Since we introduced Anna Kara into our collection last year, we've been eagerly awaiting the day when we get to share our first real bride in one of their exquisitely crafted dresses. Today is that day! We're so excited to share Jessica and Adam's wedding, which took place in Richmond earlier this Autumn. The day couldn't be more different to their original wedding plans, which had been due to take place in Seville in the Summer, but we can see from these images that they had the most joyful day packed with love, happiness and so many of Jessica and Adam's infectious smiles!
Despite originally choosing her outfit for a destination wedding, Jessica didn't compromise on her style and dream dress, showing that a pretty, embroidered wedding dress can work just as beautifully in a traditional church as it would in the a more relaxed location.
Read on for more images of the day by their brilliant photographer Graham Nixon, and some words about the planning process and dress shopping in Jessica's own words.
Anna Kara Roma wedding dress
I chose the Anna Kara, Roma dress. I had been to a few bridal shops and I made the appointment at Miss Bush specifically to look at 2 Suzanne Neville dresses, both of which were beautiful, but when I tried on the Anna Kara dresses it changed my mind completely. I had looked at a lot of wedding dresses online and kept being drawn to dresses with lots of tulle and with embroidery 'growing' up the dress which was exactly Roma.
When I picked the dress, we were due to get married in Seville and I wanted something beautiful but relaxed, that I could have fun in without being too hot or uncomfortable. We ended up getting married in the UK autumn and although the dress wasn't the most weather appropriate, I felt absolutely amazing in it and it was SO comfortable. We had a 10 course Italian feast at our reception and I didn't notice the dress once which has got to say something for comfort.
I had my mum with me at the appointment. I tried a couple of different styles and would have been so happy with any of them but Roma stole the show. My mum isn't an emotional person so I knew she wouldn't cry but she loved the dress and like me, she thought it was perfect.
Dress Shopping
My favourite part of the dress shopping experience was trying on the dresses! I love clothes and wanted a great dress. I was never the type of person to have a wedding dress picked out in my mind for years and years but I knew that the dress would be really important to me. Shamelessly, I started looking at dresses online the day after getting engaged and I was so excited to start making appointments to try them on.
It can start to feel slightly overwhelming if you don't find the right dress straight away but Miss Bush were amazing at suggesting different styles and shapes to try. None of the dresses fit properly when you try them on but as long as you don't expect them to and just have fun with it, it can be an amazing experience.
Second to trying on dresses was having cake at Nest afterwards!
The Team at Miss Bush were amazing at checking in during lockdown. I got sent a survey to update with my plans as so much had changed for so many brides and they were really helpful with queries, booking in and moving fittings. I moved my date forward which it was no problem at all. I turned up for my first fitting with Jo about a month before the wedding, she took measurements and pinned the hem and the next time I went back the dress was ready for me to collect. It was so easy and relaxed.
Styling
I was certain I wanted to have a veil. Although, it was really windy on the day and it ended up getting absolutely everywhere but when else in your life do you get to wear something as ridiculous as a veil?!
I have never been a huge shoe person so I wasn't that fussed about shoes, I found some nude leather sandals in the Dune sale for £35 and they worked perfectly with my skintone and the dress.
I wore earrings by Atelier Chokerbali, an independent jeweller that I had bought a few pieces from at a stall she used to have each month at Kew Farmers Market.
An Autumnal wedding in Richmond
The day was in no way what we had originally planned. When I bought the dress, we were due to get married at a hacienda in 30 degree heat in Seville. We ended up at a church in Richmond on a blustery autumn day. I remember at my first appointment, Emma said to pick the dress for the dress, not based on what will go with the venue and she couldn't be more right. When I knew we were going to have to change our original wedding plans, I really wanted to make sure I could wear my dress. I'm so lucky to have been able to get married this year but the icing on the cake was that I got to wear the dress. I felt so special in it and would love to wear it again right now!
The best bits
We had to meet for our pics before the ceremony as due to Covid restrictions, the restaurant we had booked for the reception needed everyone to arrive around the same time. I am so glad we did a 'first look' and I couldn't recommend it more. It was so special to meet and have a private moment before the ceremony and meant we could spend the rest of the day having fun. We loved our little photoshoot and even got to have a quick drink together before the ceremony.
Jessica's Advice
Don't worry about the details. Cliche, but it is all about the two of you getting married. It's easy to get swept up in wedding madness but it's the best feeling when you are finally married and nothing else really matters.
Planning a wedding is stressful but cancelling a wedding and/or planning a wedding during a pandemic is a gut wrenching roller-coaster.
The main thing that got us through it was flexibility. We decided at the very beginning that we would just make the most of whatever was possible in the circumstances and I think that is key.
There are loads of difficult parts to planning a wedding at the moment but also there are up-sides and if you are able to do it, in whatever shape or form; it will be the happiest day of your life. We felt like everyone at our wedding really loved having something to celebrate. This year has been so full of darkness that it was amazing to be able to share something so happy!
Suppliers
Photographer: Graham Nixon
Florist: Johanna Pedrick
Hair/makeup: Brush
Jewellery: Choker Bali
Reception venue: Al Boccon D'Vino, Richmond