Description
Welcome to our 18th issue! Cover photographed by Sarah Godezni and features real wedding couple, Emily & Tom
Welcome to our first official issue of 2020 and our very first issue to go nationwide in the United Kingdom! Bringing Together Journal to the United Kingdom is a natural step for us. Editor and founder Greta and many of our team have lived there and visited many times, so it feels like a home away from home. It’s also a market we have had in our sights since we launched, as we have a growing community of friends and followers there who understand and support what we are all about.
In this issue, we chat to Courtney Illfield, the multi-talented businesswoman behind bridalwear brand, Lola Varma. Courtney has spent years travelling the globe photographing the most desirable weddings and that time behind the lens is evident in her design. She has an innate understanding of what modern brides want and her beautiful, minimalist bridalwear is building a cult following around the world.
We also took a trip to Paris to shoot a modern elopement editorial at the infamous Hotel Grand Amour, a destination totally suited to a romantic rendezvous. We found it hard to leave the loft room, with its pillowy bed, painting easel and Parisian skyline views. (Still dreaming about breakfast in bed with café noir and fresh croissants!) And our London-based contributors produced an artfully styled shoot in Amsterdam, full of beautiful florals and Dutch retro touches.
As usual, we have sought out the best makers, suppliers and ideas that the wedding world has to offer, currently. This includes Mr Theodore, which champions marriage equality, and we salute Alexander and Nicholas, who enrich this industry so much with their hard work. Simon Grew from Grew & Co lets us into his magical world of jewels, gems and customising pieces for his wonderfully individual clients. Jessica Bridal Couture, known for her breathtakingly dramatic, feminine gowns took us on a tour of her showroom to explain why she lives for romance.
We also showcase some of New Zealand’s best, with a lavish cake-and-flowers-filled editorial inspired by Sofia Coppola’s exquisite Marie Antoinette, while our collection of real weddings illustrate the modern, Australasian move towards more pared-back weddings.
In this part of the world, there is a willingness to create new traditions, and to celebrate our own true selves, quirks and all. It encourages so much creativity and is constantly evolving, although of course, it’s always inspired by the same constant, universal ideal of love.
Enjoy! TJ x
