The inspiration for this blue wedding dress with sleeves was a little unusual. Some brides give me mood boards, and some brides give me the lyrics to the extended (8 minute!) version of Torch by Soft Cell. The song, and especially these particular lyrics, have a lot of significance to the bride, Nicky, and her...
I created two bespoke wedding dresses in Brighton for this fun, campy, Cabaret photoshoot. The goal was to create a vibrant celebration of life and love, full of bright colours and bags of personality. There’s no better way to celebrate than with glitter, confetti and a whole lot of fun! I don’t know about...
If you’re in search for some mixed Indian British wedding dress inspiration, then you’ve come to the right blog post. I’m Fliss – a bespoke wedding dress maker from the south of England (Surrey, to be exact). I love making wedding dresses that are a little unusual. My brides are often looking for an outfit...
For this bespoke wedding dress in Guildford, I used a beautiful beaded antique-silver lace for the body of the dress, with the lower skirt being made in a silk chiffon and a silk lining. It’s the perfect combination of elegant and sexy. Depending on how much skin you want to show, you could choose to...
Danielle wanted a pretty and elegant dress with applique lace and subtle sequin sparkles on a nude base. We were aiming for something lightweight, feminine and figure-hugging. So I designed a dress that was a little soft romantic, a little boho and a little sexy, accentuating Danielle’s hourglass figure. This bespoke nude lace wedding dress...
For this bespoke wedding dress photoshoot in Hertfordshire, we created an autumnal woodland wedding. We chose a colour palette of burnt orange, red, burgundy and pink, with accents of white and gold. Everything was handmade including the bunting, macrame and tablescape, for a truly bespoke feel. This wedding is for the kind of bride who...
For this Marie Antoinette wedding dress photoshoot, we took inspiration from the aesthetic of Bridgeton. I think we ended up with something slightly different, but equally wonderful, don’t you think? Our colour scheme was pastels; blush, pinks, coral, creamy ivory and hints of baby blue and gold. We wanted to evoke something romantic and ethereal...
Non-binary stunner, Stevie, saw this Addams Family wedding photoshoot where I made my Morticia inspired look. They knew it was the perfect vibe for them, so they ordered their own bespoke sheer black wedding dress for their own gothic wedding. This dress is comprised of a simple bodycon fishtail, with a plunging v-neckline front and...
Photography – Andrew Brannan Real bride, Janet, had been following me on Instagram for a few years before she got in touch. When we had our first Zoom meeting, she said she had been waiting for the perfect moment to be able to have a dress designed and made by me. I think a wedding...
“Normal is an illusion. What is normal for the spider is chaos for the fly.” Morticia Addams I was so excited when Lex, our excellent photographer and event organiser (along with Revelry Events), chose me to make a gothic Morticia wedding dress for this styled Addams Family inspired photoshoot. I love creating looks that push...
Posts from Felicity Westmacott
Down the Rabbit Hole...🕰️
A few months ago I was contacted by Amy, looking for a last minute seamstress replacement for her steampunk Alice in Wonderland themed wedding shoot.
I said yes, and with three and a half weeks before the shoot, I made complete outfits for both brides. Amy gave me free reign on the design, with the only request being I used traditionally steampunk colours; brown, beige, taupe, bronze, copper and gold.
To add to the last minute chaos, the original Alice bride model had to drop out the day before the shoot. We managed to find a new model, whose measurements were similar to the dress I had already finished, except she was 8 inches shorter and 2 dress sizes smaller than the previous model. This meant that even with last minute alterations, the fit on the day wasn`t perfect – it isn`t incredibly noticeable, but I can see it...
For our femme Alice bride, I made a wedding dress from pale gold taffeta, with a fully boned bodice, long skirt with a train and waterfall back. The petticoat is a cage crinoline with rows and rows of boning and tapes – tea-dyed to go with the colour scheme. Originally the skirt had two options, either down, or hitched up. But due to our new bride being shorter, we could only have it hitched, so she could move around safely.
For our more masc bride, I went for a White Rabbit meets Mad Hatter look, with velvet breeches, and a double-breasted waistcoat over cotton romantic sleeved shirt and matching cravat. She was styled with Victorian-style ankle booties and striped stockings. I also decorated a vintage top hat with bird cage veiling, cogs and peacock feathers, and we sourced a pocket watch to go into the specially made pocket watch pocket.
Which outfit is your favourite?
Content creation and creative lead: @reeldealsocial
Lead photographer: @nicolaashleaphotography
Celebrant: @stardustceremonies
Styling and flowers: @foxgloveandblack
Photographer 2: @candiceharrisphotography
Model 1: @rosy053
Model 2: @s.frosties
HMUA: @house_of_belles
Tea set: @teacupswishes
Cake: @thecakelabuk
Shoes: @houseofelliotlaceboots
Drinks: @bittersweetbartenders
Stationer: @calistaandbelle
Venue: @wortonhall
My goal this year is to use up as much of my existing fabric stash as I can. Having been a seamstress for several decades now, I have amassed a huge pile of fabric over the years. That, and I just can’t throw anything away. As a result, I have an island’s worth of gorgeous, unusual and tragically under-utilised material, begging to be used for its purpose – creating unique and beautiful wedding dresses.
So, when Amy approached me about creating some looks for a steampunk Alice in Wonderland themed wedding shoot, it felt like the perfect opportunity to dip into my stash.
As a result, everything was made from fabrics in stock – nothing was bought new. In fact, some of the scraps of lace are from my mum’s stash, so parts of this dress are from the 50s and 60s. I trimmed the gown with scraps of vintage and antique lace, sequins and tulle, as well as torn blue silk for the very Alice bows. They had a long while waiting to be used, but finally these frabrics have their home.
Content creation and creative lead: @reeldealsocial
Lead photographer: @nicolaashleaphotography
Celebrant: @stardustceremonies
Styling and flowers: @foxgloveandblack
Photographer 2: @candiceharrisphotography
Model 1: @rosy053
Model 2: @s.frosties
HMUA: @house_of_belles
Tea set: @teacupswishes
Dress/suit: @felicitywestmacott
Cake: @thecakelabuk
Shoes: @houseofelliotlaceboots
Drinks: @bittersweetbartenders
Stationer: @calistaandbelle
Venue: @wortonhall
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?
~
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.
~
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
