Our Brides – Maria

Maria was one of my first ever Chatsworth weddings – I still can’t quite believe the House is only a mile or so down the road from the shop. And don’t these two make a cute pair? My very own Darcy and Elizabeth!

For the big day, Maria wore a brooch and diamond earrings given to her by her mother-in-law who had sadly passed away. It was clear how much she meant to her, so I think it was a lovely touch in tribute.

Congrats Maria and Mat! Now when can you bring your beagle over?

Jess x

THE LOW-DOWN

How would you sum up the style of your wedding?

A relaxed and rustic barn wedding in the Derbyshire Peak District.

Where and when did you tie the knot?

On 25th May 2019, at Hathersage Church and then Ball Cross Farmhouse near Bakewell, overlooking Chatsworth House.

And what was your wedding dress?

8007 by Jesus Peiro.

THE LEAD-UP

How did you two first meet?

Via a mutual friend, 4 years ago.

What about the proposal? When, where, how?

Mat proposed on a dog walk at sunset at the edge of a cliff at Nether Padley. It was beautiful, quiet and private.

He was going to put my engagement ring on our beagle’s collar, but realised it might have been tricky if she hadn’t come back at the perfect moment. Or rolled in cowpats (laughing/crying face).

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 knew I wanted something that didn’t have beads, lace, etc. Something simple and stunning.

And yes I got just what I wanted at Alexandra Anne – nowhere else fit the brief.

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

Stressful. All the other boutiques I went to stocked the same kind of wedding dresses – I didn’t think what I wanted was out there until I came to Alexandra Anne.

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

Simple, classic yet stunning. And so different to everyone else’s!

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

Relieved and extremely happy/excited!

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

Go to Alexandra Anne. And keep looking – it is out there, the perfect one for you!

THE BIG DAY

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

I wore Jimmy Choo silver sandals and a brooch and diamond earrings from my mother-in-law (who has passed).

And your bridesmaids?

Keep it simple and don’t have any!

What do you remember about the morning?

It was sunny and the atmosphere was fab: 20 of our family was staying with us!

Who did your hair and makeup?

Beth at Hair Union in Sheffield. Fabulous she was.

Who took your wedding photos?

Our friend Richard Barton.

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

We had our godchildren do a reading in church. And we had all our guests come to the church and the reception (no evening-only guests).

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

I felt so special in it. It’s emotional just wearing the dress let alone managing your emotions through your own marriage ceremony!

THE MEMORIES

What are your favourite memories of your wedding day?

We had a singer called Kim Brooklyn at the church and she was fabulous.

Our first dance to At Last by Etta James.

Ooh and leaving the church to Natalie Cole’s It Will Be An Everlasting Love.

And our dogs being at the reception!

What gave you the biggest laugh?

My goddaughter’s speech in church: she had designed a personal rhyming poem just about us.

What got the tears flowing?

Mat’s mum not being there. We had a private moment afterwards at her graveside.

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

Get a more manageable dress to party in! You need to be able to dance freely!

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

Cleaned and hanging up in my spare room. I’m planning on selling it so hopefully another bride will get to enjoy it as much as I did!

THE RECAP

Dress

8007 by Jesus Peiro

Accessories

Shoes by Jimmy Choo
Brooch and diamond earrings

Venue

Hathersage Church (ceremony)
Ball Cross Farmhouse, Bakewell (reception)

Photography

Done by a friend

Hair

Hair Union (Sheffield)

Decor

DIY

Flowers

Lockwood Florists (Sheffield)

Stationery

Strawberry Sorbet

Caterers

S17 Catering (Andrew Forder)

Entertainment

Kim Brooklyn (church)
Black & Gold Band (reception)

First dance song

Etta James – At Last

How do you find a dress like Maria?