When Jane walked down to the bar on the first day of a sailing holiday in Greece with friends, she saw a face smiling at her that she thought was familiar. Jane and Steve, the owners of the smiling faces, soon realised that they had indeed met a decade previously, and that in fact back home they had been living a mile apart for a decade without knowing it. They saw their meeting in Greece as a sign that they were meant to be, and didn’t look back. They’d been together 24 years before they considered getting married, with a move from Birmingham to the country signalling a new house and a new life, and a desire to celebrate with all of their oldest friends and family. A mutual decision over the breakfast table of “shall we get married?” led to a wedding full of joy that we’re so excited to share with you!

“I grew up in Ashby and it seemed the perfect location to start my dress search as it was nicely central for me and my bridesmaids. I saw the tea-length dresses on the Alice Rose Bridal website and thought they had potential as I wasn’t sure I wanted a full-length dress. I’d also seen some real brides on the website who were more mature, and thought maybe Donna would “get me”. After speaking to Donna on the phone I knew that she definitely did – as she put it, we were looking for the dress that made me look like the best version of me. She said to look at the House of Mooshki website to see if there were any dresses that she doesn’t usually stock that caught my eye, and I instantly fell in love with Sybil on the website. She arranged to have it in the shop ready for my appointment, and although I tried on other dresses, it felt like my first choice was the right one.”

“The thing I loved most about Sybil was the ballerina-length skirt. The length looked so elegant and I just loved the way it hung and twirled. Steve and I danced the Lindy Hop for our first dance and I say that Sybil was the star performer! She looked fabulous! I also loved the way the dress fitted in at the waist, and the beautiful silver-grey 3D lace over ivory, which felt bridal without being white. The sleeves and the higher neckline felt more comfortable as they weren’t too ‘bare’.  The dress felt stylish and elegant, and Steve said I took his breath away when he saw me - he loved it!”

“Our venue was a country house hotel with an orangery – we didn’t want a fancy Stately Hall, we wanted somewhere that did good food somewhere in the country. It wasn’t ostentatious, and my dress fit in perfectly with this – it just worked. The dress and flowers (a mix of wild and cottage garden flowers) fitted perfectly with the vibe of the occasion and venue – the whole thing just felt right. I even got to wear my dress again the next day as we had a garden party, and it was perfect for that too.”

“My advice is it’s never too late to get married – you are never too old! When it comes to choosing a dress, don’t feel pressured to buy an “on trend” dress – go with your gut feeling and pick one that’s who you are. Also, definitely consider having a ballerina length dress instead of floor length – much less bother when moving around and having photos, and great for dancing with no need to change as some brides do – the photographer even commented on how much easier and quicker it made things for him.  And no filthy hem or train!”

Jane’s captivating Sybil by House of Mooshki is from our fabulous boutique. Book an appointment HERE or ring 01530 587210 to make your dream dress appointment. 

Credits:

All Photography by Nick Brightman Photography: nickbrightman.com

Hair: Michelle Burgess

Flowers by Gretel at Queenie’s Floral Design: queeniesfloraldesign.co.uk

Venue The Old Vicarage: oldvicarageworfield.com