I do!

So I'm married now!

Yep its only taken two and half years since question was popped (and that was after ten years together!) to finally make it happen. To be honest, what with kids and house moves, its been very low on our to-do list. However, the sad news of Dad's illness gave us the kick we needed. I wanted to make sure Dad was there - to give me away and be part of our memories. And so we arranged the whole thing in less than 4 weeks!

Once we'd got the legal stuff started it didn't take long to find a venue for the party and email, text and Facebook friends and family to invite along. With only a couple of weeks to pull it together we made quick decisions and ignored anything that wasn't necessary!

Obviously the dress was important and luckily I'd been keeping a board on Pinterest with lots of pictures of things I liked. With our minuscule budget, and the timeframe, I decided my only option was to make my own dress! I choose this one as the 'ideal'

I liked the shape. particularly the sleeves. After enlisting the support of some fashion-forward and design savvy friends we met one Saturday to work out how to make my version. 

We quickly decided that a skirt / top version would be easier. I'd brought along my newly acquired Mathilde blouse pattern from Tilly and The Buttons.

The sleeves on Mathilde are identical to the 'ideal' dress! After a quick napkin sketch we worked out the replacing the tucks with gathers (as suggested by Tilly herself!), making the neck more scooped and removing the button back would give a pretty close version.

Next the skirt! After rummaging through the pattern books in John Lewis we decided that Simplicity 2058 would be our best bet. Although the pattern itself didn't appeal - the shape and simplicity did!

I ordered it online straightaway whilst working out how much muslin I would need to make a toile.

It was then onto Berwick Street for the fabric. The wonderful staff at The Silk Society understood what I was looking for, offered some great examples (wrapping me in fabric so I could see!) and finally settled on a good deal!

I took my fabric home and soon set to work adapting patterns and making my practice dress. The skirt was easy it fitted fine on my first attempt. I lengthened the pattern by 9" to make it floor length.

The top was more tricky. It took three attempts at the neckline yoke and back to come up with a version I was happy with. Once done it was onto the real fabric.

I decided to make the skirt lining and lace top separately so they would move nicely. I joined them at the zip and waist. The top was was lined in the bodice with the arms just the lace. I decided to master French seams to ensure a top notch finish and was pleased with how easy these were to do.

And so the final result...

Not too far off the 'ideal' - it would probably look more like it if I looked like the model!

I also used by Pinterest board as inspiration for my DIY table decorations - the coral bow is the same on my dress.

I loved Hydrangeas and used these for my bouquet and button-holes for the boys.

Finally, a sneak peek of our Thank You cards - currently being written. I tweaked one our wedding photos and added a simple message before sending to Vistaprint.

So it turns out you big day can be done quickly, on a budget, and with lots of personal touches!

Thank you to everyone who made it so special.

x