CLOSED DOORS Behind

We visit two of the region’s finest wedding designers to reveal what’s in store for brides this season

Caroline Davidge Bridal

This Oxfordshire-based designer hand-makes beautiful bridal veils from her home and sells them through her Etsy store. Caroline tells us, “I fell in love with bridal fashion while planning my wedding. I was so excited by the idea of working with gorgeous bridal fabrics, putting my creativity to good use - I love what I do and I hope that it shows in the veils I make.”

She adds, “I’m inspired by nature, particularly flowers, which form the basis of my veils. The design process usually starts with finding a beautiful flower somewhere in the countryside. From there, I’ll draw sketches and experiment with different ideas for how to create a new design from that flower. Next, I’ll figure out which materials and techniques will be the best to bring the design to life and then it’s time to create the first sample, often with a few tweaks along the way! I’ve challenged myself to learn new skills, such as the craft of tatting, to create embellishments like you see on my Blossom and Primrose veils and I’m looking forward to picking up new skills to use in future designs.”

Catherine wants every bride to feel the same magic and happiness wearing one of her designs on their big day as she feels making them. www.etsy.com/shop/carolinedbridal; www.instagram.com/carolinedavidgebridal

LOVE & LOVED BRIDAL

Love & Loved Bridal based in Swanbourne has recently celebrated its first anniversary. Combining great style with sustainability remains at the forefront of their off-beat wedding dress offering, bringing innovative, sustainable British labels to the rural Buckinghamshire boutique. The ethos is to provide a contemporary, relaxing and inviting space to showcase designers who create with style and purpose, welcoming brides from all walks of life to enjoy the first-class service and luxurious surroundings. Having launched with some of the hottest British indie labels such as Kate Fearnley, Believe by Gaia and E&W Couture, owner Vicky Angell is proud to have introduced Shikoba Bride and Libertine Bride to the line-up and looks forward to welcoming Rolling in Roses soon, completing their stellar portfolio of designers. www.loveandloved.co.uk; www.instagram.com/loveandlovedbridal

As advocates of slow fashion and good ethics, Rolling in Roses are a perfect fit, a small-scale British label with a focus on thoughtful design and high-end craftsmanship. This inclusive label creates wedding dresses for all brides seeking individuality and luxurious but wearable bridal fashion. In pursuit of creating eco bridal wear, they are meticulous in their sourcing of innovative and environmentally friendly fabrics, blending eco, style and wearability seamlessly. All of their wedding gowns are individually made using traditional couture techniques by a tiny team of seamstresses in their Yorkshire studio.

Sunday 1 st October 2023 11am to 3:30pm

One of the largest wedding shows to be held in the South of England. A huge number of wedding specialists on hand to inspire and advise on how to bring your wedding dreams to life.

PLUS! Special offers on the day • The chance to win a luxury honeymoon

• Bridal fashion shows

• Entertainment • Refreshments • and more...

For your FREE tickets and the chance to win a £250 voucher courtesy of SpaBreaks.com pre-register at: www.countyweddingevents.com/registration

Something New

The Bobby Pin has launched its 2023 collection of fashionable wedding accessories influenced by some of the year’s hottest trends. These dreamy finishing touches include intricately detailed hair vines, pins and combs in silver or gold metal finishes, plus a range of beautiful bridal earrings. Many designs are adorned with contemporary white clay and pretty porcelain blooms alongside delicate leaf and botanical motifs, while others feature luxurious pearl sprays or glistening crystal stones. To shop, visit https://thebobbypin.co.uk

EDITOR’S FAVOURITE

This special occasion smock is from the new collection by Smock London. The dresses, which are perfect for flowergirls, are made from the finest fabrics. Hidden within the exquisite designs are secret messages and symbols including a row of hearts, a different flower in each dress plus two eternity symbol motifs symbolizing longevity and good luck. To shop, visit www.smocklondon.com

River Island’s first wedding occasion collection has launched offering a selection of mix-and-match bridesmaid dresses and flowergirl styles. There’s a range of silhouettes in a dreamy colour palette and fashionable fabrics include soft satin and tulle. There’s also stylish suiting for men and boys. To shop, visit www.riverisland.com