A stunning backdrop for a beautiful bridal look
If you're currently researching various suppliers for your wedding, we'll bet you'll have come across the word 'investment' a fair few times during your late night Google searches. For instance, "our hot dog stand should be considered more of an investment than a catering choice, or, "invest in our DJ services and your memories will thank us later". You get the idea. And while it may sound a little over the top at times, the perfect wedding supplier really can be considered an investment. Wedding photography and videography is the best example, as they are solely responsible for capturing your big day. And if you end up not liking their work, or there's some kind of major issue with it, you'll be devastated. Which is why it's always a good idea to weigh up your budget in terms of importance to you.
Someone who realised the importance of having an amazing wedding supplier team around her was Kirsten, today's featured bride! Who tied the knot earlier this year with Lewis at Black Hall in Ongar, one of our favourite wedding venues in Essex. Kirsten Barker chose a gorgeous Enzoani gown for the celebration, which was expertly customised by our bridal genius Dale to create something entirely unique for the day.
Kirsten & Lewis's Real Wedding at Blake Hall in Ongar, Essex
Discover more about Kirsten's big day and her journey to the aisle in our Q&A below.
How did you two meet?
We met at a CrossFit gym in Chelmsford. Lewis had just moved to the area for work and this was his first session at his new gym. I introduced myself and we got chatting!
How did you get engaged?
Lewis proposed on our favourite beach in Norfolk, Holkham Beach, during a weekend away with our dog.
What was your favourite moment(s) from the wedding?
Walking down the aisle and seeing everyone we love smiling at me as I walked, and then seeing Lewis waiting for me. The ceremony was our favourite bit!
Tell us all about your wedding dress!
I loved my dress from the minute I saw it online, and even more when I tried it on, as it was the first dress I ever tried!
I knew I wanted something a bit different and felt the sleeves and back of the dress really made it stand out. The lace is absolutely stunning, so much detail with a little bit of sparkle from the subtle sequins as well, and the long train was just dreamy! I love every part of my dress, the shape at the front, the fit, the train!
Dale also made the sleeves detached for me, so I had full movement, and he added a little line of lace to the top of the back, truly making it a one of a kind dress.
What was the general decor for your big day?
I’ve been told it was rustic, whimsical chic! Blake Hall has two beautiful barns with exposed beams and plenty of light, set in the countryside. We had champagne and burnt beach bridesmaids dresses, champagne, nude, burnt peach flowers with colour pops of blue to go with the groomsmen suits.
Do you have any advice for future Bellissima Brides?
Enjoy every part of the wedding planning experience, you only get to do it once. Choose your suppliers wisely, they have such an impact on your day! We had the most amazing supplier team and it really did make all the difference.
Invest in your photographer, you spend more time with them than you do anyone else on the day! And book a content creator. Content creators are new to the wedding scene, but having video snippets of the day has been invaluable.
Do you have any local suppliers you would like to recommend?
Wedding Photographer - Shianne Mercer
Content Creator - The Wedit
Florist - Cloud Hill Flowers
Makeup Artist - Dayna Leigh
Hair Stylist - Leggy Bird Hair
Suits - Anthony Formal Wear in Billericay
Wedding Venue - Blake Hall Weddings
Catering - Waters Edge Catering
Wedding Stationery - Little Brush Stationary
Wedding Cake - Sweet Pea Cake Boutique
How was your Bellissima experience?
My experience with Bellissima was magical! Being able to pick my top 10 dresses before my appointment was so helpful. As it allowed me to work out what I liked but also try on totally different styles. Because when else are you going to be able to try on so many princess dresses!
My first appointment was so special, the rooms are beautiful, and my stylist Danielle listened to all my thoughts and likes and dislikes and really made it so enjoyable. Dale actually came down to discuss whether it would be possible to make the sleeves of the dress detachable and even drew me a sketch of what it would look like - a wonderful memento that I will cherish!
I chose to be a VIP bride so Dale and team would be working on my dress. The fitting appointments were so much fun, and I was made to feel truly special in every one! Dale listened to every tiny concern I had and made sure my dress was flawless. I couldn’t believe the workmanship that went into my dress and how perfectly it fitted. My dress made me feel so beautiful, and that’s down to the team at Bellissima Weddings. Thank you so much!
I honestly had the best time with Bellissima. Now I just need my friends to all come to you guys so I can relive it!
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