Finding the perfect wedding dress is a huge part of planning for the big day. In our new series, Savannah Miller shares their journey to finding ‘The One’
Savannah Miller and James Whewell were married at St Peters church in Petersham on Friday 9th December at 3pm. We had a gorgeous choir and sang Christmas carols surrounded by our nearest and dearest. Following the service, we walked through the gardens of Peterhsam House which were lit with stunning flares to our reception at Petersham Nurseries. We had a string band playing ragtime swing whist sipping champagne and mulled wine. For dinner, the tables were arranged in a long banqueting style and named after Christmas songs so we had ‘Holly, Jolly’ ‘Santa Baby’ etc. After dinner we walked through the gardens with sparklers to Petersham House where the band played, ‘Let’s face the music and dance’ whilst sipping espresso martinis. We then hired a bus to take our guests to Soho Houses’ High Road House for our after party where Hugo Heathcote played until the early hours. It was the most magical, love filled day of our lives.
THE JOURNEY:
Being a bridal designer, I knew exactly what I wanted to wear from the get-go. I am very lucky to have an incredible team who I work with every day so I knew they would be able to help me realise my vision.
THE VISION:
As the wedding was around the holidays, I wanted my looks to be seriously opulent and dramatic but in an understated way. I was super inspired by the classical Arthurian lady of the lake as well as Catherine the Great for some major drama. The dress was made up of a super sexy bias-cut gold satin dress (now named the Savannah dress) which was worn underneath a golden Chantilly lace dress that had waterfall lace sleeves to the floor and beyond as well as full lace godets to create a fairy queen vibe for the ceremony. I am excited that my Savannah dress will launch on my mainline collection later this year.
THE DECISION:
There was a certain amount of pressure because my brand is known for a very sleek and modern, feminine style. I wanted the dress to be true to my brand but also insanely romantic. It was a really interesting process because it really helped me to connect to my brides in a very organic way. Never will I underestimate the tiny details of their weddings again!
THE STYLE SUPPORT:
My right-hand Charlotte at work is always my sounding board for design decisions and I also asked my mum and sister to come to my final fittings so that they could give me their opinions too.
THE EVENING LOOK:
I changed twice actually! My main ceremony dress was made up of a golden satin dress with a golden Chantilly lace over dress. For my first dance, I removed the lace layer to reveal my Savannah satin dress and unzipped the side seam of the dress to reveal a high thigh split and then once the dancing really got going, I changed into ‘Estelle’ a midi dress from my bridal collection that is cut on the bias, has a super low back and is really easy to move in.
THE ACCESSORIES:
I tried on a lot! I loved the bespoke service that Jimmy Choo offer so I custom designed some little kitten mules for my ceremony to fall in line with the ethereal winter queen vibes I wanted to create. I also wore a crown from Tilly Thomas Lux and delicate earrings and necklaces from Heidi Hockenjos, a local artisan jeweller. For dancing, I changed into a pair of killer Manolo Blahnik stilettos with a diamante cluster detail and a crown from Lelet NYC and had my make-up artist, Wendy Rowe, paint my eyes with heavy gold glitter. When I changed into my Estelle dress, I wore stunning chandelier earrings from Jennifer Behr and little white, multi strap, Mary Jane ballet flats with pearl cluster buckles from L.K. Bennett.
THE REHEARSAL OUTFIT:
I hired a balloon sleeved silk floral dress by the Vampires Wife from rental platform Hurr. It was just right for the occasion.
ADVICE FOR BRIDES:
I would say try on as much as you can and try to go alone or with one friend or family member who you trust only. Too many opinions can get really stressful. I would also say, go to boutiques whose vibe matches yours and trust the stylists. They see many women every day and they will know what will suit you so don’t be afraid to try something you might not have initially thought was your cup of tea.
FAVOURITE PHOTO (OF THE DRESS):
I love this shot because it really captures all the gorgeous textures that made up my wedding look and our joy and delight is just pouring from the photo.
The ceremony and reception dress: Savannah Miller Bridal @savannahmillerbridal
Shoes: Custom Jimmy Choo @jimmychoo
Crown: Tilly Thomas Lux @tillythomaslux
Earrings and necklaces: Heidi Hockenjos @heidihockenjos
Reception shoes: Manolo Blahnik @manoloblahnik
Reception crown: Lelet NYC
Dancing earrings: Jennifer Behr @jenniferbehr
Dancing shoes: L.K. Bennett @lkbennettlondon
Photographer: Benjamin Wheeler@benjaminwheeler
Related Article: The Dress with Alexandra Dudley
