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
Whimsical Wedding Details #1: Back Necklaces
You could have all the beautiful sparkles of your wedding look at the front, but why wouldn`t you add something beautiful to the back as well?
So much time and thought goes into choosing the perfect bridal jewellery - earring, necklace, bracelet and so on. But your guests will often see all angles of you and your dress;
▫️ standing at the alter
▫️ greeting other guests
▫️during your first dance
I love adding small details that make a big difference, and I think back necklaces are one of those design elements that are both unexpected and delightful. And these examples demonstrate how varied they can be; from a delicate spider`s web forming a star, to decadent layers of glistening beads for a 1930s inspired look.
I`ve always loved making jewellery, so getting to combine that passion with my dressmaking is such a treat.
Which is your favourite? Black, white, red or pink?
Look #1
Concept & Photography: @lexflemingphoto
Models: @meganrose.earthsoul
Look #2
Photographer, Videographer & Concept @karolina.london_photography
Model Couple @thehollandhares
Accessories @rachelchaprunne
Look #3
Photography @adamrowleycreative
Accessories @birdsandsirens
Model @elodie.foray
Look #4
Photography @oddshoephotography
I can`t wait to show you the photos from this wedding 😍 Mollie ordered a version of my black Morticia wedding dress and then proceeded to get married in Transylvania!
Can you get more gothic than that??
This was from our final fitting together. Follow along to see just how drop dead gorgeous Mollie looked on the day 🦇
#gothicwedding #gothbride #gothbridal #alternativebride #morticiaaddams
These photos from Stevie never cease to make my jaw drop. They`re like a gorgeous combination of Morticia Adams, Vampira and the iconic Bride of Frankenstein.
Stevie saw the original Morticia dress I`d made for a styled wedding shoot and wanted one of their own, with a few adjustments to make it completely unique to them.
I`ve made four of the Morticia wedding dress now, following the first photoshoot version, and each time it`s such a thrill to see brides who are unapologetically themselves, looking so breath-taking.
I`ll be sharing a sneak peek of the most recent version soon. I can`t wait to show you the photos from that wedding too 🏰🕸️🖤
If this Morticia-inspired wedding dress is calling your name, you can find it on my Etsy (link in the bio)🦇
Photography: Giovanni Logrono Photography
#halloweenwedding #gothwedding #blackweddingdress #gothbride #gothicbride
One of the pleasures of having my own shop, is I also get some alone time.
If you have a busy life you know the rare joy of getting to hang out with just yourself sometimes.
Which isn`t to say I don`t love welcoming brides into my shop - I absolutely do.
But I don`t think I could ever have a colleague in the shop with me (not full time, anyway).
Not after working for myself for 25 years, and being used to how I like to to do things.
Isn`t that the difference between being alone and lonely. I am alone, but very much not lonely.
Hands up all my introverts! 🙌🏻
"I am so grateful for your contribution to my dress. Everybody loved it."
This custom dip dye overskirt was the perfect pop of colour for Tanja`s wedding dress. And with autumn well and truly here, I wanted to celebrate those beautiful colours.
Her floor length skirt included:
💛a graduated hi-low hem to match the dress underneath
🧡two layers of soft tulle
🩷hand dyed with four vibrant colours; yellow, orange, red and burgundy
❤️snaps along the waist for easy attachment and removal to the wedding dress
My bespoke ombre overskirts have so many other customisation options as well. From extra layers of tulle or lining fabric, to finishing off the waistband with ribbon or a pretty beaded belt. And I have over 30 colours to choose from, so there are almost limitless options.
There are so many other customisation options as well. From extra layers of tulle or lining fabric, to finishing off the waistband with ribbon or a pretty beaded belt. And I have over 30 colours to choose from, so there are almost limitless options!
You can find more examples of my dip dye work on my website.
Or drop me a DM, and let`s talk colour!
l`ve always wanted to see inside this chapel, ever since I was a child. So getting to be on set for this gothic romance wedding shoot and seeing my dress amongst the old stonework was a dream come true 🖤
Planner/stylist @the_luxury_wedding_co
Photographer
@sarah.lauren.photography
Photographer @forrestwildejpg
Content Creators @thesocialsocketweddings
Table draping @foldandflowstudio
Table decor @sparkleeventstyling
Glassware @milliemileseventhire
Ribbon @norfolksilk
Stationary @two.hearts.club
Florists @baileyandblossom
MUA and Hair stylist @abbigailrichardsstudio
Wedding dress designer @felicitywestmacott
Celebrant @pitchperfectceremonies
Wedding cake designer @gwynethjohnsoncakedesign
Models @allie.and.max
Jewellery @coralie.jewellery
Venue @maverickprojects
#alternativebride #weddingdress
#bespokeweddingdress #wutheringheights
#gothicwedding
