Real Bride Sarah wearing Suzanne Neville Iris

We’re sharing Sarah and James’ beautiful Sussex wedding today, which took place in October last year at the church of St Peter Ad Vincula, followed by a wonderful reception in the garden of the bride’s family home. The images were shot by London wedding photographer Mark Chivers.

The Dress

Sarah wore Suzanne Neville Iris for their wedding, which is a stunning A-line wedding dress with sweetheart neckline, overlaid with an off the shoulder cap sleeved bodice in beautiful delicate lace.

Sarah tells us more about her dress, shopping experience and how she accessorised on the day;

“I stepped out of the changing room and looked in the mirror, I had a ridiculous grin on my face. I just felt so elegant in it!

I was with my Mum and my sister…they said immediately, “that’s the one”. I think there were tears, they could have been mine! It was important to me that they loved it as much as I did. It’s one of those dresses that you might miss on the hanger but when it’s on, it works in all the right places! And that’s why Emma is so great, she takes one look at your body shape and knows what will look good.”

Sarah continues…

“I loved the atmosphere and the attention you get at Miss Bush…it’s exactly what the dress shopping experience should be. When we started planning the wedding, I think I was dreading the dress shopping bit the most as it is not my favourite pastime! But they really do know what they’re talking about it, having that reassurance immediately put me at ease.

I wore a beautiful bolero over the dress which had scalloped lacing and buttons down the back to match the dress. I love it so much I am trying to find a new outfit to wear it with. For the first dance I removed the bolero and wore a sparkly belt around the middle for party times! I wore sparkly Jenny Packham shoes (that have now seen better days, but tell a story)! I borrowed some diamond earrings from my mum which regrettably I have now returned!”

About the day

Sarah and James’ day was relaxed, welcoming and full of warmth. With lots of natural touches and an outdoorsy woodland feel, it was perfect for October, with log fires and fireworks adding to the Autumnal atmosphere. I particularly love the beautiful Oak leaf table plan – so creative and original!

Sarah tells us more;

“Whenever I would think about getting married, I always imagined it at my parents house in a marquee in the garden. Intimate and familiar with lots of our personality chucked in. Autumn is our favourite time of year, the colours, the leaves, the cosy blankets, rustic logs and twinkly lights (pinterest has a lot to answer for). I felt our day really reflected that cosy woodland style we love. The double rainbow was an added extra!

Looking out and seeing all our friends and family eating, chatting and laughing with each other made my heart swell with happiness. The fireworks were our extravagance and they didn’t disappoint – it was also one of the only surprises I managed to keep from the guests! Like everyone says, it all goes by far too quickly but the image of James at the altar, looking nervous and proud will stay with me forever.”