Press articles and photoshoots published.....
"Michael and his company have been a mainstay alongside me through my whole career, spanning the last 20 years. Starting out with dreams of bridal design, fresh from university, I ordered my very first rolls from Michael’s to make bridal samples in 2004. His family run business made me feel like family, too. I got to know everyone one on the phone and, though I wasn’t a big name, they made me feel known and valued, too. The range of fabrics he stocked was exceptional and service always off-the chart. Michael once offered to drive out to meet me at a motorway services on a Sunday to deliver a short-notice emergency order of satin!
since 2004His family run business made me feel like family, too.“... Access to the huge choice of silk, lace, basics and accessories, and with next day delivery, has been central to my ability to serve my brides and help clients feel confident booking their bespoke dress with me. I even had a custom bookcase built to house the red covered sample books! Hearing of his well deserved retirement was a sad day, my stomach flipped at the idea of having to ’go it alone’ without Michael and his team backing me up. We expect great things from his son Barry who is moving forward with a new business, but Michael has left some very big boots to fill!"
Labyrinth dress photos by Lex Fleming
"We wanted to create an overall look of winter without any hint of Christmas.
The Colour palette was sage green with dusky and icy blues."
I made a delicate blue dipdye over skirt for this photoshoot. Worn with my classic art-deco satin dress.
"Lauren admits choosing the dress was never going to be easy, given her exacting standards. "I went to about eight boutiques and didn't find anything" she says. "Kate Middleton's dress was my inspiration and I didn't want ruffles, diamantes or anything too big, but I also didn't want anything plain! A local bridal shop gave me details of a dressmaker who lived nearby.
... She drew up a design that I loved, which consisted of a simple top and an amazing train and veil. When I put the dress on, on the morning of the wedding I felt so overwhelmed I burst into tears!"
"Choosing a wedding dress is probably one of the most important decisions a bride can make and having to have alterations is common. Dorking’s Felicity Westmacott is an expert in this field and has provided some amazing advice.... "
Alterations for Lisa Duffy, Photo by CGP Photography
... She drew up a design that I loved, which consisted of a simple top and an amazing train and veil. When I put the dress on, on the morning of the wedding I felt so overwhelmed I burst into tears!"
weddings are for everyonewe featured a mature model, a plus size model and two queer grooms“
I was interviewed by 'Your Surrey Wedding Magazine' with questions like " What can brides expect when they visit your store? " and "What designers do you stock? ". Of course as a bespoke wedding dressmaker I don't fit the mould of their usual questions for a normal bridal boutique. You can read what I did share by heading over to the your surrey wedding website to read the full article
"I stock everything and anything you can imagine, (metaphorically speaking)! As a bespoke dressmaker I don't have a collection you can try on, instead I make a one-off dress just for you from design to completion. My job is to create an expression of your personality in dress-form. So if you have already visited shops and just not found the one I'm your perfect match."
Moving House
My Surrey Wedding also reported on the news when I moved premises in 2022. My new shop/studio on Dorking high street was a big upgrade after working from hoe for 20 years!
Photo by Iris Visuals
Article by Paul Travers
From her home studio and workshop in Redhill, Felicity Westmacott makes beautiful bespoke wedding dresses that use every inch of her considerable experience: as a TV and Film costume designer; as a graduate in the history of costume; and as an alterations seamstress with years under her hemline. With an understanding of the different ways of cutting and shaping dresses through the centuries, Felicity can draw on hundreds of years of technical and design knowledge in creating unique and contemporary gowns.
One of Felicity’s pleasures is seeing her clients over the moon with happiness. Her customers generally fall into two main categories: those who have shopped out the stores and simply can’t find the perfect frock (but know the fit they’re looking for), and those who’ve done nothing at all. Felicity sends the second type off to try on a few dresses – some find exactly what they want, and those that don’t come back to begin the design process.
The key advice Felicity has is that every bride must dress to please herself, because no one else could pick the dress meant for her. When someone picks what makes them happy, it will show.
“A wedding dress is a costume,” she says. “It must say something special about this girl on this day, just as a costume tells you about the character and future of someone in a film. The wedding dress tells a story of what a bride wants her future to be. That’s why the dress is important, special, and unique.”
Article by Erin Balfour of Way Out Wedding
“Creating a dress design for a ‘City Burlesque’ theme was fabulous fun. The dress needed to have a vintage, showgirl feel and be really sexy, but still realistic as a bridal dress – not many people actually get married in a leotard and feathers! The wiggle skirt with a boned bodice hit all these marks, showing off our lovely model Vanessa’s curves and cinching her waist. I added a teal net petticoat that would show when the high/low hem moved, and delicate gold lace detail with Swarovski crystals for showgirl glamour!
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“The coat is made in striking Cadbury purple silk dupion, with a vintage 1950s off the shoulder collar neckline. Demure, elegant and still very sexy. The sweeping skirt and train mean that even with a short dress, this bride gets to sweep into the ceremony and swoosh up the aisle. It also means she can do ‘the big reveal’ burlesque style without actually taking off her dress!
See more at wayoutwedding.com
Jessica Jill Photo MUA: Light Up Make-Up Flowers: Muscari Whites Model: Vanessa Asare Shoes: Marsha Hall Hair accessories | Jennifer Levet Millinery
You would think something as niche as a red wedding dress would have limited options when it comes to styling, but these two photoshoots prove that is absolutely not the case.
The first shoot was a Christmas Sparkle shoot in London, where the bride stood out, even amongst all the beautiful decorations and glittering lights.
