A Halfpenny London Gown for a Chic Italian Island Wedding

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One of the many things I love about Mediterranean countries is the profusion of shocking pink bougainvillea flowers that can be found everywhere. I take so much pleasure in their rich, joyful colour, their subtle fragrance, and the fact that they thrive in the hot sunshine.

Today’s wedding between Martha and Alastair is characterised by these beautiful blooms so please enjoy these photographs by Thierry Joubert and let yourself be transported to the sunny climate of Italy.

Martha and Alastair married on 30 May 2016 in an informal yet stylish ceremony overlooking the dramatic coastline at Hotel Raya, on the tiny Isola di Panarea, just north of Sicily. Their wedding venue was also where Alastair proposed, and the couple wanted to let the beauty of the coastal location shine on their day.

“The location was so beautiful, we wanted everything to feel very organic and at one with where we were celebrating.”

Photography byThierry Joubert

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Martha chose an exquisitely cut soft-blush gown from one of our absolute favourite designers on Love My Dress and Little Book for BridesHalfpenny London. So simple and elegant, its floor-skimming skirt moves beautifully and I love the low back and long sash at the waist.

If you are inspired by this design, then please visit Halfpenny London’s Look Book pages where you can see designs from her Flora Romance and Wild Love collections all on a single page.

Kate Halfpenny’s bridal separates are perfect for creating different looks, so Martha was able to wear it for her UK ceremony too.

“I actually wore it for our UK wedding with a different jacket. I loved the glamorous but relaxed feel of the dress and the heavy material. It felt amazing to walk and dance in.”Destination wedding photographer Thierry Joubert captured the couple’s day in these stylish, chic photographs. I love how he has caught the intimacy and informality of the couple’s friends and family gathering around to participate in the ceremony.

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Simplicity was key for Martha, who works in fashion and she added only a long Halfpenny London veil and a stunning pair of Jimmy Choo sandals in gold. Her long hair was worn down and caught back to reveal her face.

The bouquet was a spray of deep pink bougainvilleas blossoms, which look incredible against her gown and the beautiful blue sea and white stone of the Hotel Raya.

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The groom looks debonair with his slicked-back hair and a white tuxedo suit by Spencer Hart. I’ve not seen this look often on Love My Dress, but love its film-star vibe which goes so well with the dramatic location.

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Both Martha’s mum and dad accompanied her down the aisle to meet Alastair, to the laid-back and ever so summery sound of Hans Zimmer’s ‘You’re So Cool‘. The couple planned their day in just nine months after getting engaged whilst on the island.

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“We met about six years prior to getting married but then didn’t see each other again for five years. We re-met at a music festival and a year later Alastair had proposed. Nine month after that we were married.”

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During the ceremony, the beautiful words of E.E. Cumming’s poem ‘I Thank You God for Most This Amazing Day’. It celebrates the day and its alfresco location wonderfully.

I thank You God for most this amazing
day: for the leaping greenly spirits of trees
and a blue true dream of sky; and for everything
which is natural which is infinite which is yes
(I who have died am alive again today,
and this is the sun’s birthday; this is the birth
day of life and of love and wings: and of the gay
great happening illimitably earth)
how should tasting touching hearing seeing
breathing any–lifted from the no
of all nothing–human merely being
doubt unimaginable You?
(now the ears of my ears awake and
now the eyes of my eyes are opened)

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The day continued with a wedding breakfast overlooking the sea. The long tables are perfect for creating a social atmosphere, and look ultra-chic with their decorations of citrus fruits and blue and white crockery to reflect the sea. The stationery, including the beautiful calligraphy place names, was designed by Susannah Garrod.

“We had bespoke canvas bags made with little bottles of locally-made limoncello inside as well as mini hangover kits.”

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As night fell, the newly-weds hosted a party on the terrace, first dancing to Bill Withers’ ‘Lovely Day before the wedding DJ got their guests on the dance-floor.

Thank you so much Martha and Alastair for sharing your chic Italian day with us. You are both so radiantly happy in these gorgeous photographs, and thanks to Thierry Joubert for your work also.

Wishing you all a very lovely day,

Ele xx

Credits & Thanks

Eleanor Crossland

Eleanor Crossland View all Eleanor's articles

Ele lives in the Lincolnshire countryside, close to the beautiful coast. A qualified Pilates teacher, she loves fitness, yoga, Pilates and has a healthy addiction to baking, writing and travel.

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