The Dress With Hermione Bellm

Hermione Bellm, EU and UK CEO of JS Health Vitamins, married Anthony Bellm in a beautiful 14th century church neighbouring Anthony’s family home in Berkshire. The intimate ceremony, attended by family and very close friends, was followed by a reception on the lawn at the Bellm family home and then a sit down degustation lunch. Old world charm was the order of the day, from the bride’s Grace Kelly inspired gown to the men in morning dress, the classic cars to the choir serenading guests as they sipped champagne on the lawn. We sat down with Hermione to learn more about her journey when it came to creating her dream wedding dress, what was involved in the process and how she achieved such a timeless, elegant look. Read on to hear what she has to say about it all.

The Dress With Hermione Bellm

THE JOURNEY

I didn’t have a clear vision or idea of what I wanted to wear, I was a very relaxed bride! All I knew was that I wanted to be comfortable and I wanted to wear a dress that was timeless, traditional and appropriate for the English church setting. As I started to look at dresses throughout history that resonated with me, Grace Kelly’s wedding dress stood out the most in mind and quickly became my key inspiration. On a trip home to Australia, my best friends arranged an appointment at Pallas Couture in Sydney’s Paddington. When I saw their craftsmanship, and attention to detail, I knew they were the right house to bring my vision to life. Together, we collaboratively dreamt up the corseted, long sleeved, French lace dress that we brought to life. Pallas Couture also created the cathedral length, lace trimmed veil which was spectacular. My husband is very into fashion so seeing his reaction was the greatest outcome I could have imagined, he absolutely loved it and I loved wearing it. They described the dress as ‘evoking romantic dreams of road trips along the Monte Carlo coastline’ which is such a romantic description of the end result.

THE VISION

Upon reflection, having absolutely no idea or vision in the beginning was actually such a blessing as I was able to really enjoy going on the journey and be really relaxed in the process. Everything ended up taking shape in the end, it helped that I was working with true experts along the way.

THE DECISION

I tried to remove the pressure throughout the entire wedding process of that feeling of ‘this has to be perfect, it’s a once in a lifetime experience’ and just enjoy each detail and decision for what it was; a reflection of us in that particular moment in time. I was really lucky that we had multiple events, and two totally different weddings, so I was able to reflect my more conservative, traditional style at our English wedding and then be more fashion forward and playful at our Spanish wedding.

THE SUPPORT NETWORK

I trusted my closest friends for advice, and I really trusted Pallas Couture throughout the process. They were fantastic at including me in the decision making process with regards to details such as the lace, and they really listened when I wanted less or more. I was also so fortunate to work with wedding consultant Sarah Bedingfield Shutt, who supported every step of the wedding process, and ensured that the creative direction came together from the visible details to the invisible.

I was 3 months pregnant at the time of our wedding so there was an added element of trust required in those around me once the dress arrived from Australia. This is where Sarah and my closest friends really stepped in to support me. We had a fun dress fitting at home about a week before the wedding and the dress didn’t do up due to my growing waist! We all had a good laugh about it and then the girls quickly called in the best tailor to help let the dress out. It was quite special knowing our daughter was with us on that day.

THE ACCESSORIES

I wore custom Christian Dior shoes that had ‘Mrs’ and ‘Bellm’ embroidered into them. They were a wedding gift from an extremely thoughtful friend. My ‘something borrowed’ was a beautiful diamond necklace from my mother-in-law that my new sisters-in-law had also worn on their wedding days. I also wore diamond earrings my husband had gifted me as a wedding present.

ADVICE FOR BRIDES

There were some other dresses I tried on and loved but I also knew I had to work to my body type and personality. Staying true to your aesthetic makes the process easier too, I would say. I also tried to avoid the input of too many people, as I was certain to get mixed reviews. I didn’t want to be swayed by other peoples’ options but rather to wear what felt right for me.

FAVOURITE PHOTO (OF THE DRESS)

I would say my favourite photo is this shot of us in the car. It so beautifully captures our love and connection, and the old world romance of the day, as well as all of the intricate dress and veil details.