A Striped Hayley Paige Dress + Sparkly Miu Miu Platforms for a Cool, Gothic and Black Tie Christmas Wedding at Walcot Hall

As soon as I read today’s bride describing the feel of her wedding day as a ‘Cool, gothic Christmas wedding’, she had me hooked. Then I opened up the folder of accompanying images and took in her gorgeous off-the-shoulder dress of striped silk.

Not to mention, her sky-high silver glitter platform heels, the groom’s velvet suit, and the deep, jewel tones of the floral styling against the backdrop of a quirky and colourful country house, and I was stunned. Do take some time out of your day, wherever you are, to fully enjoy this celebration, and let it weave a magical, festive spell upon you. Amelia, a Sales Manager working in fashion, and Jason, who works in finance as a Risk Manager, were married on the 15 December 2018 at Walcot Hall in Shropshire; an elegant Georgian mansion set within 30 acres of gardens and estate lands.

Film by James Tracey Wedding Films

Amelia looked incredible in her striped dress by Hayley Paige, with its sexy off-the-shoulder straps and sweetheart neckline. She found this beautiful confection at London boutique Mirror Mirror, who, I’m delighted to say are part of our excellent directory of talented and trusted wedding suppliers, Little Book.

“I loved the shape and the sexy slit to show off my fabulous silver sparkly Miu Miu shoes, the detachable off-the-shoulder sleeves, and the amazing striped fabric! I wanted a big dress, but still wanted to feel cool, and felt this dress had a bit of edge.”

Dress via Mirror Mirror Couture, London + Follow

“I would like to say a special thank you to Mirror Mirror, as I had designed my own dress with a designer and was let down at the last minute. The team at Mirror Mirror were like my wedding dress fairy godmothers! Everything happens for a reason, and I loved my choice in the end and wouldn’t change it, or the experience.”

There might have been a spot of winter rain post-ceremony, but it certainly didn’t dampen the mood! The wedding party enjoyed some time spent together, with group portraits in Walcot Hall’s amazing turquoise ballroom. These, and all of the many beautiful moments were captured sensitively and creatively by photographer Matt Parry.

“The best and only choice for us. Matt’s style was exactly what we were looking for. We didn’t want cheesy wedding photos, and this isn’t his style, so he was the perfect choice. We wanted realness, emotion, and a cool documentary of the day. He captured us in the most amazing way, and I’m so pleased we went with him, as these are the memories we took away and have hanging on our wall.”

Those glorious, glittery platforms by Miu Miu brought festive sparkle and shine to Amelia’s look, as did the crystal crown in her hair, and delicate earrings and necklace by Dolecka, found at Mirror Mirror.

Images by Matt Parry Photography

Make-up artist Georgia Gilson created a beautiful look for Amelia, and as finishing touches, she added a veil from Mirror Mirror, a blue garter made by her best friend and bridesmaid, as well as her perfume.

“My fragrance was Baudelaire, by Byredo, which is my signature autumn/winter scent. It’s woody and spicy with leather, perfect for a Christmas wedding.”

I just love the dark elegance and Gothic glamour of Amelia’s bouquet, filled with velvety roses in deep red and bright pink, and blushing purple hydrangeas and scabiosa. This, and all the exquisite floral creations throughout the day were by Flowers by Breige.

Walcot Hall looked wonderful decked out for Christmas, with Christmas trees and garlands of ivy, and Amelia and her dad made their way down the sweeping staircase and along the aisle together to an acoustic version of Latch, by Sam Smith.

Jason was the epitome of sartorial elegance in his bespoke black velvet suit by Stubbings & Taylor, which he wore with a white shirt, an oversized bow tie from Zara, and velvet loafers by Gucci.

“Jason and I met 8 years ago in an East London pub, and 1 year later we started dating seriously. Jason proposed 6 years later on a weekend away in the Cotswolds, and we were engaged for just over a year before we wed.”

The couple exchanged their heartfelt vows by candlelight in the venue’s Main Hall, and gave each other bespoke rings made in Hatton Garden in London (sadly, no further details provided).

“For a reading, we asked Jason’s mum to write something personal for us, and it was one of the highlights of the day. It was very emotional and raw, and full of advice to take into married life, see an extract below she wrote for us.”

“‘One fundamental skill is listening. Listen without judgement but with respect and acceptance. You don’t have to agree or sort it out for each other, but its about understanding the other perspective they may have; a completely different experience of the same reality, and you may learn from them.’ She made every one in the room both laugh and cry, including the registrar!”

With the wild, rose-filled mantelpiece garland, and surfaces dotted with feathers, candles and animal skulls, the whole effect was decadent and dramatic.

I love that Amelia and Jason were inspired by the interiors of Walcot Hall, with dining tables laid with deep blue cloths surrounded by antique gold chairs, and centrepieces of jewel toned flowers surrounded by candelabra.

Stationery by Pen & Fold, including table numbers and menus, were placed inside gilt frames, and place settings were handmade velvet napkins laid on top of vintage style gold charger plates.

Amelia’s bridesmaids wore sharply stylish black dresses from ASOS, and the Best Men wore tuxedos from Selected Homme, with black shirts and bow ties from Zara.

“We chose Walcot Hall because of how unique and full of character it was, from the turquoise ballroom to the quirky accommodation, eclectic furniture and art. We didn’t want a traditional wedding theme. We had some help from a family friend, Steph Gale, who also works in events.”

“We wanted to create a cool, Gothic Christmas wedding. We were also inspired by Walcot Hall’s turquoise walls as an amazing backdrop,  and this led to me choosing the additional colours in the candles and flowers, which flowed through the day.”

Everyone sat down to a feast prepared by Roslin Catering, after which came an incredible line-up of evening entertainment –  DJ Marlon D and some very special guests in the shape of DJ Luck and MC Neat for a garage hour!

“Our first dance was Adorn by Miguel. It’s a song we used to play at home and dance around the flat together to, so it felt like a natural choice.”

Favourite Moments

“Walking down the aisle and seeing Jason’s face for the first time, and walking into dinner as Mr and Mrs Lincoln to one of our favourite songs, and seeing the room looking so amazing with all the bright candles lit and the fires. Plus the speeches were all amazing in different ways. There was nothing we would have done differently. It was all magical and perfect for us.”

Words of Wedded Wisdom

“Enjoy the build up and planning, as it’s as much part of the day as the day itself. It’s a cliché, but it goes so fast, so enjoy the excitement and all the amazing decisions you make together designing your own perfect day and party.”

“Also do what you and your partner want, don’t do things for others. You want to look back and have no regrets, so do it exactly the way you want to!”

“Make sure you buy wedding insurance! My original wedding dress didn’t get made, so I needed to claim the insurance to buy wedding dress no.2.”

Amelia and Jason, thanks a million for sharing your day with us, and for those useful (and sensible!) words of wisdom, too. Many thanks to James Tracey Wedding Films and Matt Parry Photography for their magical captures, too.

Whether you’re planning a festive wedding or you just love the season, do be sure to enjoy our other Christmas weddings, here.

Until next time!

Love,

Laura