Being Finnish, Midsummer has always been my favourite celebration of the year. When I was a little girl, not only we got to spend the whole long Midsummer weekend at our summer cottage, but we would also take part in various juhannustaika—a Finnish term that roughly translates to "summer solstice spells." These enchantments were meant to bring luck in finding a good husband or even reveal your future spouse. Of course, such old beliefs might seem a bit whimsical today, but as a child, they were simply fun traditions to share with sisters and friends.
One of these customs involved listening closely to the quiet forest on Midsummer Night and counting the calls of the common cuckoo—the number of calls supposedly signified the years until you would meet your spouse. Another tradition claimed that if you washed your face in a river at midnight, you would see your future husband on the opposite bank (a little eerie, if you ask me!). My personal favourite was collecting seven different flowers and herbs, placing them under my pillow, and dreaming of my future spouse. With such a deep connection to Finnish Midsummer, I was thrilled when Ellie from Wilt Studio invited me to be part of a summer solstice-inspired styled wedding shoot at the beautiful Sandon Manor.
Midsummer wedding styling and flowers
Nestled among the golden fields and wildflower meadows of Sandon Manor, this ethereal styled wedding shoot captures the magic of a summer solstice celebration. Surrounded by the English countryside, the historic manor provides the perfect backdrop for a wedding celebration inspired by the longest day of the year, so it was the ideal setting for our styled shoot. The overall aesthetic of the shoot was one of golden light and free-spirited romance. Soft shades of pale yellow and blue intertwined with earthy greens in wildflower bouquets, floral arrangements, and a delicate flower crown—evoking a sense of midsummer enchantment—reminded me of our cherished Midsummer spells in Finland.
The tablescape
The tablescape was a dreamy ode to the beautiful nature around Sandon Manor. To create an organic and rustic feel, the tablescape was draped with a soft linen tablecloth and napkins, then adorned with yellow candles, clear glassware, and rugged ceramic vases filled with hand-picked wild blooms. At the heart of the celebration sat a stunning, minimalist two-tiered cake adorned with pressed wildflowers attached to its rustic, buttercream-textured surface. Scalloped plates served as elegant tableware surrounded by delicate floral arrangements, while green apples and grape clusters brought a natural touch, symbolising abundance and growth.
Summer solstice bridal look
The bride radiates effortless charm in a frilly necklined cotton-lace wedding dress, glowing under the golden hues of the late afternoon. Her wild, tousled hair is styled half-up, half-down, with delicate flowers woven throughout it, complementing the ethereal beauty of her floral crown. Barefoot on the soft earth, she embraces the free-spirited essence of her Midsummer wedding, while the natural makeup enhances her fresh, radiant glow. The soft yellow and green pastels of her colourful veil blend seamlessly with the greenery and wildflowers surrounding the estate of Sandon Manor, adding to the dreamy, romantic atmosphere.
As the sun dipped low, casting warm amber hues across the fields of Sandon Manor, I remembered why I love designing dresses for these kinds of weddings: there’s just such simple beauty in a wedding immersed in nature. When I received the photographs from Noemi and Pal from Thyme Lane Photography, I was amazed at how perfectly the essence of Midsummer was captured by the team. From the wildflower-strewn tablescape to the bride’s free-spirited beauty, every detail came perfectly together to create this styled shoot. For me, it was a beautiful moment of nostalgia and a reminder of the magic that Midsummer holds—a celebration of light, love, and new beginnings. Whether drawing from old traditions or creating new ones, there’s something undeniably special about embracing the warmth and romance of the longest day of the year.
The team:
Photography: Thyme Lane Photography
Concept & floral design: Wilt Studio
Model: Cathy Wilson
Hair: Claire Barberella
Makeup: Makeup By Katy
Headpiece: Clare Lloyd Accessories
Cake: Bitesize Bakehouse
Venue: Sandon Manor