#37 Sword arches & smoke bombs
Our Brides – Emma
When you’re marrying a military man in full uniform, you’ve got to go for a striking look to hold your own down the aisle! We can safely say Emma did just that, looking sensational in Eliza Jane Howell. Emma knew early on that Eliza was the bridal designer for her, and we had the pleasure of being the bridal shop with her dream dress.
It was love at first sight when she tried on Carlotta, and it’s easy to see why. Emma and her mum even paid a visit to Gill Harvey at Eliza Jane Howell in London for a mother of the bride outfit and bridal headband. True Eliza fans, we love it!
Since Emma and Sam’s big day we’ve had the joy of styling a few of Emma’s beautiful friends, too! Emma, thank you for sending your pals our way, and for showing everyone how incredibly stunning beaded wedding dresses are. Also, we LOVE those trainers - yes please for the dance floor!
Jess x
THE LOW-DOWN
How would you sum up the style of your wedding?
Celestial combined with 1920s glam and a little Star Wars.
Where did you tie the knot?
Stubton Hall on 20th November ‘21.
And what was your wedding dress?
Carlotta by Eliza Jane Howell
THE LEAD-UP
How did you two first meet?
At the Nottingham University medics fancy dress party.
What about the proposal? When, where, how?
Quietly at home over pancakes because he was too nervous to wait for the trip we were about to go on!
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 always wanted a 1920s style gown and Eliza Jane Howell was the only designer that really captures that look, all the dresses are so awesome it was hard to choose.
How did you find the whole experience of searching for the right dress?
Amazing, so much fun. Felt really comfortable and lots of useful advice.
What was it about your dress that made it ‘the one’?
Those beaded tassels.
How did you feel once you’d made the big decision?
So excited to actually wear the dress.
Do you have any top tips for other brides out there shopping for their bridal gown?
Try on plenty and choose what you love not what you think you should get.
THE BIG DAY
Tell us more about your outfit on the day. How did you complete your look?
I went to the Eliza Jane Howell shop in London and Gill Harvey helped choose a head band. I had a pair of 1920s style heels from Rainbow Club but only wore them for the ceremony, after that had purple trainers, not sure why I bothered getting heels! I had a sapphire necklace and earrings with my Mums amethyst ring.
And your bridesmaids?
The bridesmaids all wore different beaded True Bridesmaids dresses and diamante head bands with 1920s style curls.
What do you remember about the morning?
We stayed over the night before so we all had a fabulous relaxed morning getting ready together.
Who did your hair and makeup?
Hair was Lisa Murphy Hair.
Make up was Alex Archer MUA.
Who took your wedding photos?
Did you follow any traditions? Or was there anything unusual about the ceremony?
Sam is in the RAF so we had a sword arch before the confetti. Everyone in uniform also stands up with their swords to threaten anyone who might object during the ceremony.
I followed the borrowed/blue etc and had a new sapphire necklace and earrings and borrowed my Mums old amethyst ring.
How did your dress feel when you were walking down the aisle?
Incredible, I knew my dress was exactly me.
THE MEMORIES
What are your favourite memories of your wedding day?
The whole morning getting ready was super fun, especially getting both our Mums involved.
My Dad made a whole powerpoint with pictures which was hilarious and totally him. My mother-in-law also made a surprise speech which was beautiful.
We both remember seeing all our friends having so much fun, and particularly after COVID that was really special.
What gave you the biggest laugh?
Sam was too nervous to listen and had to ask for the words to be repeated, there is a great picture of my Dad face palming this too.
My veil also got ripped off whilst everyone was running around in the smoke bombs, luckily it wasn’t damaged at all but was hilarious after we spent ages learning how to take it off without ruining my hair!
What got the tears flowing?
Walking down the aisle. The entirety of the speeches.
If there was one piece of advice you could give to a new bride-to-be, what would it be?
Take time to enjoy absolutely every minute of the planning and the day, its supposed to be fun!
And last but not least, where is your wedding dress now?
Still hanging up at home, I’m planning to have it altered to wear again.
THE RECAP
Dress
Carlotta by Eliza Jane Howell.
Accessories
Eliza Jane Howell head band, Rainbow Club pearl edge veil.
Venue
Photography
Hair + Makeup
Lisa Murphy and Alex Archer.
Flowers
Stationary
Polly Pickle designs for the signage. CW Stationary for the place names. Crum and Co for the menu.
Table Plan Theme
Star Wars Planets.
Entertainment
First Dance Song
Can’t help falling in love, Elvis Presley.
Loving Emma’s look?