Charlotte McElhinney in the Junie Dress
An elegant, quietly regal celebration in the Cotswolds, and a dress that felt like nothing she had ever worn before.
Photography: Emily Robinson
"As soon as I tried the dress on, I felt incredible. And that's saying something given how recently I'd given birth." Charlotte arrived at her appointment at Amare — just six weeks postpartum — not expecting to find anything. The Junie dress was the last piece pulled from the rail, new to the boutique, and entirely the one.
THE DRESS
Charlotte chose the Junie dress — “an elegant, feminine silhouette that would give me the timeless look I'd been searching for; a striking train; but also, on a closer look, a slightly bolder edge on the corset which features distinct seams and made me think of classic tailoring. Oh, and she has pockets. Need I say more?" She had worn fitted dresses her whole life, and knew that was what people expected. The Junie gave her something different, something that felt almost regal, like no dress she had worn before or would wear again.
One detail made the look complete. Her late mother's handwriting was embroidered into her chapel-length veil — hours of delicate work that Charlotte describes as the perfect way to have her mother with her on the day.
THE DAY
After twelve years together, Charlotte and Noel were married in Stow-on-the-Wold in a romantic, intimate celebration. Their eleven-month-old was present throughout, dressed in an outfit handmade by Charlotte's 88-year-old French grandmother. Charlotte opened the speeches herself, paying homage to lifelong friendships and what Noel described as "the village that raised Charlotte and I. "The day was full of love and music — a traditional Irish band set the tone at the cocktail reception, before Sol & the Gang carried the energy through dinner and on into the night. With her mother's handwriting carried quietly in her veil and a dress that made her feel almost regal.
CREDITS
Photography: Emily Robinson
Stockist: Amare
Alterations & Veil Embroidery: Rosie Warren
Flowers: Ivory Hill
Shoes: Aquazzura
Hair: Lauren Gosling
Make Up: Georgia Taylor
Content Creator: Victoria Robins