The classy, elegant and just a little bit sparkly wedding of our Bellissima bride Kerry
We're so pleased to be now doing these Q&As with our couples, as it really helps to bring their wedding photos to life! Sure it's lovely to browse some beautiful pics of brides on their big day, but it's even better when you can get to know them a bit too!
Today it's the turn of Kerry, a Bellissima bride who tied the knot with Dean on the 1st of October 2022 at High House Weddings in Essex. Kerry chose one of our own self-designed gowns from the Portofino Collection for her special day. A stunning long sleeve lace number that was ideal for the time of year, and fitted perfectly, the style of the day.
But enough of us! Let's hear from Kerry, and discover what she thought of her gown, the wedding and her Bellissima experience.
The Real Wedding of Kerry & Dean at High House Weddings in Essex
How did you two meet?
We met on Match.com 4 years ago believe it or not!
How did you get engaged?
Dean proposed with a scratch card that had "will you marry me?" written on the reveal! It was so cool, and so very unexpected!
What was your favourite moment(s) from the wedding?
I have a few…!
My son coming to see me in my dress before he gave me away, was really emotional. He loved my dress, and told me I scrub up well! Then, having him walk me down the aisle (he’s 21), was one of my proudest moments as a mum. Seeing my now husband at the end of the aisle, waiting for me, was also super emotional. The dance floor reveal was awesome too!
Tell us all about your wedding dress
My dress… As a more mature bride, I had a fair few requirements for my wedding dress. As it’s very easy to get it 'wrong' as you get older.
I loved the sleeves on my dress, they were perfect for an autumn wedding, and had some very subtle sparkle on them which caught the sun perfectly. It was elegant, classy, and I felt a million dollars in it.
The veil had lots of little diamonds on and was extremely long, something I didn’t want. But when Lucy put it on me while trying on my dress, I instantly felt like a bride! The train flowed beautifully, and the veil was like a sheet of cloud, catching the light just perfectly. The lace overlay and blush lining was also lovely, as it gave the dress a subtle hint of pink. I don’t think anyone was expecting that!
I really was so happy with the dress, and Jackie, my seamstress, did a cracking job!
What was the general decor for your wedding day?
Our wedding decor was simple, and classy. We decorated the barn with fresh white roses and greenery to match the chairs, which gave the space a 'weddingy' feel. Then, to reflect my dress, we bought in shades of pink on the registrar table, which continued through into the marquee.
White roses are a sentimental flower to me, and so had to be featured on the day. They looked stunning alongside the pure white Hydrangeas and blush pink Dahlias. Charlotte Armfield did our flowers, and I gave her free rein to create – we were blown away! They were some of the best arrangements I’d ever seen! Just so elegant.
Do you have any advice for future Bellissima Brides?
My advice for future brides, go in with an open mind, don’t feel pressured into having or doing anything you don’t want to. It’s easy to get carried away!
Listen to the advice and experience of the Bellisima team. Lucy totally guided my maid of honour dilemmas, and truly saved the day! Those ladies do this all the time, and they know what they're talking about.
How was your Bellissima experience?
My overall experience was first class. Nothing was ever too much trouble. The girls at Bellissima have so much knowledge, and it was so helpful to be guided. Every email reply was prompt, and there was never an issue with any request.
Lucy and Amelia are both such lovely ladies who clearly take pride in their job. They both made this journey so very special.
Bellisima has such a massive collection of dresses – I truly believe if you don’t find your dream dress there, you won’t find it anywhere!
Do you have any local suppliers you would like to recommend?
Florist – Charlotte Armfield, Leigh on sea
Bridal hair – Harriet Slade, Leigh on sea
Makeup – Melanie Brown
Wedding Photography – Joseph Kinerman, Leigh on sea
Wedding Videography – Chris Wilmot, Leigh on sea
Wedding Cake – Wilma's, Leigh on sea (our guests raved about the cake!)
Wedding Venue – High house Weddings (bloody brilliant)
Food – Valentines Catering (in-house) (the 'posh' seated BBQ and pizza oven went down a storm!)
Groom Suits – Anthony’s Suit Hire, Billericay