Beautiful Imogen | A Halfpenny London bride
Stunning bride Imogen married her new husband James Vaz this June in a timeless and elegant British countryside wedding. Naturally, she needed the perfect wedding gown and already knew exactly where she would find it.
“Halfpenny was the one and the only designer that I visited when wedding dress shopping,” Imogen said. “In that sense, I didn’t so much as go dress shopping, as I was very set in my mind from the beginning that I was going to get married in a Halfpenny dress – and that I did!
My first appointment was with my lovely stylist Megan and my mum, Nicola. We went in over Mother’s Day weekend on the 26th March 2022. I had set up a whole day of activities for my mum & I to make the day perfect and a real moment to remember. We started the day at Claridges for a venue visit (we didn’t end up getting married here as quickly we realized we really wanted the outdoor space and London just couldn’t offer this), followed by a walk to Halfpenny for my appointment.
Finding my wedding dress was actually the ‘first’ thing I did after I got engaged and probably what set the tone for the stylistic evolution of our whole wedding. Going into the boutique, it felt like a magical wonderland that as soon as you crossed over the threshold, the rest of the world just didn’t matter. It had a wonderful stillness about it where time stopped and you could be really in the moment. It was enchanting but also tangible? Which feels weird to say but it felt accessible and that I could and should be there. I didn’t feel overwhelmed or not welcome.. I felt like I belonged and that I should be there.”
Some readers may already know that Halfpenny London started life in the front room of my home nearly twenty years ago now, and I knew I wanted to keep that warmth when I opened the boutique. I wanted it to be an extension of my home and for brides to feel completely comfortable there so I’m thrilled Imogen felt so welcome and relaxed.
“Prior to my appointment I had sent a few styles and suggestions for Megan to pull so that I wasn’t going in completely blind. I remember these being the Okotan Corset as I had always imagined myself in an off-the-shoulder gown and then the Ellie Skirt. Classic & timeless were two key things I wanted from my look.. plus a delicious silk bow (this was a must for me from day one). I wasn’t and have never overly been into beads, embroidery and lace, so I knew that I was going to go for something that was simple and a elegant, with a bit of a ‘wow’ moment created through the combination of pieces selected.
Megan pulled a few items, including my requests. Whist I felt wonderful in everything I tried on… I wasn’t really sure that it was what I envisaged getting married in, which is odd considering I had chosen these styles as those I could see myself in just a week before. After a bit of mental back and forth, Megan suggested I try on the Ellie Skirt & Ariel Bow (current front runners for bottom part of my gown), with a different set up on the top. She brought over the strapless Oliver Corset (I said to her… there is no way I will wear a strapless corset but ok) and then the Daniel Top. OK I thought, this is interesting and something I hadn’t considered. I felt really different than before but I couldn’t quite understand why. It just felt right.
I remember saying to Megan & my mum that [wearing this look] felt like ‘home.’ It just felt like it was made for me and that I was the first and last person to ever wear this combination. Knowing for me, was a feeling, and not based on how I looked. Which, to this day is also what I said on my wedding day. I didn’t do a final check in the mirror – I got dressed with my maid of honour and when I was done, went to get married having never on the day taken a ‘final look’ but instead got married on a feeling – which was pure happiness and bliss. I felt the same way on the day I found my dress. When I did look at myself I was just smiling ear to ear and my mum was smiling too. This was the one and I felt like a dream having chosen my dress right there and then at my first visit at the one and only bridal boutique for me – Halfpenny.
My stylist Megan was also a huge part of the overall feeling and experience for me. She was warm, welcoming, reassuring and patient. Her demeanor was delightful and it was a joy to get to know her and share such a special moment. I felt like Megan knew me from day one and despite not actually being someone who is confident in my own body, Megan understood me and I felt we had an unspoken agreement and understanding. Truly, the experience was just magical and I look back on it with the most fond of memories, joy, and love.”
Discovering the perfect wedding look is such an individual experience. It’s so important to focus on how you feel and you’ll know when you find the one, just like Imogen did.
The final touches to Imogen’s look were a full length satin trimmed veil and we also embroidered her and James’s initials to the back of her bow. Imogen also wanted a change for the evening so decided on the Toby skirt so she could dance the night away. This also gave her the option to change her outfit multiple times throughout her day. So fun and I’m over the moon she wore my creations on her special day.
Huge congratulations to these two lovebirds! Everyone at Halfpenny London wishes them both every happiness for their new adventures together.
Love,
Kate & the Halfpennys xxx
CREDITS
Photography - Agnes Black / @agnesblack
Venue - Coworth Park / @coworthpark
Wedding planner - @georginaelawton
Videography - Dan Dolan films / @dandolanfilms
Groom’s tailoring - Cad and The Dandy / @cadandthedandy
Florist - Wessex flower co / @wessexflowerco
Makeup - Becky Moore / @beckymooremakeup
Hair Styling - Lauren Bell Hair / @laurenbellhair
String trio - Halo strings UK / @halostringsuk
Fairy light installation - Party lights / @lightinghire
Singing waiters - West end singing waiters / @westendsingingwaiters
Bridesmaid dresses - @ghost & @sixstories
Jewelry - Robert Gatward Jewellers / @robertgatwardjewellers
Wedding cake - April’s baker / @aprilsbakerlondon
Bride - @imogen_vaz