Elie Saab Vintage Glamour For a Chic Winter Wedding

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Morning everyone – did you catch our late afternoon post of yesterday? We're working with Berinmade with the chance for you to win 50 'save the date' cards in a design of your choice, plus we blogged details of how you can save 15% on all orders from the entire wedding stationery range with Berinmade.

This morning's chic winter wedding was inspired by the 'vintage glamour' of TV series like Mad Men and Boardwalk Empire.   Sarah and David who both work in alternative asset management fund raising, tied the knot on 3rd December, 2011 at The George in Rye, East Sussex.  These images which are a mix of digital and gorgeous film photography were shared by the lovely Jodie Chapman, more from whom you can see on Love My Dress here.

"I chose everything for my wedding with ‘vintage glamour’ in mind.  I love all things classic and timeless, but I love to dress up for something special.  I saw lots of vintage inspired weddings, but I wanted something that was a little more glamorous – I’ve always loved Marilyn Monroe for example, and we're both big fans of Mad Men and Boardwalk Empire and I think that provided a lot of inspiration too."

Photography Copyright © 2013, Jodie Chapman

Elie Saab wedding dress, The George in Rye wedding, East Sussex wedding, Photography by Jodie Chapman

"David and I met in April 2006.  David worked at Allen and Overy at the time and I had just left the very same company.  I went back for a friend’s leaving drinks expecting to see the usual suspects and spotted a ‘new hottie’.  I made sure I introduced myself to the surprise guest and the rest was history.

We got married at The George in Rye Hotel in East Sussex.  The venue was extremely important to us.  We love to have a weekend away in the UK and we kept that in mind when searching for a venue.  I used the Wedding section of the Mr & Mrs Website as a guide. "

Elie Saab wedding dress, The George in Rye wedding, East Sussex wedding, Photography by Jodie Chapman

"Rye provided a lovely 'olde England' vibe for our wedding guests to easily explore outside of the wedding.  We privately hired the whole hotel for 24 hours on the Saturday, but most guests joined for us for the Friday as well.  We wanted a ‘boutique wedding’ where we could have all the people we loved in the same space for the whole time and spoil them as much as we could."

Elie Saab wedding dress, The George in Rye wedding, East Sussex wedding, Photography by Jodie Chapman

"Many venues were not suitable for a winter wedding (ie, they had dodgy interior design!) – I loved the thought of Rye in the winter and the log fires and wood panels in The George Hotel.

The Ballroom fitted our theme exactly – it was cosy, but dramatic with high ceilings, silk wallpaper and chandeliers.  I still can’t think of a better back drop, and I love the olde world aspect of the streets with us in our most glam clothes!"

Elie Saab wedding dress, The George in Rye wedding, East Sussex wedding, Photography by Jodie Chapman

The couple hired Artcadia to produce their wedding day stationery, including this table plan…

"We spent a long time choosing the invitations as we knew that it would set the tone for the wedding, and in the end we worked with Artcadia. We wanted everyone to know that the wedding would be tasteful, but took our time with the wording of ‘the particulars (additional information)’ to ensure the tone was personal, light hearted and fun.

We included a hand drawn map of Rye and the RSVP’s were little postcards (a link for the weekend away feel).  Friends and Family left messages on a poster that was sitting on an easel to leave messages for us (instead of a guest book).  It now hangs in our hallway."

Elie Saab wedding dress, The George in Rye wedding, East Sussex wedding, Photography by Jodie Chapman

Our friend drew a funny sketch of us for the front cover of our order of service.  Inside we wrote The Plan in a funny light hearted way, so guests knew what was going on when and to just concentrate on enjoying themselves.  It also contained one of our favourite quotes from the film Juno on the first page, which again helped with the tone of how we felt and how we wanted to celebrate, 'In my opinion the best thing you can do is find a person who loves you for exactly what you are. Good mood, bad mood, ugly, pretty, handsome, what-have-you. The right person is still going to think the sun shines out of your ass. That's the kind of person that's worth sticking with.' (Juno 2007)"

Elie Saab wedding dress, The George in Rye wedding, East Sussex wedding, Photography by Jodie Chapman

Sarah wore the Demeter gown by designer Elie Saab

"I fell in love with the workmanship of the dress.  The moment I saw it I knew I would not wear anything as beautiful again in my life.  The detail and cut were timeless.  I love Elle Saab and have seen so many of his catwalk creations.  It was worth going over budget!  Also I have had a daughter since the wedding and I hope that she will wear it on her wedding day."

Elie Saab wedding dress, The George in Rye wedding, East Sussex wedding, Photography by Jodie Chapman

"As my dress was quite detailed, I wanted to keep my hair simple so chose not to wear a veil.

My earrings were called lavender from Swarovski.  I found them four days before the wedding and was really pleased with them.  At first I wanted pearls, but now I’m pleased that I had the silver contrast to my dress.  My engagement ring is princess cut and my wedding ring is a channel set/eternity type ring.  David had a band.  All from Hatton Gardens."

