Phillipa Lepley bride Alex

A classically elegant Phillipa Lepley Couture silhouette for a timeless bride.

Phillipa Lepley bride Alex married in Ireland wearing an exquisite, couture off-the-shoulder silk zibeline gown and hand-embroidered Margaux Maiden’s Fern Veil. The couple exchanged vows in St. Brigid’s Cathedral in Kildare, before the reception was held at Kilkea Castle to celebrate their nuptials. 

When beginning her wedding dress journey at Phillipa Lepley, Alex desired a strong silhouette as a main design feature. 

“From the moment we walked into the shop, I knew I would be very happy coming out.” 

Phillipa Lepely bride Alex

Phillipa’s iconic designs are not only renowned for their timeless silhouettes, but the specially engineered internal corsets that feature in every design, able to define and sculpt the figure while providing structural support and comfort. Alex’s Phillipa Lepley signature corset was crafted to her form, nipping in at the waist before flowing into a full circular skirt that was moulded across the hips to create a clean, refined line. 

‘The plan was always to focus on the shape and the structure of the dress—I wanted a full skirt, and I had always dreamed of a dramatic, straight collar with a striking back. Phillipa and her team brought that vision to life in the most extraordinary way.’

Phillipa Lepely bride Alex

A focal point of the gown was the off-the-shoulder collar which framed Alex’s décolletage. 

Meticulous attention to proportion was key in the design process. Phillipa and her Atelier team refined the placement and width of the collar during fittings, to ensure that the balance was just right to complement Alex’s frame and allow her the freedom to move with ease throughout her day. The result was a neckline that felt sculptural yet soft, an essential element that added to the gown’s overall sense of timeless elegance.

Alex paired her gown with an exquisite two-tier, hand-embroidered Margaux Maiden’s Fern silk tulle veil, featuring signature Phillipa Lepley embroideries of maiden’s fern, primroses, and orchids in threadwork, cording and silk chiffon appliqué. For some sparkle, it was embellished with ivory pearls, tiny glass beads and crystals. The floral embroidery added a touch of nature-inspired beauty to Alex’s bridal look and complemented the classic lines of the gown. 

Effortlessly timeless, Alex’s couture wedding dress and veil perfectly aligned with her bridal vision and castle venue. The strong, clean silhouette, combined with the intricate hand-embroidery work on the veil, created an elegant, regal look that was befitting of the bride, and her wedding day.

Photography by Elaine Barker Photography

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.