The second shoot was completely different - shot at Proud Cabaret, colourful and fabulous, this shoot was a vibrant celebration of life and love.
Two such different ways to style this dress. But whichever shoot, this look is so bold and modern. If you`re in love with this unique wedding dress, you can find this exact one on sale on my Etsy (for an impressively low price, so you better hurry 😉).
But, I want to know, which styling do you prefer:
Christmas Sparkle 🌟 or Cabaret 🥂?
Christmas Sparkle Team:
Photography by @adamrowleycreative
MUA @anushasolanki
Accessories @birdsandsirens
Model Elodie Foray @elodie.foray
Cabaret Team:
Organiser & hairstylist @bighair.energy
Model couple @michele_and_graziella
Photographer @magpie.eye.weddings
MUA @joannehook_mua
Cake @theblueboxcakecompany
Accessories @thelucky6pence
Styling/floristry @ashdownevents
Streamers @streamadelica_uk
Coordinator @dani.singam
I`ll let Emma explain her alteration journey with me in her own words:
"Thank you so much for the alterations to my wedding dress. I came to you with a dress that didn’t really fit me properly. Having a larger cup size you did your magic and made the dress fit me. Couldn’t recommend enough, so much knowledge and attention to detail. I absolutely loved the alterations to the back and it looked amazing. Thank you for making me feel confident in my dress. Would recommend to anyone."
Emma needed extensive alterations. With her bigger bust and narrow hips, it was unlikely she was going to find an off-the-rail dress that was going to fit perfectly in all the right place. So that`s where I came in!
I took in the dress where it was too big, around the hips and waist. For the bust, I had an extra challenge, since Emma`s dress was backless, so I had less to work with. I added cups for support, and boning for a smooth shape. After a few more structural changes, I finished off with some lace on the straps, for both support and because it looks so pretty.
I think Emma`s words say it all really 🥰 thank you Emma, for trusting me with your wedding dress alterations. You look absolutely beautiful!
I still have some bridal alternations slots for the first half of 2026, so drop me a message to grab one!
Photography - Nikos Pomonis
From every angle, the Poinsettia dress is STUNNING!
This bespoke wedding dress has already been snapped up by a bride, but if you want an outfit that sparkles in the sun during your summer wedding, or that glitters under the lights at your reception, drop me a DM. Let`s make your dress dreams come true ✨
Wedding shoot suppliers:
Producer & Photographer / Videographer - @KalaWeddings.UK
Content Creator & Shoot Assistant - @TheProfileBride
In association with @HelloDorking
Location - @BurfordBridgeWeddings
Bridalwear - @FelicityWestmacott
Menswear - @Dapper_Dorking & @WestDawMens
Lingerie - @VictoriasLittleBraShop
Cake - @PuttyCakes
Flowers & Décor - @FlowersByElaine
Furniture, Props, Décor & Jewellery - @WindibankAuctioneers6906
Hair - @thebridalhairartists & @TeresaWellerHairArt
Make-up - @SiSalon_
Décor - @IndigoGrey.uk
Drone Operator - @LukeWhatleyBigg
🍋La Dolce Vita in Dorking🍋
How lovely to have a destination wedding on your own doorstep. That was the aim of this styled wedding photoshoot - we wanted to bring a slice of Italy to Surrey. A slower way of life, enjoying the small pleasures; the bright yellow of a lemon, the sun of your skin and bringing together of two people who love each other.
I provided two looks for this shoot; my Poinsettia dress and a simple satin shift with a lace capelet. All the drama for the ceremony, and something a little more comfortable to relax in afterwards.
Suppliers
Producer & Photographer / Videographer - @KalaWeddings.UK
Content Creator & Shoot Assistant - @TheProfileBride
In association with @HelloDorking
Location - @BurfordBridgeWeddings
Bridalwear - @FelicityWestmacott
Menswear - @Dapper_Dorking & @WestDawMens
Lingerie - @VictoriasLittleBraShop
Cake - @PuttyCakes
Flowers & Décor - @FlowersByElaine
Furniture, Props, Décor & Jewellery - @WindibankAuctioneers6906
Hair - @thebridalhairartists & @TeresaWellerHairArt
Make-up - @SiSalon_
Décor - @IndigoGrey.uk
Drone Operator - @LukeWhatleyBigg
Vintage elegance with modern tastes 💜
This Bridgerton-inspired wedding dress is now for sale 🥳 I`m currently clearing space in my shop in Dorking, so I have extra room to create even more unique, unusual and quirky wedding dresses.
You can find the outfit on my Etsy (link in bio), where you can purchase either the whole set (dress, bolero, dip dye overskirt), or just the base dress. The stays (corset) and petticoat shift I made specifically to go with this dress are also up there - having the shapewear that would have been used during the period really adds to creating an authentic silhouette.
Tag someone who would look perfect in this outfit!
I love a Mother of the Bride who radiates style ✨️
For her daughter`s wedding day, Tracey wanted something special. So I designed this bespoke three piece ensemble in a stunning electric blue satin and sequin beaded tulle. She wanted the whole set to look both formal and relaxed, with the materials we chose elevating the simple shapes of the design.
And she found a hat that matched our shade of blue perfectly!
Some of my favourite features include:
🔹the key-hole back with a covered button
🔹the wide-legged trousers that look like a skirt
🔹the asymmetrical cut away front of the jacket
Making something completely one-of-a-kind for a MOTB on such a special day is always a joy. If you would like something unique, flattering and in exactly the style you want, drop me a DM!
