Gorgeous Kaiyil | A Halfpenny London bride

Beautiful bride Kaiyil and her new husband Priyesh said “I do” in August last year. Kaiyil is Tamil and Priyesh is Indian, so the couple decided to have a traditional Hindu Tamil Ceremony after their legal Civil ceremony. Two weddings means two outfits and Kaiyil’s choice of clothing was stunning for both ceremonies.

“South Asian weddings tend to be really elaborate and the pressure is quite full on for your guests to go all out with their wedding outfits. But post pandemic, we were just grateful to our friends and family for making it possible. So many of them sacrificed a chunk of their summer to make sure they were well enough to attend, which really meant a lot.

I’d been in contact with the Halfpenny girls on-and-off during the pandemic, and had my heart set on the Ivy skirt for some time. I came to try it on at the flagship store and knew it was for me. The skirt was the first and only garment I actually tried on (I’d never been to a wedding dress appointment before) and instantly loved it. The stylist really put me at ease and there was no pressure to purchase on the day, which was helpful as we were still unsure whether the wedding was going ahead (due to Covid uncertainty). 

I knew I wanted something fun, sleek, stylish and with loads of movement. I thought about potentially wearing an overskirt and a slip, but the Ivy skirt combo felt more me. Everyone commented on how relaxed I was, and I genuinely owe this to the outfit – I would have dreaded wearing something uncomfortable! The quality is out of this world. The way it moved even as I walked was amazing, let alone on the dance floor – the skirt really came into its own then!

Our Hindu Tamil Ceremony was really fun and colourful, and it was a great moment for our families to get together and celebrate. I wore a traditional Kanchipuram silk saree, which is a hand-loomed, beautifully ornate saree typically worn by South Asian brides made by saree weavers from the temple town of Kanchipuram in India. Mine is from Casipillai in London, which is a family-run, Tamil business founded by the amazing Subee Sudharsan. I kept my traditional jewellery on (including my necklace, which is known as a Thaalikodi in Tamil culture or 'mangalsutra', which is the equivalent of a wedding band!) when I changed back into my Halfpenny outfit for the evening, which was a joy to wear all night.”

I’m so in love with this gorgeous couple and thrilled Kaiyil found (one of!) her dream outfits at Halfpenny London. Wishing them all the love and happiness in the world for their new adventures together.

Love,

Kate & the Halfpennys xxx

CREDITS

Images by Aline Reis (Instagram)

Wedding bands by Heather Stephens

Groomsmen’s ties and pocket squares are handmade by a friend

Venue: The Brewery, London

Florist: Beverley Wilson London

Hair and make-up: Lauren Phelan

Lighting: Halo Lighting

Band: Motor City Soul via Alive Network

Mandap: Creative Chuppahs