Tom and Steph had been together to 3 years before he proposed and then spent two years planning their perfect Christmas themed wedding to be held on 21st December 2019. Here’s an insight into the planning that took place and how Steph came to be a “Phoenix Bride”.
“Most of the elements for our wedding were homemade but I used social media and Wedding Fayres to source local, independent suppliers. It was at the I Do Wedding Fayre at Doncaster Racecourse that I met Sharon from Flutterby Bridal Boutique and booked the appointment that would start my journey to saying Yes to the Dress.
On arrival at Flutterby my Bride Tribe and I were greeted with Prosecco and nibbles. The boutique itself is quaint and there was a fabulous selection of dresses to browse through downstairs but I was blown away when shown to a private dressing area upstairs, as this was completely different to other boutiques I had visited. There is a large area for your guests to sit, surrounded by veils and accessories with a separate dressing area for the bride. This was something I particularly liked as in previous stores my guests had been sat watching me get changed.
Sharon was very knowledgeable about what styles would suit and really took time to understand my thoughts and wants for my dress. She was very patient and was more than happy for me to try on my choice of dresses. She offered advice on how dresses could be changed to my exact specifications either utilising the Phoenix Design flexibility service or the in-house alteration service. I had wanted a long sleeved lace gown but every time I tried this type of gown on my tribe gave a resounding no as said the style didn’t suit me. It was then Sharon really put her expert knowledge to the test and brought up two dresses for me to try. They were completely different to what I wanted and at first look thought they were too plain. With gentle encouragement I tried them on and was so glad that I did. As soon as I put on the first dress Sharon had chosen for me I felt a million dollars and knew that this was my dress. Sharon and the staff at Flutterby made me feel like the only bride in the world, no other store had given me that same feeling.
Closer to the wedding day I utilised the Flutterby in house alteration service which was second to non. On the final fitting every detail was checked before I left to make sure that the fit was perfect.
We had chosen Hatfield St Lawrence Church as this was my childhood church and hosts stunning stained glass windows and large wooden doors. I arrived at the church with my Dad in a vintage car and I felt terrified when getting ready to walk down the aisle but as soon as I saw my friends, family (and Tom!) the nerves quickly subsided and pure emotion hit me that this was the day we had been planning for 2 years!
Our reception was held at Owston Hall, Doncaster and is renowned for it’s character. We loved the sweeping staircase for it’s great photo opportunities and also that we could stay over to make the day feel even more special.
I felt so amazing in my dress that I didn’t want to take it off at the end of the night. My favourite part was the long train that looked amazing with my veil but also that it was so easy to wear. So many people complimented me on the simplicity and elegance of the dress but also that it was not what they expected”.
Credits:
Wedding Dress: Flutterby Bridal Boutique
Photographer: Sophie Atkins
Car: Silver Star
Cake: The Amazing Cakehouse/ Hair and makeup: Laura Emily John
