I am not sure if you can tell from these pictures that Catherine is tiny. Petite, delicate, minute – yet blessed with curves. I am not jealous one bit. No, not at all… ( says a woman who stands at nearly 5’11” with moderate heels & a beehive.) The dress that Catherine is wearing is by Maggie Sottero, an understated, chiffon corsetted gem that may not immediately seem very ‘Maggie’ but it is very Miss Bush.
From Maggie Sottero’s website you might imagine they are all about the big & ornate dress. As I sit in their buyer’s fashion show I gloss over these & hone in on stripped back, minimal perfection. Recently I have been informed that their dresses are the most likely to show up on a counterfeiter site. Why? Because they have a loyal fan base of shops and brides, have been setting the industry standards for years and I guess, like any other famous marque, fame will have its downside. They are, though, incredible value for money. Stripped back of beads & bustles you can still get change from £1000 (ok – not much change.) They have the kind of fit & feel that is right for a ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ dress and I would encourage all brides to invest in the real deal.
Catherine’s dress ‘Erin’ was completely uncluttered, the palest of ivories setting off her skin tone & the swathes of chiffon over the internal corset clinging to and defining her size 4 curves. Less is more when you are a shade over 5′.
After the wedding Catherine sent me an email which included funny, personal & sentimental observations of the day by her from her bridesmaid Samantha. I encourage all bridesmaids to think of doing the same – such a treasured insight into the private & secret moments of a wedding . The tips I am ‘borrowing’ are
“Bridal underwear can be as pretty, lacy and decadent as one likes but if you can’t get it off from underneath a tight corseted dress it ain’t no bloody good. Commando; there is a word to remember…”
“Does anyone know how to tie up the bloody bridal dress train after a few drinks??!”
I am about to write a little Bush Handbook on how to take care of the dress from the moment it leaves our shop until it goes to the cleaners. These areas shall be covered. Unlike Catherine’s modesty it would seem 😉
Is is hardly a secret that I have serious concerns about ivory bouquets. They rarely work & the White/Ivory Avalanche rose would be banned from all weddings forthwith and possibly should be made extinct on purpose. I think the Earth’s eco-system could stand this.
As I sit writing this looking a spectacularly average grey day Kate Avery‘s flowers are bursting with sunny fabulousness through the screen. Scroll through the gallery to see colour blocked & clashed bridesmaids dresses. It is a visual tonic. The vibrancy frames Catherine perfectly and is a brilliant jewel-like counterpoint to the pale dress.
Not to everyone’s taste? Good – weddings are about love not bland compromise. I especially love the buttonhole Ed is wearing below – it just makes me happy.
The venue, Gate Street Barn, seems to be a magnet for our brides. Without ever having been there I have sent scores of brides dressed for their weddings to this location. I have asked, often, what brides like about it -” laid back, relaxed & no corkage” are the three first reasons I seem to get given. Does this make a lot of Miss Bush brides easy-going party girls? I couldn’t possibly comment.
I am so pleased to be able to share these pictures this week as I am off to Gate Street Barn on Sunday for their open day. I shall pack the jalopy with a couple of dresses worth more than the car, a mannequin or two & see for myself why this barn is such a hit with Miss Bush brides. Please say hello!
A huge thank you to Catherine & Ed for sharing their photos & for recommending your friends. We’ll catch up in a couple of weeks xxx
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Credits
The Dress: Maggie Sottero ‘Erin’ from Miss Bush Bridalwear
Photography: Rohit Gautam from Sai Digital
Venue: Gate Street Barn
Make Up: Carolanne Armstrong
Flowers: Kate Avery Flowers
Dessert Tower: Neil Thornton- Papillon Patisserie
Bride’s shoes: Gina shoes
Jewellery: Kate Spade
Bridesmaids dresses: Oasis, Whistles, Mango
Groom’s suit: Ted Baker
Stationery: A Bird & a Bee
Emma xxx
Emma Meek, MD of Miss Bush Bridalwear
Miss Bush Bridalwear is Surrey’s leading designer bridal shop
