Happy Sunday lovers. I went to one of the BEST WEDDINGS EVER yesterday – I’m so on cloud 9 this morning after spending the day with friends and family and dancing on chairs in a room filled with love. I hope you’ve all had a lovely weekend so far too.
I know that Sundays are perfect days for many of our bride readers to be exploring the blog for wedding dress ideas, so I hope that these images may be of inspiration for some of you. These gowns are by Kate Beaumont, a Sheffield based designer who, she says, began making wedding dresses after her best friend ‘cunningly’ talked her into making hers.
“I’d gained a first class Fashion degree at university but had fallen out of love with the fashion industry after spending an eye-opening year travelling the world, and began working for a charity instead. Designing and making my friend Alexandra’s dress helped me rediscover my passion for dressmaking.”
Images by S6 Photography
The Dahlia gown
“I realised that creating bespoke wedding dresses was the perfect way to combine all the bits I love best.”
The Delphinium Gown
The gorgeous shoulder detail in the gown above was created by Debbie Carlisle – a fellow Sheffield based designer who creates the most exquisite and ethereal bridal headpieces. Another artist Kate regularly collaborates with is florist Anna of Swallows and Damsons. Anna, who is also based in Sheffield, creates sublime floral arrangements that quite literally make my heart sing.
Flowers by Swallows and Damsons
Kate’s debut collection of twelve elegant gowns have been named after some of her favourite flowers. They include the Peony gown, pictured below, which include pretty polka dot tulle skirt.
The Peony gown
I’ve met Kate on a number of occasions – we’ve exhibited together too (her dresses, my book) so I already know how charming she is, but in fact, I’d fallen a little bit in love with her after featuring her wedding and this incredible first look too.
“My husband James and I live with our baby son Rex in a lovely period house in Nether Edge, Sheffield, which we’ve fully renovated over the last five years. I work from my home studio up in the attic.”
“James and I got married in April 2012. We had a beautiful personal humanist ceremony, ate cakes baked by our closest friends, enjoyed a gorgeous meal and fabulous speeches from our nearest and dearest, all out in a lovely boutique hotel in the Peak District. For us it was a wonderfully happy and emotional day and being married is the best!”
“My studio houses my own collection of wedding dresses, plus gorgeous original vintage wedding gowns – available to buy or to use for inspiration for a bespoke commission.
I offer private consultations at my home studio which usually last about an hour. This is a relaxed and friendly space where you can try on any of my dresses and we can discuss options for bespoke designs. This is our opportunity to discuss your ideas and inspiration, so bring along all the images you’ve been scrapbooking or gathering online.”
Bespoke wedding dresses from Kate Beaumont star from £1,200, with most dresses costing around £1600-£1700. This fee covers the full, bespoke process, which Kate details below…
“I offer private consultations at my home studio which usually last about an hour. This is a relaxed and friendly space where you can try on any of my dresses and we can discuss options for bespoke designs. This is our opportunity to discuss your ideas and inspiration, so bring along all the images you’ve been scrapbooking or gathering online.”
“Once I have a clear vision of the dress you’re looking for, I provide a sketch and quote for you to consider. When I’m commissioned I take your measurements, along with a deposit to enable me to start working on your dress. I’ll then begin drafting your patterns and working on your first toile – a mock-up of your wedding dress to check the fit and refine design details. Most dresses generally require at least three fittings.
An ideal lead time for a made-to-measure dress is at least six months – that said it is often possible to work to shorter deadlines.”
Kate also sells a selection of original vintage dresses and these start at £300. View the latest collections from Kate Beaumont, see some of the happiest real brides ever and take a peek at Kate’s vintage selection too today if you have the the time. You can contact Kate here and see more via Kate’s Instagram page.
Have a very lovely Sunday all,
Love Annabel x
Photography – S6 Photography
Florals – Swallows & Damsons
Accessories – Debbie Carlisle
Hair & Make Up – Jenn Edwards
Veils – The White Room
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.
