1917 -2017

Wait till you here this wonderful fact, This is St Marks Church, Newtownards 

100 years ago at the time of the 1st World War this couple got married there. 

In the words of my bride Mel "My Granda and Granny Maxwell , Charlie and Georgina , on their wedding day ." 

This is a photo of St Marks Church this year, 100 years on, with the flowers by Marie Cafolla to decorate the church for a very special wedding.

The bride Mel gets married in the same Church as her granny and granddad to her new husband. 

It's a lovely live story, this couple worked together for years helping patients with cancer. Once they retired they realised how much they missed each other and love blossomed. Thankfully Mel asked me to make her wedding dress which was a pleasure and delight. 

It was a chiffon dress with a Nottingham lace over layer lace bodice. The lace was a vintage lace I purchased from a man called Mr Arthur Beesley who had his lace factory in Nottingham 25 yrs ago. 

I was able to dye the lace to be the exact colour that Mel wanted. 

A sparkly belt and buttons completed the look. Thanks to everyone it was a perfect day. 

Photos by Stuart Macrory Photography

Summertime

Is summer officially over, and where did the sun go & all of the beautiful celebrations that will took place last season. Summertime soirées are romantic, elegant, and airy, giving off an ambience as sweet as the time of the year itself. We also love to see the beautiful bridal gowns worn by brides saying "I do" in the warmer months, as they typically feature lighter fabrics, elegant laces and lovely details. Now winters looming I'm think jackets, leather is big on trend this season. So here's what I have been working on.

A WEDDING GOWN should make you look amazing, but the dress should never overpower the woman who wears it. I hope when I help a bride with her dress that on the day the bride’s essence shines through.  So each bride has a different notion in mind. Here's a photo of one of my summer brides.

BRIDESMAID DRESSES  I do bespoke bridesmaids to go with my bridal dresses so that each bridesmaid, junior bridesmaids feels fantastic, I hope. Beautiful and affordable my bridesmaid collection brings a whole new dimension to dressing your girls!   It's your choice. If you ever wanted to be a dress designer then here's your chance.
The secret to dressing your bridesmaids well is to flatter and that's the first thing I can help you with.
I have designed dresses and skirts in so many styles you'll find it hard to make up your mind. Maybe a trumpet-shape shape skirt in plain or sequins? Or a metallic top with spaghetti straps? It's never been easier to create a custom look for your ladies. At the wedding itself you could dress your girls in one style for the ceremony. Then change it around for the drinks reception. And then again for the evening party especially with separate s. Should you choose separates they aren't going to be tucked away in the closet after the confetti has fallen and the wedding is over. Oh no. Afterwards your girls are going to want to take them out and show them off again and again. Because they are gorgeous.
What else have I been working on?
CHRISTENING GOWNS I have a fabulous collection of vintage gowns but I also make bespoke robes.


Both these two were made with material from the wedding dress. Heirlooms for the future I hope.

Sunshine & Shots

When the sun shines here there is no better place to be. So we have to take advantage of it while we can. 

Here are some photos of dresses we have for you so when you are ready to come and try some on just give us a ring and make an appointment.

All Engaged Couples would you Dare to Win this?

Would you and your friends and family be up for fun challenges to give you the wedding day of your dreams?

Wedding Day Winners (working title) is a brand new Saturday night entertainment show. Each show will see two couples take part on their wedding day. Before they say "I do" their friends and family must compete in a series of games to win prizes on their behalf. Each couple then go head-to-head for a chance to win a luxurious honeymoon. Once the games have finished it’s time for each couple to celebrate at their own wedding reception.

We're looking for engaged couples who are interested in taking part.

Wedding Day Winners (working title) is produced for the BBC by Panda Television

Round up of June

It's been a busy month and as well as working on dresses for my summer weddings I decided to help with an exhibition of Wedding Dresses over the past 200years. So vintage dresses have been influencing my ideas and being an inspiration. 

But as the Exhibition covered up to present day my own dress and some of my former brides dresses where on show. 

This is Caroline's dress. Photo by Stuart Macrory an excellent wedding photographer based on the Ards Peninsula. 

This silk dress, which was on display, and its beading detail looks vintage but in fact the wedding was Feb 2017. It's lovely simple understated shape shows off the brides figure and sature with its empire line and the way it flows into a tiny train. If you look close into the two tulle layers over the silk you can see each beaded motif is outlined by a silver chain stitch. The flowers and leaves inspired by the Irish hedge rows of the Whitethorn. Each edge from the neckline to the hem has an ivory satin stitched embroidery highlighted by pearl work. Each flower has a clawed rhinestone centre. At the back if the gown you really notice the effect of the tulle & its beading detail and how it all comes together with the row of tiny hand covered buttons. 

(Another Blue Bride's dress that was on display I will write about in another post on my blog at a later date when I get some photos)

Northern Ireland or Mallorca

I got married in Northern Ireland no better place when the sun shines however if I ever go missing you will find me in my other favourite place where I recharge my batteries and that is Mallorca. One of my favourite places on the island for a wedding is a place I visited 2 years ago. 

This week Bob Geldof's daughter Pixie choose the island for her Big Day and this spot for her venue. 

They arrived in a bus in temperatures of 30 degrees particularly hot for this time of year on the island, it's usually July & August that have thus heat. 

Their vows will have taken place outside with breathtaking views out over the Mediterranean Sea, stunning. Should you ever want to know more about this island I have now had three brides get married here so just message me. Jo

Dress code at Ascot 2017 Wow!!

One of my best read blogs was the subject of the dress code at Ascot. 

This year jumpsuits are being allowed in the royal enclosure!! 

I love watching the fashion at Ascot but was surprised today with Kate's outfit. Maybe she should have had the jumpsuit idea. 

A bespoke McQueen but really another layer of lining was needed even thought it is to be one of the hottest days of the year as well as the longest day of the year.  

The men have been allowed to take their morning coats off at Ascot, Wow!!