Tara, Tara Tara what can I say about you. Not only was Tara just a delight from start to finish but she also is super talented. Having adorned my ears, and fingers with the most beautiful bespoke jewels. I was overjoyed to have Tara join the BBW clan.
How did Nik Propose?
We were in Salcombe (a family holiday spot from Nik’s childhood and now a very special place in my heart too!) for a weekend away with some of Nik’s family. We had been out the night before so I was a bit worse for wear on the search for chocolate croissants & a diet coke! Once we had those, Nik was determined to find a nice bench on such a beautiful sunny morning. So many of them were absolutely fine to me but he was persistent to find the best one! We finally settled on one in the Yacht Club gardens looking out on the estuary, Saturday 28th July 2018. He was being very quiet & I thought something was wrong, he then asked me to close my eyes as he had a surprise for me! In my head I was thinking he’d bought me one of the tatty rings from the shops we’d passed (which I was excited about!) but when I opened my eyes he was down on one knee with the most perfect engagement ring I’d ever seen! That he designed & had made!!! I was so overwhelmed by the whole thing that after jumping around the gardens together, I asked him to do it all again so I could listen to what he was saying this time!! We then rang our families & that’s when the tears came, no one knew apart from his sister!! It was the biggest surprise I’d ever received & the happiest day to date!!
Essense of Australia
Where did you get married and how did you pick the venue?
We got married in Halford Church, next door to our house & even more special for that reason! Then the reception was at Lapstone Barn, which was our perfect venue! A mix of traditional barn features & Cotswold stone, with modern, chic yet country interiors, light airy spaces and an incredible feel about it! The staff were so friendly and nothing was too much for them! We knew instantly it was the one for us!!
How did you find our Boutique?
My older sister and my now sister in law both got their dresses from the Boutique so it was in my mind from the minute we got engaged! I’m a local girl and knew I wanted to shop local for my dream dress! Along with nearly all of our suppliers! There was so much unique choice in the Boutique and I went somewhere in London in between but was always coming back to the Bridal Boutique!!
What made you decide your dress was the one & what did you love most about it?
The only thing I had in my mind was a classic off the shoulder style but other than that the possibilities were endless as I had no clue what floor-length white dress would suit me; it’s not often you wear a long white dress!! When searching around the shop I was drawn in by the subtle yet striking detail & bejeweled heaven of my dress! But we saved it until last, on Madi’s suggestion & oh my goodness did I feel a million bucks in it! Even when I was all clipped in because it wasn’t my size! I loved other dresses I tried there but as soon as I put this one I felt like me, my shoulders relaxed, I couldn’t stop smiling & I was just myself in it, well the best bloomin’ version of myself!!! The shape flattered my figure completely, cinched in at the waist & a flattering sheer lace to that waistline, all the beading & sparkle was embroidered in a way to accentuate the lines of my body & then had the mega princess train which totally sold it to me & really made me feel like a bride!! I still think about my beautiful dress now! & when I can think of an excuse to wear it again!!
How did you accessorise, ie, which shoes did you pick? Did you choose a Headpiece or a Veil, or both?
I adored the double layered veil I went for from the boutique, it had a Moroccan feel in the lace and added to that hint of princess vibe! My shoes were inspired by my granny’s wedding shoes but with a modern Perspex heel. Accessories for me were essential, being a jeweller I knew I needed a statement piece of jewellery, but also sentimental jewellery as these things mean a lot to me. For the day/church I wore a stack of pearl earrings along with the raw pearl hair slide & peach orchid in my hair, as I love expressing myself with the details! I also wore my granny’s opal earrings (as something borrowed), & my gold upper arm bangle inspired by hers that my mum also wore! The finishing touch was matching pearl anklets I’d made to go over my shoes so I literally jingled down the aisle!! Then for the evening, I know some people have an evening dress but, I had evening earrings! Large peachy pearl circles with gold semi-circle studs, the best kind of party earrings!!
Essense of Australia
Did you have Bridesmaids? If so, what did they wear, how did you pick?
My beautiful bridesmaids wore Maids to Measure dresses in the colour ‘cream soda’, I knew I wanted quite a neutral colour for the girls as the flowers were the pop of colour but wanted their individual styles and personalities to shine through so they all had a different style of dress, that they chose! & wow did they look unbelievable!! Topped off with jewellery made by me, I couldn’t have been prouder to have them by my side!
What did Nik Wear?
My gorgeous groom wore a morning suit, & looked so dapper!! With a cream/gold waistcoat & light green print tie, the colour scheme came together unintentionally perfectly!! I also got him a special pearl tie pin and mother of pearl cufflinks, so pearls featured a lot on the day! Another surprise for him on the morning was an engraved disc heart I’d made with ‘husband material’ and our wedding date that I’d sewn inside the cuff of his jacket. It’s the little things!!
Essense of Australia
Finally, tell us about your big day .. What was the feel/vibe of the day? Do you have a favourite moment?
The feel of the day was just joyous!! Everyone in the wedding party was just so excited & so happy! The morning was quite nerve-wracking but still so gorgeous and special with my number one ladies, and I was calmed by the tranquil setting at Lapstone Barn Hayloft. I knew as soon as I saw Nik at the top of the aisle all the nerves would float away. They sure did & I cried all the way up the aisle! We both said the Church was one of our favourite parts of the day, to be facing a room full of your favourite people, family, friends, people you’ve missed, who only wish all the happiness in the world for you is overwhelming & it was just the best feeling ever, topped off by the harpist which was very emotional! Just complete elation!! We then headed onto the venue in our favourite pink car & the reception was a very relaxed courtyard vibe, the sun stayed out for us, then followed the hilarious speeches, master of ceremony, incredible food, beautiful edible flower cake & one of the best parties!! We were on cloud 9 all day & only wish it didn’t go so fast but will remember it as the best day of our lives, forever & a day!!
Essense of Australia 
Essense of Australia 
Please feel free to mention any suppliers you might want us to link to, eg Your Photographer, Make up artist, Florist, Cake supplier etc
Isobel Murphy Photographer
The London Onion – Cake
Carter Cherrill Master Florists
Lapstone Barn
