Phillipa Lepley bride Julia

Embarking on a bespoke wedding dress journey, Julia’s Phillipa Lepley experience began from a blank canvas, culminating in a breathtaking, multi-faceted bridal look for her London wedding. Featuring a satin organza coat, a symmetrical ‘Sea Wave’ lace jacket, and a corseted strapless ivory tulle gown, Julia’s bridal look was the epitome of elegance and transformation.

From the initial sketches to the final silk creation, every stage of the process unfolded in The Conservatory and Atelier in Chelsea, London. Each fitting was a meticulous exploration of craftsmanship, ensuring that Julia’s vision was brought to life with precision and artistry.

“When I got engaged, I knew I wanted to explore getting my dress from Phillipa Lepley. I sent over some reference pictures, and in our first meeting, it became clear that bespoke was the best route to create my dream dress. I was so impressed and excited that I didn’t look anywhere else!” – Phillipa Lepley bride Julia 

From her first appointment in The Shop, Julia envisioned a timeless silhouette inspired by the golden age of couture. Drawing from the grace of Maria von Trapp, the refinement of Princess Margaret, and the effortless elegance of Audrey Hepburn, she sought a gown that balanced regal sophistication with fluid movement.

“When I was little, my favorite film was The Sound of Music, and I knew that for the church ceremony, I wanted my dress to echo Maria’s. I also loved Princess Margaret’s dress she wore in church in 1960 and an evening gown worn by Audrey Hepburn. I wanted a vintage-inspired look that I could wear throughout the day but wasn’t sure how practical it would be for dancing in the evening. Phillipa found the perfect solution – using an existing design as a base for creating a 1950s-inspired strapless ball gown with a bespoke coat to wear for the ceremony. I was so impressed by the creativity!” – Phillipa Lepley bride Julia

The foundation of Julia’s bridal look was a breathtaking strapless gown, structured around a Phillipa Lepley signature corset. Layers of tonal ivory tulle were skillfully assembled to create a finely draped bodice and voluminous skirt, each veil of fabric blending seamlessly to achieve the perfect hue. The bodice and skirt were adorned with delicate, hand-embroidered ‘Pearl and Sparkle Burst’ embellishments, shimmering subtly with every movement.

For the Nuptial Mass at The Brompton Oratory, Julia wore a bespoke satin organza coat. Designed to envelop her gown with a voluminous, ethereal silhouette, it featured three-quarter-length sleeves, a delicately bound tulip-edged hem, and a dramatic train. A two-tier silk tulle veil, bound with satin organza, completed the look for her walk down the aisle.

Following the ceremony, Julia transformed her dress with a bespoke ‘Sea Wave’ lace jacket. Featuring a statement peplum waist, the design offered a modern interpretation of a timeless couture shape. 

“I loved the symmetry of the pattern and how it incorporated bridal buttons in such a beautiful way. My hope is to re-wear the jacket one day—perhaps over a blue or pink skirt for a baptism!” – Phillipa Leply bride Julia

Paired with the gown, the lace jacket added a refined elegance, ensuring that Julia remained effortlessly graceful for an afternoon tea reception at Chelsea Old Town Hall.

As the day transitioned into an evening celebration at the Victoria & Albert Museum, Julia’s strapless gown took center stage. Without the coat and lace jacket, the ‘Pearl and Sparkle Burst’ embroidery shimmered under the museum’s grand chandeliers, catching the light as she danced. A hand-beaded diamanté belt was introduced for the evening, subtly accentuating the waist and adding a final touch of radiance.

“The movement of the gown was amazing – it was perfect for dancing the night away!” – Phillipa Lepley bride Julia

A bespoke wedding dress journey with Phillipa Lepley is a highly creative and unique experience, allowing brides to craft a gown that is truly one of a kind. Beyond its exquisite craftsmanship, Julia’s dress was a deeply personal expression of her. Every detail, from the tonal tulle layers to the precise hand-embroidery placement, was meticulously refined in the Chelsea Atelier.

A particularly touching element was the discreet hand-embroidery of Julia’s childhood toy – a blue hippo – hidden within the skirt lining, a sentimental tribute that delighted her closest family members. The satin organza coat’s neckline was also carefully considered to frame her treasured jewelry pieces.

Julia’s bespoke wedding dress journey was a true celebration of couture artistry and showcased the limitless possibilities of designing a dress with Phillipa Lepley – an unforgettable gown for an unforgettable day.

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.

Photography by Barker Evans

Planning by Ardour & Bow