Samara Madhvani and Sam Wignall celebrated their wedding in May 2024 with an intimate ceremony at Marylebone Town Hall, followed by a stylish reception at Gold Notting Hill. The day exuded effortless elegance, blending modern London charm with warm, personal touches.
The Journey
From a young age, I envisioned wearing a white dress on my wedding day. While traditional Indian brides typically wear red, the color white held a distinct significance for me — it was always the image I had in mind. I knew I wanted a short dress that was still elegant and elevated, complemented by statement jewelry to add a personal touch.
My journey to finding the perfect dress began when I came across it on Instagram. Upon researching Milla Nova, I was captivated not only by their sophisticated designs but also by the company’s ethos. With 95% of their workforce being women and the brand’s Ukrainian roots, it resonated deeply with me. Having previously interned in Marchesa’s bridal department, I was familiar with the intricacies of
bridal fashion and was impressed by Milla Nova’s rapid rise to prominence, debuting at Bridal Fashion Week shortly after its inception. The brand’s innovative spirit and commitment to craftsmanship made it the ideal choice for my special day.
The Vision
I knew from the outset that I wanted a short dress, as our wedding was in the morning followed by an intimate lunch, and this style felt most fitting for the occasion. However, my main goal was to find something that truly embodied me and made me feel confident and comfortable. I didn’t want a dress that would feel tied to a trend when looking back at the photos in the future.
The Decision
Choosing my wedding dress was a surprisingly straightforward decision for me. I’m very decisive, so once I saw the dress, I knew it was the one and I didn’t feel the need to keep looking. I did purchase a backup dress, just in case, but ultimately, I never ended up using it. The process felt effortless, knowing I had found something that truly resonated with me from the start.
The Style Support
My closest friends were the first to see the dress, and their opinions meant the world to me. Of course, I also showed my mom, as she’s always been my style inspiration. All the other accessories were sourced from her closet, as they always are — her timeless pieces have always been a go-to for me.
The Evening Look
After the wedding and photos, we had a lovely lunch with our families. I didn’t change because I wanted to stay in my dress for as long as possible — it felt so special and I wanted to savor every moment in it. However, I did swap out my jewellery for more casual pieces to make the look a bit more relaxed. It was the perfect way to transition into the more laid-back part of the day.
The Accessories
The accessories were incredibly important to me, as they added a personal and meaningful touch to my look. For my bag, I borrowed my mom’s white vintage Chanel pony skin bag, which I’ve always had my eye on. It’s so beautiful and felt like the perfect choice.
Jewellery plays a significant role in Indian weddings, and for mine, I chose a stunning necklace from my mothers jewellery collection- a Chanel’s high jewellery necklace, made up of intricate flowers crafted entirely from diamonds. For my watch, I wore a Cartier Tank Crash with diamonds and a Himalayan crocodile strap — one of only 100 ever made. It was a special gift from my father, an avid watch collector, and it felt like the perfect heirloom piece to complete my look. Each accessory had its own personal significance, making it all the more special.
Advice For Brides
My advice to future brides is simple: choose something that makes you feel like yourself. There’s plenty of room to experiment with other aspects of the wedding, but when it comes to the dress, this is where playing it safe really works. It’s the one day where you want to feel completely comfortable and authentic, so trust your instincts and go with what feels right for you.
Favourite Photo
Photos attached. One of my favourite photos from the day perfectly captures the craftsmanship of my dress. The corset top was incredibly flattering, cinching in at the waist, while the flower details on the sleeves added a delicate, feminine touch. The bottom of the dress also had a beautiful flow that was both elegant and flattering. This photo highlights those details in the most stunning way, showcasing the precision and artistry that went into the design. It truly encapsulates how the dress made me feel — confident, beautiful, and timeless.
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