Jessica’s crafty Christmas wedding

It might feel like the festive season’s only just been and gone… even though it’s now less than a month until Valentine’s Day!

But here at Elite Bridal we’re feeling festive all over again this week, as we hear all about Jessica’s amazing Christmas wedding…

Some brides arrive in our boutiques with their hearts sent on one style; some are taken by surprise!  When Jessica first visited our boutique, she had no idea what style of gown she’d be walking out with – and it took a lot of dresses to get there!

“Elite Bridal was recommended to me by a friend, so it was the first and only boutique I visited,” says Jessica, “and my experience was lovely from start to finish.

“The fitting rooms were lovely and spacious, and they’d gone the extra mile with finishing touches.  I was also really pleased that the viewing area fit my mum and all my bridesmaids.”

Jessica was grateful for her entourage, as she really struggled to make a decision!  She was also grateful for her bridal advisor’s help with styles throughout the process.

“My bridal advisor was really honest, which was so helpful in finding a dress that suited my style and figure,” she says.

“When I finally found my gown,” says Jessica, “it was not at all a style I’d gravitated towards.  My sister-in-law saw it first and said she loved it.  But it was blush, so I hadn’t even considered it.

“When I tried it on, it was lovely and light compared to the others and showed of my figure beautifully.”

And, the clincher: “My mum and bridesmaids were in tears as soon as they saw me in it!”

Although Jessica didn’t exactly want a themed wedding, she got married four days before Christmas – so she and her now-husband decided to embrace the festive feel!

Jessica and her partner, Michael, decided (despite the icy weather) to celebrate under a ‘magical teepee’ in a fairylit forest.

They also had a visit from Santa, who handed out gifts to all the younger wedding guests!

Their festive celebrity guest attended the wedding on behalf of the Denby Dale District Lions, who run a large number of fundraising and social events throughout the year.  Jessica and Michael made a charitable donation in exchange for his visit.

Super creative Jessica also got crafty with the wedding.

She made her own centrepieces, flower arrangements, favours and keepsakes for the guests.

We asked Jessica if she ever considered designing her own wedding dress too – especially with all the custom alterations our seamstresses can perform – but Jessica reminded us how much difficulty she had making any initial decisions about her gown…

“I wouldn’t have known where to start!  Originally I thought I wanted a full-length lace sleeve, ivory, and anything but fishtail… but I didn’t suit the style I thought I would at all.”

Jessica’s blush, sleeveless, fishtail dress – unexpected as it was – was an instant winner all on its own!

But Jessica wasn’t done there.  With her own gown and veil a hit, she’d also dressed her littlest leading lady in an Elite Bridal gown – silver and sparkling, perfect to fit in with her festive nuptuals.  Jessica finished her flower girl’s look by adding a navy sash accent to match the older bridesmaids.  One more perfect personal touch for her big day.

But when she’d been looking for her own dress, Jessica knew there was nothing more important than feeling her best self on the big day.

“For my dress, I was never looking for something to fit in with our theme,” she admits.  “I just wanted a dress that really suited me.

“It’s amazing when you try on a dress and know instantly it’s the one!“

Was your wedding as unique as Jessica and Michael’s?  Did you get creative with your favours – or even with your gown?  We want to hear about it!

Message us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter @EliteBridalUK or email social@elite.gb.net

And to start your own unique journey with Elite Bridal, just head to elite.gb.net/appointments

Photography: Jenny Milner Photography