Charlotte Balbier Lace for a Simple, Elegant and Quintessentially English Wedding

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Hello lovelies and I hope you are all having a wonderful week. I have a delightfully British wedding tale to tell today on our beautiful blog this morning – featuring a charming Charlotte Balbier lace dress (did you see this recent feature on Charlotte’s utterly beautiful new Willa Rose collection?) and spectacular images by photographer Tom Wright.

Clare, an Ambulance Technician, and Adam, a Project Manager, who tied the knot on 19 March 2015 on a sunny spring day in Lancashire. The couple held their ceremony at the sweet little Pickup Bank chapel and their reception at the beautiful Georgian mansion of Eaves Hall – and was inspired to create a truly traditional and simple British style of wedding.

“We opted for a traditional English wedding. We didn’t want to over co-ordinate or over theme too much, so if we liked something we incorporated it into our day, keeping it simple and elegant.

Photography by Tom Wright

Charlotte Balbier Lace for a Simple, Elegant and Quintessentially English Wedding

Clare found her gorgeous Charlotte Balbier dress via Mears Ghyll Bridal and had the wonderful experience of knowing it was ‘the one’ the moment she spied the beauty. I am in absolute awe of the whimsical tulle skirt of Clare’s dress.

Charlotte Balbier Lace for a Simple, Elegant and Quintessentially English Wedding

“I knew as soon as I saw the ‘Belle’ dress on the hanger it was the one. It was just what I had been looking for. I loved the fitted bodice covered in lace and I wanted a dress that had straps.”

Charlotte Balbier Lace for a Simple, Elegant and Quintessentially English Wedding

“The lace flowed down onto the polka dot tulle skirt tapering out about midway. The dress had enough detail and beautifulness without being too much. I styled the dress with another sash designed by Charlotte.”

Charlotte Balbier Lace for a Simple, Elegant and Quintessentially English Wedding“I used to work with Samantha Mercer many years ago so I was already at ease in her company. She listened to everything intently and had lots of knowledge and ideas to create the look I wanted. Samantha who did our hair was amazing, so professional and quick!”

Charlotte Balbier Lace for a Simple, Elegant and Quintessentially English Wedding
Charlotte Balbier Lace for a Simple, Elegant and Quintessentially English Wedding

The stunning bride wore an Amanda Wyatt hairpiece, purchased from Amelia’s Bridal, a spray of her favourite Miss Dior perfume, and beautiful jewellery pieces that were special wedding gifts.

“Adam bought me my earrings from Tiffany & Co., they were Paloma Picasso olive leaf pearl drop earrings. My parents bought me a pearl and Swarovski bracelet from Fiorelli.

Charlotte Balbier Lace for a Simple, Elegant and Quintessentially English Wedding

Clare and Adam were initially friends after working together at college, then reunited a few years later via a social media site and romance blossomed.

“We first met at Myerscough College as students and we worked together as student wardens on campus. Once our time as students was up, we both went our separate ways. It was a few years later through a social media site that we became re-acquainted.”

Charlotte Balbier Lace for a Simple, Elegant and Quintessentially English Wedding

Six years later, Adam proposed in a secluded spot in a snowy Central Park, New York in February 2014. We booked our wedding in March, exactly one year before the big day.”

Charlotte Balbier Lace for a Simple, Elegant and Quintessentially English Wedding
Charlotte Balbier Lace for a Simple, Elegant and Quintessentially English Wedding
Charlotte Balbier Lace for a Simple, Elegant and Quintessentially English Wedding

“Our florist Laura from The Pink Camellia was so easy to discuss ideas with and get to a final decision. Laura set up a sharing album on the iPhone that we could both add pictures to of things I liked and things she thought would work. Such a great way of doing it as it generated a theme without us having to think about it!

I chose a colour scheme of lavender, pink and cream and let Laura work her creative magic. The flowers were so beautiful, elegant, unique and smelt divine.”

Charlotte Balbier Lace for a Simple, Elegant and Quintessentially English Wedding
Charlotte Balbier Lace for a Simple, Elegant and Quintessentially English Wedding
Charlotte Balbier Lace for a Simple, Elegant and Quintessentially English Wedding
Charlotte Balbier Lace for a Simple, Elegant and Quintessentially English WeddingCharlotte Balbier Lace for a Simple, Elegant and Quintessentially English Wedding

 The suits and accessories for the groom, the best man and the groomsmen were all hired from Amelia’s Bridal and I think they look very dapper and stylish in their ensembles, don’t you?

Charlotte Balbier Lace for a Simple, Elegant and Quintessentially English Wedding

“We picked a three-piece suit in french navy for the groomsmen to wear. Adam & his best man, Matt, had a buff waistcoat to distinguish them from the rest of the groomsmen. Amelia’s Bridal provided everything, even the shoes which the boys got to keep afterwards. Such a good idea providing the shoes too as they all matched and looked very smart. We chose a Liberty print tie in a lilac and blue floral pattern that co-ordinated with the bridesmaids and suits.”

