When we talk of fairytale magic, we often talk of princesses and tiaras, sparking wands and sweet dreams But today’s sense of whimsy, today’s sense of magic, comes from somewhere different – the mystic, the beautiful woodland.

Dreaming up the concept, photographer Akaness Sharks Photo called on her love of woodland stories and was inspired to create an editorial that built off the fun elements and ideas seen in movies like “Fantastic Mr Fox” and “Fur”.

She chose the industrial, Blue Mountains setting of State Mine Weddings and drew in the talent of stylist and floral designer Indie Flowers hair and makeup artist Billie Makeup Artistry and cake designer Savvy Cakes Sydney to bring the fairytale to life.

Dressed in whimsical, animal hairpieces by Animalesquem, our models, Peta (dressed in a decadent Jennifer Gifford gown) and James said their vows in front of a dilapidated furnace. The industrial grittiness contrasting with the light-filled indoor space, celebrating at a rustic wooden table topped with brass vessels filled with wild blooms that were set in tones of the earth.

Feathers, blooms and grasses in shades of olive, deep oranges, browns, taupes and golds combined with coloured glassware and crockery in blues. The whole setup complementing the tones in the hand illustrated stationery suite by Lindqvist Ink with woodland animals, painted details and plenty of hand lettered calligraphy.

Akaness sharing “We wanted to capture quirky, bold and definitely wild facets. Feathers, unique animal headdresses, warm furs, rustic old mine museum and ruins, dreamy gown with petals all over, vibrant and earthy floral styling, together were indispensable elements to make this wild dream come true.”