It's with such delight that we share our lovely bride Tori's wedding to husband Ed, who were married in October last year at a fun and intimate Church wedding in West Sussex. Despite having to change their plans to fit around the pandemic, the wedding was filled with small moments of joy - we especially loved seeing images of our newly-wed couple dancing outside the church!
Tori wore one of our most loved Jesus Peiro dresses from the 2020 Cala collection, the stunning 166, which features the most gorgeous crossed strap back and full romantic skirt with pockets.
Read on to find our more about Tori and Ed's wonderful day, with photography by Guy Collier.
Jesus Peiro 166 wedding dress
Corrine suggested I try this dress and I wasn't sure, however I went with it and had read many of the Miss Bush blogs saying they had tried dresses they weren't expecting to... I absolutely loved this dress from the moment I tried it on, I'm pretty sure everyone says it but it was the exact opposite to what I thought I would choose. I remember when trying it on for the first time and said it just felt like a 'LET'S GET MARRIED!!' dress, miles from the lace / embroidered sleeve and straight up and down dress I had in mind. Obviously the day wasn't at all how it was planned and I was a bit worried about wearing my dress for such a small occasion however when the morning came I couldn't wait to put my dress on, it felt truly special and despite the restrictions in place I really felt like a bride!
My mum and my maid of honour came dress shopping with me, I knew I could rely on their honesty and they would provide a balanced approach. When I walked out in the dress they both had the biggest smile on their face and just loved it, Abbie cried and I could see my mum getting emotional - it just felt so special and I had to decide between this one and another that was far closer to my original thoughts. We all knew it was the one and for the second time of trying it on, I didn't want to take it off!
Dress Shopping
I had been looking forward to going to Miss Bush since I had booked my appointment and the experience certainly didn't disappoint! We received the warmest welcome when we first arrived and chatted through all our plans and the vibe of mine and Ed's wedding, Corrinne took it all on board and guided us through choosing dresses to try. It was such a lovely time with my mum and Abbie, they got to sit back and enjoy a glass of fizz whilst Corrinne helped me try on the different dresses, the highlight has to be trying on the 166 and feeling as though I had found the one.
I think like every other 2020 bride, the dreaded coronavirus hit and with that all plans were up in the air. We remained positive and were so sure that our wedding would be able to go ahead as planned during October, however as time went on we made and remade our plans about 13642 times! Emma and the team at Miss Bush were so supportive and available to answer questions as well as continuous communications throughout the pandemic and for that I'll always be grateful. This communication provided support during a time that was so unsettling. Ed and I decided that we just wanted to get married and so would carry on, with this my measurements were taken and the dress was made (something I was so worried wouldn't be able to happen due to coronavirus) my first fitting took place and I was confident on our 30 guest wedding and then just before the second fitting with Jo, it was announced that the guest numbers would be reduced to 15 including ourselves. I was truly devastated, we had to re-plan again as we couldn't justify a marquee for 15 people. Jo was a wonderful listener and helped to remain positive and then revealed a perfectly fitted dress.... if nothing else I would be getting married to my best friend in the most fabulous dress! The hugest of thanks to the Miss Bush team x
Styling
Accessories etc: I kept it simple as the dress was quite a statement in itself; I wore Miss Clemmie Gypsy earrings, my mums veil from my parents wedding day, a pearl necklace as a bracelet which was my great grandmothers and my shoes were from Office. As our wedding reception was due to be on Ed's family farm in a marquee and during October, I had to go with a 'sensible' heel and one that I wouldn't mind getting dirty. They were a court shoe with a tortoiseshell block heel, something I could hopefully wear again!
A fun and intimate church wedding in West Sussex
My parents and bridesmaids made sure the evening before and the morning of the wedding were just as fun as they would have been in 'normal' times, we got ready at my parents home and enjoyed breakfast and champagne followed by hair and make up arriving and getting ready, Guy Collier our photographer joined us and took some photo's along with a special one of my Dad and I when he first saw me in my dress, which I will cherish forever! Before we knew it we were on our way to the church and the excitement and nerves grew, I couldn't believe it was actually happening. When we arrived, friends and family had (socially distanced) lined the church path and yard and it was so magical to see all their faces on such a special day, particularly when they should have all been at our wedding. We met the vicar and went into the church, I couldn't wait to marry my best friend. Our service was live streamed via Teams so all our friends and family both near (outside the church) and far (various locations around the world) could join us, it felt so lovely knowing everyone was with us. The storm held off until just before the end of our photo's at the church, Ed and I headed to a location near my parents home for some photo's of the two of us followed by our evening reception at the Angel Hotel where we had the most delicious meal and enjoyed speeches and champagne all before the 10pm curfew.
We had planned a full Autumnal themed day and marquee, with deep & warm colours throughout. Lots of rust orange, beautiful crockery, cutlery & glassware with bare wooden banqueting tables and cosy bar areas. In the end, our wedding reception was a lovely meal at the Angel Hotel in Midhurst and we were able to add some Autumnal decorations to our tables and lots of candles and we were able to make the best of our wedding day.
We will be having a 'wedding party' during 2021 if the restrictions allow. This will also be in October so we'll get to style the marquee just how we had planned to originally and we now have more time to create!
The best bits
I married my best friend following what had been nothing short of a difficult year, the moment we got to the church I was so relieved and believed that it was actually happening... when I saw Ed from the end of the aisle in the church I was beyond excited and couldn't wait to start our next chapter together.
Tori's Advice
Keep an open mind, you will find the most perfect dress! Trust in the professionals, they are amazing at what they do and might have done it once or twice before!! Be organised but try not to over do it and always remember that it is about the two of you and your marriage.
COVID-19 Advice: It's easy to say however in practice it is hard, but be flexible and understanding. Your plans may change what feels like hundreds of times and it can get really exhausting but once you have decided what you would like to do then stick with it and you'll make it work. Keep yourself organised and up to date with any amendments, and communicate with your suppliers. You're in it together so support each other and accept other peoples help too, it's the most special day and we really should enjoy the lead up to the wedding rather than just the day itself - make the most of it!
Suppliers
Photography: Guy Collier Photography
Venue: The Angel, Midhurst & Up Your Street Catering
Hair: Alice Kate Hair
Makeup: Olivia Mills Make Up
Florist: This Floral Life
Bridesmaid Dresses: Mango Mango
Original & 2021 Venue: Home Farm with South Downs Marquee Hire
Original & 2021 Caterer: Jacaranda Catering