WAXFLOWER REAL BRIDES | FLO IN SUZANNE NEVILLE
When Flo’s heart-stopping wedding day images (caught and captured by the talented photographer Lauren Knuckey) dropped in my inbox I couldn’t wait to share them. Having exchanged vows with husband Jack surrounded by the enchanting grounds of Bredon Manor in The Cotswolds, Gloucestershire whilst wearing her bespoke Suzanne Neville wedding dress, Waxflower bride Flo’s wedding day really did look like the stuff of fairy tales.
Names: Flo and Jack
Waxflower bride Florence (Flo for short) was an absolute dream bride to have in my little Bristol bridal studio. Having tried on multiple wedding dresses beforehand (you’ll find out just how many below) I couldn’t wait to welcome Flo into the studio and help her find ‘the one’. And, for Flo, ‘the one’ turned out to be very special indeed: a bespoke version of British bridal designer, Suzanne Neville’s divine Lilah gown in a custom fabric (the same fabric in which the label's Degas wedding dress is crafted from). Read on to discover everything about Flo’s Waxflower bridal journey (from the bride herself) including how she discovered my Bristol bridal boutique, to her funniest wedding day moment and the advice she’d give to other brides like you…
#1 How did you discover Waxflower Bridal?
“I was actually recommended Waxflower by the lady who organised my marquee and had said she knew lots of people who had had lovely experiences there.”
#2 What drew you to visiting the boutique?
“I had previously only been to larger bridal shops where you can sometimes feel like a cog in the machine, and liked the idea of a more bespoke experience at a smaller, boutique shop. It was also in the Clifton Arcade in Bristol which I have always loved and is home to so many lovely book shops, galleries and florists.”
#3 Who did you bring with you to the initial appointment?
“I was a little untraditional and brought both of my parents. My dad has a good eye for fashion so it was a no brainer.”
#4 What type of wedding dress were you looking for? Did you have an idea in mind?
“I didn't have a specific style in mind when I started looking. The only thing I knew is that I wanted something classic, simple and, as I'm short, figure-hugging. Waxflower was great in that it had so many different styles and options, but not overwhelming like some other places can be.”
#5 How were you feeling about the dress shopping experience before visiting Waxflower?
“I was feeling overwhelmed and very rushed to make decisions. There is a pressure to find something and love something on the spot, so it was refreshing to have Kathy who didn't push anything on you and wanted to make sure I felt comfortable in anything I tried on.”
#6 How many dresses had you tried on before visiting Waxflower?
“I had tried on A LOT. I had been to shops in Glasgow, Edinburgh, London and others in Bristol so around 45/50. Do not recommend doing this. But the choices narrowed down very quickly after going to Waxflower.”
#7 How did you feel walking into the Waxflower boutique?
“I loved it. It was very stylish and quirky. Felt very intimate and bespoke. My mum, who is very hard to please, had an instant liking to the vibe and energy of the place and of course Kathy is delightful and extremely helpful.”
#8 Talk us through your first appointment...
“First appointment was very positive, so much so that I made a second appointment relatively soon after to try on two dresses I had loved. It is the only shop I have gone back to a second time.”
#9 How many dresses did you try on?
“I tried on five dresses and came out with two that I loved.”
#10 Tell us about the moment you tried on ‘the one’…
“The dress I ended up going with was nothing like I had originally imagined but ended up being exactly what I wanted.”
#11 Did you opt for any bespoke alterations? If so, what were they and why did you choose them?
“I actually ended up changing the material of the dress itself as well which Kathy was very accommodating with. Anything I wanted to tweak to the dress was possible, unlike lots of other bridal shops.”
#12 How did you end up styling your wedding ensemble? Did you choose any accessories from Waxflower Bridal?
“I ended up renting their fabulous jean jacket for the second day of our wedding which has "Just Married" in sequins across the back. It was a hit with all of our guests, very glad I did it. I also ended up purchasing my veil from the corresponding shop where you have all your alterations in.”
#13 How did you feel in your bridal look on your wedding day?
“I felt glowing, sexy, amazing.”
#14 Your favourite moment from the big day was...
“Hard to choose: my bridesmaids lacing my dress up at the back, my husband seeing me for the first time, our first dance, the speeches.”
#15 The funniest moment was...
“The cheering and clapping in the church when we kissed went on for about five minutes to The Reverend's surprise.”
#16 Your advice for other brides-to-be would be...
“When looking for a dress, go with your gut and trust yourself. Do not bring a thousand different people with you. As nice of an experience it is, too many conflicting opinions can confuse things and you may end up with something you think other people will want you to wear. Try to enjoy the experience and don't stress about the small stuff.”
#17 What was your overall experience like at Waxflower? Would you recommend us to other brides?
“I will look back on my experience very fondly and positively. I would 100% recommend it to other brides.. You are looked after from start to finish and you are made to feel like you are the only bride getting married.”
THE CREDITS
Photographer @laurenknuckeyphotography
Venue @bredonmanor
Planner @studio81events
Florist @theflowershopbristol
Dress designer @suzanneneville
Dress boutique @waxflowerbridal
Suit @clifton_suits
MUA @maddiedoreymakeup
Hair @r.m.bridal
A huge thank you to the super talented Lauren Knuckey Photography for these beautiful images.
And, brides? If you're inspired by Flo’s incredible style for your own wedding, and would like to try on Suzanne Neville’s sumptuous array of wedding dresses, get in touch now.
Love Kathy xo
