Karma. Hippy ideology, founding principle of eastern religions or simply a common sense desire for the good in people to be rewarded. I seriously believe when meeting a bride for the first time I get a sense of their karma. It is perfectly possible for a bride to be exacting, precise and to have high expectations from their wedding supplier whilst maintaining the full back up of their own personal Karma Police. In the shop we are professional; we advise with integrity & sell what we love. More than ever since our move to the The Chapel the experience, the fun & the relationship with our clients is more sharply in focus.
From stock phrases “What goes around comes around.” to Thomas Hardy’s use of pathetic fallacy to Louis Armstrong’s version of ‘When You’re Smilin’; all cultures & ideologies, whether spiritual or secular in nature, have as sense of good fortune being earned by your nature rather than a right. As the song goes
“When you’re smilin’, when you’re smilin’
The whole world smiles with you
When you’re laughin’, when you’re laughin’
The sun comes shinin’ through”
In light of this it is interesting that two caricatures exist in plentiful supply across the internet. Bridezilla & the wedding boutique bitch. I don’t believe in the existence of Bridezilla any more than I do Godzilla but I have witnessed some petulent displays of entitlement that I suspect reach further than the wedding arrangements. I also, on an almost daily basis, tell brides to be that items they want are a significant expenditure or that I will be ordering them a size 18. These are facts, not judgements, from a broke-ass fat girl offered with humour & empathy. Not a shop-bitch. There is bad karma on both side of the counter but it is mercifully rare.
“the day really was so fabulous and I still think about it all the time. We were so lucky that many of the suppliers were close friends or friends of friends (tipis, florist, caterers, evening band) so that made it all nice and hassle free, and to be honest I really embraced and enjoyed all the wedmin in general. Having a great hubby, family and friends also really helped :-)”
Joanna’s thank you note, in itself a sign of impeccable manners, is very touching.
“a huge “Thank You” for all your help and expertise in choosing and then altering my beautiful Maggie Sottero Kyra dress, which I got married in on 10th May. From the first appointment right through to the last you were professsional, warm and fun. I so loved my dress and felt so beautiful in it on the day.”
My philosophy for the shop is that our brides receive our expertise in a relaxed, fun and luxurious environment but we are also a bit opinionated…
“Emma – thank you for both dress and hair suggestions, and for actually physically showing me how I should wear my hair including popping sprigs of gypsophilia in – don’t get that in many bridal shops I imagine! “
The dress itself is Kyra from Maggie Sottero. Kyra is kind of secret gem that their collection hides. Never an advertised dress, the modified A-line or ‘fit’n’flare’ ( I hate both descriptions) shape is perfect for brides thinking A-line is as flattering as the Tipi itself and for whom fishtail is a touch too Kardashian. Soft lace over point-d’esprit with raised 3D flowers, the fabric is as gentle as the shape with the secret weapon of the killer corset lurking beneath the relaxed exterior.
“Emma’s Mum and the seamstresses – your amazing workmanship on the dress and hawk eyes in spotting how to make it fit and look perfect were so appreciated. The dress fitted like a glove on the day and everybody said what a stunning dress it was and how much it complimented my figure. “
It is possible that karma determined that a well-behaved caterpillar in a previous life got re born and became a beautiful bride. I suspect that the more believable truth is that because Joanna really is warm, funny and, if a bride could be, professional, that she got the absolute best from all her wedding suppliers. From the big ideas to the small details this wedding is inspirational. Joanna & Ashley’s day is rather magical to look at. If these are Joanna’s friends I suggest you go and pal up & book them asap because they know how to stage a party.
Here is to wishing Joanna the absolute best in her new incarnation as a wife & all the good karma in the world to the new Mr & Mrs Freeman!
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Credits
Photography: Mister Phill – Dorset Wedding Photographer Phillip Allen
The Dress: Maggie Sottero and Miss Bush Bridalwear
Band: Gold Diggers Brass Band
Flowers: Hot Flowers and Art
Catering: Truly Scrumptious
Tipi: PapaKapa Tipis and Tents
Emma xxx
Emma Meek, MD of Miss Bush Bridalwear
Miss Bush Bridalwear is Surrey’s leading designer bridal shop
