Hi, I’m Fliss and I’m a Surrey based seamstress, making bespoke bridal outfits for brides all over the country (and beyond). I love creating wedding looks that are a little different from the usual. And this gorgeous photoshoot, shot at Welbeck Manor, is the perfect alternative wedding dress inspiration – Surrey. Alternative Wedding Dress Inspiration...
Madalie came to me for a vintage wedding dress upcycle. She had her mother’s beautiful 1970’s wedding dress and she wanted to wear it, made anew, for her own wedding day. The dress Madalie brought to our consultation meeting wasn’t the right size or style for her modern wedding day. We agreed to unpick and...
Alice’s beautiful diamante belt wedding dress was made in layers of white chiffon with hand beaded detailing. I made Alice’s dress with a fitted and boned bodice. I designed a soft v-shaped neckline and invisible zip back closure. Her waistline is decorated with a double loop of hand beading in Swarovski diamante stones. Then we...
Gorgeous Ellie was married in Vegas on Halloween and her dress was a wonderful mixture of fifties shape, modern styling and subtle Halloween detail.
Our photoshoot with elegant Downton Abbey vibes and breezy summer colours made this August wedding day the perfect country fete styled wedding.
I made a green and gold waterfall train wedding dress for my own wedding day in 2007. Having worked so much in ivory and white I decided to be bright and colourful. And anyway I don’t think white or ivory suits my very pale skin well at all! I made my dress with a boned...
I loved making this labyrinth wedding dress to feature in the styled photoshoot. We combined the fantasy of a fairyland wedding with the solid reality of an English Tudor castle backdrop. Florals with glass globes and touches of ultra-violet, a gingerbread maze wedding cake, a modern take on the fantasy ball gown with accessories to...
Suzanne commissioned a pretty tea length brown wedding dress and bolero made up in taffeta and chiffon. I made her knee-length dress with a fitted and boned bodice. She wanted a gentle sweet-heart shaped neckline and slim straps. We chose a beautiful shot taffeta (shot pink/green/ivory) with chocolate chiffon on top and I ‘plaited’ the...
Butterfly wing dress with pale blue green edging and hand beading. Official Wedding pictures by Kate Bellinger Photography I made Katie a simple ivory satin dress with sweetheart neckline and halter strap. The bias-cut skirt flows from the underbust line with silk georgette ‘wing’ panels laid over the top. I created the wings to extend...
Posts from Felicity Westmacott
As you can see from the first fitting photo, when Mahri bought her dress to me, there was a bit of an issue with fit.
But not to worry, because that`s where I worked my dress alchemy magic ✨️
Mahri`s dress underwent a lot of changes. Over the course of several months we had lots of fittings, each time readjusting our plan of action. This is to be expected for a such a dramatic alteration.
Not only did I add about 8 inches to the body of the dress, I also reshaped the bodice, creating new panels from the fabric taken from shortening the hem. I used the rest of the spare fabric to make the lacing at the back, so that everything matched perfectly.
Originally at the back there were see-through panels with buttons, but we decided to get rid of those, and ended up with this elegant, flattering shape, using just a little bit of invisible skin-tone tulle for support.
As a final detail, I created a fabulous bustle up. I think it looks particularly beautiful with this style of dress.
Mahri looks absolutely stunning and I`m so glad she trusted me to work my magic and transform her wedding dress into something truly bespoke.
I have a few alteration slots per month, so if you`ve got some changes in mind, it`s better to get in touch sooner rather than later!
Photographer - @geocam.photography
The Venue - @thecruin (Loch Lomond)
Decor - @purplewillowweddings
It`s amazing how much a cape, jacket or bolero can add to a bridal outfit. It can be that finishing touch you didn`t even know you were looking for.
So, I wanted to share some of my favourite cover-up creations:
1. For this photoshoot, I spent a lot of time looking at Jenny Bevan`s designs from the recent Cruella film. From that, I came up with a series of looks, including this antique military-style black velvet jacket, to which I added lace cuffs for even more upcycling chic.
2. This wedding shoot was all about 1950s fun. As well as the dress, I really enjoyed creating a capsule collection of accessories, including this organza tie-front shirt, inspired by rockabilly and country & western.
3. I created this little capelet using layers of purple and lilac feathers. It`s such a rock n` roll vibe for an alternative bride who wants to make a statement. A small addition, but with maximum effect. (this feather capelet is part of my Etsy sample sale)
4. For this cool London elopement shoot I wanted a short, sweet 60’s/80’s retro vibes. I made the simple dress and then the cute bolero-shrug. It`s covered in sequins and pearls and fastens above a cut away back with matching pearls. So cute, so chic.
Which is your favourite? Cruella, Rockabilly, Alternative or Retro?
