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. Photographer: Charly Mae Photography 
  2. Florist: Vicki’s Flowers
  3. Hair: Yuki Black Hairstylist 
  4. Make Up: Lauren Jacobs
  5. Dress: Felicity Westmacott Bespoke Bridal 
  6. Flowers & Location: Ivy Primrose Flowers 
  7. Cake: Layers and Graces Wedding
  8. Cupcakes: Jessica’s Bakes
  9. Hair Accessories: Vintage Adornments 
  10. Rings: Bespoke Wedding Rings
  11. Assistant Stylist: Ambiance and Glamour
  12. Models: LJ, Priya
  13. Suit: Next
  14. Bow Tie: Moss Bros
  15. Bunting: Made in Bluebell Wood
  16. Macrame: Tying the Knot Macrame
  17. Leather Jacket: NiamhDesigns Etsy Shop
  18. Stationery: Sally Creates Stationery Design
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felicity westmacott wearing a hat

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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I have always loved working on cultural fusion wedding dresses, and I have been very lucky that many brides trust me with this process.

For Vidushi's bespoke wedding dress, we worked to combine her Indian heritage with her husband's Polish culture. She sourced the base dress and three beautiful red saris, and we began the process of discovering the kind of fusion she was looking for. 

The final result is the perfect blend of east and west ❤️

Wedding photography by @whiteframestorytellers_
Four years ago, I opened my bridal shop after working from home for the past 16 years. It was a huge decision and I had so many thoughts, so many pros and cons, and so many fears going round and round.

Here are just three of the doubts I had about buying the shop:

1.	The Commute
You know how sometimes the idea of something just feels bad, and then it turns out the reality of it is fine? That.
I worried about how long it would take, about traffic, about wasting time.

But the shop is just an 18-minute drive and I don't notice the time pass. I even cycle there occasionally, which is good for both my body and my mind. And it is so worth it for the separation between home life and work life. I can let my creativity lead me, instead of the distractions of a busy house.

2.	Premise Costs
My dad once told me, “The only person who makes money from small retail is the landlord", and I worried all my income would disappear into rent. But I was in the very privileged position to be able to buy my shop. This means the shop is an investment, as well as a workshop and a welcoming space for my brides.

3.	Self-Doubt
The loudest voice, with constant thoughts about whether the shop would be good enough, would anyone come in and would anyone like my work. 
But they do. Brides who see the dresses in the window, then visit the shop and often choose to work with me.

I am so grateful to my past self, and everyone who supported me in taking the leap. All the doubt was really worth it. 

Here’s to another four years, and hopefully many more 🤍
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