Today is a very exciting day, as we share our first ever Nortier bride on the Miss Bush blog. Helen wore the incredible Schiffer wedding dress for her wedding to Declan, which took place at Burningfold Manor in Dunsfold.

Schiffer is a romantic, vintage inspired ballgown wedding dress with a fitted strapless bodice with straight neckline. The dropped waist finishes in a point to the front, above a full skirt with pleats for added volume and drama. The skirt is finished with a split to the front, perfect for showing off a pair of statement heels.

Schiffer was the perfect choice for Helen's elegant manor house wedding. To style her look, Helen added a sheer floaty cape with high neckline, also by Nortier, along with a sleek up-do, timeless pearl earrings and a bouquet of classic creamy peonies.

Read on to find out more about the day, and Helen's dress shopping experience in her own words. With images by Adam Drake Photography.

Nortier Schiffer wedding dress

Mum, Auntie and my 2 of my 4 bridesmaids came to every appointment with me (bless them!) I had tried on so many dresses but when I put on the Schiffer dress it was clear that this was the firm favourite so far amongst the group. I had used each appointment up until that moment to really refine what sort of dress I wanted, and I had landed on 'something classic but with a twist' in my head. The classic silhouette and shape of the dress, but with the dropped waist, really felt like it fit the brief. Moreover, with the addition of the cape, I knew I had hit the nail on the head.

Dress Shopping

The Miss Bush chapel is easily the most beautiful bridal store I visited with the most wonderful, interested staff. It was the first appointment I had and I really wasn't sure on the type or style of dress I wanted. I knew I needed guidance and that is exactly what the lady looking after me did. She pulled out a variety of dresses for me to try on, all different shapes, styles and designers, which made me feel relaxed and eased any anxieties I had when starting my wedding dress journey!

I found the dress shopping experience quite stressful in general, as I tried on so many dresses and nothing felt quite right. I got to the point where I knew what I wanted in my head, something classic with a twist, and this was where Miss Bush set itself apart from the rest. With its incredible choice of veils, sleeves, boleros, capes, everything I needed to try on with the dress to get the perfect 'look', Miss Bush had it all.

Styling

I knew I loved the dress, but I wanted something extra I would wear and then take off for a different 'look' on the day. We grappled with sleeves and boleros, but when I tried on the cape, I knew instantly that this was the look for me.

A romantic, memorable wedding at Burningfold Manor

Our venue was set out in the beautiful Surrey countryside at the gorgeous manor house, Burningfold Manor. I was nervous about the weather beforehand as we knew we wanted to get married outside in the beautiful gardens, amongst all the wisteria. Thankfully it turned out to be the most glorious day of the year so far - a sign of things to come! We had an early afternoon ceremony in the rose garden, followed by a champagne reception by the pool. The wedding breakfast followed in the lined marquee and our first dance was in the barn next door. Peonies are my favourite flower and I was fortunate that they are in season in May, so I had a gorgeous, but simple, peony bouquet that I loved and I feel suited my look perfectly.

The best bits

There are obviously a few favourite moments: I loved getting ready with my bridesmaids in the morning - I was able to peak out of the window of the room we were in to the rose garden below where I could see everyone setting up for the ceremony and the first guests arriving.
Another special moment for me, and the photographer captures it beautifully, is my Dad seeing me for the first time in my dress. That was only the third time I have ever seen him cry. And finally, I loved sitting at our sweetheart table, just my husband and I, for the wedding breakfast. This felt really intimate and ensured we actually spent some of the day together! I kept turning to him and saying 'this is our actual wedding day!' it all felt so surreal.

Helen's Advice

Try and bring the same person or people to each bridal appointment with you so they can see every dress you try on. Their help and guidance will be invaluable when you get 'dress blind' from the hundreds of dresses you try on.

Suppliers

Photographer: Adam Drake Photography
Venue: Burningfold Manor
Caterer: Tandem Catering
Hair: Nadia Avent Hair
Makeup: Kimberley Louise Makeup
Florist: Mimosa Floral Studio
Bridesmaid dresses: Not Another Boring Bridesmaid Dress