We are delighted to share Elle and Lee's wonderful Millbridge Court wedding with you today - the perfect example of a classic, elegant and joyful Surrey wedding. The wedding brought together a dream line-up of Surrey wedding suppliers, including photography from Miss Bush favourite Sophie Duckworth, catering by the brilliant Kalm Kitchen and video from the very wonderful Ash Videography.
Elle wore a Suzanne Neville wedding dress called 'Negresco' which was created especially for Miss Bush. The dress features elements we love from the iconic Amber and Gigi wedding dresses, with a structured bodice, wide shoulder straps and an elegant flared skirt, all made from luxurious crepe.
Read on to find out more about Elle's wedding dress experience at Miss Bush, and her and Lee's beautiful wedding day.
Suzanne Neville's Negresco Miss Bush special wedding dress
I chose Suzanne Neville’s Negresco. I could not believe my eyes when Emma put me in a dress like that. I was open to all the knowledge and expertise but inwardly I was thinking, “I’m not going to like this”. I always envisioned (and thought I’d have to wear) an a-line dress with sleeves of some sort as I would never really have described myself as an ideal candidate for a wedding dress… whatever that means!? I always thought dresses don’t really look good on me and I thought an a-line would hide all my insecurities. But I could not have been more wrong. Emma was listing off her (very wanted) opinions and was brutally honest which I found so helpful. She told me I’m far too young and beautiful to be so covered up! Which boosted my confidence tenth-fold and eliminated a lot of dresses!
A big issue for me also, was having a large bust. I just couldn’t envision a world where I loved how I looked in a dress. I wanted to hide my boobs as much as possible. The square neckline of this dress was so beautiful and flattering, I no longer felt conscious of them!
I felt absolutely incredible in my dress. Having been to several other bridal shops and being utterly disappointed as nothing suited me, nothing flattered me and half the dresses were too small. It was more fitted than I’d ever thought I’d go for, yet my figure was gorgeous. I didn’t know I had a figure like that. I truly never thought I could look so good in a dress. This magic dress had made me look smaller than I actually am. I’m so used to wearing oversized clothes, but apparently when you wear something that fits you properly, you look great!?
I was quite adamant throughout the entire process that I’d be adding sleeves as I am very self conscious of my arms. I had a few sleeves mocked up for me to try and I just wasn’t “wowed” by any of them. I thought I’d immediately be like yes this is what I wanted but I was left more confused. There was one sleeve I thought was cute, but again not wowed. Then Jo said something that has always stuck with me. She said “you’ve got a killer dress, do you want to add a sleeve that makes you look ‘cute’” and that’s all I needed! Who’d have thought I’d ever have my arms out on my wedding day!? Not me! The dress made me feel so confident that I didn’t even care about my arms on the day.
Dress Shopping
I find shopping experiences overwhelming at the best of times, let alone choosing your wedding dress! So I just had my mum with me which was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I know when my mum doesn’t like something… her face says it all without her having to speak! But she was absolutely blown away. She was so happy and when we’d left the shop after choosing negresco, she said she was so happy I chose this dress and it’s what she always envisioned for me and hoped I’d choose!!
For my very final fitting appointment, I bought my two bridesmaids with me. Not that I had any doubt in my mind about any decisions I made, but their reactions were everything. They made me feel even more beautiful than I already did and confirmed that I was a strong 10/10!!!
My favourite part of the dress shopping experience (apart from being in the most glamorous, luxurious and beautiful converted chapel ever to exist) was seeing your idea come to life! Miss Bush is not your typical “I said yes to the dress” experience. Each appointment is having your measurements taken and having it fitted exactly how you want it. It was also having a laugh and catch up with Jo! She made the experience so amazing for me, I wish I could keep going back just for fun.
I also really loved having the space to yourself and the privacy. Having been to many other bridal shops, you are usually trying dresses on in a window and with other brides trying at the same time as you…. Not for me!
I had also unintentionally lost weight once my dress has been fitted to my measurements, to the point where I was told to eat more!!! What a dream….
Styling
Shoes: Charlotte mills - Lena pearl heel
Earrings: Carrie Elizabeth - Sophia Deco Vintage Pearl
Veil: Jesus Peiro (can’t remember the exact name, help!! Haha)
Hair pins: Lusofie Pearl hair pins - Amazon
A timeless, romantic wedding at Millbridge Court
We got married at Millbridge Court, a 19th century house in Farnham. We chose it because it felt intimate and cosy. As a couple, Lee and I are quite introverted and this just felt like us. We were minimalistic in our styling. We kept it sophisticated but maintained the rustic vibe of the venue. We had an indoor ceremony as UK weather is unreliable at the best of times, so we wanted to bring the outdoors in with bright spring florals and foliage.
One of my favourite personal details we had on our day, was an audio guestbook. Which is one of the best things we ever did. Having those recordings to listen back to of our loved ones giving their well wishes, is honestly so special and something we will cherish forever.
We also created a wedding newspaper detailing our love story, all things wedding planning and a cross word. It was completely bespoke. It was so much fun, our guests loved it and it is such a lovely keepsake.
And I chose to have my mum and dad walk me down the aisle, which is not the tradition but it was so special to me to have them both by my side.
The best bits
Getting ready in the morning with my mum and bridal party- The calm before the storm!
The “big reveal” with my dad, bridesmaids and flower girls
Seeing Lee crying as he saw me walk down the aisle! I had warned him I’d be turning back around if he wasn’t haha!!
Speeches
Just the entire day really, after being together for 10 years and seeing all the planning and hard work come together. Being in a room filled with so much love and happiness, with all your favourite people, is nothing short of magic!
Elle's Advice
My biggest words of wisdom for any new brides finding their dress is to firstly, book in with Miss Bush immediately! But also, to be open minded and patient. You will find a dress and you will look stunning.
And for wedding planning in general… Don’t stress so much over the small stuff. Not everything will go 100% according to plan, and that’s okay. As the biggest control freak and over-thinker that has ever lived, I genuinely did not care at all on the day! Just enjoy every moment, soak it all up and have a some time just you and your partner. The day goes by way too fast!! Breathe! And also… if you’re able to budget for it get a videographer. Best investment you will ever make!!
Suppliers
Venue: Millbridge Court
Photographer: Sophie Duckworth
Videographer: Ash Videography
Hair: Vanity Lounge
Makeup: Sophie Nicole
Florist: Lovelace & Green
Bridesmaid dresses: TH&TH
Catering: Kalm Kitchen
Wedding newspapers: The Crafty Lab
Wedding stationery: Simply Laura Calligraphy
Audio Guest Book: Calleo
Cake: By Anna
Grooms Suit: Hackett London
Singer: Acoustic Nick