Bespoke Wedding Dress Photoshoot in Hertfordshire

Bespoke wedding dress photoshoot hertfordshire macrame table display woodland forest wild

For this bespoke wedding dress photoshoot in Hertfordshire, we created an autumnal woodland wedding. We chose a colour palette of burnt orange, red, burgundy and pink, with accents of white and gold. Everything was handmade including the bunting, macrame and tablescape, for a truly bespoke feel.

This wedding is for the kind of bride who loves folk stories and fairy tales, who can’t stay away from the woods and loves the smell of fallen leaves. Someone a little witchy and a little wild.

I made both the bridal outfits for this shoot, and I designed them specifically for this boho forest theme. Both outfits are bridal jumpsuits/playsuits, for practicality when it’s time to dance!

There are so many details about this shoot that make it the most perfectly whimsical woodland elopement. The beautiful three tier wedding cake by Layers and Graces Wedding, in white and burnt orange, with gold leaf and wild berries as decoration. Complimented by Jessica’s Bakes‘ pretty realistic flower cupcakes.

The stunning table layout, with tree trunk slices as place mats, elegant vintage glass plates and brass candlestick holders really set the tone. Not to mention the burst of colour from the floral centrepiece, created by Vicki’s Flowers and Ivy Primrose Flowers, and finishing off with these beautiful macrame pieces by Tying the Knot Macrame. And how else do you get a woodland festival vibe without handmade bunting, by Made in Bluebell Wood.

This photoshoot was featured in the Whimsical Wonderland Weddings blog, so check out this post to read more about the shoot from the various suppliers.

Autumn Beaded Dress and Jumpsuit

For the first look I made a fully bespoke mushroom-coloured satin jumpsuit. I chose a fitted top with pretty crossover straps and wide-leg trousers. I added a whimsical overdress made of stunning sequined lace as well as matching detachable sleeves, for drama during the day and practicality in the evening.

The sequin lace is so beautiful, covered in gorgeous organic flowers, leaves and stems, making it look like it was conjured from the very plants surrounding the bride. I really enjoy how the subtle colours of the sequins; faded rose, old gold and chocolate brown are really complimented by the beige mauve satin of the jumpsuit underneath.

layered sequin lace tulle wedding dress jumpsuit wide leg trousers mauve beige bridal

Organza Frill Playsuit with Autumn Dip Dye Skirt

For the second look, I went for a short playsuit, with lovely ruffles up top, and one of my signature dip dye overskirts. Overskirts are ideal for added drama during the ceremony, whilst still being able dancing the night away afterwards, unencumbered.

The silk organza playsuit has large lace flower applique and cute pleated off-the-shoulder sleeves. For the tulle overskirt, I chose a gradient of yellow, orange, gold and brown and appliqued with more of the undyed flower lace on top.

I love that underneath the overskirt, instead of the usual wedding skirt, there are cheeky shorts instead!⁠ A bride doesn’t have to choose between elegance and fun-loving – she can be both!

If you found inspiration in this bespoke wedding dress photoshoot in Hertfordshire, you can see the sequin dress and jumpsuit featured again in this Marie Antoinette-inspired photoshoot. Or, if you love the idea of a beaded tulle wedding dress, you can find another one I made here.

I’m always available for a chat about your dream wedding dress ideas, or you can see some of my more popular bridal designs in my Etsy shop.

Suppliers

  1. PhotographerCharly Mae Photography 
  2. Florist: Vicki’s Flowers
  3. HairYuki Black Hairstylist 
  4. Make UpLauren Jacobs
  5. DressFelicity Westmacott Bespoke Bridal 
  6. Flowers & LocationIvy Primrose Flowers 
  7. CakeLayers and Graces Wedding
  8. CupcakesJessica’s Bakes
  9. Hair AccessoriesVintage Adornments 
  10. RingsBespoke Wedding Rings
  11. Assistant StylistAmbiance and Glamour
  12. ModelsLJPriya
  13. Suit: Next
  14. Bow Tie: Moss Bros
  15. BuntingMade in Bluebell Wood
  16. MacrameTying the Knot Macrame
  17. Leather JacketNiamhDesigns Etsy Shop
  18. StationerySally Creates Stationery Design
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Felicity Westmacott

I write about all aspects of weddings, dressmaking, fashion history, and the human relation to clothing. I welcome comments and debate.

