For this bespoke wedding dress photoshoot in Hampshire, we wanted to evoke the feeling of a fairy tale. Of a princess being whisked away by her prince, of magic, whimsy and romance. The colours we wanted to focus on were blush pink, various shades of green and deep burgundy. All inspired by the colours found...
Posts from Felicity Westmacott
Forget the traditional Mother of the Bride look - Phaedra wanted something with a bit more whimsy, and a lot more fun.
I designed and made her this elegant 1930s-inspired ensemble and I`m obsessed with how good she looks in it!
We started with a jumpsuit, with a round neckline and quirky, off-centre Peter Pan collar. I love the balloon sleeves, custom covered buttons (ooh, that burnt orange is so delicious) and the floaty wide-legged trousers. All in a vibrant floral patterned silk.
On top of that, we added a stylish short coat in that gorgeous rust colour again. A statement collar framed Phaedra`s face, and the coat closed with Oriental-style frog closures. Following the fun asymmetry throughout the outfit, the bottom edge of the coat had two handkerchief points, one longer than the other.
Doesn`t she look so chic? A reminder that petite frames can absolutely carry a statement outfit.
You can find my Mother of the Bride portfolio on my website (link in bio)!
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#motherofthebride #motherofthegroom #motherofthebrideoutfit #whimsymaxxing #weddingguest #bridalparty #weddingday #weddinginspiration #bespokebridal #bespokedressmaker #weddingensemble #advancedstyle
Four years ago, I opened my bridal shop after working from home for the past 16 years. It was a huge decision and I had so many thoughts, so many pros and cons, and so many fears going round and round.
Here are just three of the doubts I had about buying the shop:
1. The Commute
You know how sometimes the idea of something just feels bad, and then it turns out the reality of it is fine? That.
I worried about how long it would take, about traffic, about wasting time.
But the shop is just an 18-minute drive and I don`t notice the time pass. I even cycle there occasionally, which is good for both my body and my mind. And it is so worth it for the separation between home life and work life. I can let my creativity lead me, instead of the distractions of a busy house.
2. Premise Costs
My dad once told me, “The only person who makes money from small retail is the landlord", and I worried all my income would disappear into rent. But I was in the very privileged position to be able to buy my shop. This means the shop is an investment, as well as a workshop and a welcoming space for my brides.
3. Self-Doubt
The loudest voice, with constant thoughts about whether the shop would be good enough, would anyone come in and would anyone like my work.
But they do. Brides who see the dresses in the window, then visit the shop and often choose to work with me.
I am so grateful to my past self, and everyone who supported me in taking the leap. All the doubt was really worth it.
Here’s to another four years, and hopefully many more 🤍
This year it has been 20 years since I first started out as a professional bridal dressmaker, and four years since I opened up my bridal shop on Dorking high street.
So many people have crossed my threshold since then; brides, mother-of-the-brides, bridesmaids, artists, friends and more.
I wanted to pick four dresses that each represent something different about my journey since then:
2022 - Laura was the very first bride to have her fittings in the shop, when things were still chaotic and new. She was kind and patient with me, and she represents the real and amazing benefit of having my own space in which to create and collaborate with brides.
2023 - Rachel and I were strangers when we met, but we really connected over our joint love of period fashion, both basking in each other`s historical knowledge. She represents the joy of meeting people you would never usually have the chance to, and finding connection along the way.
2024 - I adored designing a wedding dress for Nicola that showed off her body really beautifully. This process challenged me to apply my usual dip dye methods to a style of dress I wasn`t used to. Nicola represents the constant learning I continue to experience.
2025 - Rebecca`s imagination was a joy to behold, and the result is a pastel rainbow wedding dress straight from a fantasy novel. Rebecca represents the beautiful minds of my brides, who I get to welcome into my own creative space.
Of course, these are just a selection, and as I was choosing I felt pangs of guilt for all the other wonderful brides I`ve worked with who I haven`t mentioned. If I could have included all of you, I would have!
2026 already has so many wedding dresses that I love, with so many more to come!
Has anyone else gone through major life changes in the last four years?
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Photography
1st and last photo - Iris Visuals
Laura - Mark Shaw
Rachel - Darren Kirwan
Nicola - Thomas Frost
Rebecca - Pesto Wedding Photography
Imagine peeking into a bridal shop and seeing the designer doing a ballet challenge amongst the wedding dresses 🤭
I like to think the kind of bride who gets this, is the kind of bride I would work perfectly with 💖
Sample Sale - reduced from £2400 to £800
I really wanted to show you how beautifully this 1930s inspired wedding dress, the Lady Mary, drapes across the body.
This one-of-a-kind gown draws on the elegance of the Art Deco era, and I love how feather light it looks and feels. Perfect for a bride whose favourite book is The Great Gatsby, and whose comfort TV is Downton Abbey.
This exact piece - a photoshoot sample, UK size 8/10 - is finished and ready to ship.
And if you love the style but need your own fit, colours or tweaks? It can also be made bespoke to your measurements.
Get in touch to make this era of glamour your own or go and discover Lady Mary on my Etsy.
#BridalGown #WeddingInspo #VintageBride #BridalFashion #WeddingDress
The historic Chicheley Hall in Buckinghamshire was the spectacular backdrop for this 1930s wedding dress!
This magnificent venue has previously been used to film Pride and Prejudice (the one with Colin Firth and *that* scene) and Enigma with Kate Winstlett.
I featured Lady Mary (the name of this wedding dress) in my previous post as well - I just cannot tire of art deco silhouettes framed by beautiful old buildings.
The Lady Mary dress is elegant and demure, whilst also being full of subtle details that catch the eye and make you want to look a little closer.
If that sounds like the kind of dress you`re dreaming of for your big day, then drop me a DM, and let`s see what magic I can make for you.
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Venue: @chicheley_hall
Planner, stylist: @sofiaweddingsandevents
Celebrant: @kellyhcelebrant
Florist: @wildrosamund
Decorative lighting hire: @light_my_wedding
Photography: @laura_rachel_photographer
Hair Accessories: @vintageadornments
Model: @genevieve.paganini
Model: @k8yeh
Model Couple: @ceemeandtea
Model: @fionacmodel
Make-up Artist: @sademorlandstudios
Creative Hair Stylist: @triciasluxurymakeupandhair
Wedding dress and coat: @felicitywestmacott
Bridesmaids` dresses: @rewrittenbridesmaids
Engagement and Wedding Rings: @lovers_rock_diamonds On the day assistant: @brienyob
