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Sophie Holden

Dress Josephine

Photographer: Sophia Veras
Venue: Pynes House
Videographer: RM Wedding Films
Florist: Amber Persia
Makeup: By Annabella
Hair: Abigail Constanza
Headband: Dolecka
Veil: Couture Veil
Bridesmaid Dresses: TH&TH

Sophie and Sam’s wedding day can be encapsulated in three words; classic, timeless and elegant. After four years of rearranging due to the pandemic, the couple finally got to celebrate with 55 of their closest friends and family in an intimate and cosy setting. Sophie looked sensational in the 2022 Love Conquers All ballgown, Josephine. The long sleeves, tailored bodice and box-pleated ballgown, offered Sophie everything she loves about Sassi Holford gowns – chic, feminine and understated with impeccable attention to detail and tailoring.

Sophia Veras

Real Bride Sophie in Sassi Holford Josephine

Describe the style of your wedding

We wanted a classic, timeless and elegant feel and our spectacular venue, Pynes House really was the perfect backdrop to our day, nestled in a valley in the heart of Devon not far from where we live. A string quartet set an ethereal, magical ambience by playing romantic classics from Debussy contrasted with beautifully modern covers, for 55 of our closest friends and family.

To in keep with the enchantment of Pynes House, Amber Persia created seasonal, romantic and bountiful displays of cream and blush scented garden roses, sweet peas, and jasmine with accents of taupe, toffee and buff. A passionate gardener myself, I grew my favourite ‘cafe au lait’ dahlias in my garden which were incorporated into the floral displays. The flowers complemented the intimate and cosy atmosphere, all lit softly by candle-light and the golden autumnal sunshine.

After four years of planning and re-arrangements due to Covid, we wanted to ensure our day was as much a celebration for our guests as well as for us. So, to get the party in full swing, we hired a saxophonist who played funk and soul while our guests tucked into their delicious wedding breakfast by Pickle Shack. By the end of the wedding breakfast the entire congregation was doing the conga!

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Real Bride Sophie in Sassi Holford Josephine

What made you choose Josephine by Sassi Holford?

In the search for my gown, so many of the most iconic wedding dresses I admired had incorporated sleeves. I wanted a timeless gown that I could look back on in 50 years from now and would still hold its prestige. I took inspiration from Jackie Onassis, Audrey Hepburn, Miranda Kerr and Royal gowns like Grace Kelly. I loved the chic, feminine simplicity of all of Sassi’s designs and her impeccable attention to detail and tailoring. I also adored that her gowns were handmade in Somerset, just a stones’ throw from where I grew up.

I tried on the Josephine gown in the London store with Sassi styling me and I instantly fell in love. I felt incredible! It reflected everything I was looking for and was akin to what I love to wear. The tailored bodice with the drama of the box-pleated ballgown skirt made from buttery silk mikado paired with the playful, deep V-back adding modernity to the look; it really was sublime! We also personalised it by adding buttons to the sleeve which complimented the tailoring of my husband’s suit.

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Sassi Holford Real Bride Sophie in Josephine with Couture Veil

What accessories did you chose for the day

My fittings took place at the Somerset store and the accessories that Kristine, Emily and Sassi helped me choose emulated the femininity and elegance of the occasion perfectly. The Dolecka Sanda headband paired beautifully with my Josephine gown. Each petal was delicately curled over a candle-flame and adorned with a tiny pearl at the centre into a modern, statement headpiece. I also chose a bespoke Cathedral length veil with stitched edge and abstract disk trim by Couture Veil, which featured the same hand-sewn rose petals as my headband, softly scattered like confetti onto the veil, adding texture and romance to my look. My shoes were my something old, I wore my absolute favourite pair of Jimmy Choo Bing mules with diamond stud strap detailing.

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Sassi Holford Real Bride Sophie in Josephine with Couture Veil

If you could relive one part of your wedding again, what would it be?

Without question, it would be the ceremony. My Grandad gave me away which was a beautiful and poignant moment and as soon as I saw my husband Sam, my nerves just melted away and it felt like it was just the two of us in the room, purely magical.

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