Elie Saab wedding dress, The George in Rye wedding, East Sussex wedding, Photography by Jodie Chapman

Sarah also wore a super glamorous pair of heels by Jimmy Choo.

Elie Saab wedding dress, The George in Rye wedding, East Sussex wedding, Photography by Jodie Chapman

Elie Saab wedding dress, The George in Rye wedding, East Sussex wedding, Photography by Jodie Chapman

"My Make-up Artist was Kaz Fernado who did a great job with me and my bridesmaids. She is also the loveliest woman ever, and so lovely to have around on the day – good fun and a good support.

We had amazing sunshine and light too – though I think it was about 12 degrees.  I was outside for 45 mins for our photoshoot without a coat!  I had been worried all year as in 2010 Rye was totally cut off due to the snow, but it was a beautiful day."

Elie Saab wedding dress, The George in Rye wedding, East Sussex wedding, Photography by Jodie Chapman

"My Father walked me down the aisle to a special acoustic version of Florence and the Machine's 'You Got The Love'.  We both love Florence and the Machine and the words are perfect for us.  I still don’t know how I managed to make it down the aisle, as I still well-up listening to it now!

In fact, music and Lyrics are really important to us both. Bob Dylan is a favourite and he became the theme of our wedding. David’s sister, Caroline, read out Bob Dylan's ‘Wedding Song’ during our ceremony, and my friend Gabi sang Bob Dylan (Adele) ‘To Make You Feel My Love’."  

Elie Saab wedding dress, The George in Rye wedding, East Sussex wedding, Photography by Jodie Chapman

Elie Saab wedding dress, The George in Rye wedding, East Sussex wedding, Photography by Jodie Chapman

"Our florist was The Flower House.  I didn't feel that I wanted the flowers to overpower the Ballroom at the George or my dress.  I wanted simple flowers in ivory and cream, however a variation of flowers to show different textures.

My bouquet was a hand tied ‘domed’ shape bouquet with ivory roses, ranunculus, lisianthus, geulda rose, foliage and snowberries.  The bridesmaids had hand-tied posies with white ranunculus and gypsophila. 

The tables for the reception had silver candelabras with white candles which we placed in the ‘gypsophila’ wreaths from the aisle."

Elie Saab wedding dress, The George in Rye wedding, East Sussex wedding, Photography by Jodie Chapman

Elie Saab wedding dress, The George in Rye wedding, East Sussex wedding, Photography by Jodie Chapman

Elie Saab wedding dress, The George in Rye wedding, East Sussex wedding, Photography by Jodie Chapman

Elie Saab wedding dress, The George in Rye wedding, East Sussex wedding, Photography by Jodie Chapman

Elie Saab wedding dress, The George in Rye wedding, East Sussex wedding, Photography by Jodie Chapman

"David wore a Christian Dior suit.  His beloved Grandfather sadly passed away a week before the wedding so he also wore his Grandfather’s tie pin.  It was special and really matched his outfit!"

Elie Saab wedding dress, The George in Rye wedding, East Sussex wedding, Photography by Jodie Chapman

Elie Saab wedding dress, The George in Rye wedding, East Sussex wedding, Photography by Jodie Chapman

Elie Saab wedding dress, The George in Rye wedding, East Sussex wedding, Photography by Jodie Chapman

Elie Saab wedding dress, The George in Rye wedding, East Sussex wedding, Photography by Jodie Chapman

Elie Saab wedding dress, The George in Rye wedding, East Sussex wedding, Photography by Jodie Chapman

Elie Saab wedding dress, The George in Rye wedding, East Sussex wedding, Photography by Jodie Chapman

Elie Saab wedding dress, The George in Rye wedding, East Sussex wedding, Photography by Jodie Chapman

Elie Saab wedding dress, The George in Rye wedding, East Sussex wedding, Photography by Jodie Chapman

Elie Saab wedding dress, The George in Rye wedding, East Sussex wedding, Photography by Jodie Chapman

Elie Saab wedding dress, The George in Rye wedding, East Sussex wedding, Photography by Jodie Chapman

Elie Saab wedding dress, The George in Rye wedding, East Sussex wedding, Photography by Jodie Chapman

Elie Saab wedding dress, The George in Rye wedding, East Sussex wedding, Photography by Jodie Chapman

"As favours everyone had a place card at their table which read 'EAT, DRINK & BE MERRY’.  On the other side it told our guests that this could be used in exchange for a cocktail.  We provided our fave cocktails, Espresso Martini’s and Manhattan’s.  We wanted to provide something that our guests could use and enjoy!"

Elie Saab wedding dress, The George in Rye wedding, East Sussex wedding, Photography by Jodie Chapman

"The catering provided by The George in Rye was fantastic. We had a selection of canapés, including beetroot cured salmon and horseradish cream and our main course was roast leg of lamb, potato gratin, green beans and mint sauce.  For dessert we had chocolate and almond torte with grappa crème fraîche.

We had chips and bacon butties served as a late night snack (along with the cheese wheel and wedding cake).  Food and drink were really important to us and we knew a hotel/venue like the George would not disappoint!

