A Feathery Enzoani Dress for a Glamorous Boutique Hotel Wedding in the English Countryside

Hello, dear readers, I do hope you’re having a wonderful week so far. You’re definitely going to want to take a little time out to enjoy the effortless elegance of this lovely, early spring wedding, and if you’re on the lookout for bridal fashion inspiration, then there’s a show-stopping dress of feathery perfection you also have to see!

Let’s meet our couple, Sarah, a Chartered Accountant, and Jonathan, who is an IT Consultant, who were married on the 24 March 2018 at The Old Vicarage, a beautiful boutique hotel in the charming Nottinghamshire village of Southwell.

Videography by Confetti & Silk Films

Images by Martin Makowski Photography

“While we were engaged, we were living in London, but we knew we wanted to get married up north, where we are from, to be near most of our friends and family.”

Gorgeous bridal party glamour came courtesy of hair stylist Chloe Slater, and make-up artist Hannah Dora, and I love Sarah’s perfect, vintage style waves and dramatic eye make-up.

From Wimbledon boutique, The Wedding Dress Shop, Sarah chose the spectacular ‘Leonie’ dress in ivory, by Enzoani. Glittering shoulder straps give way to an embellished bodice, and subtle mermaid silhouette – and that ostrich feather skirt – wow! There’s such dynamism and movement created by all of those feathers, it’s just wonderful.

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“I first saw the dress at a wedding fair, and loved how unique it was. I really wanted a mermaid shaped dress with a low back. I also loved the diamante on the dress and on the straps.”

Ahh, what an absolutely beautiful gown, full of sass and movement – we love!

Sarah chose iconic Valentino Rockstud heels, and for her other accessories, a bangle found at Dubai’s gold souk (the day before becoming engaged), and lovely gold crystal Swarovski earrings, borrowed from one of her bridesmaids.

Gorgeous bridal party glamour came courtesy of hair stylist Chloe Slater, and make-up artist Hannah Dora, and I love Sarah’s perfect, vintage style waves and dramatic eye make-up.

Beautiful finishing touches were a simple tulle veil from eBay, and perfume – Coco Mademoiselle, by Chanel.

“Coco Mademoiselle has always been one of my favourites. Also, my best friend was getting married a month later and we agreed to have the same scent!”

“My dad walked me down the aisle as harpist Louise Spencer played One Day Like This by Elbow, as it is my favourite song in the world!”

 

“We wanted a venue with a neutral colour palette, because we planned for the flowers to introduce the colour to the day.”

Sarah’s bridesmaids looked fantastic in dove grey chiffon maxi dresses from Warehouse, via ASOS, together with strappy, pewter coloured sandals from Topshop. Sarah also gifted them personalised Littlesmith necklaces, via Selfridges.

“With a neutral venue and bridesmaid’s dresses we wanted to use the flowers to introduce colour to the day. We wanted a variety of pastel colours, and because the venue and dresses were so simple, we felt like we could get away with more than one colour, too.”

These magnificent bouquets were tightly packed with a glorious array of flowers, by Vaas Master Florist, with soft and delicate ranunculus and spray roses, mixed with berries, hellebore blooms, and greenery.

Jonathan was waiting, looking handsome in a blue checked suit from Moss Bros., which he accessorised with a navy blue pocket square from ASOS, and shoes from Kurt Geiger.

“We’ve known each other since going to the same secondary school, but never spoke until New Year’s Eve 2013 when we bumped in to each other in a local bar! We got engaged in November 2016 whilst on holiday in Dubai, and we married a year and a half later.”

Sarah and Jonathan opted for a simple, civil ceremony, and chose not to include any readings. They did, however, exchange rings with one another. Sarah chose a thin, gold diamond band to match her engagement ring, and Jonathan chose a plain gold band – both from 77 Diamonds, where Sarah’s engagement ring had also come from.

“While we were engaged, we were living in London, but we knew we wanted to get married up north, where we are from, to be near most of our friends and family.”

Following the ceremony, there were drinks outside in the lovely grounds of the Old Vicarage, and the chance for Sarah and Jonathan to enjoy some quiet time together to enjoy those feelings of just-married joy.

On hand to capture all of these moments, in a natural and spontaneous way, was photographer Martin Makowski, whose honest and heartfelt work we’re sharing for the first time on Love My Dress today.

“We chose Martin because we loved his style of capturing action shots, and he was highly recommended by our venue. He was brilliant during the lead-up and throughout the day – he was discreet, easy to work with, and put us at ease. We would highly recommend him to any couples getting married!”

Excellent food was a key consideration for Sarah and Jonathan when deciding on their wedding venue, and the chef team at the Old Vicarage didn’t disappoint, cooking an absolutely wonderful feast for everyone to enjoy.

“We had lots of compliments on the food from guests, and although we are biased, we think it’s the best wedding food we’ve ever had!”

Sarah and Jonathan discovered Maxine, of Bakehouse 94, at a wedding fair, and commissioned her to create an exquisite grey and white marble effect cake.

“Again, we wanted it to be neutral to tie in with the theme, so we had a metallic silver middle layer with a plain white top layer, and some added handmade flower decorations.”

The couple’s favourite part of the day came during the evening, as they headed outdoors with loved ones for a spectacular and fun sparkler guard of honour!

“Initially this idea was mainly for the photos and videos, but in the moment it turned out to be one of the most fun parts of the day. It was just so nice to be surrounded by everyone we loved who were all cheering and waving their sparklers around.”

Later, there was time for dancing, with music from DJ, Dream Wedding Entertainment.

“Our first dance was to Junk Of The Heart by The Kooks. We used to listen to this song all the time when we first became boyfriend and girlfriend, and the chorus words (‘I wanna make you happy’) felt fitting for the day!”

Words of Wedded Wisdom

“The main regret I have is not immediately getting my flowers dried and framed as a memento. In hindsight, it’s one of the only things from the day that you get to keep, and I was really upset when they began to die, and the moment to do this had passed. Also I wish we had spent more time on the table plan board – looking back, it was a little rudimentary!”

“Just try and have fun with it. This is the one day where you can incorporate all of your favourite colours, styles and food, as well as spending the whole day with all of your closest friends and family. It shouldn’t be a stressful experience!”

“If there is room in your budget, then I would really recommend getting a videographer, as it’s an amazing way to relive the day, and we look at it just as much as we look at our photos.”

Congratulations, Sarah and Jonathan, and a huge and heartfelt thank you, too! Many thanks also go to Martin Makowski for his wonderful images, and to Confetti & Silk for their brilliant highlights film.

If the feathered beauty of Sarah’s lovely dress has you wondering about more equally feathery confections, then do take a look through these real weddings, here.

Until next time,

With love,

Laura