Beautiful Billie | A Halfpenny London bride
Stunning bride Billie married her hew husband Tom this summer in a fairytale, English countryside wedding. The couple had a strong vision of what their wedding day would look like for a long time and with both growing up in Yorkshire, there really was nowhere else they could consider.
“Our spiritual home, the Dales and the surrounding landscape and countryside have shaped who we are as people,” Billie said. “We couldn’t wait to bring our London friends up to our little slice of heaven. The wedding took place in Austwick, North Yorkshire, where I grew up. The Church has hosted many a family wedding, the drinks reception was at the village country hotel, a place we’ve visited as a family for decades, and the wedding breakfast was hosted in a field behind the family home, which was built by my grandad 50+ years ago. All our suppliers were local; the food, the flowers, even the beer!”
Billie was admittedly nervous about wedding dress shopping, which is really quite common! My team are experts in making you feel at ease as this should be a fun and joyous experience.
“I felt a lot of pressure to find the ‘perfect’ dress, one I wouldn’t regret, one I felt amazing in, and one that, ultimately, would impress. Truthfully, I’d always had my heart set on a Halfpenny dress, so while I found alternatives that were beautiful, there was something holding me back and I knew I was waiting for that appointment.
My appointment at Halfpenny was with Niamh on a sunny day in July. I came with my sister and my mum, my most trusted aids and honest critics. We were immediately put at ease with a glass of bubbles in hand and time to browse the boutique before beginning the big try on. Niamh took time to understand the kind of vibe I was after – not just of the dress but my wedding too. After all, it needed to be suitable for frolicking across Yorkshire fields, and climbing over styles to get to our wedding breakfast!
As I tried on dresses, she listened to how I felt, and chose my next one accordingly, helping me rule out necklines I didn’t like, or silhouettes that weren’t quite right, and ultimately landing on the one we all loved. The boutique itself is beautiful, it’s kind of like being in a family living room – only the elegant, Bloomsbury kind. It’s warm and homely, without harsh lighting or clinical interiors. The first dress I tried on in that first appointment was Cedar, and the last dress I tried on was Cedar, an elegant halter neck, sleek but not too figure hugging, a creamy ivory silk, and a breathtaking open back.
I always knew I would pick a dress that felt understated, a classic piece that would feel in keeping with my wedding and my personality. For me it was never going to be a time to be experimental (although I admire the brides that are!), I needed to feel elegant, timeless and classically beautiful. Cedar represented that for me – simple elegance.
Some wedding dresses surprise you – a neckline you never envisioned you’d go for, or layers of tulle you’d never wear otherwise, but when I tried on Cedar it felt like home. I felt comfortable, I felt confident, and truthfully, I felt beautiful.”
These words are so wonderful to read and I’m thrilled Billie had a wonderful experience in our boutique. She looks so happy in these beautiful images and I’m pleased to have played a part in her special day. Huge congratulations to the happy couple! Sending so much love and luck for the years ahead.
Love,
Kate & the Halfpennys xxx
CREDITS
Photography – Becki Dakin Photography / @beckidakinphotography
Wedding coordinator – Sian Chaplin / @chaplin_events
Flowers – Honour Farm Flowers / @honourfarmfolk
Drinks venue - The Traddock Hotel / @the_traddock
Shoes – Manolo Blahnik / @Manoloblahnik
Loeffler Randall / @Loefflerrandall
Bride - @littlehampshirelife