Babies. I am possibly more broody now than ever I was when I was younger and actually had a full set of eggs that still had years until their sell by date. Now I assume the fertility ship has sailed. I have no desire to be a biological miracle and have a late 40s hobby baby but I DO love babies. I had always assumed that being nagged for grandchildren by your parents was just another in the list of irritants that starts with enforced curfews and scathing condemnation of your next wannabe rockstar boyfriend. Now I see, as the creeping hot flush nights begin, that the desire for grandchildren is as palpable as the desire for your own children. As I had my own children unfashionably young I find myself pram staring and toy waggling and the babies and toddlers of brides and friends.
A bride to be was in the shop in the last week and had her own Mother and 7 month old baby. Corinne was conducting the appointment but I did end up playing hide and seek and swooping one of those flat as road kill stuffed toys at the darling girl until she was giggling so much I gave her hiccups. For which I am sorry, but, in my defence, we were having fun. The presence of so many babies, so many brides being Mums before their wedding was still unusual at the dawn of Miss Bush back in the 80s. Now my very favourite brides provide me with the cutest kids to keep the nagging of my own children at bay.
The only potential hazard with ridiculously cute kids is they have every possibility of upstaging you at you own wedding. When I looked over Natalie’s wedding photos the sense of family was immense.
In Natalie’s own words;
“We had an amazing day and I loved my dress… the star of the show was definitely our daughter Cora who entered the church with my mother with everyone waiting for my entrance, and said in a very matter of fact way “hello Daddy”. She then had a huge tantrum mid ceremony, which ended in me having to cradle her at the altar……! And lastly following Rufus and myself out of the church with her dress around her neck!”
Also I have never seen such a cute troupe of bridesmaids and page boys of various ages. I have never got my head round selling little ones outfits. Perhaps it’s because my broodiness finds a natural limit at forcing a recalcitrant toddler into an expensive frock. Natalie is very happy to share her style secrets though.
Natalie is wearing Jesus Peiro; First Lady, understated chic at its finest. The dress features Jesus Peiro trademark boat neck with a razor sharp slashed V in crisp Razir Mikado with a 60s inspired tulip shaped skirt. Formal and modest but deeply chic and fabulous.
My hand always goes to a graphic ribbon edged veil to frame and soften this style of dress and I love Natalie’s choice of Amnesia roses and ranunculas in her bouquet. Unbelievable this works better than white flowers in looking minimalist.
I don’t have a mention of where the men’s suits came from but dapper much! A twist on the blue suit trend and looking devilishly handsome
I have never visited Cowley Manor but from Natalie’s wholehearted recommendation it seems it should be on your list when venue searching;
“I can’t tell you what an amazing day it was. The wedding was at Cowley Manor who, and I cannot stress this enough, were simply incredible. We stay there every year at Christmas so we know the staff well, but to say that they went above and beyond is an understatement. Elliott the manager went to the town council meeting personally to apply for a special license to have fireworks (which were a complete surprise from my mother in law). We were upgraded to the top suite in the hotel for the whole stay instead of just the wedding night. I felt very smug as Hugh Grant stayed the night after our wedding and we had a better room!”
If it’s good enough for Hugh…
Thank you Natalie & Rufus for sharing your photos, memories and recommendations and it is so lovely to see such a glorious family wedding.
SUPPLIERS
The Dress: Jesus Peiro at Miss Bush
Photography: Emma Myrtle
Venue: Cowley Manor
Bridesmaids: I Love Gorgeous
Emma Meek, MD of Miss Bush
Miss Bush is Surrey’s leading designer bridal shop
