Anna and Piers's elegant Guard's Chapel wedding took place on 1st May in central London. This intimate, elegant wedding took place at two very exclusive, special venues, the stunning Guard's Chapel in Wellington Barracks, St James, London, with a reception in the dining room at The Officers Mess, Hyde Park Barracks.

Anna was one of our first brides to get married in 2021, and she looked incredible doing so in the chic, stylish 106 wedding gown from Jesus Peiro. The dress features a structured fitted bodice with sharp v neck above a striking flared skirt. Anna wore with the optional detachable overskirt with train, which she removed for dinner, giving her the flexibility of two different looks.

Read on to find out more about the day in Anna's own words, with beautiful images by Adam Blackmore-Heal

Jesus Peiro 106 wedding dress

I loved every Jesus Peiro dress I tried on at Miss Bush but when I walked out in this one my mum and sister said it was hands down the right one for me. I loved that the train added drama for the chapel (which is a big space to fill!), but that I could take the train off for the evening to wear just the dress, which was very comfortable, and classic. Several people have said I should dye this part to be an evening dress but I'm not sure I could bring myself to do that.

My mum, Ali, and twin sister Kate came with me when I found the dress. Mum got emotional actually when I was wearing another JP dress and we put a veil with it! However there was no doubt that this one was their favourite... they both said in unison - that's the one, it's very you!

Dress Shopping

The chapel is such a beautiful and special place, and everyone was so warm, helpful and welcoming throughout. For me Ripley is also a special place as my parent in laws live there. I few brides I know recommended it to me as well!

I had a bit of drama at the first fitting where I pricked my finger on a pin and got a spec of blood on the dress! The team were very calm and kind and had it spot cleaned for me before the next fitting. They also stayed in touch throughout lock down if I contacted them which was hugely reassuring. I know the team were also really busy at the end of April when retail reopened from lockdown, however they continued to go above and beyond for me as an existing bride which was much appreciated.

Styling

We were very lucky as I found some pale blush pink Maje block sandals on Outnet, that made me the perfect height for the dress, with no alterations needed! Despite being much higher than I planned they block heel and slight platform made them very comfortable. They stayed on throughout the day until about 11pm when they were kicked off for dancing!

Apart from the shoes I kept accessories simple with some diamond earrings, and a bracelet that my sister bought me which was my 'something blue'.

An elegant Guard's Chapel Hyde Park London wedding

As we had a much smaller wedding than anticipated, 180 down to 15, it was really important for us to go all out for the guests that we could have, and to make the most of the venues that we were lucky enough to enjoy (my husband is in the Cavalry which gave us access to the two venues). Amanda Austin our florist was outstanding, the flowers were stunning and whilst we kept it to neutral colours - dusky/dirty pink, greens and creams, the displays were spectacular. To be honest we didn't stick to this colour scheme so it was very relaxed, the bridesmaids dresses were a pale grey/lilac and Pier's wanted to wear a pale blue waistcoat - but it all worked and nobody had to compromise!

The best bits

A very hard question! I loved getting ready with the bridesmaids and my parents at the Connaught. I had a fantastic make up artist - Rosie Cerosio, who is not only super talented, but also just lovely to have around.

The wedding was much smaller than planned but we wanted to still be able to share the day with our friends and family so we invited anyone who could to come to St James' park to cheer us on. So many people showed up, it was hugely touching, and the cheer we received stepping out of the chapel made us feel so supported by the people we love. I was driven to the church by my friend Judith who is a black cab driver in her taxi, having that moment before hand on the way there with my dad and a close friend driving was really special. I guess a lot of what I've written here is about the build up but there were so many great moments.

A final real stand out for me, was a moment created by the situation we have all found ourselves in over the last year. As I walked up the aisle to our 12 guests on dad's arm I caught the eye of my grandmother who is in her mid-80s, stood by my grandpa who is in his 90s, I haven't seen them since last summer and it's the first trip they've had out of their home in Hungerford since March last year. My grandmother blew me a kiss, the emotion of the day really hit me at that point, I really don't know how I held it together. It was such a happy day.

Anna's Advice

Finding your wedding dress is such fun, just enjoy it and don't be afraid of trying on dresses that you didn't pick off the website. The team at Miss Bush will find you something that you may not have considered that will be the perfect dress for you - I don't think I'd even clocked the Jesus Peiro dress that I chose, although I knew I loved him as a designer from the off!

We were one of the lucky couples with our wedding date, we stuck to the 1st May 2021 so didn't have to delay like so many have. However, we had to compromise on a lot of things to make it happen. We'd always wanted a big wedding and a big party, however, what we've realised is that the people who love you will find a way to share your special day with you even if they can't be there in person. The whole experience wasn't really altered in that sense, as a bride you will still feel a million dollars, and the photos and memories will still be so special.

There are many things currently that are simply out of our hands. Please try not to worry, most suppliers are flexible now if you do need to move your dates or downsize significantly as we did. And above all don't be afraid to gun for a smaller wedding. We honestly wouldn't go back and change our day at all.

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