#24 The Statement Skirt
Our Brides – Liz
Not long after I took over here at the boutique, I’d been to see the team at Eliza Jane Howell during Barcelona Bridal Week. Among their new collection, I really loved the bottom of the Bellotto dress and thought it would look amazing as a skirt with just a simple white shirt. I asked if it was doable, and happily they said yes.
The stars must have aligned somehow, because only a few days after getting confirmation on the custom skirt, Liz rang the shop to ask about something alternative for her wedding, something like a fun statement skirt to go with a simple clean-lined shirt… I immediately knew what she was after, and got her in to try our range of feathered and tasselled skirts, including (spoiler alert) that Bellotto skirt. And after much debate and some help from her lovely sister, Liz went for it and I was so pleased that Eliza Jane Howell could make it happen.
Liz even came back in to get the skirt shortened for her Christmas work do last year. I love a reworked bridal outfit, and the sparkles and shimmers from this skirt were just perfect for the festive season.
Congrats Liz and Mark! I’ll look forward to seeing the mini-skirt version this summer 😉
Jess x
THE LOW-DOWN
How would you sum up the style of your wedding?
An intimate, relaxed, cozy-feeling wedding in beautiful surroundings. We wanted our friends to feel comfortable but in a setting that had history and meaning to us.
Where and when did you tie the knot?
On 10th November 2018, a sunny autumnal day at Haddon Hall, the Duke of Rutland’s stately home and Elizabethan gardens in the Peak District.
The ceremony took place in a beautiful oak paneled room with an open fire and Jo Malone scented candles. The flowers were from Pavilion Flowers in Sheffield. My bouquet had herbs and limes to complement the scented candles, so now every time I smell the candles it’s a reminder of my special day. It felt very intimate.
The ceremony was followed by canapés and champagne in the grand Tudor hall.
And what was your wedding dress?
I didn’t want a traditional wedding dress, particularly getting married in my 50s. I wanted to feel like me, but a bride. It was a difficult brief but Jess at Alexandra Anne knew exactly what I would like after talking through it with me.
I chose a gorgeous beaded skirt called Bellotto by Eliza Jane Howell, which swayed and glittered in the candlelight as I walked down the aisle, and a simple cotton shirt with the sleeves rolled up, which Jess also advised on.
Glamour and simplicity in one, and a little bit of a twist on the traditional wedding outfit. I will have the skirt shortened and wear it again, so I can bring back the memories of a wonderful day.
THE LEAD-UP
How did you two first meet?
It was a blind date. I was so nervous beforehand I cried!!!!
What about the proposal? When, where, how?
On a gorgeous sunny day, 20th April 2018. We had a picnic by the river at Chatsworth. He got down on one knee – very romantic. Chatsworth is a special place for us.
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 didn’t want a dress. I liked the idea of a statement skirt with a simple cotton shirt and I wanted something I could wear again. And with Jess’s help I was able to stick to the plan.
How did you find the whole experience of searching for the right dress?
The first bridal shop I went to didn’t listen to what I wanted, and insisted on putting me in wedding dresses a 20 year-old would wear.
Jess at Alexandra Anne knew exactly the look I was after. She asked me questions about the style of clothes I wore, any ideas I had, the venue, etc. Because of this Jess found some beautiful skirts and had a sample made for me to try on. She has had a lot of experience working with designers, which made the experience so much easier.
What was it about your dress that made it ‘the one’?
It was perfect: glamour and simplicity in one. A statement beaded skirt which swayed when I walked and would catch the light from the candles and fire at the venue, complemented by a simple cotton shirt.
How did you feel once you’d made the big decision?
Over the moon. It was exactly what I was looking for, and even better I can have it shortened and wear it again.
Do you have any top tips for other brides out there shopping for their bridal gown?
Don’t be afraid to go with your own style. Go with the person you feel comfortable with and who listens to you. But at the same time be open to suggestions and together you will find the perfect dress.
THE BIG DAY
Tell us more about your outfit on the day. How did you complete your look?
I chose the Charlie Brear Corello belt to go with the Eliza Jane Howell beaded skirt.
For jewellery, I kept it simple: stud pearl earrings that belonged to my mother.
I wore bright blue satin Manolo Blahnik shoes with silver buckle detail on the front.
And your bridesmaids?
I only have a small family: me, my sister and nephew. So I decided to only have my nephew give me away and walk me down the aisle.
What do you remember about the morning?
I was very excited and looking forward to the ceremony and saying my vows. I had waited a long time to find my ’Mr Right’.
It was me, my sister and my nephew that drove an old vintage car to Haddon Hall on a beautiful autumnal day.
Who did your hair and makeup?
Faye who works at Change Hair Salon in Sheffield did my hair. I wanted it up but wavy and not too structured.
Karen from Change did my makeup. Because I wore a simple white shirt I chose to have a bright red lip.
Who took your wedding photos?
A friend of Mark’s took the photos. They were very informal as I wanted to catch the atmosphere of the day. And I love black and white photos.
Did you follow any traditions? Or was there anything unusual about the ceremony?
My sister wrote something and read it at the ceremony. It was very personal and all about love. She had discussed it with my nephew (who is 12) and he asked how you know you love someone before you get married, so it was all based around that. I have a copy of it that I will keep forever.
How did your dress feel when you were walking down the aisle?
I felt amazing. The skirt swayed and sparkled as I walked down the aisle.
THE MEMORIES
What are your favourite memories of your wedding day?
My nephew walking me down the aisle and looking at Mark.
Looking at Mark as we took our vows.
What gave you the biggest laugh?
The speeches.
What got the tears flowing?
Both Mark and I have lost parents and loved ones, and during his speech he played the Donna Taggart song ‘Jealous of the Angels’. It was sad but beautiful at the same time. We wanted to remember them.
If there was one piece of advice you could give to a new bride-to-be, what would it be?
Enjoy the day. Step back and take everything in. Remember what it is all about!!
And last but not least, where is your wedding dress now?
I am going to have it taken up and wear it again, either with a shirt, a woollen jumper or a silk shirt. And I’ll remember how I felt on my wedding day!
THE RECAP
Dress
Bellotto by Eliza Jane Howell
Accessories
Corello belt by Charlie Brear
Stud pearl earrings
My bouquet was cream, white and green with scented herbs and limes to complement the Jo Malone scented candles (lime, grapefruit and basil).
Venue
Haddon Hall (ceremony)
The Peacock Hotel, Rowsley (reception)
Photography
Done by a friend
Hair
Change Hair Salon (Sheffield)
Decor
Open fire, scented candles
Cream, white and green flowers
Flowers
Pavilion Flowers (Sheffield)
Are you a statement skirt bride?