Sophie and Archie's wedding took place in Windsor in August, with the ceremony within the historic surroundings of Eton College Chapel followed by an elegantly styled garden marquee reception.

Sophie wore Jesus Peiro 8040, a striking gown featuring an elegant low v-neckline, delicate full length lace sleeves and statement sheer lace back. To fit with the dramatic chapel location, Sophie added a detachable overskirt to add length and volume to the gown, for maximum impact whilst making her way down the aisle to Archie.

Read on to find out more, along with images by RS Brown Photography.

Jesus Peiro 8040 wedding dress with overskirt

I wore Jesus Peiro 8040 with a detachable skirt from the 202.I had asked for the 202 to be ordered into the shop for me to try because I liked the dobby-spot fabric as my mother had this on her wedding dress. I tried 8040 and loved it’s clean lines, sophistication but also that it’s a bit different to a traditional ‘princess’ dress. However, getting married in Eton College Chapel meant I wanted to have something a little more extravagant so Corrine suggested adding the extra skirt from the ordered in 202 onto the 8040 and there we had it. I didn’t want to be lumbered with a big dress all day but didn’t want to shrink into the space of The Chapel. It felt completely right. Everyone asked if I cried, like tears validate your feelings on a wedding dress! It’s totally normal NOT to cry, to just feel happy, comfortable and 100% you.

Regardless of Covid restrictions I only ever planned on taking my mum. I love my bridesmaids but I didn’t want the ‘noise’ of lots of opinions. My mum is honest and knows me so well, I knew she was the only person I wanted there. She didn’t cry at the dress… mothers don’t need to either!

Dress Shopping

I loved being measured for my dress, I know that probably sounds a little strange but my Mum and I really enjoy sewing so having the measurements done and talking about how to construct and manage to attach a detachable skirt onto my dress was so interesting (it was tiny hook and eyes in the end!). I tried on one Suzanne Neville dress and was blown away at the quality of the corsetry. I really appreciated and enjoyed that looking at the construction of the dresses. It’s partly why I chose Miss Bush, knowing about the manufacturing of the dresses.

I don’t think we came across any problems. I was extremely lucky that my day wasn’t postponed due to the C word. I did ask for a swatch of my dress fabric as I was making my mini-bridesmaids dress and wanted to try and colour match the fabric. Rosie sent it to me and it was big enough to make the sleeves for the dress! I was chuffed with that.

Styling

I loved the idea of a headband. I would say I’m not an overly ‘blingy’ person so I knew a sparkly tiara wouldn’t be for me. I ordered a headband from Aura Bridal and she matched my dress fabric as well which was great. The earrings I bought from a small brand in New York off Etsy. I loved the sheen on the pearls and their un-uniformity. In the evening I ditched the headband for some hair pins from Victoria Percival. My plain veil was from another Etsy brand!

A nature inspired wedding at Eton College Chapel

I took inspiration from nature. I was really against having any kind of colour theme. In the end I went for whites, creams, palest peaches, a splash of green and blue. I love how nature is varied so I wanted to reflect that without being haphazard and lacking cohesion. My florist Mollie helped the vision come to life.

The best bits

We were so lucky that my husbands family friend could marry us and we were able to have all our guests (minus a few who couldn’t come due to red lists and positive tests). The service was just magical and meant so much to us. We heard a choir sing for the first time in nearly 2 years. It was very emotional. If you’re looking for a song at your wedding, ‘This Marriage’ by Eric Whitacre is beautiful.

Sophie's Advice

Surround yourself with people that root for you as a couple, that support you and want you to have the day of your dreams. Our wedding was a DIY family affair and it was just brilliant. From dried rose petals from many gardens through to my mum and her best friend making our wedding cake. Have a day that reflects you as a couple is so important. As for dress shopping… try them all, even if you think it won’t suit you!

Suppliers

Photographers: RS Brown Photography
Marquee: Flexitent
Florist: Something Something Floral Design
Bridesmaid dresses: Hobbs
Grooms Outfit: jacket and shoes, M&S / Trousers, Moss Bros Covent Garden / Waistcoat, Sirplus / Tie, Reiss. Final tailoring by: City Tailors
Catering: family friend
Cake: The bride's Mum and her best friend, Serena. Edible flowers from: Maddocks Farm Organics
Hair: EJW Bridal Emma Jane Walsh Bridal
Make Up: Self but tutorial from my best friends mum who couldn’t make it due to filming, Julie Dartnell
Hairband: Aura Bridalwear
Earrings: Perlacadente on Etsy