Camilla & Ben
Photography by Jason Mark Harris
The Bride
Camilla The Bride: I wore an antique lace dress by the brilliant Jane Bourvis (janebourvis.co.uk). I tried on lots of new dresses but didn’t fall in love with any of them. I was so wowed by the detail in Jane’s designs and found the colour of antique lace really complimented my olive skin tone. Turning in the mirror to see the low back and exquisite train I knew I had found my dress! Layered over a simple silk slip the dress felt sexy but romantic and 100% suitable for a church wedding. Jane also made a lined silk dress in the same shade for me to dance in. I can’t thank her enough for the love and care she puts into her dresses. Each design in her beautiful atelier is totally unique - enough to make any bride feel special.
The Jewellery
I wore a delicate yellow gold and opal necklace given to me by my Mummy. I always wear tiny yellow gold hoop earrings so splashed out on a diamond pair from Goldsmiths. My wedding ring, two interlocking bands of yellow gold and white gold was made on the Isle of Wight by G&M Jewellery
The Beauty
Being a Makeup Artist and Hairstylist it felt like the pressure was on! I called on the only person I trust with my hair, Jess from Toni & Guy in Farnham. Jess recreated a sea swept braided bun from the Erdem SS17 catwalk show. This was finished off with a vintage waxflower headpiece also by Jane Bourvis. I did my makeup myself, keeping it simple with Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation and a sweep of my favourite shade of Chanel Rouge Coco Lipstick called Adrienne. Unlike editorial hair & makeup I found it quite difficult to find references for bridal styles (that didn’t included crispy curls or a bucket load of blusher) so I have developed an Instagram account for brides-to-be to find inspiration. There will be a blog to follow, with hints and tips on how to prepare your skin and hair for the big day.
The Groom
Ben wore a new set of traditional tails from Charles Tyrwhitt, paired with shoes by Russell & Bromley and a pale blue silk tie. The linen waistcoat tied in perfectly with the tone of my dress. I also booked him a visit to Grafton & Koch Barbers in Parsons Green for the sharpest haircut he has ever had!
The Venue
With both the Bride & Groom originating from the Isle of Wight we knew straight away we wanted a wedding by the sea. The sailing village of Seaview is home to the most beautiful church with its intricate panels of ironwork standing in front of the altar. From there the entire congregation (along with a jazz band) could make their way down the High Street to Seaview Yacht Club for the reception. With stormy weather out to sea we were rewarded with patches of glorious sunshine and countless rainbows which made the whole day feel that bit more special.
The Flowers
The bouquets and church flowers were designed by Nic, owner of The Floral Boutique. With a colour scheme of blush pinks and pale blues Nic used a stunning selection of wild and natural flowers for her loose arrangements. My favourites of pink peppercorn berries and waxflower were also used in the Bridesmaids hair. For the table flowers, the Wight Flower Farm provided us with buckets of garden-style flowers from Dahlias to Asparagus Fern, which were arranged by my talented friend Vanessa Day of Lilly & Day Garden Design.
The Wedding Party
The Bridesmaids wore floor length dresses by Ghost in Boudoir Pink. Flower Girl, Ophelia wore a delicate point d’esprit dress by Tulip & Nettle, the dusty pink velvet ribbon trim matched the bridesmaids perfectly. Page Boys, Teddy & Willy were probably the best dressed in head-to-toe Burberry!
The Ceremony
I walked down the aisle to a piece of piano music, I Giorni by Ludovico Einaudi, played beautifully by Bob Brace. Later in the service Bob accompanied Sony Music signed singer-songwriter Laura Doggett for her jawdropping version of Des’ree – I’m Kissing You. Classical singers Humphrey Berney & Camilla Kerslake then performed a rousing rendition of All I Ask of You from The Phantom of the Opera. We are so lucky to have such talented friends!
The Entertainment
Geronimo Joe & The Lightning Boys have been the most talked about aspect of our wedding. From leading the procession down the high street to When The Saints Go Marching In, to filling the dancefloor with their energetic versions of Sex on Fire and Shake It Off. I can’t recommend these guys highly enough.
The Cake
Made by my sister and Maid of Honour, Felicity, it was a total show stopper! Three tiers of Victoria sponge, chocolate and carrot cake covered in cream cheese icing and drizzled with pink chocolate – I’m drooling just writing about it! We all know she is Bake Off worthy, this cake really was a work of art and I can’t thank her enough. (For commissions contact felicityhewitt@gmail.com)
The Photography
Where do I start...right from the beginning I guess...as soon as we got engaged I contacted friend and local boy Jason Mark Harris to check his availability. With only two Saturdays free for the rest of the year we set our date accordingly, that’s how good he is! His stunning photos have completely surpassed all my expectations and I can’t quite believe that’s us in those movie-like moments he has captured. He is a very special talent.
The Videography
Jason’s wife Sarah caught the whole day on film which I couldn't wait to see because, as every bride knows it whizzes by in blur of hazy happiness! Sarah was so discreet on the day I had no idea what to expect from our wedding video but it was everything I could've dreamt of and more. Watching it for the millionth time, ten weeks on it still brings back all the emotions of the day. I've sent to friends who couldn't attend and they've said they felt like they were right there with us. My biggest bit of advice to any brides to be would be to get a wedding video, and get Harris Films if you can! We completely love the finish to the film. So glad we invested in a film also.
Thank You's
I want to say the biggest thank you to my parents for organising our dream day. I know they loved it as much as we did because we have all had beaming smiles for weeks after!
