Celebrating bridal fashion from star British names in wedding gowns and bridal accessories, our spring/summer fashion story is shot on location against the backdrop of classic country house wedding venue Holmewood Hall
Photography: Roberto Aguilar; Stylist: Antonia Kraskowski
Bridal fashion at its best, our spring/summer bridal fashion story celebrates great British style, with both star names in the world of bridal gown design and bespoke wedding gown designer-makers every bride-to-be should know. We’ve kept the theme of British style for accessories too, with gorgeous bridal shoes, jewels and accessories from UK talents.
With such a glittering array of bridal fashion greats, we chose the perfect backdrop for our shoot – Holmewood Hall. This glamorous exclusive-use wedding venue, newly opened as part of Country House Weddings’ portfolio of gorgeous country manor houses, features everything you’d want for a timeless wedding in the English countryside – fine grounds, awe-inspiring spaces for both ceremony and celebration and the most sumptuous bridal suite imaginable.
For shoot team credits and suppliers, see slides 11 & 12.
1. Daisy chain
Louise Selby is definitely a designer to know, with superb artisanship and a bespoke approach that makes her a real favourite among brides. We love the Daisy dress from her new collection, with on-trend high neckline and fitted sleeves and a chic fitted silhouette.
Daisy dress, £2,250 by Louise Selby; shoes, £465 by Emmy London; pearl headband, £10 by Luxe Koko.
2. Fairytale bride
One of the most celebrated British designers for both bridal and eveningwear, Jenny Packham showcases a truly fairytale wedding gown with Rapunzel, a day-to-evening ivory silk chiffon design studded with beautiful crystals. The stunning flowers for this shoot were created by Keepsakes of Yaxley, a recommended supplier at Holmewood Hall.
Rapunzel dress, £10,999 by Jenny Packham.
3. Crystal gaze
This detail from the Rapunzel gown shows the fabulous jewel embellishment on the bodice. This design – which features some 5,000 Swarovski crystals on bodice and skirt – is a re-introduction by Jenny Packham. It was chosen to appear in a Victoria & Albert ballgown exhibition and has since been made available exclusively through the designer’s Mayfair store.
Ring, £595 by Astley Clarke; earrings, stylist’s own; Rapunzel dress, £10,999 by Jenny Packham.
4. Ballgown glamour
This classic style for a ballroom celebration is designed by Britta Kjerkegaard at The Couture Gallery. Featuring a strapless elongated bodice with fine embellishment and a floaty silk organza trumpet skirt, the design is made to order.
Rosalyn couture gown, £6,850 by Britta Kjerkegaard at The Couture Gallery; clutch bag, £1,195 by Jimmy Choo; headband, £22 by Luxe Koko; ring, £235 by Emily Mortimer; bangle, £175 by Astley Clarke.
5. Botanic dream
From Amanda Wakeley’s elegant bridal gown collection, Eleanor is created from hand-corded embroidery on a sheer mesh. It features on-trend statement bell sleeves and has a soft fishtail skirt.
Eleanor wedding dress, £4,995 by Amanda Wakeley; ring, £150 and necklace, £175 by Astley Clarke.
6. Fine romance
Hermione de Paula is a bridal fashion designer we love for her romantic and high-glamour approach to wedding-day dressing. Personalisation is a speciality and there’s a rich floral theme running through many of her designs. This showstopping gown from her Midnight Rose collection is a shining example, with beautiful embroidery and dramatic feature sleeves.
Wedding dress, £6,275 by Hermione de Paula; earrings, £110 by Astley Clarke; ring, £235 by Emily Mortimer.
7. Shine bright
Temperley London is a go-to for romantic and ethereal bridal fashion with lovely handcrafted details, and this Daphne gown from the new-season collection is studded with mother of pearl and antique crystal embellishment. It’s shown here with equally glamorous Emmy London shoes.
Daphne wedding dress, £3,995 by Temperley Bridal; wedding shoes, £1,195 by Emmy London.
8. Lush lace
Beautifully simple and chic, this Honeysuckle gown by Louise Selby features Chantilly lace over a camisole top. The elegant skirt is slimline to the front and features a Chantilly lace train.
Honeysuckle wedding dress, £2,250 and veil £350, both by Louise Selby; ring, £235 by Emily Mortimer.
9. Jewel drape
Amanda Wakeley’s Olivia gown is bias cut, creating a form-fitting silhouette. The open back has a dramatic draped jewel detail. We’ve paired it with Lalage Beaumont’s classic Fonteyn handbag.
Olivia wedding gown, £2,995 by Amanda Wakeley; Fonteyn bag, £550 by Lalage Beaumont; earrings, £135 by Monica Vinader.
10. Grand entrance
Sassi Holford is a go-to for great British style, always offering elegance with a fashion-forward twist. This Elspeth gown is a classic, and the flattering off-the-shoulder cut is perfectly balanced with the flowing skirt. Paired here with a glitzy Dune clutch, it’s the perfect ensemble for a timeless country house wedding in the English countryside.
Elspeth dress, £3,795 by Sassi Holford; clutch bag, £190 by Dune London; ring, £235 by Emily Mortimer.
11. Fashion story: shoot credits
Shot on location at Holmewood Hall This elegant exclusive-use property in Cambridgeshire is part of the portfolio of Country House Weddings; countryhouseweddings.co.uk
Photography: Roberto Aguilar; photoaguilar.com
Styling & production: Antonia Kraskowski; antoniakraskowski.com
Hair & make-up: Jenni Davis; jennidavismakeup.com
using NARS and PAUL MITCHELL
Model: Maddy Taylor at Premier Model Management
Stylist’s Assistant: Gavrielle Weiss
Photographer’s Assistant: Deimante Sprainaityte
Flowers: Keepsakes of Yaxley; keepsakesofyaxley.com
12. Fashion story: Shoot contacts
Amanda Wakeley: amandawakeley.com
Astley Clarke: astleyclarke.com
The Couture Gallery: thecouturegallery.com
Dune London: dunelondon.com
Emily Mortimer: emilymortimer.co.uk
Emmy London: emmylondon.com
Hermione de Paula: hermionedepaula.com
Jenny Packham: jennypackham.com
Jimmy Choo: jimmychoo.com
Lalage Beaumont: lalagebeaumont.com
Louise Selby: louiseselby.com
Luxe Koko: luxekoko.com
Monica Vinader: monicavinader.com
Sassi Holford: sassiholford.com
Temperley Bridal: temperleylondon.com
