Taisy & Matthew

Isn't Taisy's Watters Wtoo gown the stuff of wedding dreams?! I think it features in every image I've chosen for this feature from Jason Mark Harris because I just can't stop looking at it. It's the ruffled skirt, the embellished bodice AND the fact that it fits Taisy beautifully too. I also love that she had a 'the one' moment when she tried it on. I often hear people say that this is a myth and that it doesn't happen for everyone, but it's so lovely to hear that this magical moment does exist! Enjoy the swoon worthy dress lovely ones, we'll be bringing you a host of dress inspiration over the weekend, given that so many of you will be on the hunt for the perfect gown. We've also got an incredible competition to win a wedding dress so make sure you're following us on Instagram and Facebook to keep completely up to date with what's happening here. But in the mean time, we've got some Watters to eyeball...

The Bride

Taisy The Bride: As every bride-to-be does, I’d followed Instagram accounts and blogs from the day after Matt popped the question. I’d fallen in love with the way floaty dresses photographed, and made the brides look as though they were in the clouds. I tried the slinky ones, the heavy silk, the delicate lace, the fishtail, but couldn’t get this style out of my head. I then stumbled across an unassuming shop, Toni Bridal, local to my parents, and the lovely shop assistant pulled out a two piece – something I’d never considered. She helped me into the intricately beaded and embroidered corset, and I instantly felt amazing. I stepped into the skirt, and she cinched me in at the waist. It was the most comfortable I’d felt in anything I had tried on. My mum and sister welled up and I knew it was ‘the one’. That feeling is real. We could imagine the glinting beads in the evening light and I had the corset tailored to a snug supportive fit. The waterfall-ing petals in the skirt were lightweight and were a joy to wear and be surrounded by all day. It’s from the WTOO range by Watters. I wore a simple finger length veil from The Wedding Veil Shop, a delicate gold and pearl jewellery set from Ernest Jones, and a pair of lovely nude Christian Louboutin heels.

The Groom

Matthew found his three-piece suit with his brother, and best-man, in Reiss after an unsuccessful trip down Saville Row. We knew we wanted something light grey-ish, but found the usual grey a touch too cold-looking, and dark grey didn’t feel special enough to him. The suit is a wonderful champagne toned fabric, and it is unlined – which perfectly suits the warmth of wedding day nerves. His white shirt with the tie-pin, and ivory silk tie were also from Reiss. Again, we loved the quality of the cotton, and the subtle pattern in the tie for a clean, fresh, smart, modern look. We had both the suit and the shirt tailored, and he accessorised with a dark brown brogue and leather strapped Gucci watch.

The Venue

I am from Surrey, Matt is from Somerset. We wanted an intimate 50-60personwedding breakfast to turn into a lively evening with 150 guests and a great atmosphere, so somewhere not too big was crucial. We hunted for venues across the whole of the south of England but every venue seemed either enormous or tiny, and we needed something in the middle. Eventually we visited Charlton House in Shepton Mallet, Somerset, and it felt just right for us. The Orangery was full of character with grand chandeliers and fireplaces, and the most beautiful windows and doors which opened out into the courtyard and flooded the room in natural light. We hired the orangery for our wedding reception, and also the day before so we could set it up just as we wanted it.

The Decor & Flowers

We wanted our colour scheme kept fresh, natural and pretty to suit a beautiful occasion. The idea was for pretty but natural, bright and fresh flowers. I asked for peonies and roses with flashes of eucalyptus and dusty miller for a touch of that lovely grey-green in the bouquets. But be careful with roses! I’d asked for white ones, but when they arrived on the morning they looked yellow next to my dress and our other chosen flowers – the florist was thankfully able to change those roses for bright white carnations. Our centrepieces were a collar of hydrangeas, with shoots of snapdragon and eucalyptus, surrounded by tea light candles. It was a tall and dramatic arrangement sat on a large circular mirror in the centre of the table – in keeping with the clean colour scheme.

The Wedding Party

I knew I wanted the girls sparkly. It took many shopping trips and online orders to find these in (of all places!) TKMaxx, by a brand named Mignon. They are a neutral champagne tone, beautifully beaded from top to toe, and, vitally, floor-sweeping. They are lined and weighty, oozing glamour, and flattering any shape. These were complimented by the masculine charcoal grey of the groomsmen’s suits, and champagne grey linen ties, both from Next.

The Entertainment

My sister, Saskia, is an incredible musician. She played piano and sang our first dance. She continued with a half an hour set and was joined at the end by my brother, Seb, on guitar. It was full of emotion and so personal to Matt and I – we waited until it was dark to have our first dance and create the right atmosphere. We then danced the night away with a DJ set from Seb.

The Cake

Giant pavlova anyone? It’s our favourite summer pudding, so we simply had to have it at our wedding. This served as our dessert and wedding cake, but was very difficult to find anyone willing to work with fresh cream on a summer’s day! Thankfully, Michelle at Fancy Cakes was brave enough and did a great job making our delicious dessert.

The Photography

Jason Mark Harris was absolutely incredible and captured all the special moments and emotions that come and go over the day. He’s such a lovely guy too, and we instantly felt comfortable having him around. He truly knows what he’s doing, and I’m so glad we chose him. His style is so authentic and true, we’re over the moon with our photos.