Sara and Ashley normally have a massive party for New Year’s Eve, so last year they decided to make the party even more of a celebration and get married! Sara says she never had the Disney dream of marriage and living happily ever after, as she didn’t need to – she was living her own dream. Having known Ashley all of her life and dated him for years, it was only when she saw him cheering her on as she ran a half-marathon that she realised how much they’d been through and that the idea of being proposed to wasn’t all that bad! Cut to Christmas Eve when the couple were out on their annual walk with family and friends, when to Sara’s surprise Ashley was suddenly down on one knee. Not as much of a surprise to her friend, who had a bottle of prosecco in her rucksack ready to celebrate! They didn’t see any reason to wait too much longer, so started venue hunting straight away, and when they discovered that they could have exclusive use of Makeney Hall Hotel the decision was made. Next decision: dress!

“I’d booked the appointment for Alice Rose quite far in advance, and when I arrived I thought I’d already seen my dress somewhere else – I couldn’t decide between a fitted dress or something with a more A-line shape and was deciding between two dresses. Donna was so lovely when I told her my predicament and suggested I try a dress that was fitted at the front and out at the back. As soon as I tried it on I realised I’d made my decision: I definitely wanted a big dress and it was such a weight off my mind.”

“Donna was amazing – she knew exactly what she was talking about and nothing was too much trouble. The seamstress was so helpful too – she even got my friend to film how to do the corset up so that she knew how to do it up on the day. Everyone was so thoughtful – it made me realise how impersonal some of the other places I’d visited had been.”

“I knew that my Jennifer Wren was my dress straight away as my Mum started crying! I don’t really believe in there being one perfect dress – I think sometimes brides feel so much pressure to find the one and it becomes stressful – but I certainly loved it! It was so big and sparkly - I was getting married on New Year’s Eve after all so I just thought I’d go for it! I also loved the corset back and it had a nice shape at the front. Then Donna found me a gorgeous sparkly veil and the look was complete!”

“My advice when looking for a dress is go with your heart. I went big – tiara, veil – because when else are you going to do it? The day goes fast – we already want to do it all again!”

Sara’s dazzling JW 20305 from the Jennifer Wren collection by Romantica Of Devon and veil is from our fabulous boutique. Book an appointment HERE or ring 01530 587210 to make your dream dress appointment. 

Credits:

All Photography by Molly Ann Photography: mollyannphotography.co.uk

Flowers by Fleurtations, Woodville: flowersatfleurtations.co.uk/fleurtations-woodville

Hair by Charlie Hughes : facebook.com/Hairbycharlie91

Make-Up by Rebecca MUA Hilton :  instagram.com/rebecca_beauty_mua

Ceremony Venue: St Peter and St Paul’s Church, Swadlincote

Reception Venue Makeney Hall Hotel: www.makeney.co.uk