We had a Marks and Spencer wedding cake and cheese wheel cake (that was very popular with our guests!)"

Elie Saab wedding dress, The George in Rye wedding, East Sussex wedding, Photography by Jodie Chapman

Elie Saab wedding dress, The George in Rye wedding, East Sussex wedding, Photography by Jodie Chapman

"Probably my favourite moment of the whole day was my Husband’s speech.  He is a funny guy (to me at least!)."

Elie Saab wedding dress, The George in Rye wedding, East Sussex wedding, Photography by Jodie Chapman

Elie Saab wedding dress, The George in Rye wedding, East Sussex wedding, Photography by Jodie Chapman

"We hired an  amazing DJ from DiskoJuice – our party felt like we were in a club!  Diskojuice also incorporates a saxophonist and bongo player which really helps bring the party spirit and a live element to the wedding.  Guests thought they were in Ibiza, it was really good.  I could not recommend them more.

We also had a lounge singer during the canapé section who sang rat pack classics and really looked the part.  That helped the 'vintage glamour' theme."

Elie Saab wedding dress, The George in Rye wedding, East Sussex wedding, Photography by Jodie Chapman

Words of Wedded Wisdom…

"All the effort is worth it.  Two years later my weddings day still brings a smile to my face.   I can’t wait to share the photos and stories with my daughter.

All in all it is your guests that make the day and our wedding guests certainly knew how to enjoy themselves.

I can honestly say I wouldn’t change a thing.  The enjoyment of our guests was the basis of every decision.  And many commented on the atmosphere and how everyone mixed together so well.  I wanted an uncomplicated, luxurious wedding and I think we achieved that.

Finally, Love My Dress was my favourite UK wedding blog to visit when planning."

Elie Saab wedding dress, The George in Rye wedding, East Sussex wedding, Photography by Jodie Chapman

If you love the vibe and style of this wedding, you can see more chic winter weddings here, and more brides wearling Elie Saab here.

Huge thanks to photographer Jodie Chapman for sharing her work today – please take a moment to view Jodie's website. Jodie has long been one of my favourite photographers as her style is so incredibly elegant – take a look a these other weddings Jodie photographed to see what I mean!

With much love,

Annabel

Heart

Photographer – Jodie Chapman
Venue – The George in Rye, East Sussex
Brides Dress – Demeter by Elie Saab
Brides Shoes – Jimmy Choo
Grooms suit – Christian Dior
Bridesmaids – French Grey, Grecian style dresses from French Connection
Florist – The Flower House
Cake – Marks and Spencer
Entertainment – DiskoJuice
Stationery Designer – Artcadia
Make-up Artist – Kaz Fernado

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Annabel

Annabel View all Annabel's articles

Founder of Love My Dress. Passionate Podcaster and Editor. Annabel lives in rural North Yorkshire with her husband and business partner Philip, their two daughters and menagerie of furry hounds. She loves photography, meditation, walking, being outdoors and star gazing. She is fierce when it comes to championing talent within the wedding industry and when she's not working on Love My Dress, she supports her husband Philip in the running of the family's sustainable flower farm and floral design business, Moonwind Flowers. In 2013, she became a published author.

18 thoughts on “Elie Saab Vintage Glamour For a Chic Winter Wedding

  1. Classic Elegance at it’s best… Beautiful Bride, Handsome Groom, beautiful colour scheme, to-die-for flowers and twinkling candlelight… *sigh* Oh and the George at Rye is one of my absolute favourite venues. If I could only do it all again… x

  2. I love seeing stunning winter weddings featured – probably because I’m getting married this coming February! There’s something so romantic about fake fur coats, candlelight and roaring fires I think. Sarah also made an excellent point about choosing the right venue for a winter wedding and The George in Rye is absolutely amazing. I went to a friend’s wedding there a few years ago and it was a perfect venue and Rye itself is beautiful.
    A gorgeous, timeless day.

  3. How exciting Kate! You must remember to send us some photographs! We’ve been saving some of our fave Wintery weddings to feature this month, so keep your eyes peeled too.
    Much love and best wishes to you in the final few weeks of planning your wedding,
    Annabel xXx

  4. Kate I am getting married this Feb too – and this wedding just makes me even more excited about the day! Hope we can make it half as classic and elegant as theirs – tons of inspiration here. Hope you have a great day yourself!

  5. I can only agree with everyone above – such a classy, elegant and beautiful wedding. And the venue is just divine! Makes me think of the Great Gatsby with the chandeliers, silk wallpaper etc, absolutely love it. Thank you for a wonderful post! iida x

  6. Ah the George is a simply beautiful venue, and Rye itself is just wonderful. We got married there in April this year, and I had to go back there 2 weeks ago to celebrate my 30th. Beautiful hotel just to visit for a weekend as well as to get married in, I would urge everyone to go, and if you do go as it’s a brilliant town…

  7. As ever, a beautiful post. Thank you, Annabel. This is one of my all time favourite weddings, and Sarah and David are such fabulous clients. I’m looking forward to photographing them and their gorgeous new daughter in New York in the spring!

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