Emily & James’ elegant Isle of Wight wedding took place in early September, featuring classic, timeless styling with a subtle nautical theme to reflect the groom’s love of rowing and their picturesque coastal location.
The ceremony took place at St Mildred’s Church in East Cowes followed by an evening reception at Osborne House, a stunning former Royal residence by the sea.
Over to our bride, Emily, to tell us more about their day, wedding planning, and how she found her dress…
SUZANNE NEVILLE ROSA, FLORAL WEDDING DRESS
Everyone always says that when you find ‘the one’, you just know. Before trying on the ‘Rosa’ I honestly just did not think it was possible and that it was something that people just said. I tried on lots of dresses and all kinds of styles and designers. Whilst I found ones that I liked, none that I truly loved and that I could truly imagine myself wearing on my wedding day.
However, when I visited Miss Bush for the first time and I tried on the ‘Rosa’ I just knew. It was classic and elegant with a striking V neck line but then unique and beautiful with its light floral design all over the bodice and dress which I just completely fell in love with. It was timeless and classic with an edge and I knew that it would suit our wedding and venue as well, which is something that you do need to consider. I came back a week later to try it on again to be sure, and that was it. I had found my wedding dress!
DRESS SHOPPING
My Mum was the only person that I went through the wedding dress shopping experience with. One thing I knew is that I could trust her to be honest! She absolutely loved it and knew that it was the one as soon as I tried it on too. Whilst she will often joke about the number of different shops that we went to in order to find ‘the one’, I know that now post wedding she secretly misses it all!
Miss Bush is a true diamond in the wedding dress market and the experience and expertise that the offer is truly the best in the industry. Before going there I went to a number of designer shops and other boutiques and whilst some were okay, some were actually anything but okay and I often left feeling completely deflated. I kept reminding myself that this was something that I should be enjoying, but so many of the wedding dress shops made it feel like a chore.
That was until Miss Bush came along! Firstly, the chapel and the village of Ripley. I mean, just absolutely stunning and so picture perfect. We visited around Christmas time and it was magical. The ladies inside the chapel are so knowledgeable, friendly, and truly offer there advice in the right way without making you feel awkward. There is also a fantastic selection of dresses- something for everyone. In the lead up to the wedding, Jo was an absolute angel and tirelessly worked away to ensure the dress fit like a glove. I cannot thank you enough.
Make sure you head to Nest afterwards for a cup of tea and cake post wedding dress shopping- it is the most adorable tea room!
STYLING
The dress spoke for itself and I wanted a classic look but I managed to find some great ways in which to accessorise the outfit.
Firstly, the shoes. My something blue. A beautiful blue satin pair of kitten heels from LK Bennett. Very comfy too.
Diamond earrings from my Mum as my something borrowed.
A headband from Ivory & Co that I also found from Miss Bush.
And of course the veil, a floral one from Sassi Holford which I also found at Miss Bush.
ABOUT THE DAY
Isle of Wight has always been a special place for James and I. My Mum grew up on the island and her side of the family are still based down there, and James and I have spent many special weekends and trips down there. Anyone who has been will know what a special place it is. Whilst I spent most of my life growing up in Surrey, I always knew that I wanted to do something a bit different for our special day but that still had meaning to us. Isle of Wight was perfect.
St Mildred’s Whippingham and Osborne House were the locations. Both equally stunning and with so much history. We loved the idea of having a nautical theme as James is a rower so you will notice lots of nautical touches in the photos. This then flowed through to the colour scheme and it all fell into place from there.
Following champagne and canapes at Osborne House we made our way into the marquee where there was dinner, dancing and a casino. We danced the night away and with the trees and fairy lights lighting up the marquee, it felt truly magical.
THE BEST BITS
It is so hard to pick a favourite part of the day as each part is special for its own unique reason but there are definitely a few highlights that really stick with me when I think about the day.
– The service: So many married couples say this but it is true. The church service was full of joy, happiness and love. Standing at the front with James and singing along to our favourite hymns before making our vows. I will always remember turning to listen to one of the readings and looking out at the church and just seeing so many of our loved ones and wanting to wave and say hello to them all!
– Walking into the marquee to cheers and applause from all of our favourite people. The marquee looked absolutely stunning and I couldn’t stop smiling as we walked past all of the tables and saw all of our loved ones.
– The speeches. All three were heartwarming, hilarious and unique in their own way.
ADVICE FROM THE BRIDE
One piece of advice that people always seem to claim is not to worry or fret about the little things. However, I would actually disagree and I was amazed just how many people commented on all of the personal touches and additions that we had included in the day. Everything from the rowing oars on the bar to the beautiful gold glassware, and Isle of Wight shaped biscuit favours and flip flops at the side of the dancefloor. Everything was noticed and it is part of what makes your wedding unique and what people remember.
Try not to give yourself too many decisions. Choose your style and vision for the day and stick with it. Don’t let people tell you are crazy for pursuing certain things that fit your vision and style. It is all worth it in the end!
Accept that things that are out of your control will go wrong. I struggled to believe this but it is definitely true, particularly the days before the wedding.
Embrace everything, even the stressful parts because soon it will all be over and you will be wanting to do it all over again!
GALLERY
SUPPLIERS
Photographer: Pippa Mackenzie
Venue: St Mildred’s Church, followed by Osborne House
Marquee: Gray’s Marquee
Caterers: Red Herring
Styling: Hollie Freeland Styling
Props: Proper Vintage & The Event Company
Glassware: Couvert Hire
Trees: World of Enchanted Trees
Florist: The Flower Garden
Hair & Make Up: Isle of Wight Beauty
Bridesmaid Dresses: Hobbs
Videographer: Harris Films
Stationery: Paper Pleasures
Entertainment: Shuffles Events
Cake: Centrepiece Cake