It is always a pleasure to make clothing for friends – and even more so if it is the wedding dress they are after! And since apart from he historical bits ( Prior Attire) we also provide bridal gowns ( Prior Engagement) it was a pleasure to be asked:-)
We have known Sophie and Chris for several years as we tend to attend the same events – they are accomplished musicians and provide music from medieval to modern times ( Blast from The Past). indeed, they were also our musicians of choice when we organized the Spectacular! Spectacular !ball ). Over the years we have become good friends – and it was with joy that I agreed to making Sophie’s wedding dress.
Sophie was no stranger to our bridal fashions – indeed you will see her modelling a part of our Winter Bride collection back in 2013
The first stages was agreeing on the styling, foundations etc. Sophie created a secret Pinterest board where she pinned her inspirations and we discussed the choices. in the end we ended up with a simple and yet surprisingly elegant design. Based on late Victorian fashions, the dress was basically an evening outfit from the late 1890 – a simple bodice and a flowing skirt, both decorated with elaborate lace.
Since Victorian fashions need a corset, a corset was the first to be created…. here at the fitting stage – we decided on a white sateen, with a gentle blue flossing. The corset needed to be providing the correct silhouette ( the whole dress may serve Sophie as an evening Victorian gown in the years to come, perfect for her work – concerts etc), but be comfortable enough so that she can stay in it all day, dance eat and enjoy the day.
a modified TV01 pattern was used, white sateen, busk, flat and spiral steels from Sew Curvy
Over that a bodice in champagne satin was assembled ( lined with cotton lawn and lightly boned), with a back lacing and a rather stunning lace going over the neck and shoulders
first fitting of the bodice
The skirt of the silk satin and lawn lining was next – here at the first fitting, with lace pinned up. It as worn over a lacy and fluffy petticoat – an original one I lent Sophie for the wedding.
the lace was arranged and pinned over the bodice at the last fitting
and then it was down to hours of stitching the thing on 🙂
A shaped green silk sash/belt completed the look.
On the day, since we were invited to the wedding too ( yay!) I arrived early to help Sophie dress…
photos by James Harris Photography
and once we were ready, the fun could begin…..
The wedding was a truly amazing day – relaxed, full of love, laughter and happiness, with great company, excellent food , moving speeches, and, needless to say, fantastic music…
Pictures below by Pitcheresque Imagery – Lucas was providing a back up photography on the day, a few more snaps here..
It also turned out that Sophie had all of the important three from us too – something blue ( flossing), something old ( antique petticoat) and something borrowed ( the petticoat – and my own bridal veil).
Lovely natural make up by Sarah’s doo-wop-dos
all together – a fantastic day was had by all – congratulations to Sophie and Chris!
A Damsel in This Dress 