Our Brides – Ellie

“Be open minded! Try on all sorts of dresses, there could be aspects of one you realise you love that you didn’t expect. I also knew the style of my bouquet instantly, so this helped me imagine the whole look, which I found helpful as I could better visualise the final look.”

THE LOW-DOWN

How would you sum up the style of your wedding?

A beautifully sophisticated, colourful indie disco.

Where did you tie the knot?

Hodsock Priory.

And what was your wedding dress?

Jenny Yoo Addilyn.

See our Jenny Yoo Dresses

THE LEAD UP

How did you two first meet?

We met in Barcelona airport whilst waiting for a coach to take us to a festival where both our groups of friends were already there. Both travelling alone, we got chatting about what music we were there to see (turns out the exact same) and what jobs/degrees we had done (also turned out to be the exact same). It was the most freakishly natural and organic meeting of 2 people, but feel very lucky to be able to tell that story!

What about the proposal? When, where, how?

We were travelling around in the Philippines on a beach, in El Nido we spent the day next to a beach bar and Marshall suggested we go for a swim to cool down. I was straight in the water (obviously) and he was hanging around near the beach so I got out to see why he wasn’t coming then he got down on one knee. Completely and utter shock, thankfully I got my nails done before the trip!

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 originally thought I wanted something lacey, a little Stevie Nicks. Then after trying a few one and also discovering a dislike for the mesh inserts, I went down the Vivienne Westwood route (except the price of course). I eventually found Alexandra Anne bridal and their selection of dresses was incredible. It had something for every voice going around in my head (plus very helpful and lovely girls working there!) and I eventually found my dress.

How did you find the whole experience of searching for the right dress?

It originally started off quite hard, I didn’t want too much boobs (I had just had a baby too) and I wanted something sophisticated but different, tailored but not too plain and feminine but not too “in your face”. It honestly all changed when I found Alexandra Anne, I couldn’t reccomend them and their dress selection enough.

What was it about your dress that made it ‘the one’?

I think it was how it tapped into corseting, it draped beautifully, it wasn’t over complicated and I felt like myself in it which I was most concerned about having lots of people looking and talking to you all day. It also came with a neck scarf which gave me 2 looks, so I started the day with a long floral veil and switched it up to the neck scarf in the afternoon/evening, which later became a dance floor prop.

How did you feel once you’d made the big decision?

Very happy, satisfied and assured by the girls there plus my mum and sister. I knew I needed to feel comfortable but also special and it was definitely accomplished.

Do you have any top tips for other brides out there shopping for their bridal gown?

Be open minded! Try on all sorts of dresses, there could be aspects of one you realise you love that you didn’t expect. I also knew the style of my bouquet instantly, so this helped me imagine the whole look, which I found helpful as I could better visualise the final look.

THE BIG DAY

Tell us more about your outfit on the day. How did you complete your look?

I am quite tall so I had short slip on heels covered in pearls, to match my pearl drop earrings. I am a gold jewellery girl so I had a gold bangle borrowed from my mum to match my rings and other bits of the day such as bridesmaids shoes and jewellery. I had my hair in a voluminous ponytail to keep my hair out of the way (I have lots of hair and it was HOT!) but to also keep it not very busy on my back and neck as there were lovely button details down the back of my dress.

And your bridesmaids?

Each one was a different summer pastel colour! All the same material, but dresses they picked themselves to make sure they felt comfortable too. Then their pastel summery colours matched our bouquets perfectly too.

What do you remember about the morning?

English sparkling! Some tears, lots of stressing and worrying that I wouldn’t feel comfortable with all this makeup and hair spray on, but honestly my advice would be just ride the day out and relax, you’re surrounded by your nearest and dearest and you have planned this whole thing! It will be perfect.

Who did your hair and makeup?

Hair - Charlotte Boyd Bridal. Makeup - muaamyyy_

Who took your wedding photos?

Rosie Kelly photography

Did you follow any traditions? Or was there anything unusual about the ceremony?

Nothing too traditional but still very formal, we both love music so we injected it in wherever we could!

How did your dress feel when you were walking down the aisle?

Nervous AF! Worrying about everything from wasps attacking me and the flowers to having too much makeup on, to the music not being right, but as soon as you walk around the corner every tiny disappeared. My dress was perfect, it fit me perfectly and it made me feel amazing.

THE MEMORIES

What are your favourite memories of your wedding day?

Just everyone singing and dancing all day, the flowing drinks, my flowers and how beautiful everyone looked, everything was perfect and the mid 20 degree heat also brought an extra layer of happiness and colour!

What gave you the biggest laugh?

I think seeing everyone having the best time ever singing and dancing, probably having too many drinks, just enjoying themselves.

What got the tears flowing?

My little sisters speech got me crying, and a lot of other people in the room!

ADVICE FOR BRIDES-TO-BE

If there was one piece of advice you could give to a new bride-to-be, what would it be?

It’s easier said than done, but try not to stress. Everything will work out perfectly even if it ends up being slightly different to plan. Trust your gut and enjoy yourself!

And last but not least, where is your wedding dress now?

My wedding dress has been cleaned and is hanging away safely in the attic. The cleaner worked a miracle too as I spent the majority of my evening on the dance floor!