Claudine in Jesus Peiro 8040 for a natural, pretty Surrey Hills wedding at Horsley Towers

Claudine & Stuart’s wedding took place in August this year, with Claudine wearing the stunning Jesus Peiro 8040, a striking gown featuring an elegant deep v-neckline, offset by full length delicate lace sleeves and statement illusion lace back. Their natural, pretty Surrey Hills wedding took place at the stunning chapel and 19th century lakeside mansion, Horsley Towers.

Claudine told us all about the day, and her beautiful bridal look…

Jesus Peiro 8040 lace sleeved wedding dress

Jesus Peiro 8040 was the very first dress I tried on. I came in not knowing what I wanted but presumed something fitted would suit me bettter. After trying all other possibilities I again tried on the Jesus Peiro dress and with a veil and shoes, knew this stood a strong contender, in fact I left the shop knowing that would be my dress and after visiting four others shops, I was back within a month!

Dress Shopping

My Mum came with me and like me every other dress that I tried on, nothing compared.

What we both loved originally about my dress was the dropping V neck line, it was risky but elegant. Plus what’s not to love about the lace detail.

Over the next few visits I brought, my Aunty, my future mother in law and bridesmaids. I loved the fact all all of them had said “they’d never see a dress like it before” I loved that it was different and unique.

The gorgeous chapel was my favourite part of the dress shopping experience. I got excited to visit the bridal shop. It’s just beautiful. I loved how I had the chapel to myself, surrounded by beautiful dresses and kind, friendly and attentive staff.

Styling

Accessories etc: My shoes were a bargain at £19.50. I knew I didn’t want a high heel and ideally a block heel, so after Christmas I found my shoe she in the sale from Asos.

Because of the lace detail on the back of the dress, I knew a long cathedral veil was best. During a wedding open day at Horsley Towers I met a mother and daughter who made veils. (Simplyveils.co.uk) Mum and I went over to their house and took a piece of material Miss Bush had given me so we could match the best colour. I was so able to choose my lace detail to have around the edge and I also got my hair piece from them.
I wanted my veil to also have a bit of wow to it. For the guests seated towards the back at the ceremony I wanted them to see something WOW as they probably weren’t able to appreciate the lace detail of my dress from where they were sat.
I have a great picture of my husband holding my veil as we talk to guests during the drinks reception!

A natural, pretty Surrey Hills wedding at Horsley Towers

I loved everything about planning our wedding. I had my Pinterest Wedding account full of ideas.

We didn’t have a colour theme and in fact it was Connie from MB who suggested TFNC for bridesmaids dresses and it was there that I found them and in dove grey.

We had recently moved to Wotton set in the Surrey Hills, our garden is filled with lavender bushes and we just loved leaving there so we went with foliage, eucalyptus and lavender for my bouquet and let the florist do the rest. They even created a eucalyptus and lavender pairing for each guest at their seat. Stuart and I also love candles I have them lit at every opportunity at home, so the florist provided 6large lanterns for the aisle during the ceremony then moved them to have them on the fireplace behind us during our wedding breakfast with more foliage and candles and created a foliage swap form the top table (blakes of Bookham)

It was the same florist shop Stuart’s Mum used at her wedding 40years ago. Coming from Bookham in was nice to support a local business.

We then kept lavender as the flower for our table centre pieces, which we got from the Lavendar Fields in Surrey.

I then found a venue styling company called To Have And To Hire based in Billingshurst and they helped creeate and bring our ideas to life.

Stuart had only ever travelled to France before meeting me. As a cabin crew for BA in our first 18months together we travelled a lot, so our seating plan was places we had visited together.

The best bits

As we were having a civil ceremony Stuart’s Mum had one and only request. That we could sing a song during the ceremony as the ceremony is only about 20mins. Stuart and I share a favourite band and he was in fact going to their concert on his stag do. This band have a classic song and we knew this would have to be the song sung. Guns n Roses Sweet child o mine.

During my interview it was in fact the register who suggested we sing the song first, that way people and ourselves can relax and it should help creeate a fun atmosphere. I’m so pleased we took his advice. People said they had never had so much fun and laugh as much during a wedding ceremony before!

Advice from the bride

Many many people told me that the day flies by and to make sure Stuart and I spend time together, but no one said the photos during the drinks reception was stressful, trying to get people together!!

I’m so pleased we got a videographer, Stuart was very reluctant at first buy we have now watched it three times with friends and family and we sit and watch we huge smiles on our faces. We also had a singer to help with the ceremony number and also to keep guest entertained during the 2hr drinks reception, we later heard he was doing requests!

A great piece of advice I was given was to not to spend all your time saying goodbye to guests, you’ve already said hello. Let them come and say good bye to you. So you can then enjoy the evening dancing away!