Our Brides – Charlotte

Last August Bank Holiday I took my boys and some friends along the Monsal Trail in Derbyshire, and the weather was beautiful. A real summertime scorcher. Which brings me to Charlotte, who was celebrating her wedding day just down the road at Haddon Hall, and looks pretty damn scorching herself!

When Charlotte first came in to the shop, she was with her dad who was recovering from a major op. And you can just tell from her words – and the lovely pics of them together – how much it meant to have him there with her on her big day. Some days are just special, and this one looked absolutely unforgettable.

Congrats Charlotte and Joe! Hope you’ve recovered from all those party-time bumps!

Jess x

THE LOW-DOWN

How would you sum up the style of your wedding?

Bright and relaxed. Personal and authentic.

Where and when did you tie the knot?

At Haddon Hall in Derbyshire, on 24th August 2019.

And what was your wedding dress?

Jesus Peiro 7019.

THE LEAD-UP

How did you two first meet?

At Nottingham University in 2007.

What about the proposal? When, where, how?

On our 10th anniversary, during a long weekend in Seville.

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 had an idea and I was expecting to end up with something totally different as that’s what you hear about. However, it was the first dress I picked off the shelf and tried on!

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

Fun, laughter and a lovely time spent with the girls in my family.

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

It was different, not traditional. I loved the bow and the long train behind.

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

Excited, I couldn’t wait to get back for the fittings to try it on again.

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

Have fun, make a day of it and go with your gut instinct: you could spend forever looking with all the styles that are available.

THE BIG DAY

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

A simple veil (as long as Jess could find), with evening earrings by Victoria Fergusson bought from the boutique.

My Mama treated me to a very glam pair of Jimmy Choos which you could see peeking out from under the dress every now and again.

And your bridesmaids?

My amazing bridesmaids all chose a different style of ivory Ghost dress to wear, including my mini bridesmaid from the children’s range.

What do you remember about the morning?

Feeling relaxed, enjoying time with the girls, and pleased we had woken up early to avoid any panic…

Who did your hair and makeup?

The ladies at Halo Hair in Dronfield did our hair, and Katriona Kongialis and Zoe Peplow did our makeup. It was all perfect and lasted all day and night.

Who took your wedding photos?

Matt Horan.

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

We had family only at the ceremony: we wanted to keep it small and intimate.

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

So special, and the perfect fit made it feel as though it wasn’t there!

THE MEMORIES

What are your favourite memories of your wedding day?

So many.

I loved arriving back to my parents’ house, the reception venue, and seeing all our friends waiting to greet us.

The August bank holiday weather just made our garden wedding perfect.

We also travelled back from Haddon Hall with all our family on a coach which was great fun.

What gave you the biggest laugh?

My brother when he introduced Joe and I in to the wedding reception.

What got the tears flowing?

There were lots of tears flowing as Dad and I walked down the aisle. Our wedding singer really made the moment extra special.

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

Make sure you have fun from the start of your planning all the way through to the end of your wedding day.

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

Dry-cleaned and beautifully packed away at my parents’ house.

THE RECAP

Dress

7019 by Jesus Peiro

Accessories

Earrings by Victoria Fergusson
Shoes by Jimmy Choo

Venue

Haddon Hall, Derbyshire (ceremony)
Parents’ house in Dronfield (reception)

Photography

Matt Horan (Nottingham)

Hair and makeup

Halo Hair (Dronfield)
Makeup – Katriona Kongialis + Zoe Peplow

Decor

DIY

Flowers

DIY

Stationery

DIY

Table plan theme

Party-time trestle tables

Caterers

Pinch N’ Pull (Sheffield)

Entertainment

Jukebox (band)

First dance song

Etta James – At Last (as performed by Jukebox)

Loving Charlotte’s look?