An Elegant Middleton Lodge Wedding for a Bride and her 70’s Inspired Dress

There is nothing quite like the clarity of the early spring light and the way it brings out the fresh green of new leaves, the clean pastels of blossom and the pale blue of the clear sky.

All these things, and more, play a huge part in the romance of the wedding we’re sharing today.  On 29 March 2019, Trish and Olly exchanged their vows at The Fig House at Middleton Lodge near Richmond in North Yorkshire, set in a sensitively-restored, walled garden.

The couple wanted to instil a wintry feel into their wedding so chose a rich colour palette of burgundy and deep green, lightened by blush pink, to style the day.

Sugarbird Photography + Follow

Trish and Olly got chatting in a bar back in 2013 and Olly proposed on a romantic Christmas Eve in 2017. To capture the day, the couple commissioned Sugarbird Photography, whose work is beautiful.

Specialising in a light, fresh and natural style, these images are infused with the March light, with an eye for detail and composition which is delightful.

Those shoes are pretty darn beautiful aren’t they? They’re be Ted Baker and added a contemporary feel to Trish’s 70’s vibes dress.

For a massive injection of sensual glamour, the bride chose skyscraper heels in burgundy velvet and gold from Ted Baker and wore the heady scent of Jo Malone‘s Tuberose Angelica Cologne Intense.

“James is a fantastic photographer. He photographed my sister’s wedding in 2017 and was brilliant so we asked him to do ours. As well as taking stunning photos, James is a lovely guy and was friendly and professional on the day.”

For her early spring wedding, Trish worked with the incredibly-talented Debbie Goldthorpe of Paradise Grove to create her bespoke, fashion plate-worthy, gown. Made from soft chiffon and intricate lace, its circular skirt and sleeves fall so beautifully.

The romantic, dreamy ‘Sleeping Beauty’ meets ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ inspiration is clear to see. I also love how the dress feels totally different once the trumpet-sleeved jacket is removed, but also how the sheer, spotty back reveals the strappy back of the gown beneath.

“Debbie individually makes all of the dresses. I had an initial consultation and then around ten fittings. It was the most amazing experience to see the dress emerge form a very loose concept and a couple of sketches into what it became.”

“Debbie created the dress from her experience coupled with my imagination. Debbie was referred by a friend and another friend has since gone to Debbie since seeing my dress. Highly recommended.”

“I loved the sleeves and the high neck. It was two dresses in one.”

The ceremony was held inside the Boiler House Bar and Trish walked down the aisle to meet Olly by herself to the sounds of ‘I Giorni’ by Ludovico Einaudi. They exchanged their vows and rings from family-run l’Anson Jewellers in Harrogate.

Trish’s bridesmaid wore a slinky gown in burgundy from Oasis and wore a similar flower crown to the bride. Meanwhile, Olly was dressing in a blue morning suit from Ted Baker and Barker shoes.

Alison Martin Hair & Makeup styled her hair into a romantic chignon and created a dreamy smokey eye, along with deep red lips, for her make-up. To finish, her hair was crowned with a full floral crown of leaves and delicate white flowers and red roses in bud, made by Ruebury Flowers. Tracey also made the bride’s full, romantic bouquet of deep red blooms and cream roses.

“Tracey Bell is a friend from book club and a local florist in Knaresborough.”

Having been declared man and wife, the couple walked out to ‘Are You Ready For Love?’ by Elton John then emerged into the bright spring sunshine to a shower of confetti. The two acres of walled gardens, complete with fig trees and cherry trees in blossom, were perfect for their emotion-filled portrait shots.

 

The bride slipped off her bridal jacket ready for the wedding breakfast, which was prepared by the in-house caterers at Middleton Lodge. Just look at the softly-flowing train and the detail on the bodice; I am in awe.

Inside the light and airy Fig House, the tables were simply dressed with a train of foliage and candles in wine bottles spray-painted blue. The elegant, calligraphy place names were hand finished using a wax seal for a touch of extra personality.

I love that the couple asked the Trish’s grandad to bake their wedding cake, which was carefully iced in marbled blue by Trish and a friend. The finishing touch were more deep burgundy roses and a swathe of ivy.

Later, after more photographs at dusk, the Fig House was transformed for dancing to live music, whilst outside there was chance to keep warm by the roaring fire pit.

Oh my, what a gorgeous, gorgeous gown. I can imagine the excitement you must have felt as you went for each of your fittings, Trish. Thank you so much to you and Olly for letting us share this insight in to your day, and thank you also to Sugarbird Photography.

Ele xx