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Shoot 1
Photography @lexflemingphoto
Planning and Styling @revelryevents
Venue @woolwichworks
Hair @makeup_in_orangeries
Necklace @moxhamstore
MUA @kayleighkmua
Bride @victoria_sirotyuk
Shoot 2
Concept, Planning & Styling: @4yaparty
Venue: @thelostvillageofdode
Photographer: @stevemulveytog
Florist: @baileyandblossom
Car: @veeduboccassions
Millinery: @follylondonmillinery
Jewellery: @bishboshbecca
Makeup: @scampbellbridalmakeup
Hair: @alexhairandmua
Models: @dawn_isobel @nnastia.photography
Shoot 3
Model emilygossip
Photographer @joannabongardphoto
Fascinator by @laney_jane_maccormack ⠀
Cake by @malarkeycakes ⠀
Hair and makeup by @lawsonmakeup⠀
Venue @sparkfordhall
⠀
Shoot 4
Models - @megsnmichael
Concept/Photographer - @jade_mariephotography
Florist - @hollyandtheivyfloristry
Make up/Hair Stylist - @emmaartismakeup
Jeweller - @cathysutherlandjewellery
This softly feminine bridal cape is made from delicate pale ivory tulle, with elegant guipure lace carefully hand sewn, asymmetrically cascading down the neckline and beyond. This cape is made with hidden wrist catches that ensure it stays placed correctly, with the lace delicately skimming your wrist.
There`s something so dreamy and nostalgic about this style, especially when paired with a simple satin silk shift. Perfect for a little cover up during a sunny, destination wedding.
Don`t you think the lace motifs at the back are reminiscent of angel wings?
This sweet little cape is part of my sample sale at an absolute steal. It`s free size, meaning it will fit sizes UK4-UK26 easily. Find it on my Etsy and make it part of your perfect day 💜
#samplesale #weddingdresssale #bridalboutique #weddingseason #smallbusiness
✨Featured in Your Surrey Wedding magazine (@countyweddingmagazines)✨
A destination wedding on your own doorstep - that was the aim of this Dolce Vita in Dorking 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 the bringing together of two people who love each other.
I provided two looks for this shoot; my sparkling 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.
You can find the full article online here: https://www.county.wedding/image-upload/flippingbook/YSYW118/32/
If you`re inspired by this shoot, then add it to your mood board or drop me a DM and let`s talk about how we can adjust this design to fit your ideas and your body perfectly.
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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
Bride model - @sausageunicorn
Groom model - @luke_roberts93
Best man model - @ciaran.maclennan
Mother of the Bride Model - domino_1950
This dove grey satin and tulle wedding dress was originally made for a Dungeons and Dragons wedding shoot. I took inspiration from the Tudor era (since high fantasy often has an `olden times` vibe to it), with the billowing tulle giving extra drama.
When the dress was borrowed for another photoshoot, the aim was to give it an alternative feel - modern hair, dark make-up and more of a couture edge. Almost the opposite of the first!
I absolutely love non-traditional wedding dresses, and choosing a colour other than white is such a fun way of being subversive. I don`t think grey would be considered an obvious choice, but it definitely is a beautifully unusual one.
Which of the two ways of styling this dress is your favourite?
Both wedding dresses in this post are part of my sample sale, so claim them whilst you can (link in bio)!
1st photoshoot:
Planner: @x_planit.pixie_x
Photographer: @doodahphotography
Hair & Makeup @derbyshire_bride
Stylist, ceremony & table flowers: @foxgloveandblack
Bouquet and floral hoop: @maddison.rocks.floral
Models: @carousel_hart and @luxdelioux
Rings: @bespokeweddingrings
Venue @dunwoodhallestate
2nd photoshoot:
Photography - @robert_christopher_photography
Hair - @hair.styledbydanielle
Makeup - @alexjaggermua and @emz_makeup_artist
HMUA Team - @glitzandglamsquad.kent
Model: @ambersu1
Floristry - @foreverbloomsofkent
It`s Two-style Tuesday!
(but really it`s just a post where I show you one bridal outfit I`ve made, styled in two different ways)
I made this wide leg jumpsuit in a gorgeous ivory duchess satin. I just think there`s just something really understated and sexy about a jumpsuit.
On top of that, I added this dip dye tulle overskirt in a full rainbow. Usually for my ombre skirts the colour gradients go up in layers, but this time I tried something different, with the colours going around instead.
In the first shoot, this look was styled in a very contemporary way - a wet-look hair style, pearl netted veil and a dramatic dark eye, means that even though the skirt has a rainbow, there`s still something moody and alternative about this bride.
The second look is about using rainbows in a more subtle way - the bouquet, the outfit, the décor, it`s all about colour, but with the brightness gently turned down. It`s rainbows, but rustic.
There`s so much to like about both approaches, but which outfit styling is your favourite?
This outfit is part of my sample sale, so claim it whilst you can (link in bio).
1st shoot:
Photography - @robert_christopher_photography
Hair - @hair.styledbydanielle
Makeup - @alexjaggermua and @emz_makeup_artist
HMUA Team - @glitzandglamsquad.kent
Model: disabled.life.with.lauren
Floristry - @foreverbloomsofkent
2nd shoot:
Venue - @skitbyhouse
Photographer - @lucyalexandra_photography
Dresses - @felicitywestmacott
Hair & Makeup - @Clairealexandrahairandmakeup
Celebrant & Organiser - @ribeiroceremonies
Hair accessories - @nujewellery_byemma
Butterflies - @flutter2me
Shoes - @becciboosshoes
Florals - @fioredoratoflowers
Ribbons - @_lkdesigns
Model - @missjenaroo