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follow me on instagram@felicitywestmacott

I'm a bespoke wedding dress maker, of course I made my own wedding dress!

When I first designed it, I wanted something that was completely 'me'; colourful, historical and a little dramatic. I had ambitions of covering the train with embroidered stems and flowers. At the same time, I had three other wedding commissions I was working on, as well as my own bridesmaids' dresses, some waistcoats for the best men and page boys. Although I managed to get it to a point where I could wear it, I didn't quite achieve what I wanted to by the time my wedding day came around.

I got married in 2007, and it wasn't until lockdown in 2021 that I managed to finish what I had started. I finally completed all the intricate embroidered details I wanted. The fuchsias, the vines and little bees and butterflies. It was so satisfying to see my visioned, fully realised, at last!

Since then I've been luckily enough to have lots of embroidery-centred commissions, and now I've learnt how to manage my time far more efficiently 😂

#2026bride #bespokebridal #bridalboutique #embroidery #ukbride #alternativebride
These are my ladies 💖 working in a bridal boutique can sometimes take you to strange places...

Can you tell I don't like Teresa?😒

#thesearemyladies #dorking #bridetobe #shoplocal #bridalshop #seamstress #weddingdressmaker
With wedding dress alterations, usually it's about making the dress the right fit for the bride. Bringing up the hem, adding in cups for support, making the bodice smaller or bigger. That sort of thing.

But sometimes, when I'm very lucky, I get to play!

Inspiration: a wild meadow of flowers by the sea
What do you think of the end result?

Photography: @sbyrnephoto

#weddingdress #weddingdressalteration #ukbride #ukseamstress #surreybride #sussexbride #londonbride #bespokeweddingdress
Here’s my handy guide to bridal veil lengths! When it comes to your wedding, a veil is such a lovely accessory to have – it can really elevate a bridal look. Some veil lengths have different names for the same thing, so let's clarify the different lengths can be called: 

Shoulder - 16" 
This one is two tiers, bubble style, in vintage tulle. Cute and fun, it has a retro vibe to it. 

Elbow length - 28" 
I chose a 3-tier style, giving this veil a bit more volume. Again, made in vintage tulle with a cut edge.

Fingertip length - 36" 
I’ve notice this length is one of the most popular for brides, so I’m showing a few versions. The first is a single tier with a corded edge, and the second has a lace edge instead. (dipdye, cut edge, with blusher ) 

Waltz (or calf) length – 58”
I made this wedding veil from vintage tulle with a diamante sparkle. This is a good choice is you want something long, but you’re a little clumsy. 

Floor (or puddle) length - 72" 
For this video I went with a floor length veil with a blusher (2-tier) and a cut edge. This one is extra wide as well, for extra drama.

Chapel length - 90" 
This one is in a cowl (or draped) style, meaning it’s placed on the head in a different way to a usual veil. I made this one from a super soft English tulle, which floats so beautifully.

Cathedral - 115" 
If you’re looking for maximum drama, then this is the length for you. This is the length used in the weddings of royalty. With a metallic corded edge, I also made this one extra wide, because if you’re going to go big, you might as well go all the way.

Which is your favourite length of wedding veil? Do you plan on having one for your wedding?

#2025bride #2026bride #bespokebridal #bridalboutique #weddingveil
emailme@felicitywestmacott.co.ukTEL 07762 543230TOUCHGet in
from design to completionbespoke wedding dressesFelicity Westmacott
Dorking, RH4 1RT241 High Street• Visit the Studio •
Dorking, RH4 1RT241 High Street• Visit the Studio •
emailme@felicitywestmacott.co.ukTEL 07762 543230TOUCHGet in