Sometimes working in the bridal business can feel like being in a chick flick version of Edge of Tomorrow, the film where Tom Cruise dies. A lot. I know this is not my normal film fodder but sometimes, when sci-fi and fantasy refusenik, Marshy is out, I love nothing more than getting my geek on with my teenage sons’ film choices. The Lovely Marshy has now realised that we don’t do this for fun but to find plot holes in the narrative. The strap line of the movie is Live Die Repeat. For my working life Love, Dress, Repeat would be a perfect subtitle; a loop of gorgeousness which admittedly does not entail destroying the Alien Mothership, but some days…
How do I survive this glamorous hamster wheel? How does this bridal world not become mundane?
The answers are multifarious. I meet and work with extraordinary brides and designers; our dresses are exquisite. I can be ‘me’, I can have huge amounts of fun and, because of my longevity, I am like Tom Cruise in the beach landing scene in the Edge of Tomorrow; I can negotiate most bridal scenarios like I’ve been there before.
One day in September 2013 either the Gods were smiling or the alien horde had picked another boutique. Hannah breezed into Miss Bush with her parents just as the Jenny Packham Daphne dress was delivered. How could I not effect a Girl-Meets-Dress moment? In my dreams I look like Hannah. In reality I enjoy vicariously the wearing of a dress of such perfect cut and detail by my brides.
Hannah’s dress is classic Jenny Packham to the last detail. Pure ivory silk chiffon with statement Swarovski crystal to the natural waist and traffic stopping keyhole back. I’m not going to lie, Daphne requires a neat bust but it needs no tit tape, it forgives all kinds of canape induced food-baby tummies and lets you wear nice pants! Hannah chose the Kalmia III in crystal to compliment the look. Sometime more is just more.
When I found out that Hannah had booked Clandon Park, a National Trust property close to Ripley, I was insistent that she have a look at Broadway Barns in Ripley for accommodation. Broadway Barns is an umbrella name for a collection of cottages, apartments and rooms in Ripley of unparalleled gorgeousness and the brainchild of American Mindi McLean. Mindi is a long time British resident but she has retained the US spirit of largesse with regards to hospitality, a sense of style that would give Martha Stewart a run for her money and a weakness for luxury furnishings that will have you coveting everything she owns.
Even Hannah owns up to a Ripley addiction and in her own words, since
“finding Miss Bush, (I ) have since developed a worrying addiction to Ripley – coffee & paninis at Nest while coveting most things on sale, unbelievable pub grub at the Anchor, posh grub at Drakes, and overnight stays at Broadway Barns! Thank you for the advice to visit ALL of those places, … they will all contribute to keeping me close by!”
I seduced Hannah with Jenny Packham and induced her addiction to Ripley. I didn’t introduce her to her photographer but I did do a small happy dance when I found out it was Marshal Gray. I am aware of Gary’s work from previous Miss Bush brides and I was thrilled to find that Hannah & Tom had picked him.
My giddiness was well founded and this is an extract from my gushing email to Hannah when I had seen the photos
“I knew from the engagement shoot that Marshal Gray would do an incredible job for you. What a visionary photographer? If I were you I would barely be able to tear myself away from staring at the images. You were never going to be anything less than gorgeous but believe me I have seen photographers squander what they have before them. The new take on Clandon, the fresh perspective – I could go on…”
I urge you to go through the gallery, to see what narrative beauty can be found in wedding photography. I am no camera expert, I have no idea if this is film or digital, whether you would describe the style as naturalism or reportage. What I do know these photos are the kind of spiritual boost that gets you back on to the bridal wheel in the morning. Love Dress Art Repeat
There is much to Pin in Hannah & Tom’s wedding. The play on the word Dove is a reference to Hannah’s new surname, superb flowers, classic cars, great suits & kitsch coronation memorabilia. This is aside from Hannah’s preternatural beauty, and yes, she is the beautiful on the inside kind of girl too. This is an extract from her thank you letter,
“Emma, you made every visit to Miss Bush a treat, a giggle and unforgettably awesome. I would have not found Daphne without you (I quite simply would not have been brave enough to even try her on) and for that I will always be in your debt!”
View the full gallery
Credits
The Dress: Jenny Packham Daphne from Miss Bush
Photography: Marshal Gray
Venue: Clandon Park, Guildford
Bridal Party Hair: Hanna Wildman
Bride’s Make up: Sally Tooth
Bridesmaid’s make up: Helen Andrew
Florist: Juliet Glaves @ Thoughtful Flowers
Videographer: Minty Slippers
Wedding Stationery: Joe Dove
Emma Meek, MD of Miss Bush
Miss Bush Bridalwear is Surrey’s leading designer bridal shop
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