This is the wedding of garment technologist Rose and her partner Matt, a lecturer. They exchanged vows on 2 November 2019 at Asylum Chapel in Peckham, with a reception at the charming East Dulwich Tavern. The couple first connected through Tinder and got engaged atop a mountain in Lapland, celebrating their wedding nearly a year afterward.
Working with real bride Rose on her gold wedding dress was an incredible journey. Initially, she visited with her best friends, tried on all the wedding dresses from the Peony collection, and was overwhelmed with emotions. She wanted a sequin mermaid-style wedding dress like my original gold wedding dress Johanna from the Peony Collection. But was unsure if a plain dress would be special enough or was simply indecisive. I thought, if this bride returns to me, I will create the most amazing dress I have ever made, because I want to see her happy face and be part of her story. I knew there was no dress like this anywhere else, so it had to be me making it.
Fortunately, she returned shortly for a design consultation and requested a custom wedding dress. I talked with the bride to explore her preferences and colour combinations. After sending her numerous pictures featuring different materials, I was fortunate to discover a few embellishments that perfectly matched the main fabric of the dress. We spent forever deciding the placement of every flower and the embellishment. I'm very meticulous in putting everything in order, so making the petals look randomly placed was no job for me I have to admit. At the end I gave that task to the bridesmaids and made of honour and Rose herself. I felt they will have much fun with it and create happy memories while doing it. Of course I was making sure they don't make mistakes and go too wild.
We ultimately created a stunning, slinky gold sequined gown with contrasting embellishments on the cuffs and around the waist, featuring 3D flowers, embroidery, and crystals.
This wedding was designed to be unlike a conventional one, featuring a ceremony at one of London's most stunningly re-purposed venues, Asylum Chapel, followed by a laid-back pub reception.
The bride wore gold sequins and lobster-embroidered mules, the bridesmaids donned rich burnt orange velvet dresses, the groom sported a gold bow tie, and the event was filled with the vibrant colours of autumn, drawing plenty of inspiration from Halloween.
“Once we’d decided on a date (chosen as I didn’t want to wait more than a year after getting engaged, and didn’t want the hassle/expense of a summer wedding) I really got into Autumn/Halloween as a theme.”
I love autumnal colours, and once I’d decided on a gold dress, this just seemed to make everything else fit. I’ve always celebrated Halloween, and this just seemed like a fun thing to incorporate into our wedding.”
“The veil was much more traditional than my dress and made me feel much more bridal. I wasn’t planning on wearing one, but as soon as I tried one on I just had to have one, they make you feel amazing!”
I am absolutely thrilled with the wedding photos Mark Wallis captured that day. Each picture is epic, and I struggled to select just a few to share. I can't help but smile when I look at them, and you know what - Rose's expression! This is the smile I always dreamed of and wanted to see in my career as a wedding dress designer. It's another dream come true!
Oh and that crazy wedding veil dancing with the wind... amazing! It is maybe important to mention I designed the veil to be in colour as well. A wedding dress in colour just never look right to me with a traditional white veil.
REAL BRIDE ROSE LORENC
"I absolutely loved every minute of the process. We designed the dress together from scratch, Margo went out shopping for trims for the dress and sent me photos of everything she found that I could pick from. I went for fittings so many times (I’ve lost count of how many times!) and she was always so happy to see me and made sure all my requests were carried out, no matter how trivial they seemed.
I would definitely recommend Margo to any other brides, especially if you really want a one off, made to measure dress. I love that Margo is also based in South East London, which kept in with our local theme.
I always knew I didn’t want to wear any kind of white dress, and I thought when is there the chance to wear an amazing sparkly ballgown if not on your wedding day?! I wanted to look different, and ultimately I wanted to look a bit like a mermaid, which I think I achieved!"
"Dear Margo, I just wanted to say again thank you so much for the most amazing dress! It really was such a highlight of the day and the best thing in the whole planning process! Lots of Love"
ADVICE FOR FUTURE BRIDES
“Most importantly, don’t stress! Think about what is really important to you – the dancing, the dress, the location? For us it was always about having a celebration and a party with our family and friends, and that kept us grounded through all of our decision making.”
“Do what you want to do, don’t do things because you think it needs to have that to be a wedding. Wear what you want, have it when you want – and have fun!”
My dear Rose I love you and I will keep your huge smile in my heart forever! Thank you for trusting me!
xxMargo
Wedding Suppliers:
Mules embroidered with gold lobsters were from Kurt Geiger, and the fragrance Rose wore was Jo Malone’s Peony & Blush Suede, chosen for her by Matt.
Floral arrangements from Rose and Matt’s local florists, Windmill Flowers
Rose’s auburn locks were styled by Fabio Vivan, and her make-up was by Claire Carter.
rings were from Eric Ross.
While walking on the isle Palatine String Quartet played Stand By Me by Ben E. King.
Matt wore a Hugo Boss waistcoat and trousers, and a velvet jacket we bought at Camberry at Camden Market
Also live music from John Bull & the Bandits, booked via Craft Music.
their own stationery, using Printed.com
Photographer: Mark Wallis Photography
Bespoke Gold Sparkly Mermaid Wedding Dress: Margo Stankova London Bridal