from the 1950’s, it was also what we affectionately call, ‘eco-chic.’ After meeting with the fiancés, she opted for the beautiful Cathedral Quarter Hotel in Derby where Kimberley and Troy, the recently engaged couple, embraced the role of 1950’s jazz icons such as Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong. Just gorgeous.

Although daunted at first, the couple relaxed and took front stage under the advice of Shaun Taylor, the photographer. Clarisse comments: “This is an excellent, unique and fun way for engaged couples to experience what it will be like to be in the spotlight and to familiarise themselves with the camera and photographer. Because this particular photo shoot had a strong theme that was dear to the couple, approaching the project from a mixed vintage and eco-chic perspective made it both challenging and rewarding, particularly when I saw the final results.”

So, how eco-friendly was the photo shoot?

The “secret” resides in careful and sustainable planning. To reduce the carbon-footprint, Clarisse handpicked small and talented businesses based in or around Derbyshire. The make-up artist only used organic make-up, whilst the flowers were locally sourced, in-season, and grown by a florist based in Ashbourne. In true eco-friendly style (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) to avoid unnecessary waste, after the shoot Clarisse donated the fresh flower bouquets to a local care home ‘so the residents could enjoy them as much as we did on the shoot.’

Spreading the word about eco-chic weddings starts with Clarisse’s own business network. Shaun Taylor, the photographer said: “Participating in this project was great. Now inspired by Clarisse’s vision, I consider my carbon footprints and think of how I can go about reducing them.”

So, what eco friendly elements will you be bringing to your big day? Do share