Sarah Willard Couture creates elegant, alluring wedding dresses, richly adorned with intricate detail. With flower embellishments crafted from chiffon and lace, silk ribbon embroidery and delicate seed pearl detailing with tiny crystals, the overall look is that of timeless elegance. The hint of bohemia and dreamlike prettiness of the designs means they're perfect for the discerning vintage inspired bride.
Sarah Willard
started her business from the back room at home eight years ago, but it
very quickly began to take over the house. A studio followed and a year
later a pretty little shop too. Sarah has enjoyed incredible success
over the last year, with bridal magazines placing her among the best
British bridal designers. As one of our newest sponsors, it’s high time
Love My Dress added its own endorsement to the existing praise for this
incredible artisan.
Annabel and I love the understated feel of Sarah's designs. The dresses appear so soft and pretty.
‘It’s
more about noticing the bride looking beautiful and then being drawn in
by the delicate details on the dress. All our designs are made by
ourselves, so we have complete control over the design and making
process. Our brides are very involved in the creation of their dress,
choosing trimmings and beads from jars in the studio. They tell me it’s
one of the best things in the lead up to the wedding!’
Sarah describes the new ‘Treasured and Cherished’ collection as ‘vintage inspired with a modern twist’.
‘I grew up in a family where mothers taught their daughters to
sew and techniques were passed down through generations. The current
collection was borne from old photographs of family weddings from the
1920s through to the 1940s and from needlework books, heirloom textiles
and trinkets of that era. Fragile laces adorned with exquisite ribbon
work and beading, letters with declarations of love to a beloved woven
across the page and postcards laced with silk ribbon.’
‘I was fascinated by the beautiful women who looked so elegant,
pretty and serene, despite the difficult times they endured with The
Great Depression and The Second World War.’
Sarah's studio is next door to a beautiful florist’s shop and the
fresh flowers she encounters on a daily basis have proven to be a great
source of inspiration.
‘I think I’m influenced by them more than I realised! I’m drawn
to the colours that blend as if they’re painted from watercolour and the
way such fragile, delicate objects with a discreet structure keep their
shape.’
Although based in the pretty village of Eccleshall at the heart of
rural Staffordshire, Sarah has created gowns for brides all over the
world. Step into her studio and you are greeted by lots of inspiration;
teacups filled with delicate glass beads and pearls, diamante brooches,
boxes overflowing with lace, and the latest collection of dresses
waiting to be tried on. Prices for collection dresses range from £1000
to £2500, while the cost of a bespoke commission is typically between
£1800 and £3000.
‘It’s such a privilege to work with brides during such an
exciting time in their lives, on the run up to their wedding day. We
love listening to their plans, helping them to visualise their dream
dress, and using our design expertise to turn their ideas into a
reality. Many of our past customers keep in touch after the big day.’
Do head over to www.sarahwillard.co.uk for even more of an insight into this fabulous designer and her work. You can also find Sarah on facebook, twitter and pinterest.
Much love,
Franky
This is a sponsored post.
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.
