Phillipa Lepley bride Arevik

Arevik had driven past the Phillipa Lepley shop in Chelsea multiple times, and knew that she would one day have a wedding dress made with us.

‘After I was engaged, I came into the showroom to play around with the dresses and the rest is history. I didn’t even look anywhere else, I knew this was the place for me. I loved the classic and feminine style that Phillipa prides herself on and also her love of florals. I just knew that I would always feel happy to know that I was married in one of Phillipa’s dresses, something that would never go out of style.’

‘I had a wonderful first impression when meeting my Phillipa Lepley consultant for my first design appointment, you just really know that you’re in the best hands and that the goal is to make you feel the most beautiful you could possibly feel on your wedding day. The Team were incredibly patient with me and I really appreciated that. I felt very welcomed and comfortable. I also appreciated how intimate it was and that there were no other brides or clients in the store at the same time.’

Arevik’s wedding dress was draped by hand at our atelier in Chelsea with heavy-weight white Italian duchess satin. It also featured one of Phillipa Lepley’s signature internal corsets.  A bespoke off-the-shoulder bodice descended into a full, circular skirt.

‘It was always about what I looked best in and it did take a few changes of mind to get to the final decision but I’m so happy with my dress, I honestly could not imagine myself marrying in anything else. I looked forward to every fitting and loved seeing the progress of the dress coming together. The craftsmanship and attention to detail was truly magical.’

To complete her bridal look, Arevik opted for a single-tier, embroidered veil, featuring an intricate ‘Dahlia Garden’ design of thread-work, 3D fabric florals and appliqué. Each flower of the design was individually placed and embroidered organically onto a fine tulle base. Phillipa says, ‘when we design embroideries, I love for them to be very organic and natural, with flow and movement throughout.’ Arevik’s veil featured an enticing touch of colour and texture, lifting her pristine white duchess satin dress.

‘The veil was an immediate love. When I tried it on it was perfect. Flowers are my favourite thing and I was so thrilled to have been able to incorporate this into my wedding look in a very delicate way. I loved the way the embroidery was heavier at the top of the veil and my darker hair really showed the details. I really loved the clean look of having a satin dress so I knew I wanted something more intricate on my veil to balance it out.’

Arevik was married in the heart of London’s Mayfair at Dartmouth House. ‘My day could not have been anymore perfect for me. I decided to get ready at home as we only live 10 minutes away from the venue and my home is my special place – I wanted to have the memory of getting ready somewhere that I could see everyday. I had my makeup done by the amazing Vikki Makeup who did a beautiful pink look for me as that’s my favourite colour. I then had my amazing friend and hairdresser Ricky Thomas [who works in Daniel Galvin Selfridge’s] come over to do my hair. We opted for loose curls with a few strands in the front to frame my face, a hairstyle I often do. The Phillipa Lepley Team advised me to have my hair styled in a way that I already feel comfortable in. My mom and grandma came to get ready with me and sang an Armenian song which is traditional when dressing the bride.’

‘My ceremony was in the courtyard of my venue, Dartmouth house. There was an abundance of beautiful flowers; my florist, Rachael Barker, surpassed my wildest dreams. It was short and sweet, followed by the drinks reception in the courtyard and photographs of us and then with our families. We then had our wedding breakfast, of course all the flowers, stationery (hand drawn) and tableware (Duchess & Butler) were pink. Speeches, cake cutting and dancing followed. The day really went by so quickly and I’m grateful our wedding photographer, Roberta Facchini and videographer, Alice Rausch were a dream to work with and captured the day so perfectly so that we can often relive it.’

‘I chose not have a dress change as I really wanted to enjoy it and I’m so happy with that decision. My dress was also incredibly and surprisingly comfortable. I was able to walk, eat and dance almost as comfortably as I would in my pyjamas. Most importantly I felt like me, it was a depiction of my style and my character and everyone saw that too.’

Photography: @robertafacchiniphotography

Phillipa Lepley is recognised globally as a leading British wedding dress and eveningwear designer, renowned for bespoke couture dresses of the utmost luxury. Her wedding dress shop in London, Chelsea, has over 50 dresses, all of which have been made in England from start to finish at her atelier.