Chilham Bridal Bride Justina wearing Melrose by Sottero and Midgley

After meeting online in 2010, Justina’s now-husband Nick planned an unforgettable proposal in a London hotel before whisking her off to the opera.

Soon after, Justina booked a short notice appointment with us at Chilham Bridal where she found her stunning lace wedding dress, Melrose by Sottero and Midgley. We caught up with this gorgeous Chilham Bridal bride after her wedding day to find out more…

How did you know your wedding dress was ‘the one’?

I didn’t have a clue what I wanted when I started looking at wedding dresses. In the end, I chose the very last one that Carly, the owner of Chilham Bridal, picked out for me, and I just fell in love with it straight away.

As soon as I saw it, I knew it was the one for me.

I chose Melrose by Sottero and Midgley, which was made up of fitted lace and featured a double keyhole, long sleeves and a beautiful long train. My wedding dress made me feel so beautiful and elegant!

My alternations were done by the very lovely seamstress Sandra Barlow, who Chilham Bridal put me in touch with.

Start your wedding dress hunt by working out which wedding dress styles are for you.

How did you accessorise your wedding dress?

I chose a cathedral veil from Chilham Bridal, ivory satin heels from the wedding range at ASOS, a pearl drop necklace from Victoria Fergusson Accessories and earrings from an Irish pearl company.

For the ultimate accessory-inspiration, check out the Chilham Bridal wedding dress accessory guide 2019.

How did you find Chilham Bridal?

I found Chilham Bridal when I was looking for sample and pre-loved wedding dresses in the Canterbury area. I needed a short notice appointment as my mother-in-law was going into surgery and I really wanted her to be there.

What did you think of the boutique?

I absolutely loved the whole shopping experience at Chilham Bridal. Carly was just so lovely; she made us all feel so special and really helped me find the dress of my dreams!

Read our full interview with Chilham Bridal owner Carly to find out more about her gorgeous business. 

What wedding venue did you choose?

I am originally from Suffolk, so Nick and I got married in my family church and then held our reception at the stunning Langley Abbey in Norfolk.

Looking for a wedding venue in Kent? We’ve rounded up our top picks!

Who was your wedding photographer?

We had the husband and wife team that make up Hayley Denston Photography and they were just amazing!

We chose them as I loved Hayley’s photography style and also because she’s just so lovely. We couldn’t have been happier with everything they did.

If you’re looking for a wedding photographer in Kent, we’ve got you covered!

Where did you get your hair and makeup done?

My hair and makeup was done by Rosie from Rosie’s Beauticians in Beccles and my bridesmaids had their hair and makeup done by Kirsty Woolnough.

I went for an elegant boho look with lots of flowers, Rosie did a fantastic job.

Tell us about your flowers

My flowers were put together by my amazing Aunty Jac; I showed her the styles I loved, and she surprised me with them on the day! They looked absolutely incredible! Lots of whites, ashy greens and thistles for texture and colour.

What caterers did you have?

Brasted’s, who are known for their award-winning food, run the catering at Langley Abbey.

Everyone commented how amazing the food was!

Tell us about your cake

I love the naked cakes decorated with real flowers, so my amazing mummy made us the three-tiered rose cake. She did a fantastic job!

And how about your bridesmaids?

I had six bridesmaids, two of my cousins, my two best friends from Suffolk and my two best friends from Kent. They all brought different dresses in dove grey and looked stunning!

What transport did you have?

A family friend drove and picked us up in his beautiful red Triumph Stag.

Where did you get your wedding stationery?

I made a lot of my wedding stationery.

The best thing I made for my wedding was our rose confetti which I dried the year before. I also made confetti cones from music sheets that I picked up at charity shops.

What entertainment did you have for your guests?

We had a live singer and an organist for the church ceremony. During the meal, we had a live pianist and for the evening we had a six-piece band called the Groovetails.

What one piece of advice do you have for brides who are planning their wedding now?

Try to relax and enjoy every moment!

It’s so important to us that our brides can relax and enjoy the luxury shopping experience we offer. Book an appointment at Chilham Bridal and find your dream dress within our relaxing boutique!