I am very excited to be posting this fabulous winter wedding for 2 reasons. Firstly, I *met* the Bride what must have been over a year ago in the same online forum that I met Charlotte in and saw her planning what I was sure would be a truly beautiful wedding.
Secondly, Christian Keenan, the incredibly talented photographer behind the stunning images, is a photographer I have long admired for the outstanding images he produces. We had been working on getting something from Christian when I realised that he had photographed Pippa’s wedding and it was fate.
Pippa really exercised her own style and made so many of the wedding details herself that I’m dying to share with you so I will hand you right over to hear from the beautiful Bride herself.
All images courtesy (and copyright) of Christian Keenan Photography.
A Perfect Winters Morning
Bruce and Pippa were married at Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, on 23rd December 2009, in an intimate gathering of the couples closest friends and family.
*Images are courtesy of (and copyright of) Christian Keenan at CKP Weddings.
Accessory Love
My engagement ring has emerald cut diamonds in it, so I wanted to use that as a theme for my accessories. The collar of the coat presented a few challenges in relation to my earring choice (anything dangly was out as I feared they would catch on the collar). My Husband gave me some beautiful emerald cut diamond studs for Christmas last year, so I decided that they were ‘the ones’. I saw an emerald cut crystal haircomb in Caroline Castigliano, and my lovely friends gave it to me for my 30th birthday present.
*Images are courtesy of (and copyright of) Christian Keenan at CKP Weddings.
The Broach I wore with the coat came from an antiques auction – it is an original art deco style with (again) emerald cut crystals and was exactly in keeping with the elegant and low key bling look that I was aiming for. I would have loved to wear a veil, but it was never going to work with the coat – more’s the pity!
Well heeled…
*Images are courtesy of (and copyright of) Christian Keenan at CKP Weddings.
Again, it was love at first sight with my Choos – they were the first pair that I tried on and just knew immediately that they were the ones! My Husband is very tall, so I needed a bit of height which the 4in heels certainly gave me. The ground was very icy, so I wore white Hunter Wellies to get from our suite to the ceremony room – no winter bride is properly dressed without her wellies!
*Images are courtesy of (and copyright of) Christian Keenan at CKP Weddings.
My clutch came from Gina, and was just so useful on the day, I can’t believe I even considered not having one! The ostrich leather lining was just the softest thing in the world!
*Images are courtesy of (and copyright of) Christian Keenan at CKP Weddings.
Putting on the Ritz
I love make up and decided to do my own – I like having a bit of ‘me’ time while I do my make up and I really valued this time to myself on the morning of the wedding.
*Images are courtesy of (and copyright of) Christian Keenan at CKP Weddings.
My hairdressers came from Brother’s Hair Salon in Oxford and were recommended by the venue. When I had my trial in the salon, they made me feel completely at ease and I loved their work. I really recommend doing this, as when I mentioned which suite we would be getting ready in they already were familiar with its layout, where the plug sockets/mirrors were etc. It saved a lot of hassle on the day.
*Images are courtesy of (and copyright of) Christian Keenan at CKP Weddings.
Dressing for Winter
*Images are courtesy of (and copyright of) Christian Keenan at CKP Weddings.
The Coat is by Amanda Wakeley, I saw it in a magazine and knew immediately that it was the one. I went to the boutique in London and as soon as I put it on, I was in love! Just to make sure, I did the usual round of designers, but nothing even came close for me. I didn’t really fell the love from Amanda’s selection of dresses, so she very kindly supplied me with some of the silk from the coat (at a remarkably good price) and I commissioned a local dressmaker to make the dress to my own specifications. I went into a local bridal shop and asked them for the details of who does their alterations for them. They put me in touch with Emma Smith of Exclusive Designs who was an absolute pleasure to work with.
*Images are courtesy of (and copyright of) Christian Keenan at CKP Weddings.
Pop back tomorrow morning ladies to see the rest of this beautifully styled chic and unique affair, including all of Pippa’s DIY details.
I can’t wait to share!
Yours Truly,
Rebecca
xoxo
Not even read this yet but omg excited!!!
Loving the pics Mrs SQ!! The coast (as predicted) looks amazing. Quick question, where did you get the hanging tealight holders from, they are lovely
xx
OOOOh, been waiting for this wedding on yayw forum should have known rmw would have delivered sooner!!! Stunning! Love, love, love the dress and coat so classic and elegant.
xx
Wooow-love the hunters. Can’t believe no make up artist, she looks stunning!
Please don’t make us wait until tomorrow morning-it’s going to be a long day at work and diy stunners would stop my day being a total washout!
I second the query about those glass baubles-are they twigs holding them up?? I would never think of anything like that.
Pippa, the photo’s are amazing! You looked stunning, can’t believe you didn’t have a make-up artist!
As you know I have always loved the coat….and the wellys….wicked!
Can’t wait for more!
L xxx
the coat is stunning and the jewellery details are perfect. The icy frost pictures are truly a winter wonderland cant wait for part 2 xxx
Really looking forward to part 2 – Pippa’s stunning coat almost makes me want a winter wedding!
Btw… I’ve seen similar baubles at Crocus: http://www.crocus.co.uk/gift/_/bauble-tea-light-holder/classid.2000004849/
I purposefully didn’t let Rebecca show me too many of these images or even have a sneaky peek while it was being formatted. I wanted to wait just like everybody else and see the whole wedding in all its glory up on RMW.
It was worth the wait – utterly beautiful. I am ( as you know) a big fan of Amanda Wakeley and that coat is to die for.
Pippa you look divine.
Charlotte xxx
Good work Rebecca, a stunning wedding!
But still waiting to see more of your wedding
Oh goodness absolutely beautiful!
Mel x
Anyone that can somehow make both choo’s and wellies work for their wedding day is in my opinion a complete legend.
Can’t wait for part 2!!!!!!!
Haha I love Claire’s comments. I agree!! x x
You know you can get choo designed hunters now?? How freaking cool is that??
I love this report so far, as a winter wedding bride to be I can’t wait to read the rest, never considered a coat but Pippa looks amazing enough to change my mind x
Hello Rebecca,
I was searching the internet for the Amanda Wakeley Coat. I have just gone to the West London Shop with my sister who is soon to be married at Christmas. I was just wondering if you would ever be interested in renting or selling your coat?
Many Thanks
The Maid of Honour!
Amelia x
Loved this the first time round, love it even more this time! x
I really dont remember this wedding first time around, but who cares! Its a beaut and I get to oogle this time around. That coat is making my life, I watched Narnia on Xmas Day and have decided that I would make an excellent Snow Queen and that coat would complete my look!
Also the Hunter Wellies are just bloody marvellous! xoxo
OMG! You are so gorgeous and even with the winter season you have made such a wonderful wedding. Congratulations. Can’t wait for part 2.
Just a question what has happened to part 2? i seem unable to find it.