If you remember our Dirty Pretty Things engagement shoot post then you will recall how Steph and Chris’s W-day plans sounded completely and utterly out-of-this world amazing.
And you know what? it was. Unbelievably so.
It’s no secret that I’ve been looking forward to posting this one-of-a-kind W-day since photographer Guy Collier let us have a sneak peek a few weeks after the event as there is not one element I don’t love, from the sexy shoe candy ( McQueen people McQueen!) to some of the most unique and delicious paper pretty I have ever seen.
Steph is a Rock My Wedding bride in the truest sense of the word and if you want “doing it your way” inspiration then it’s right here folks, Steph and Chris knocked it clean. out. of. the. park.
Best Face Forward
My make-up was by the legendary Katy Messer of “MakeupbyKaty”, who also acted as my Best Woman, rock and all round wedding advisor. Her years of experience and talent as one of the leading industry make-up artists were on hand to create an edgy yet elegant bridal look that made me feel my utmost confident as I prepared to walk down the aisle.
My hair was styled by Cassandra Rizzutto who not only created a style that suited perfectly, but provided the most incredible sense of calm throughout the whole preparation and stayed right up until the last minute before the ceremony.
Dramatic Fashion
The dress was sample of Cymbeline’s “Dubai” . It replaced a Jenny Packham dress that I bought originally and decided didn’t suit me; and is now available here on this very blog, so it was really important for it to be right.
I had already tried it on in several boutiques, but the fantastic ladies at Blackburn Bridal adapted the style to created a plunging back that dramatically altered its whole look, and more importantly satisfied my need for a bespoke element.
Urban Accessories
The Venue was an obvious choice when we realized it was set in a sheep farm – the perfect location to become the new Mr & Mrs Woolley!
The Angora shrug was chosen to fit in with our wool theme, and was eventually found on Portobello after trawling vintage shops and markets for one that complemented my dress.
I wanted to include some personal elements in the accessories so I made a corsage of lace from my mum’s wedding dress and vintage family jewellery, with my parent’s photographs as a memento and tribute to keep with me throughout the day. The stag brooch and diamond hair pieces were also inherited which enabled me to add that one-off feel to the look.
Show Off Shoe Candy
The shoes were Alexander McQueen, real snakeskin with the trademark swarovski crystal embellished skulls and 5 inch heels that remained proudly on the dancefloor! I literally swooned when I saw them and knew that they would be the perfect finishing touch.
My seamstress wasn’t happy that they towered above my original shoes (it wasn’t just the dress I got wrong first time!) but I was more than happy for them to be on show.
The Natural Selection
In-keeping with the general theme we wanted our crew to look natural, with just a hint of co-ordination. My blossoming sister, Kate, proudly gave me away in a gorgeous silk dress from Mamas & Papas, accompanied by Best Woman Katy in her own stylish LBD from Oasis. They wore bolero’s from Phase Eight but apart from that, they rocked their own individual style as we worked the gravel catwalk!
The groomsmen had complementary tie colours, and all wore cuff links by the Grooms favourite designer Paul Smith.
Designer Wool
During one of our (countless) visits to spitalfields market we stumbled across the charming Roberto and his stunning suits. He dressed Chris in an immaculately tailored pure wool 3-piece suit so he truly was a sheep in wool’s clothing… (sorry!).
Chris then complemented his Paul Smith shoes with purple socks and laces, and Paul Smith cupid heart cufflinks that proved you can take the boy out of Nottingham… but you can’t take the Nottingham out of the boy.
Make-up – Make Up By Katy
Hair – Cassandra Rizzutto
Bridal Gown – Cymberline at Blackburn Bridal
Accessories – Vintage/Heirloom
Shoes – Alexander McQueen
Maids – Oasis and Mama’s and Papa’s
Grooms Accessories - Paul Smith
Photographer – Guy Collier
There is nothing quite as personal as basing your big day on your new married name is there?
And the angora shrug with beautiful brooch detail?……..they rock my socks.
Wait until you see part 2 folks, completely divine.
Big McQueen Love
Charlotte xxx
This totally rocks. LOVE the dress.
And the make up is stunning.
