A 1930s Inspired Headband for a Vintage Wedding in Brighton
In the wake of the royal wedding (anyone else still welling up thinking about it!? And don’t even get me started on Megan’s incredible diamond tiara...) and my second time showcasing my sparkling designs at A Most Curious Wedding Fair in the spring, I realised it’s high time I shone the spotlight on of my beloved Tilly Thomas Lux real brides.
Wistfully flicking through the incredible photos of Chloe and David’s vintage-inspired Brighton nuptials fills me with utter joy, and I’m delighted to be sharing the gorgeous details of their union with you today. The couple wed on 18th August at Angel House, continuing their celebrations afterwards at Proud Cabaret.
Chloe is effortlessly elegant, timeless and serene, and yet somehow also one of the coolest modern brides I’ve ever had the pleasure to work with, setting off sensuous oyster silk with sharp pleats, and contrasting glittering, many-faceted crystals with perfectly undone tumbling chocolate waves.
“Our inspiration for the day was mainly things we loved. We both love vintage and this was reflected in the venues we chose. We worked hard to source pieces from vintage shops, flea markets and antique stalls to create the look we wanted, loosely theming the day also on our hometown, Brighton - our table names were landmarks, we had sticks of rock as wedding favours and sea shells spray painted gold for place names.”
Chloe and David’s colour scheme evolved naturally from her divine silvery-oyster Hope & Harlequin gown and their grey and gold cake - a sophisticated, warm palette that set the backdrop for the many subtle and considered details. I am besotted with Chloe’s dress - the sumptuous, figure-skimming flow of that luscious material is reminiscent of leading ladies of the silver screen, while the pleated train lends an air of modern drama.
“I knew I wanted my Hope & Harlequin dress before I tried it on. I loved the 1930's style with the unusual pleated train. My shoes were from Jimmy Choo and were mainly chosen because of their sparkle! I don’t have a style icon as such but I love the 1920’s and 1930's and the style of beautiful silk dresses of that era as well as Art Deco, classic Hollywood glamour and understated sparkle. I suppose Madeleine Vionnet's de- signs are a clear example and I knew this was the only style for our wedding day.”
I first met Chloe at A Most Curious Wedding Fair last year, and feel so honoured that she chose Tilly Thomas Lux to create her sparkling bespoke headpiece. Forgoing a veil and allowing her incredible dress to truly sing, Chloe and I worked together to create a unique commission that would complement her bridal style and glitter beautifully from her cascading dark tresses.
“I found Tilly Thomas Lux at the Most Curious Wedding Fair at the Truman Brewery. Sally was really friendly and approachable and went through a few ideas and styles with me there and then. I wanted something bespoke that was going to complement my dress with a nod to the Art Deco style.”
Crafting one of a kind custom commissions is at the very core of what I love to do - weaving strands of a bride’s history, style and inspiration into a unique and sentimental heirloom to be treasured in the years to come means more to me than I could ever express. Chloe knew she wanted a statement shimmering headband to sit off centre in her hair, the inspiration for the design flowing naturally from her stunning dress and our mutual love of the 20s and 30s.
“I knew I wanted a bespoke piece as I wanted something that was as unusual as my dress. I wasn’t completely clear on what I wanted, I knew I wanted a headband that fell to the side, but Sally helped me to find exactly what I was looking for using the pleats of my dress as her inspiration - it was perfect.”
“After meeting Sally at the wedding fair, I was keen to book an appointment to meet in person to discuss ideas. Sally was so accommodating and friendly, I felt like I was visiting a friend! Being a distance from London, after my appointment Sally kept me fully updated by email with images so I felt very involved in the process every step of the way, and was so excited to see the design taking shape.”
The element of collaboration and mutual inspiration that goes into creating a bespoke Tilly Thomas Lux piece is one of my very favourite parts of being a designer. That delicious frisson when I feel a connection with a bride and the surge of energy when she opens my eyes to new and wonderful ways of seeing my work - it’s an indescribable feeling of excitement and gratitude that is so hard to find in this world. And reading about my brides most cherished memories of their day fills my heart with happiness like nothing else.
“Walking down the aisle to see Dave holding our son Austin, and for him to finally see how I looked is a precious memory. I also loved taking a moment during the ceremony while the harpist was playing to look around at everyone we loved in the same room.”
If you can’t get enough of Chloe and David’s day, check out their hashtag on Instagram for more candid snaps - #heathwedding. The beautiful stills you see before you were captured by September Pictures - the couple chose them to document their day as their loved their editorial style and their striking portraiture.
I could honestly base an entire new collection around this one wedding - you wonderful women have no idea how much you inspire me! On that note I’m off to search for more pictures of the new Duchess of Sussex. Do you reckon the Queen would loan me the tiara!? Strictly for professional research of course...
With love and sparkle, Sally x
