The journey
Finding the dress was the easiest part of the process. I always dreamed of being a Vivienne Westwood bride and the Davies Street boutique was the first place I headed to. I walked past the boutique countless times before getting engaged and promised myself that no matter what wedding I would eventually have, I was going to be a Davies Street bride.
The vision
The Nova Cocotte was on my Pinterest board for years. The off the shoulder neckline and corseted bodice in that heavy silk is a work of art. I was always sure that I wanted a dress that felt timeless and suited not only body shape by my personality and that dress felt so ‘me’. It was the first dress I tried on and even though I tried another 14 dresses from different designers after that, nothing compared!
The decision
Picking your wedding dress is such a huge decision and you have so many different thoughts running through your head… Does this dress suit me? Would there be another dress out there that’s nicer? Am I 100% committed to this one dress for the most important day of my life? What if it goes out of style in 10 years time? I found it such high pressure but the second I tried on my dress I knew it was the one and those thoughts went away.
Styling
Styling the dress was easy because the gown is so timeless. I asked stylists in the industry how they would have styled it and had such great support. From vintage pearl chokers to really lean into that core Vivienne Westwood aesthetic to whimsical and romantic with lace gloves the options were endless. I opted for something a bit more classic and simple; a diamond tennis necklace and bracelet with matching drop earrings.
The accessories
As someone who wears heels every day, the most comfortable and refined heels I own are from Prada and Jimmy Choo. I’m ashamed to say I had the Jimmy Choo Skye 70s picked out before I even got engaged (type A bride here!) and got so lucky that they matched the gown’s fabric and colour. The veil I found from an independent designer on ETSY based out of Chicago who handmade the tulle veil. I was blessed to have my wedding jewellery loaned to me by Dove House London.
Advice for brides
As cliché as it is, when you know you know. Everyone tells you not to over-do it and try on too many dresses as it can confuse you but I say the opposite. Try on as many dresses as your heart desires because you will 100% know when you’re in the right one. Trust your judgement, you know what you look the most confident in.
Favourite photo of the dress
It has to be this one. I was a ball of nerves for the ceremony so while I was getting ready, I could hardly focus on getting photos of me in my dress. Our photographer, Colin, was brilliant and couldn’t stop making me laugh so got this iconic picture of me giggling while I’m skipping through the chapel. It shows that pearly heavy satin shine that is classic Vivienne Westwood along with the detailed ruching and iconic VW corset bodice.
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