When Lauren from Bluebird Creative approached us with an idea for a wedding shoot, we knew it was going to be something a little different. This wasn’t about soft pastels or delicate florals. It was about bold statements, sharp lines, and making a real visual impact. So, when she asked us to build bespoke curved feature walls for the shoot, we were all in.
Our team of makers went to work right away, and the end result? A set of striking red walls that were as much a piece of art as they were a backdrop. Here’s a look at how we brought these bad boys to life in our scenic workshop, and how the whole process unfolded.
The Idea
Lauren had a clear vision: she wanted something modern and bold, but still sophisticated. Something that would stand out against the usual wedding backdrop clichés. Big, sweeping shapes that would serve as the foundation for the shoot’s visual narrative. The challenge? Making sure they were big enough to make a statement but still worked seamlessly within the rest of the set. Oh and the rest of the set was red. Not your typical wedding shoot.
The Build Begins: CNC Cutting
Once we had the design locked in, we moved over to the CNC machine, a crucial part of our process. The precision that comes with CNC cutting is unmatched, which is why we rely on it for intricate shapes and large structures like these walls. The curves were cut with exact precision, ensuring that everything lined up perfectly and the walls would fit together without a hitch.
Filling and Sanding
Once the CNC had done its job, the next step was all about getting the surface ready. These walls needed to be smooth—like, really smooth. Our team took each one and filled any seams or imperfections. Then, we went to work sanding them down until we had a perfect, even surface. It’s a repetitive process, but it’s one of those things that separates good work from great work. If you don’t take the time to get the surfaces right, it’ll show when you paint them.
Sanding, though, isn’t just about making things smooth. It’s about prepping the walls for the next step: paint. If the surfaces aren’t even, the paint won’t sit right, and that’s not the look we were going for.
Getting the Paint Just Right: The Red
Next came the real fun—painting. The walls were going to be bold, so we needed a red that could hold its own without being overpowering. The sample colours were sent over so the team got to work with multiple coats to build up a rich, vibrant color. It wasn’t just about slapping on some paint either. We wanted to create a smooth, even finish that would pop on camera. When you’re building set pieces for a shoot, you can’t cut corners with the finish.
Adding Texture: Canvas and Stripes
Once the paint was fully dry, we added another layer to the design: canvas. The backs of the curved walls were wrapped in a canvas material. Lauren had chose a striped pattern to add some texture and visual depth. It wasn’t about making it loud—it was about making the back of the walls interesting enough to hold their own when photographed.
The stripes also provided a contrast to the smooth, glossy red paint, helping balance out the hard, modern lines of the walls with a bit of softness. It was a subtle touch, but it tied everything together in a way that made sense for the shoot.
The Team Behind the Build
This project wasn’t just about machines and materials. It was about the people who made it all happen. Our team in the workshop worked together, each bringing something different to the table. The full team of suppliers on the day were incredible. It’s this kind of collaboration and craftsmanship that makes projects like this successful.
In the end, this project was a perfect example of what can happen when creative vision meets skilled craftsmanship. We’re stoked to have been part of such a cool collaboration with Bluebird Creative and Rebecca Carpenter Photography. Looking forward to the next challenge.
Full list of incredible suppliers involved in making this happen
Planning and design @bluebird_creative
Workshop Host and Photographer @therceducation @rebeccacarpenterphotography
Content Creation @the_contented_co
Videographer @johntaylorfilms
Florist @clementinemoon_floraldesign
Bridal Wear @maramariebridal
Veils @rebeccaannedesigns
Hair & Makeup Artist @melissaoldridge
Lighting and Production @visionsgroup100
Paper Flowers @fiona.andgrace
Bar Company/Bar @thedrunkenjockeys
Production/Scenic @scenicescapeltd
Tableware and Linen @maisonmargauxltd
Draping @drap.d_
Furniture @wedhead_london
Stationery @loupaper_
Bridesmaids Outfit @maramariebridal
Cake @bloom.bakehouse
Shoes @sheischeval
Flatlay Boards @cblbackdrops
Mirrorman @viralmusicuk
Venue @parnhampark
Jewellery @megantheresecouture
Bride & Groom @theguibarracouple
Bridesmaid 1 @ieshamullah
Bridesmaid 2 @Emmaatkins93
Shoot and Content Assistant @girlfriday.social
Bluebird Creative: https://www.bluebirdcreative.co.uk/
Rebecca Carpenter: https://rebeccacarpenterphotography.com/
