Phillipa Lepley bride Charlotte

When Phillipa Lepley bride Charlotte pictured her wedding dress, she had a clear vision of what it would look like – a completely bespoke design not found anywhere else. Knowing Phillipa Lepley would be able to bring her vision to life with her unparalleled bespoke service, Charlotte visited the iconic 48 Fulham Road to start her custom wedding dress journey.

Over a series of appointments and fittings, Charlotte’s ideas were brought to life, guided by the couture expertise of Phillipa and her design team until her vision was transformed into a stunning reality – an exquisite silk crepe design with a detachable chiffon cape descending from the shoulders.

The foundation of Charlotte’s gown was a luxurious, super-fresh white silk crepe, chosen for its sumptuous feel and sophisticated finish. Complementing this was the finest silk chiffon, meticulously hand-draped to create a harmonious blend of textures. Both fabrics were specially sourced for Charlotte to ensure a perfect match with her bridal vision. The dress featured a corseted bodice that provided a flawless silhouette, ensuring the perfect balance between structure and fluidity.

One of the standout elements of Charlotte’s dress was the cross-over drape through the bodice. This intricate detail was crafted by hand by Phillipa’s artisans in the Atelier with chiffon carefully ruched across the waist. The result was a series of beautiful lines that elegantly followed and flattered Charlotte’s shape from the refined ‘V’ neckline. The gown featured three-quarter length sleeves, adorned with delicate hand-sewn buttons that added a touch of modern sophistication.

With all Phillipa Lepley designs, the level of care and craftsmanship that goes into every aspect of the dress is unrivaled. Each gown is hand-sewn in-house at the London Atelier, with Phillipa passing her eye over every design. 

Every aspect of the bodice, from the waist placement to the precise width of the drape, was thoughtfully considered and adjusted with Charlotte’s input. This attention to detail ensured that the dress complimented her in the most flattering way.

A truly unique feature of Charlotte’s gown was the detachable, sheer, silk chiffon cape. Flowing gracefully from the shoulders and extending beyond the train, this cape offered an ethereal alternative to the traditional veil. The chiffon, with its billowing movement, created a captivating play on textures alongside the matte silk crepe. It added an element of romantic whimsy that complemented the floral, outdoor ceremony at Heckfield Place while maintaining the gown’s refined elegance.

Charlotte’s journey with Phillipa Lepley culminated in an emotional and unforgettable moment when she stood in her completed dress for the first time at her Final Fitting at the Conservatory. After months of collaboration and anticipation, the gown was a true reflection of her vision, brought to life through the exceptional skill and artistry of Phillipa and her team.

Photography by Alex Wysocki Photography

Planning by Ella Hartig Events

Venue: Heckfield Place

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.