Those McQueens are so rock n roll I die! xoxo
Wow – I have dress and shoe envy…bigtime.
The Dress!!!!
That is all. Oh, and the coolness of everything else, obvs.
The Dress! x
Stunning.
We looked at this veune and it is beautiful
x
OK, so we’re essentially talking about a cardigan here, a beautiful, fluffy, sexy, bridal cardigan.
…and I LOVE it!
Pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeease can we have part 2 RIGHT NOW!
r.now x x x
I love this!!!!! I too made the two-wedding dress mistake – like the girl says, it’s gotta be right!
Agreed with missrecyclenow – please can we have part 2 now!!
I also love the little wool jacket. When I go to these markets I find NOTHING which is cool. I find moth eaten flee ridden junk.
Jealous of the Bride’s ability to locate excellent vintage.
Aymayzing! I love the dress, the back and little detail at the bottom of it are just so beautiful- the venue is gorge, as are the tiny details.
Also, anyone else… massive shoe envy right now!!! McQueen on your big day is amazing! I’d love those skulls peeping out from under the dress.
Wants more now! xxxx
Oooh I love this wedding.
Also massive shoe envy – I wanted these bad boys in purple, but the boy said they were scary. They so aren’t… what do boys know
!!
xoxo
Just a totally wonderful couple to shoot. Loved every minute of it. Thanks for showing them off!
Wow love the dress and the shrug – looks so cool but also very cosy!
Loving Steph’s words and all the little details she’d thought about to make it so personal.
Can’t wait to see the rest!
xXx
Completely beautiful dress and the venue looks lovely xo
OMG this is just amazing, agree with the rest can we have part 2 now?! xXx
p.s LOVE the dress
Hi Lovelies
Let me tell you, part 2 is well worth the wait!
Charlotte xxx
@ Katie – In my experience, boys know NOTHING about shoes, especially ones with skulls on.
r.now x x
@katie @r.now, Quite, boys have no idea about shoes, I have some very funky platform peep toe numbers with studs on, Mr O’Shea said they look like something a “biker who was into bondage” would wear….
Pah. Rubbish.
Charlotte xxx
hahahaha, excellent
mr r.now said my vivienne westwoods (you know, the ones that smell like my little ponies and are pure awesome?!) were ‘rank’.
boys, chuh.
r.now xxx
What a beautiful dress, I now have serious wobbles even though mine is nothing like it!
Really like the jewellery idea too, might have to steal
Anyone else get a little tear at the photo of everyone crying in the ceremony, or am I the only soft one?
Beautiful unique dress tailoring! What a gorgeous day x
Love this Guy
And of course Steph… I too am jealous of the excellent vintage finds and the shoes… And the fluffy wool.
Oh yes and the dress, and the corsage…. Um. That would be everything then.
Xoxo
Thanks for the lovely comments, what an incredibly nice bunch you are! I’d must add that the images and details portrayed truly are testament to the fanastic resource and inspiration this blog really is. You inspired me, guided me, and above all… totally rocked my wedding! We honestly couldn’t have done it without you and all your wonderful contributors – Thank you so much!!
Loving the dress – the low back a great idea……in fact it may just have helped me to chose between the two dresses that I have been agonising over for weeks……….one of them has a low back and I’m think it might be it!! Can’t wait for part 2!
where is this venue?? it looks lovely! x
A cymbelene dress – so exciting so is mine! Had my fitting at the weekend and fell back in love with it all over again. Can’t wait to wear it all day.
Your dress is beautiful. A perfect fit x
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My boy loves this suit – have you got any more details for Roberto in Spitalfields? We’d love to go and see him!
Tarah – Roberto’s shop is called John Peter London, and they were based in Cheshire street but may have moved so give them a call and tell him we said “Hi”!
His service is incredible… you won’t be disappointed!
Dear Charlotte,
I was wondering whether you’d be able to give me Steph’s email address or maybe pass on my message? I’m in quite a pickle with my wedding dress (two equally amazing dresses I can’t choose between) and I’d like to ask Steph if she’s ever considered selling her beautiful dress.
Thank you so much!
Kindly,
Salla
That’s it. I need to find a cardigan to go with my dress!