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"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!"
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
Photography | Jessica Jill Photo Dresses | Felicity Westmacott MUA | Light Up Make-Up Flowers | Muscari Whites Model | Vanessa Asare Shoes | Marsha Hall Hair accessories | Jennifer Levet Millinery
This bride was one of those rare and wonderful creatures in the wedding industry - a repeat customer!
She first came to me for help with her daughter`s wedding outfit, and when her own wedding plans became reality I was flattered that she thought of me again.
We started with one set of designs and got as far as the toile (practice run) but when her wedding plans were deferred (eugh, covid) and with extra time on her hands, she researched ideas more and changed her mind on the style she wanted.
It always makes me happy when a bride feels comfortable enough with me to let me know when the initial design turns out not to be what they want. Then we can work on figuring out the perfect design.
If the idea of working together to make something truly unique to you for your wedding day, then I`d love to hear from you 🥰
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Venue – Boho Cornwall
Photography/Video – Thomas Frost Photography
Hair and Makeup – Ione
Flowers – Jenny Oakley
A call to all Mother of the Brides (to be)!
If you`re struggling to find the perfect outfit for the big day, then getting something completely bespoke, made to fit your body and style, may be the right choice for you.
I have one slot left at the end of April, if you`d rather get going sooner rather than later. After that I have slots available in June, July and August for weddings happening in late summer or autumn.
For this mother of the bride I created this beautiful deep navy silk velvet dress, complete with diamante bows.
It`s always a pleasure to design and create a Mother of the Bride (or Groom) outfit that is not only in keeping with the wedding`s theme, but also reflects the personality of the MOB 💜
Step 1: meet the bride-to-be, and discuss her vision. Shapes, fabrics, themes, colours, all of it!
Step 2: making! With regular fittings to make sure everything is perfect.
Step 3: the big day 💜
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Photographer - Corina Oghina
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#weddingdress #realbride #bespokeweddingdress #surreyseamstress #sussexbridal
"I had been looking for the dress of my dreams for a couple of years. Felicity made it happen. I loved how creative and knowledgeable she is. I was always made to feel comfortable to ask and specify what I really wanted.
The process was relaxed (once I finally found the lace I wanted) and really enjoyable. The dress is perfect. It was comfortable to wear and Felicity thought of everything. She is reliable, trustworthy and brilliant at what she does.
I wish I had more dresses to be made but him being the love of my life, I will have to settle with one wedding dress only."
This is exactly what I hope for in an experience with a bride, so I`m thrilled to get a review like this!
If you feel you can trust me with your wedding dress as well, make sure to drop me a message 💜
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Photographer - Corina Oghina (@corina.photographer)
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#luxurywedding #weddingfashion #bride #realwedding #weddingdress #weddinggown #weddinginspo #bridalgown #realbride #plussizebride #silverweddingdress #bespokeweddingdress #laceweddingdress
I`m open today from 10am to 3pm!
I`ve got nibbles, some bubbly and lots of lovely bridal wear for you to peruse; from wedding outfits to dip dye overskirts to flower girl dresses. I cater to the bride who`s a little bit out there.
My usual appointment-only policy has been suspended for today only! If you`ve ever been curious about what goes on in my shop, then now is the opportune moment to pop in.
If you`re in or around Dorking this week, be sure to check out all these lovely Surrey wedding suppliers. They`re all doing special offers exclusively for Dorking Wedding Week, so if you`re planning a wedding, this will be right up your street (literally)!
Men`s formalwear @dapper_dorking
Bridalwear @bridebyaster
Menswear @westdawsmens
Bespoke wedding dresses @felicitywestmacott
Wedding flowers and bouquets @flowersbyelaine
Bridal hair @thebridalhairartists @teresawellerhairart
Engraving @the_boot_hole
Bridal hair and makeup@sisalon_
Wedding cakes @puttycakes
Luxury honeymoons and cruises @kuonidorking
Honeymoons @dorkingtravelltd
Wedding registry gift list @indigogrey.uk
Bridal skin care, massages and skin prep @mayflowerspadorking
Luxury underwear @victoriaslittlebrashop
Rings and wedding bands @scottsofdorking
Legal advice @downs_law
Legal advice @surreyhillssolicitors
Wedding hats and accessories @anni.and.arthurs.yard
Wedding china @windibankauctioneers6906
"Can I just say a massive thank you for my dress. I absolutely loved it and I had so many compliments."
Isn`t Andie such a glamorous mother of the bride? It`s giving red carpet couture.
For her daughter`s wedding, Andie wanted a classic, elegant silk dupion dress. Once we picked out this gorgeous colour (called Strawberries and Cream from @bennett_silks), I pleated and folded the fabric to give this figure-hugging statement silhouette.
A wedding is a significant day for parents as well, so it was wonderful to be able to create a dress for Andie that really spoke to her style and personality.
I still have some slots for mother of the bride (or groom) bookings this year, so drop me a message if you want something extra special for such an extra special day.
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#motherofthebride #motherofthegroom #wedding #motherofthebridedress #weddingguest #bridal #fashion #weddingday #dresses #couture #dorking #weddinginspiration #motherofthegroomdress #bespokecouture #ukwedding
