Charlotte And Andy’s Dreamy Day

From the first moment that Charlotte met Andy on a night out when she was just 16, she knew he was the one. Indeed, when Andy walked Charlotte back to her Dad’s car (of course Dad was picking her up!), he asked, “Can I marry your daughter?”, he was that sure! However, although they went out for several years, they ended up going their separate ways due to being at different points in their lives. Fifteen or sixteen years went by until they met again and from the first second they saw each other, again, they just knew – they both said it was “like going home”, and they both agreed that it was clearly meant to be after all this time. They fell in love with Cornwall too, and Andy proposed to Charlotte on a cliff overlooking their favourite beach. Charlotte says it was therefore a “no-brainer” that they got married in Cornwall too – in St Ives, where they visit every new year. It was love at first sight (twice!) for this adorable couple because it felt like home, and it turns out this is how Charlotte feels about Alice Rose too!

“I fell in love with the shop as soon as I walked in: it was small and friendly and I instantly felt at home. I had an idea in mind of what style I wanted and to be honest I was quite blinkered when I looked first as I was stuck on that one style. I said to Donna that I’d been to so many boutiques and not found what I wanted and that I was just going to have to settle for something. Her reply was that she’d rather I tried every single dress in the shop and still not buy but be part of my journey towards finding my dream dress than settle, and this made me realise how much she genuinely cared. You really get the sense that nothing is too much trouble. She offered to pick out some dresses to try on and go from there and do you know what? The first dress that she picked out was THE ONE! I still tried a few more dresses on just to check (!), but really I knew straight away – just like when I first met Andy, I knew it was meant to be.”

“The dress, Circe by Dando London, was exactly right – classy but glam and a little bit sexy! I loved how it was generally quite understated but with amazing detail. The illusion back was stunning – perfect for the beach! - and the train was gorgeous. The details made it special without it being too much, and I felt special in it.”

“Donna gave me some great advice of how I could ask the seamstress to add some lace so I felt more comfortable – my dress had a plunging neckline and I felt I wanted a little more coverage – and the veil I chose perfectly completed the line and look I had been dreaming of.  I’d always dreamed of having my veil flow behind me in the wind on the beach, and this is exactly what I got. It was such a gloriously sunny day and my dress was simple and elegant yet with sparkle and attention to detail; kind of how we wanted our wedding to be. The bright white of the dress complimented the stunning colours of St Ives. Everyone commented on how stunning I looked (and my shoes!)!”

“My advice would be to trust Donna to take you on your journey – she’ll help you go with your gut! Go for what you want, what you’ve envisioned, rather than what’s on trend. The same goes for the wedding. Arranging a wedding from 300 miles away actually did me a favour as it meant I couldn’t stress about the finer details, the details that don’t matter. We’d had a little dream of what getting married in St Ives might look like, but the day itself surpassed even our wildest imagination - it was perfect and magical.”

Charlotte’s captivating Circe by Dando London, veil and shoes are all from our fabulous boutique. Book an appointment HERE or ring 01530 587210 to make your dream dress appointment. 

Credits:

All Photography by Stephanie Stanway: www.stephaniestanway.photography

Flowers by Sara Merriman: www.wcras.com/saratheflorist.html

Make Up by Verity Skinner: www.makeupbyverity.co.uk

Hair by Simone Knyita Bridal Hair: facebook.com/simoneknyita

Ceremony Venue Guildhall St Ives: stivesguildhall.co.uk

Reception Venue Brewhouse Cafe: www.stiveswedding.co.uk