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!
.jpg)
“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
So far, as part of my celebration for Pride, I`ve featured queer wedding inspiration and queer clients, but I want to amplify real LGBTQ+ talent too.
@michele_and_graziella are a real couple and also a model couple, who I met during a cabaret-themed wedding shoot. Then, a few month`s later, they happened to be the models hired for a completely different shoot I was involved in. It was so lovely to see them again, and hear their excitement about wearing more of my designs.
I was so impressed with how well they managed to nail the vibes of two such contrasting wedding set ups. One bold, loud and full of attitude, and the other soft and gentle.
When it came time for me to pick models for my own Strictly Ballroom-inspired wedding shoot, asking Michele and Graziella was a no-brainer. But that`s for another post...
Which of these two photoshoots is more your vibe?
Cabaret shoot:
Organiser & hairstylist @bighair.energy
Model couple @michele_and_graziella
Bridal party models @isabella_posenato @nnastia.photography @kelly_marie_wheeler.model
Wedding dress @felicitywestmacott
Celebrant @jessmayspecialdays
Stationery @theamyverseweddings
Photographer @magpie.eye.weddings
MUA @joannehook_mua
Videographer @richieashwinuk
Cake @theblueboxcakecompany
Accessories @thelucky6pence
Styling/floristry @ashdownevents
Streamers @streamadelica_uk
Coordinator @dani.singam
Periwinkle shoot:
Concept, Planning and Styling: @lucywellsweddings
Venue: @thebarnatsomersbury
Floral design: @helleboreandrose
Floral assistant: @intothewildflowerfarm
Photographer: @chloemartin_photography_
Videographer: @molehillmedia
Models:@michele_and_graziella
Celebrant: @celebratewithverity
Hair and makeup:@idomakeupandhair_
Cakes: @lauraspantry
Bridal wear:@felicitywestmacott
Stationery: @theamyverseweddings
Ribbons: @laikstyle
Table linen: @theknottednapkinco
Decor, props and styling assistance: @surreyweddingcompany
Bridal shoes: @theprettyweddingshoecompany
Tableware: @crystalhireltd
Jemma had her wedding anniversary party coming up and wanted to restyle her wedding dress into something new and fun.
She brought in her wedding dress and told me about her planned party outfit being a gorgeous magenta jumpsuit. So my challenge was to figure out how to blend these two, quite contrasting styles, into one look.
As we talked through her options, we landed on a custom dipdye overskirt with an open front. This would mean she could keep the drama of the dress train, and the beauty of the sequined lace, whilst also being able to dance to her heart’s content.
For the dipdye, she chose to reverse the usual order of colours, going from darkest at the top, to lightest travelling down, in purples and pinks to compliment the jumpsuit.
I unpicked the lace layer from the original dress, hand dyed the tulle, and added it underneath the skirt. For a final touch, I sewed on some pretty scalloped lace around the waistline to create the join with Jemma’s jumpsuit.
I love seeing a wedding dress continuing its life beyond its wedding day. This was such a brilliant idea, and the result is so vibrant and playful.
Has your wedding dress had a second life since the big day?
#dipdyeweddingdress #upcycledweddingdress #colourfulweddingdress #weddingdressrestyle
Gemma and Vikkie were married in a venue steeped in family tradition and history. They were wed in The Guild Hall in Windsor, and the reception was in a local pub, The George, which is one of their favourites.
I love personal details like that. In the same way that getting a bespoke wedding outfit it such an amazing way of reflecting who you truly are.
There`s something very satisfying about the simplicity of the wedding ensemble I made for Gemma. When the star of the show is that beautiful lace, there`s no need to go crazy with design or embellishment - the fabric does all the work (with a little help from me, of course!).
Not only that, but Gemma and Vickie managed to co-ordinate their wedding looks perfectly, as though the two outfits had been made together. Perfect!
I am honoured to have created this outfit for Gemma, and been a small part of adding their wedding to the family tradition.
~
Photographer: @ragdollphotography
#bridetobe #modernbride #bridestyle #bespokebride #alternativebride #realbride #plussizebride #weddingtrousers #weddingtop #weddingseparates #windsorwedding
As Pride month continues, it only feels fitting (pun intended!) to celebrate real LGTBQ+ couples.
Gemma wanted something light, clean and pretty, and although bespoke wedding dresses are my bread and butter, I`m always delighted when someone comes to me with something a little different.
We came up with a simple and elegant two piece wedding ensemble made in ivory silk satin-back crepe and beaded lace. Comprising of a straight leg trouser with pleated detail waistline and a satin cami top layered with beautiful, sparkling lace.
If you`re looking for an outfit that reflects your style and compliments your own wife-to-be, then get in touch!
~
Photographer: @ragdollphotography
#weddinginspiration #weddingday #bride #lesbianwedding #wifeandwife #queerlove #lgbtqwedding #gaywedding #lgbt
A mother and daughter kind of love...
For this mother of the bride I created a simple and elegant dress in a beautifully rich, deep green silk dupion, with a boat neckline and three quarter length sleeves. My favourite detail? The matching belt-like waistband, made of the same green fabric. What an elegant lady!
The whole project was a family affair, since I altered the bride`s vintage wedding dress as well 💜
It`s always a pleasure to design and create a Mother of the Bride (or Groom) outfit that not only harmonises with the wedding`s theme, but also reflects the personality of the MOB.
I have just filled my final Mother of the Bride slot for the summer, but still have slots available for weddings happening in autumn, from September onwards.
Get in touch for a completely no-obligation consultation 👋
Photography - @georginapiperphotography.co.uk
#motb #motg #motherofthebride #motherofthegroom #bespoke #weddingfashion
This week I`m celebrating the start of pride month by giving you some queer wedding inspiration. My previous post featured a Labyrinth-inspired wedding, and we`re sticking to the fantasy feel with this bridal photoshoot with our couple styled after the King and Queen of Hearts.
For our queen, I made a corseted nude tulle dress with red lace details, velvet ribbon channels and a long layered skirt. The fully cupped bodice was supportive and designed to flatter the model`s gorgeous curves. Finally, we layered a luxurious red silk wraparound dress-coat with a dramatic portrait collar. It looked amazing billowing in the breeze; perfect for a historical or fantasy wedding.
Would you wear red on your wedding day?
~
Venue @woldinghamschoolvenuehire
Photographer @lysaclare
2nd Photographer @tomjeavons
Planning @wavesweddingsandevents
Flowers @sobloomingbeautiful
Models @lisaeggy3 & @elodie.foray
Cakes @silverleaf_cake_company_
Accessories @vintageadornments
Lace Boots @houseofelliotlaceboots
Stationery @loveflorastudioco
Makeup @leannehartmakeupartist
Hair Stylist @theisrarana
Props @details.eventstyling
#plussizebride #queercouple #queerwedding #nonbinarygroom #samesexwedding #alicewedding #queenofhearts #queenofheartsbride
#weddingdress #redweddingdress #bespokeweddingdress #weddinginspiration #weddinggoals #weddinginspo #weddingideas
