I designed this fairytale look for a bespoke wedding dress photoshoot in Essex. I made the dramatic Aurora gown in layers of fluffy blush organza and pale ivory tulle. Sequins shimmer under the top layer and creep onto the illusion neckline. I trimmed the bodice and waist with mixed metallic beaded lace and I created soft, full balloon sleeves to balance the full swirling skirt. To finish, I added a deep crimson ombre to the hem and train in cranberry red to lightest pastel pink.
Our team were lucky enough to have this photoshoot featured, not once, but twice! You can find out more about the shoot on the English Wedding and Magpie Weddings blogs.
Once Upon A Time…
Heddingham Castle, on the Essex-Sussex border, was a dream location for this wedding shoot. It was like something out of the pages of a story book. Walking through the ancient stone corridors, our bride looked like a princess.
Flowers That Bloom and Jewels That Sparkle
So Blooming Beautiful Designs provided stunning explosions of colour. From for the bridal bouquet to the top table centre piece, as well as a few artistic installations throughout. Our colour palette was jewel tones; ruby red, sparkling amethyst and deep garnet. Roses, lilies and orchids were the flowers of focus, creating an opulent feast for the eyes.
Hair accessories were provided by Vintage Adornments. Expertly placed, along with flawless soft glam makeup and hair styling, by Jemma’s Hair and Make-up. Our bride looked like she was glowing.
The Queen’s Table
There are so many references that come to mind when I see this table. The feasts of King Henry V and the Tudor era, Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon. Any historical fiction set in a castle really. With an amazing four-tier wedding cake in burgundy red with gold accents, by Willow Tree Cakes. Many of the beautiful antique pieces were provided by Dolly’s Vintage Tea Party, with stationery by Polka Dot Creations and ribbons from Silk and Purl. It’s all so decadent!
The Aurora Wedding Dress
I wanted the wedding dress I made to be bold, dramatic and utterly romantic. How could I not lean into what the location was so readily offering?
The Aurora dress is made in fluffy layers of soft tulle. With a pale ivory top layer, blush beneath and a pale pink satin lining adding warmth to the overall tone.
The bodice is fully boned with bust cups sewn in for extra support. The gentle sweetheart neckline is softened with beading and lace that creeps onto the illusion tulle that covers the shoulders. The whole bodice is covered with gathered tulle and soft silver and gold floral lace applique. The detail is concentrated around the neckline and waistline, fading onto the skirt.
The layered sleeves are made with a slim inner sleeve of beaded tulle which sparkles underneath the statement full balloon sleeve. The gathered sleeve starts mid way down the upper arm for an ‘off the shoulder’ neckline look and finishes at the wrist with more applique lace floral detailing.
The skirt is made from three layers of soft tulle in ivory and blush, with more layers of stiff netting in a petticoat beneath help create the full ball gown shape. For this shoot I also added a hoop petticoat for even more volume. The skirt hem is coloured with my spray dip dye method in shades of deep pink, red, crimson, and burgundy.
One of my favourite details is the long train, which has a burgundy red lace trim under the layers of tulle.
Suppliers for the Bespoke Wedding Dress Photoshoot in Essex
Concept, Organiser, Styling & Floristry – So Blooming Beautiful Designs
Photographer – Andrew Wilkinson Photography
Helping hands / Planner and Organiser – Your Wedding Friend
Cake – Willow Tree Cakes
Hair & make-up – Jemmas Hair and Make-up
Dress – Felicity Westmacott
Hair accessories – Vintage Adornments
Stationery – Polka Dot Creations
Prop Hire and Styling Consultant – Dollys Vintage Tea Party
Ribbons – Silk and Purl
Videography – The Creative Strides
Model – Rohiny Belani
The whole team pulled together the day before lockdown (all socially distanced and with PPE, of course) to create this bespoke wedding dress photoshoot in Essex. I met some fabulous new creatives and am so happy to be part of this wonderful community of wedding suppliers.
More Wedding Dress Inspiration
If you loved this dress, have a look at another dip dye wedding dress I made (this time in my ‘phoenix’ colourway). Or if you’re looking for more decadent, regal vibes, you might like this Marie Antoinette-inspired wedding dress.
If you’ve decided the Aurora dress is the one for you, then you can find this exact version in my online shop. Or, if you want it made to your measurements, and the design adjusted however you see fit, you can find this general version on my Etsy too.
That’s me, sewing away on some final adjustments on the day of the shoot.
