We're so delighted to share Emily and Scott's romantic Surrey wedding with you today, which took place at the elegant Woodcote Park in Epsom featuring a dream line up of brilliant Surrey wedding suppliers including one of our favourite florists, Mad Lilies.
Emily wore the beautiful Mirelle by Maggie Sottero for her wedding day; a soft, romantic tulle and lace wedding dress. The dress went wonderfully with Emily's custom lace top; a bespoke creation handmade at Miss Bush by our seamstress, Jo.
Read on to find out more about Emily & Scott's day, with photography by Andrew Billington Photography
Mirelle by Maggie Sottero, with a custom lace top
My beautiful dress was Mirelle by Maggie Sottero. I was drawn to the exquisite lace, which had a baroque feel to it. I had always liked the idea of a lace wedding dress, but all of the dresses I’d tried on elsewhere seemed to look the same. I couldn’t hide my excitement when I saw that Mirelle also had an overskirt. The tulle material was topped with a bit of sparkle around the waist, and ended with the same lace on the hem as the dress. I love coordination, so it felt like this dress had my name on it.
As I was having a church wedding, I asked Emma whether it would be possible to make some straps to add to the dress. It had a strapless sweetheart neckline which was gorgeous, but I felt I wanted a bit more coverage for the ceremony. I was presented with the Sassi Holford Sienna ‘top’ which was pinned over the Mirelle dress. Even though the lace didn’t match, it gave me a really good idea of what would just give the dress that extra something I was looking for. I was then told that we could request a lace pack from Maggie Sottero, and that Jo, the fabulous Miss Bush seamstress, would be able to make a custom top to go with my dress. The final result was better than I could have ever imagined. Jo is hugely talented, and a true master of her craft. She had to unpick all of the lace on the hem of my wedding dress, as it was a little bit long! I can’t imagine having the fingers let alone the patience to undertake such a task. Jo also had to do some very last minute alterations on my dress, as I had shed a few pounds from all of the running around sorting the last details ahead of the big day. These final alterations made all the difference, and I felt so incredible stepping into my dress on the morning of our wedding. That is a testament not only to Emma, but also to Jo, Corrine, Rosie and Meg who each played a part in my dress journey.
Dress Shopping
I must’ve tried on almost 80 dresses before I found ‘the one’! My Godmother, Auntie Anne, and Sam, my Maid of Honour, were with me when I had that moment where I knew I’d found my dress. I didn’t think I’d have that moment, as I’d tried so many on already. It was made all the more special being at Miss Bush.
I had already started my quest of finding a wedding dress when I came across Miss Bush. My Godmother was my absolute rock and wedding planner extraordinaire. She was at every single dress trial in a whole range of shops. Then one day she mentioned Miss Bush, and that’s when everything changed! I couldn’t have prepared myself for the first visit. It was just wonderful. From the initial warm greeting at the front door, to my breath being taken away once I was inside the chapel, I knew I was in the right place. My mother-in-law and sister-in-law came to one of the visits, and were very impressed with the level of service and expertise.
From the word go, Miss Bush felt like home. It is such an enchanting place to visit, and indeed a magical cave of a wedding boutique! There’s just something about the whole experience that I can’t even put into words. It was like nothing else. Emma was her fabulous self from the word go, and I truly felt safe in her hands. She was the first person in any boutique or shop to really focus on me and my features, including my pale skin, which she said gave me a ‘Nicole Kidman’ look. This is something I clearly haven’t forgotten! The fact that on my first visit my skin tone had been picked up and made a feature of, was really refreshing. I admitted that I wanted to get a spray tan to give me a healthy glow on the day, but Emma made me realise that rather than shying away from my natural colour, I should embrace it. The lining of my dress was a champagne colour which, when I first saw it, I was sure would completely wash me out. Emma pointed out that it would do the opposite, enhancing my complexion. Her eye for detail is so precise and correct, and I’m hugely grateful that she always gave her honest yet open opinion.
Styling
I had my hair curled and styled in a chignon, with some loose strands to frame my face. I was having trouble finding the right hair vine to finish off the look, and the Miss Bush team provided the perfect hair clip from Ivory and Co. It had really intricate rose gold flowers with crystals and pearls. I chose to wear a costume jewellery rose gold necklace for the evening, when I removed my custom-made top, to add a bit of glitz. I initially found some lovely Ted Baker heels but the bows on the front kept catching on the lining of the dress. In the end I opted for gorgeous ‘Benedetta’ LK Bennett Jenny Packham court shoes, which had tiny pearl studs. My amazing husband-to-be treated me to the co-ordinating ‘Sissi’ handbag, along with some pearl and diamanté earrings.
