An outdoor ceremony at the family home, flowers full of colour and an evening at the local pub: Imogen and Owen’s wedding brought together the romance of an English garden celebration with the warmth of the places and people closest to them.
In Part 1, I shared the design and craftsmanship behind Imogen’s bespoke wedding dress. With her wedding photographs now here, it is a pleasure to share the next chapter: the finished gown, worn for the day we had spent twelve months preparing for.
A ceremony with family at its heart
Imogen and Owen married outdoors in the grounds of Owen’s family home in Essex. Choosing somewhere with such a personal connection gave the celebration an intimacy that runs through the photographs.
Imogen’s sister acted as celebrant, bringing another family connection to the ceremony. Surrounded by their loved ones, the couple exchanged their vows in a setting that was already part of their lives.
The colour throughout the photographs adds to that sense of joy. Orange and yellow flowers, fresh greens and richly coloured dresses sit beautifully against the garden backdrop. Among them, the clean lines of Imogen’s gown feel especially striking.
Mikado, sculptural sleeves and a sweeping skirt
Imogen’s dress combined a scoop neckline, statement puff sleeves and a defined waist with the generous volume of a full ballgown skirt. The Mikado gave the silhouette its structure and gentle lustre, allowing the cut and proportions to remain the focus.
Inside the bodice, carefully developed corsetry and boning provided the foundation for the fit. These are the details that remain largely unseen in the wedding photographs, yet they are central to the finished dress: supporting the shape and giving the outer fabric its clean line.
At the back, a large detachable bow added a sculptural flourish above the sweeping train. In the ceremony photographs, the veil falls softly over the structured silhouette, bringing a delicate layer to the bold sleeves and full skirt.
From the garden to an evening in Ongar
The evening reception took place at the couple’s local pub in Ongar, Essex, continuing the celebration in another familiar setting.
There is something lovely about that combination: the occasion of a bespoke wedding gown, the intimacy of a family garden and the easy warmth of a local pub. Together, they made room for both the romance and the relaxed spirit of Imogen and Owen’s day.
A final reflection from the atelier
After twelve months of working together, receiving Imogen’s gallery was a particularly special moment. I had come to know the dress through sketches, calico fittings, fabric and the many small decisions that refined its shape. These photographs give it a different context, surrounded by the people and places it was created for.
Imogen, thank you for entrusting me with your wedding dress and for sharing these beautiful photographs. It was a pleasure to create your gown, and a joy to see you and Owen celebrating together.
For brides considering a bespoke wedding dress, our West London atelier offers a personal design journey, from the first conversation to the final fitting.
