Our Brides – Sarah

I got very excited when Sarah told me what she and her hubby-to-be were planning: an elopement in secret from Derbyshire to the Lake District. It was a total privilege to play the role of honorary bridesmaid/confidante, since everything was very hush-hush and not even her nearest and dearest knew. The subterfuge included styling her accessories to go with her dress, including some stunning Maison Sabben earrings.

The dress itself was an easy choice: as soon as Sarah put on our Charlie Brear Nyika dress, there was little point trying anything else. But being keen on a bit more flow in the skirt, I managed to get hold of an early sample of Charlie Brear’s new 2021 Nola dress (Nyika with an a-line skirt). This girl wore it first!

These photos really show how a perfect day doesn’t always need hundreds of guests and a table plan. After all, it’s you two that count.

Congrats Sarah and Chris! Looking forward to restyling you for party time…

Jess x

THE LOW-DOWN

How would you sum up the style of your wedding?

Intimate, relaxed and romantic.

Where and when did you tie the knot?

On 2nd November 2020 (the original date pre-Covid was 23rd June) at Cragwood Country House Hotel, Lake Windermere, Lake District.

And what was your wedding dress?

Nola by Charlie Brear.

See our Charlie Brear Dresses

THE LEAD-UP

How did you two first meet?

We met through online dating almost 6 years ago! We chatted on/off for a few months before finally meeting up for our first date and have been together ever since.

What about the proposal? When, where, how?

Chris proposed on New Years Eve 2019. We had spent the day in Nottingham having food and drinks and just after midnight, after the NYE fireworks, Chris got down on one knee in our living room!

I was completely surprised and had no idea he had hidden the ring down the back of the sofa in preparation!

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?

After much researching online I really thought I wanted a strappy slip dress but that's not the dress I decided on: I ended up with sleeves!

I knew I wanted something modern, chic and a bit cooler than the traditional wedding dresses I'd seen before and so still stuck to that style.

Charlie Brear was my favourite designer by far when researching prior to trying any dresses on and so I knew I wanted to be a Charlie Brear bride!

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

I went to two wedding dress shops. The first appointment I left feeling a little flat and it wasn't the special experience I imagined it would be. But the second appointment at Alexandra Anne was amazing!

I was nervous as I was shopping alone as our wedding was a secret elopement, and having lost my mum 3 years ago I always imagined wedding dress shopping would be with her. However, I had no reason to be nervous as Jess was just wonderful!

The boutique is just stunning, the dresses are beautiful and Jess was just so welcoming, knowledgeable and just felt like a friend trying to help me look like the best version of myself! I never felt like I was alone at the appointment and Jess encouraged me to try lots of different styles and she just has excellent, cool style and knows what works.

I liked the top of one dress and the skirt of another and Jess managed to make that dream dress a reality for me!

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

I never imagined I would have a wedding dress with sleeves, but as soon as I put the dress on and felt the silk on the sleeves it just felt fabulous and right! I felt confident and just myself, but the best I've ever looked!

Although our wedding was a tiny elopement, I wanted to go all out with the dress and the Nola dress was perfection for me.

I wanted to wear a dress that I could move in, be comfortable whilst still looking glamorous and the deep V neckline definitely gives the dress a wow factor!

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

Thrilled and relieved! I couldn't stop looking at pictures of the dress online and was so happy with my decision!

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

Try lots of styles on, don't judge a dress on the hanger, and go for a dress that you love. A small low-key wedding doesn't have to mean you lower your dress dreams!

THE BIG DAY

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

I wore Maison Sabben Univers pearl gold earrings (Jess again helped style me up!), a long pearl veil and gold sandals.

What do you remember about the morning?

I remember just being so excited the day was finally here after postponing due to Covid and going through the emotional roller coaster of 2020, I couldn't believe it was finally happening!

Getting ready was relaxed with prosecco and also a little bit of looking out of the window hoping the rain would stop! (No chance, we were in the Lake District!)

Who did your hair and makeup?

Me! I wanted to look like myself and be in control of how I looked. Very much enjoyed splurging on all the Charlotte Tilbury makeup too!

Who took your wedding photos?

Tiree Dawson. She was wonderful.

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

Chris and I didn't see each other before the ceremony and I stuck to the tradition of...

Something old – Vintage beaded handbag from the 1950s

Something new – My dress

Something borrowed – My mum’s bracelet

Something blue – Gold and blue anklet

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

Really special. I'll always remember that feeling and Chris's reaction when he saw me for the first time.

There were many stairs to tackle to reach the aisle but the dress floated beautifully over the stairs making it all so comfortable.

THE MEMORIES

What are your favourite memories of your wedding day?

Seeing Chris for the first time and his reaction, exchanging rings finally, and just spending the whole day with my special person, eating, drinking lots and feeling so special together! Of course also my dress that felt incredible. I didn’t want to take it off at the end of the day!

We video called and phoned friends and family to share our secret news and their reactions were also wonderful!

What gave you the biggest laugh?

Battling with bin-liners under my dress in the photos outside due to the wet weather! Tiree managed to Photoshop the bags out perfectly, and no mud on my dress!

What got the tears flowing?

Just a short moment of tears for my parents who have both passed away, having lost my dad in March this year he was the only relative we told about our secret elopement just before he passed away. I am so happy we got to marry and that he was in on the secret.

I had a photo of them in my bag with me all day, and overall the day was filled with so much happiness and not sadness!

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

Have the wedding YOU want, do it your way (however big or small), and don't worry about what anyone else thinks: everyone will be thrilled you are married, however you decide to do it!