My ‘something blue’ was my engagement ring, as the central stone is a pale blue sapphire. It was originally my mum’s ring, so it was nice to be able to have it as one of the good luck objects on the day. My mum died in 2012, so it was very important to me to incorporate elements that represented her into my big day. Not having her there on the day, or to join in with the fun of wedding planning beforehand was really tough, as we were so close. It was only fitting that I had part of her dress stitched into mine. Jo was very accommodating of this request, and when it came to deciding where to put the piece, she suggested having it right next to my heart. This meant so much to me, and is another example of how Miss Bush go above and beyond to cater to brides and their requests.
A romantic Surrey wedding
The style of our wedding was traditional and romantic with a bit of fun. We are both addicted to sweets, so we had a sweetie table theme, with illustrated table names and corresponding sweet jars on each table. During the drinks reception we had a string trio, Reflection Strings, who played classics like Sweet Child O’ Mine. Our band, The Tricks, are such a talented group of musicians, and they really added to the fun of the evening. We didn’t want the day to feel too formal, so the music allowed everyone to let their hair down.
We went for a coral colour scheme. Coral was my mum’s favourite colour, so again this felt like a clear and easy decision when it came to the scheme. The only trouble I had was finding the perfect colour of bridesmaid dress, as coral can vary quite drastically in shade. I was really lucky to find mine on Asos. It was the perfect shade of coral, and it really suited my six bridesmaids and their differing skin tones and hair colours, plus I got it on sale so it was a bargain!
Mad Lilies was the florist we chose. Alison helped me to pick an exquisite selection of flowers, including ‘coral charm’ peonies. She also suggested Margaret Merril roses. My mum’s name was Margaret, so I knew I had to have them. They were featured within the bouquets and in the buttonholes for the men.
The best bits
It’s too difficult to choose one favourite part, as there were so many. The most emotional moments were when my dad saw me in my dress for the first time, and seeing Scott’s face when I walked up to him at the end of the aisle. He said ‘wow’, and I will never forget that moment and his smile! The dress definitely played a big part in his reaction, and I felt so special in it.
Our two best men did a hilarious speech, and even provided masks of Scott with various hair styles for all the guests to wear, which brought the house down!
I did a speech, and although I kept it brief I was really glad that I did it. I also did a drum solo with our fabulous band in the evening. I used to play in a group, and I’ve always enjoyed performing to people. This was the best opportunity to show my (rusty) skills to everyone. It went down well, and I had a big line up of groupies, some of whom didn’t even know that I played until that point! I know how proud my mum would’ve been that I did a speech and she would’ve been right at the front of the crowd cheering me on when I played the drums.
Scott and I both had so much fun throughout the day, and it was the most incredible feeling to be surrounded by all of our family and friends, who had travelled far and wide to be there to celebrate with us. Seeing that everyone was enjoying themselves brought us both so much pleasure. The only thing I wish is that we could do the whole thing all over again!
Emily's Advice
Wedding planning doesn’t have to be stressful! I remember a friend telling me this, and so I decided to make the most of the whole experience and enjoy it as much as I could. I would recommend aiming to get the big details sorted early on. Once we had our date, we found the venue, photographer, videographer, florist and Miss Bush quite quickly. It was nice to get the big things ticked off and then have a bit of time before we needed to start deciding about the smaller details. We might’ve been a bit last minute with some of the details, but all that really matters in the end is that everyone turns up and has a good time. The day goes by in a flash, so just try to soak up little moments throughout. I remember looking around during the meal and feeling so much emotion that everyone had made the effort to be there, and dress up, just for the two of us. It was quite humbling!
Putting your trust in any wedding boutique is a big task. It’s hard to make the big commitment of making a choice, and then paying up for a dress which will, most likely, be worn just the once. However, with the guidance of Emma and her fabulous team, I felt very safe. They each gave enough gentle guidance to help steer me in the right direction, without me feeling pressured into making any decisions. I was really appreciative that they were upfront about costs, and there were never any ‘hidden nasties’ which suddenly came up. I have had a few friends who had to pay astronomical alteration bills at other bridal salons, without being given a proper estimate or warning. I definitely think that the amount of work and time that went into all the alterations and fittings for my dress was well worth the cost. There is nothing quite like that buzz of feeling amazing on your special day, especially when you see everyone’s reactions.
I would love there to be a club for Miss Bush brides to meet up and reminisce. Emma, if you’d like me to help to set this up, you know where to find me!
I offer my sincere and eternal gratitude and thanks to all of Team Miss Bush 💛
Suppliers
Photographer: Andrew Billington Photography
Venue: Woodcote Park
Florist: Mad Lilies
Hair and make-up: N W Makeup
Band: The Tricks
String Trio: Reflection String Trio
Cake: Jeannettes Great Cakes
Bridesmaids dresses: ASOS
Wedding car: Phantom 11
Videographer: Newlywed Films