#16 Botanical Beauty
Our Brides – Jeanna
With a figure like Jeanna’s, there were almost too many wedding dress options to choose from… Can you believe she’s a mother of two, too??
One of my favourite things about our shop – and the ace designers we work with – is that we can try out different pieces from different designers to come up with a finished outfit that’s unique to a bride’s personal style. And in Jeanna’s case, we landed on the perfect combo of a Charlie Brear dress with an Eliza Jane Howell cape.
As you can see, the result is part modern-day chic, part old-school elegance, and I love it. And a bit of Bruce Springsteen for the first dance? Talk about Supermum!
Congrats Jeanna and Ian! I’m standing by with my dress cleaning kit…
Jess x
THE LOW-DOWN
How would you sum up the style of your wedding?
Relaxed, botanical, personal.
Where and when did you tie the knot?
The Fig House, Middleton Lodge, North Yorkshire on 1st June 2019.
And what was your wedding dress?
Charlie Brear Torum with Corello rose gold belt, with Eliza Jane Howell Belle Cape.
THE LEAD-UP
How did you two first meet?
It was a kind of set-up, 14 years ago! Followed by a date at the Christmas markets in Leeds and then the Yorkshire Sculpture Park.
What about the proposal? When, where, how?
Out in the Peak District on a rainy day, sheltering from the weather together with our son and our dog.
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?
Yes I had an idea but most of my saves were much more bohemian than the final choice.
I knew what I didn’t want and stuck to that, but in the end I think I chose what I felt was the most flattering.
How did you find the whole experience of searching for the right dress?
Very tricky: my personal circumstances made it more difficult to get to appointments as I have two children.
I actually think Pinterest can make it more difficult as you’re forever searching for something better that you may not be able to find or afford!
What was it about your dress that made it ‘the one’?
I liked the fact that the Torum dress felt understated yet elegant and flattering, and I felt the Corello belt made it feel modern. I loved the Eliza Jane Howell Belle cape as well: I felt it added something a bit special, a unique combination. I love fringing and so I felt the cape was very ‘me’.
How did you feel once you’d made the big decision?
Relieved and excited at the same time.
Do you have any top tips for other brides out there shopping for their bridal gown?
Leave plenty of time as it can all start to get stressful.
I went to most appointments alone and just took someone if I was going for a second visit. Too many opinions can be confusing!
THE BIG DAY
Tell us more about your outfit on the day. How did you complete your look?
Some Karen Millen nude shoes that I already had.
A beautiful vintage purse by Caroline Welch that I spotted from Jess at Alexandra Anne.
What do you remember about the morning?
Weather watching! The Yorkshire rain cleared up just in time…
Waiting for what felt like ages in my room for a drink! Don’t get ready too early or you might get stuck!
Who did your hair and makeup?
Saks at the Stables near Richmond for my hair and nails.
I did my makeup myself and had treated myself to lots of lovely Bobbi Brown products.
Who took your wedding photos?
Mark Eglington. He came recommended by the venue, and he’s a lovely guy.
Did you follow any traditions? Or was there anything unusual about the ceremony?
Ian and I came in together with our boys. It seemed more fitting that way than the traditional entrance with the bride’s father.
We wrote a short line or two together to add to our vows.
How did your dress feel when you were walking down the aisle?
Excited!
THE MEMORIES
What are your favourite memories of your wedding day?
Speeches! My sister and Ian did a great job.
Seeing the happy, smiling faces of our closest friends.
What gave you the biggest laugh?
When the best man had to go back to the room for the rings!!
There were some great speeches, too.
What got the tears flowing?
The tears were flowing early on! The personal vows, and those speeches again!
If there was one piece of advice you could give to a new bride-to-be, what would it be?
Try not to get too stressed out about the small stuff. Most people won’t even notice or remember. We had lots of comments on how relaxed yet personal the day had felt, and that meant a lot.
And last but not least, where is your wedding dress now?
Hanging up in the spare room, not yet cleaned. I’m planning to take it back to Jess at Alexandra Anne to work her magic so that I might just wear it again!
THE RECAP
Dress
Torum by Charlie Brear
Accessories
Belle cape by Eliza Jane Howell
Corello belt by Charlie Brear
Vintage purse by Caroline Welch
Shoes by Karen Millen
Venue
The Fig House at Middleton Lodge, North Yorkshire
Photography
Hair
Saks (Richmond)
Decor
Petalis (Sheffield)
Flowers
Catherine Greatorex at Petalis (Sheffield)
Stationery
Table plan theme
80s movies and quotes
Ceramic pots, copper plant tags, lanterns
Caterers
Venue
Entertainment
Our friend Jon on piano, and a disco
First dance song
Bruce Springsteen – Dancing in the Dark
Think Jeanna’s look is total Jeann-ius?