Charlotte Balbier Lace for a Simple, Elegant and Quintessentially English Wedding

“The chapel sits on top of the West Pennine Moors overlooking the village where I grew up. The moors just behind the chapel is where I spent a lot of my childhood with my friends riding our horses. We wanted somewhere that was a bit different and special. The chapel is so unique, with no modern day facilities such as electric or gas. The only heating is from the coal fires and lighting from the oil lamps. The views on a clear day are just out of this world, and thank goodness we had a beautiful day!”

Charlotte Balbier Lace for a Simple, Elegant and Quintessentially English Wedding

Clare’s dad walked her down the aisle at the church to the traditional bridal march, played by her aunt Ruth on the organ. The couple decided upon traditional vows and Clare’s mum read out a poem she had composed for the newlyweds. It is one of the sweetest and special poems I have ever had the pleasure of reading.

“My mum (Helen Livesey) wrote a poem to read at the chapel. It was the first time it had been heard by anyone other my dad. It was a really special moment to have something read that was written especially for our wedding day and it made everyone look round and take in the charm of the chapel.”

Oh there’s going to be a wedding at the chapel on the hill
The chapel in which time has stood still
With its oil lamps that hang from it beams up above, to its stone flag floors that will echo the sounds of the Clare’s dainty feet, that will walk down the aisle to her Adam to meet
The moors that encompass the chapel are bleak, cold and uninviting,
But inside the coal fire is roaring, the candles are lit, the guests are assembled and in the original pews they sit.
Oh there’s going to be a wedding at the chapel on the hill
The chapel in which times stood still.
The latch on the chapel door shuts tight
The guests whisper she’s here, and over his shoulder Adam nervously peeps,
To see Clare beautiful and stunning, in a delicately detailed dress so carefully chosen for her wedding, in the chapel on the hill
The chapel in which time has stood still
The ceremony is over the guests have sung loud, although it’s not hard to make a joyful noise to the lord,
Clare and Adam have made their vows and have said I do.
I now say to you
Shut your eyes tight and take a deep breath in
Remembering the feelings you hold within.
And if only for a few moments you will see,
That here in this chapel on the hill
Time stood still for you and me.

Charlotte Balbier Lace for a Simple, Elegant and Quintessentially English Wedding
Charlotte Balbier Lace for a Simple, Elegant and Quintessentially English Wedding
Charlotte Balbier Lace for a Simple, Elegant and Quintessentially English Wedding

“Our photographer Tom Wright was recommended to us by our original wedding photographer we had booked, who unfortunately could no longer shoot our wedding. We were slightly worried at first as we had set our hearts on our original photographer but once we met Tom and Katie, we were put at ease instantly. We had an extra photographer arranged by Tom on the day to capture Adam getting ready over at Eaves Hall.

They were all wonderful, creative, kind and made us feel so comfortable. Tom has documented our day so fabulously and the beautiful pictures have enabled us to have wonderful memories of our day.”

Charlotte Balbier Lace for a Simple, Elegant and Quintessentially English Wedding
Charlotte Balbier Lace for a Simple, Elegant and Quintessentially English Wedding
Charlotte Balbier Lace for a Simple, Elegant and Quintessentially English Wedding

“We fell in love with Eaves Hall as soon as we passed through the gates and drove up the tree lined driveway. The Georgian mansion was just beautiful and breathtaking. We were just as in awe as soon as we stepped inside. The contemporary country house interior, grand staircase, ornate fireplaces and luxurious furniture were just what we wanted.”

Charlotte Balbier Lace for a Simple, Elegant and Quintessentially English Wedding

 “The wedding car was picked by Adam, along with our dads! I had no idea what was going to arrive on the morning of the wedding. Unfortunately the car Adam picked broke down so a replacement was sent swiftly. The car was lovely and fitted into our day, almost as if it had been the car that was picked. Broughton Wedding Cars were excellent on the day and in the care before and after.”

Charlotte Balbier Lace for a Simple, Elegant and Quintessentially English Wedding

 The Wedding Cake Company created Clare and Adam’s delicious cake. I love the idea of strawberry milkshake as a flavour – yummy!

Charlotte Balbier Lace for a Simple, Elegant and Quintessentially English Wedding
Charlotte Balbier Lace for a Simple, Elegant and Quintessentially English Wedding
Charlotte Balbier Lace for a Simple, Elegant and Quintessentially English Wedding

Clare’s three lovely bridesmaids wore long, flowing lavendar Kelsey Rose gowns found via Amelia’s Bridal, shoes from BHS and fabulous Pia Rossini faux fur shrugs from My Vintage Style, pinned with a button made by Clare’s grandma Kitty.

