#17 You Make My Dreams Come True
Our Brides – Annabel
Is there a more delightful name for an English country village than Lower Peover in Cheshire? I used to live round those parts, so I know how picturesque it can be, even in that notorious north-west rain!
Annabel fell in love with Rembo Styling and their classic clean lines and pretty detailing. Check out the beautiful back of her Rembo Melodia dress!
Congrats Annabel and James! You make my dreams come true, too 😋
Jess x
THE LOW-DOWN
How would you sum up the style of your wedding?
Relaxed and fun.
Where and when did you tie the knot?
St Oswald’s in Lower Peover, Cheshire, on 8th June 2019.
And what was your wedding dress?
Melodia by Rembo Styling. I fell in love with the back: it is so pretty.
THE LEAD-UP
How did you two first meet?
We met at university back in 2008!
What about the proposal? When, where, how?
We were skiing in Leysin in Switzerland. The weather was gorgeous – blue skies and sunshine.
We pulled over to the side of the piste outside a derelict barn up on a slight hill to have our picnic. I took a video of the view as it was so amazing: a full 180-degree view of the mountains around us.
We enjoyed our squashed ham baguettes, and then the next thing I knew James was down on one knee! It was a bit of a blur and I thought he was joking at first until I saw the ring.
A very easy yes!
THE DRESS
Did you have an idea of what you wanted when you first started looking for your wedding dress? And did you stick to it?
I knew I wanted something quite simple and had seen some backless dresses that I liked.
I went to Alexandra Anne ready to try on another dress but also tried the Melodia and loved it. But was also torn with some of the other dresses by Rembo Styling. They were all so pretty!
How did you find the whole experience of searching for the right dress?
It was a lovely way to spend a few days, and being able to share it with family and my best friend was all the more wonderful.
There were so many beautiful pieces at Alexandra Anne – it was lovely to pretend to be so glamorous! When I arrived at the shop, I knew I was in safe hands. Jess has such great knowledge of what will suit brides.
I tried on the Melodia again and still felt so lovely in it, and Jess helped recreate a similar look with other pieces just to help us confirm if it was the one.
I also tried on some amazing separates which I was tempted by too, but in the end we still came back to the Melodia.
What was it about your dress that made it ‘the one’?
It’s hard to sum up, I just loved the way it felt. I loved the classic, fitted front but the back really is stunning with such a pretty bow.
How did you feel once you’d made the big decision?
I felt very relaxed: I knew it was a beautiful dress and I couldn’t wait to put it on again!
I did also stop looking and unfollowed a few accounts on Instagram (having had a friend learn the hard way!) so I could fully relax in the knowledge my perfect dress had been found.
Do you have any top tips for other brides out there shopping for their bridal gown?
Practice walking and possibly even dancing in it (if you can!). It’s all well and good the dress looking lovely while you stand still, but the chances are you won’t be doing much of that on the day!
THE BIG DAY
Tell us more about your outfit on the day. How did you complete your look?
I had a beautiful Joyce Jackson Thalia veil with a lace trim similar to that on my dress.
I always thought I would have my hair down, but obviously with such lovely detail on the back of the dress I didn’t want to hide it away. So I had my hair over to one side: it still felt relaxed to me but you could also see the bow and lace.
And your bridesmaids?
I had 5 bridesmaids who each wore Maya sequin dresses from ASOS in a pale sage. They looked gorgeous.
We also used the off-cuts from the length of the dresses and spare sequins to add to the flower girl’s white dress so they tied in together.
What do you remember about the morning?
We had a very relaxed morning, all getting ready at my best friend’s house – she was the perfect Maid of Honour in every way!
We had champagne and some sandwiches and then all of a sudden it was time to get the dress on and get to the church.
Who did your hair and makeup?
My makeup was done by my brother’s girlfriend, but we also had the talented Georgia Tobiasen.
All our hair was done by Charlotte Medford Bridal. They were all so lovely and really just slotted in in the morning. It felt a very chilled but girlie morning.
Who took your wedding photos?
We had Jenny Appleton Photography looking after us. We also had a second shooter, Linsey Perry, who helped capture the boys getting glam and some extra shots at the reception.
Did you follow any traditions? Or was there anything unusual about the ceremony?
The ceremony was a pretty traditional Church of England wedding. St Oswald’s (in Lower Peover) is such a beautiful church – I felt so lucky that it was our local church where I grew up.
My sister and one of my oldest friends did readings, too. It was very special to have them involved in our ceremony.
How did your dress feel when you were walking down the aisle?
I don’t really remember, which is actually probably perfect! It felt very effortless around me and I remember feeling just lovely and I couldn’t wait for James to see it.
THE MEMORIES
What are your favourite memories of your wedding day?
I loved that James drove us away from the church to the reception. It was nice to have a quick catch-up before we saw everyone again and have some special time just us, newlywed.
I also loved dancing with all my friends and family. I don’t think I left the dance-floor! It was so special to have all those people under one roof: we were both aware that it was unlikely to get everyone there together again.
What gave you the biggest laugh?
The speeches. All of them did so well and there were funny parts to each.
We also loved that the party was so keen to get dancing that as the band were doing their soundcheck there were people up and dancing already!
If there was one piece of advice you could give to a new bride-to-be, what would it be?
Everyone will say it goes fast but it really does and as the day goes on it seems to get quicker!
Just remember it is only one day, and just enjoy it because you won’t get the chance to get those moments back.
And last but not least, where is your wedding dress now?
It is hung up but I’m debating getting it cut shorter to maybe wear again as an occasion dress, but we will see! It is just too lovely to never wear again!
THE RECAP
Dress
Melodia by Rembo Styling
Accessories
Veil by Joyce Jackson
Venue
St Oswald’s, Lower Peover (ceremony)
Stock Farm, Ashley (reception)
Photography
Hair + Makeup
Hair – Charlotte Medford Bridal
Bride’s makeup – Natalie Metcalfe
Bridesmaids’ makeup – Georgia Tobiasen
Decor
DIY
Flowers
Country Flowers (Peover)
Stationery
DIY
Table plan theme
Rustic + greenery
Caterers
Entertainment
The Cassettes (band)
First dance song
Daryl Hall & John Oates – You Make My Dreams
Can we make your wedding dress dreams come true?