Escape to Majorca with us for Alex & James's dreamy destination wedding in Palma. Taking place in late August, our couple celebrated their marriage with a relaxed, intimate celebration with their closest friends, with delicious food and glorious views across the bay.

Alex wore the stunning Calla gown by Suzanne Neville for the event; the elegant draped off the shoulder sleeves, glamorous v-neckline and sleek skirt made it just perfect for the sun-kissed, romantic setting.

Read on to find out more about the day, with words from Alex.

Suzanne Neville Calla wedding dress

Initially I had visited Miss Bush to try on a number of Anna Kara dresses and loved all of them! But at the last minute, Corinne put in in the Suzanne Neville Calla dress and it's simplicity and shape completely won me over. I felt so elegant and bridal, and at the time I thought it would stand out wonderful at what was meant to be quite a low-key wedding in the French Alps!

For the first fitting I had my friend Gabby with me - we both agreed that the Calla was the perfect dress! I think Gabby actually fell off her chair!

Dress Shopping

Even though I knew Miss Bush were so incredibly busy, looking after so many brides, I felt like it was a completely personalised experience. Everyone was so thoughtful and understanding when my plans changed again and again and endlessly accommodating. Looking back, I have no idea how you managed it! I miss my trips to Ripley!!

We had initially planned a wedding in the French Alps for early July 2021. We held out as long as we could but with things still looking shaky from a travel perspective in June, we ended up moving the wedding to the 21st August instead. The team very kindly changed my fitting dates so that my final fitting was closer to the new date but of course I needed a fairly major alteration after the second fitting but they took it in their stride!! Rosie was amazing at scheduling and Jo was the most unflappable seamstress I've ever met.

Styling

Because we decided in the end to cancel the wedding in France (thanks to the ever changing travel restrictions making it impossible to plan anything) and simplify the occasion to the max, I decided to pair back on the accessories a little.

As the neckline was quite dramatic I decided to let it do the talking and avoid wearing a necklace but instead the most beautiful earrings from Miss Clemmie.

My shoes were a total bargain from Monsoon and my friend Gabby leant me her stunning globe clutch back to top it off.

A relaxed, intimate destination wedding in Majorca

When we finally decided to cancel our wedding, all we wanted to do was go away on holiday and de-stress and relax. It had been a pretty relentless year and we had completely run out of energy!

On a walk one day together, we talked about going to Majorca and asking two of our friends, who had been so supportive throughout the year, to come with us. We then thought that we should honour the day in some way. We had already done a small town hall ceremony a few weeks earlier so were legally married, but the thought of my beautiful dress not being seen was too much! So we started looking for a venue in Majorca where we could do something a bit more special, which was when we were recommended Cap Rocat, an old Fort on the coast near Palma. When I told them what had happened and what we were looking for, they said that they offered private dining on a secluded spot in their grounds, overlooking the sea. We thought this was ideal so we booked it and, on a last minute whim, also found a photographer who was just amazing!

We got ready at the hotel (after an amazing lunch at a local beach club) and decided to recreate a 'first look' there as the hotel was so beautiful, Then, making the most of the sunshine, we headed off into Palma for a few photos before being taken to Cap Rocat. We had such a laugh getting some pictures at the entrance in front of the stunning gates but when we were taken to our dinner spot - a table for four surrounded by lanterns - on Golf Buggies we were blown away - the sun was setting and I knew we had made the right decision!

The best bits

How relaxed and fun it was. There was just no pressure at all, no one to manage, nothing really to organise, only celebration. We had already said our vows in front of our parents, which was an incredibly special and intimate experience, so this was all about the dress and the party!! We FaceTimed our parents from the dinner and sent them lots of photos and I think they were just happy that we were having a good time and could now put everything behind us and look forward.

Alex's Advice

I wrestled with canceling my wedding completely. I had pictured this beautiful French apline wedding for over a year, in a place which had so much meaning for us, but in the end the stress and uncertainty outweighed the benefits of it and we just wouldn't have been able to do it justice. I did feel a lot of sadness saying goodbye to that dream but the important part - being legally married - is all that matters.
We honestly had the best day with two of our friends, getting dressed up and basically having the fanciest sundowners you could imagine! And looking forwards it's a great story to tell, it's different and considering everything that's going on in the world right now, an amazing way to celebrate. I don't regret it at all.

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