Grandma Kitty also showed her talents with altering the sweet flower girl’s Kelsey Rose dress, whilst the cute pageboy wore Next attire.

Charlotte Balbier Lace for a Simple, Elegant and Quintessentially English Wedding
Charlotte Balbier Lace for a Simple, Elegant and Quintessentially English Wedding
Charlotte Balbier Lace for a Simple, Elegant and Quintessentially English Wedding
Charlotte Balbier Lace for a Simple, Elegant and Quintessentially English Wedding
Charlotte Balbier Lace for a Simple, Elegant and Quintessentially English Wedding
Charlotte Balbier Lace for a Simple, Elegant and Quintessentially English Wedding
Charlotte Balbier Lace for a Simple, Elegant and Quintessentially English Wedding
Charlotte Balbier Lace for a Simple, Elegant and Quintessentially English Wedding
Charlotte Balbier Lace for a Simple, Elegant and Quintessentially English Wedding
Charlotte Balbier Lace for a Simple, Elegant and Quintessentially English Wedding
Charlotte Balbier Lace for a Simple, Elegant and Quintessentially English Wedding
Charlotte Balbier Lace for a Simple, Elegant and Quintessentially English Wedding

“We had one main cake that we could traditionally cut on the day, the rest were cupcakes. We chose strawberry milkshake flavour, covered in a chocolate ganache with chocolate ganache roses. We chose this particular style as we liked the concept of people being able to take a cake away easily and we thought it would incorporate into the day well.”

Charlotte Balbier Lace for a Simple, Elegant and Quintessentially English Wedding

Dancefloor Couture was the in-house DJ entertainment at Eaves Hall and proved to be a huge hit.

“These guys were brilliant. We had an online area that we could add songs and pick songs we didn’t want playing. Such a great idea, our music was tailored to us all night and it certainly made a difference … the dancefloor was never empty! We deliberated our first dance for months and months. We had no idea what to pick. We eventually decided on Take That, ‘The Greatest Day’, for no apparent reason other than we liked the words!

We really can’t pick a favourite part of our day. It was all amazing! We loved everything about it. We really don’t think there is anything we would of done differently, everything was just how we planned and it was just perfect for us.”

 

Charlotte Balbier Lace for a Simple, Elegant and Quintessentially English Wedding

Words of Wedded Wisdom

“Take the time to browse and look at other weddings for ideas. Seeing other weddings will make you think how you could do something similar, but make it personal to you. Most importantly enjoy it! The planning and preparation is almost as exciting as the big day, seeing all those ideas come together.”

Charlotte Balbier Lace for a Simple, Elegant and Quintessentially English Wedding

I totally agree Clare and Adam – try not to think of wedding planning as a chore or a stressful time but as a chance to have fun and bond with your husband or wife to be and family and friends who might be helping out with the preparations. A very big thank you to Tom for the wonderful pictures and I wish the happy couple love and light for the future.

If you’ve been inspired by Clare’s stunning dress you can see more amazing Charlotte Balbier designs here we’ve highlighted previously on this beautiful blog.

Enjoy the rest of your week lovely readers!

Love Jo -xxx-

 

Photographer – Tom Wright
Ceremony – Pickup Bank Chapel, Lancashire
Venue + Catering – Eaves Hall, Lancashire
Dress – Charlotte Balbier via Mears Ghyll Bridal
Shoes – Rainbow Club
Hair accessory – Amanda Wyatt via Amelia’s Bridal
Jewellery –Tiffany & Co. earrings and Fiorelli bracelet
Scent/Perfume – Miss Dior
Bridesmaid Dresses – Kelsey Rose via Amelia’s Bridal
Bridesmaid Shoes – BHS
Bridesmaid’s Accessories – Shrugs via My Vintage Style
Groom and Groomsmen – All outfits hired from Menswear at Amelia’s Bridal
Flower girl dress – Kelsey Rose
Pageboy – Next
Florist – The Pink Camellia
Rings – Prestons Diamonds
Cake – The Wedding Cake Company
Stationery and Favours – All handmade by bride and groom and bride’s father
Hair & Makeup Artist – Samantha Mercer
Entertainment – Dancefloor Couture
Transport – Broughton Wedding Cars

Jo Singletary

Jo Singletary View all Jo's articles

Jo hails from and lives in sunny Australia, is currently working towards her dream of being a career coach and a few of her favourite things are watching the sunrise over the ocean, morning walks on the beach, butterflies, and supporting the guide dogs charity.

5 thoughts on “Charlotte Balbier Lace for a Simple, Elegant and Quintessentially English Wedding

  1. Love this wedding so much. I am such a fan of Tom and he did a brilliant job at capturing the emotion and special moments during this wedding day. Tom Wright is someone to watch… real talent. Bx

  2. What an absolutely stunning dress- a princess Frick, but with serious class! Congratulations to the happy couple 🙂 x

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