A spring celebration at Sandon Hall inspired by Australian wildflowers, where Emily found confidence in the Catherine Deane Becca Gown, added a touch of drama with the Stardust Cape, and created a bridal look that still felt completely like herself.

Emily and Sam’s story began in 2013, while studying abroad in North Carolina. Friendship soon became something more, and over the next thirteen years they built a life together in London, travelling through America, South East Asia, Europe and India, with even a chapter living in Australia during the pandemic.

In 2024, while road tripping through Scotland, Sam proposed during a rainy hike in the mountains. For Emily, it could not have been more perfect.

Finding Confidence in the Becca Gown

Wedding dress shopping was something Emily initially found difficult. Having struggled with body confidence, she was far more accustomed to baggy jumpers and comfortable trousers than the idea of stepping into a traditional bridal gown.

It was actually her two maids of honour who first suggested Catherine Deane, knowing that the collection offered bridal separates and trousers. That was what brought Emily to the London Boutique, but once there, they encouraged her to try something she hadn’t planned on at all.

The Becca Gown.

“As soon as it was on, I fell in love!”

The silhouette felt flattering without sacrificing comfort. Emily felt elegant, but importantly, still like herself. She could move freely, dance and imagine enjoying every part of the day in it.

Then came the Stardust Bridal Cape, bringing just the right amount of extra drama.

For Emily, becoming a Catherine Deane bride ultimately became about far more than finding something beautiful to wear.

“Being a Catherine Deane bride was one of the most supportive and inclusive experiences. From the first fitting to the last alteration, I felt so happy in my dress.”

The beautiful fabrics and design may have drawn her in, but it was the confidence she found in her bridal look that she says will stay with her forever.

Australian Wildflowers at Sandon Hall

Emily’s accessories were an extension of her personality. Her favourite colour, green, appeared in dark green velvet block heels from Whistles, while her naturally curly hair was worn in a simple half-up style with real flowers and eucalyptus woven through it.

Her fragrance was Diptyque Ilio, an old favourite first gifted to her by Sam years before.

That sense of individuality continued with her maids of honour. Rather than choosing one matching dress, Emily gave them a palette of dark green, navy and burnt orange and let each choose something they felt comfortable wearing.

The wedding itself took inspiration from a particularly special chapter in Emily and Sam’s story. Their time living in Australia had left Emily in love with the colours of its wildflowers, so greens, oranges, yellows, browns and dusty pinks became the palette for the day.

Sandon Hall in Staffordshire was the first venue they visited. In what Emily calls typical “Em and Sam fashion”, it was also the one they chose.

Close to Emily’s hometown of Stoke-on-Trent, the historic setting had the elegance they wanted without feeling overly formal. Even on a frosty January viewing, its conservatory, original tiled floors and abundance of flowers won them over immediately.

The Catherine Deane Moment

Looking back, Emily’s advice for other brides is to trust the people who know you best.

She entered wedding planning with a clear picture of what she thought she wanted, but allowing herself to listen to the people around her opened the door to choices she might otherwise have missed.

“Without listening to my maids of honour, I would never have got my Catherine Deane moment!”

That philosophy extended beyond the dress. Taking their photographer’s advice even led to the wonderfully unconventional decision to serve wedding cake as an appetiser after the ceremony.

But the ceremony itself remains Emily’s favourite memory. Walking down the aisle, seeing Sam waiting for her and feeling proud of both herself and everything they had built together was a moment she will never forget.

A very close second? A packed dance floor singing along to Rock DJ by Robbie Williams.

Vendor Love

Photographer: Jess Peers, @iris.and.i.photo
Florist: Emily Walker, @wildernessfloraldesign
Venue: Sandon Hall, @sandonhall
Catering: Vanilla in Allseasons
Maids of Honour Dresses: Coast
Groom’s Suit: Reiss
Wedding Rings: Vintage
Hair: @abigailprincehair
Makeup: @hayleymarieartistry