After ten years of togetherness, the stunning Jess and Sam wanted to renew their wedding vows and celebrate their anniversary in a unique and memorable way. The couple – who also marked another milestone by both turning thirty in 2020 – wanted a ‘non-traditional’ vow renewal that felt whimsical and above all, relaxed.
The pair exchanged cards that allowed them to express what a decade together has meant for them both, without the pressure of needing a celebrant, witnesses or any extra planning. Sam was taken aback with a ‘first look’ at their anniversary celebration, when Jess surprised him by wearing her bespoke Frank gown.
Finding the perfect gown
Jess initially had her heart set on the stunning Eastwood gown after seeing it online – but as she puts it – “once Jess met ‘Frank’, there was no turning back!” Her bespoke Frank gown featured three-dimensional lace flowers, a train, and was hand-dyed in a gorgeous blush tone. Having had her moment in a traditional wedding dress already, Jess wanted this occasion to feel “a little different and unique”, and chose a blush colour over off white.
Jess’ goal was for her gown to reflect who she is now at thirty – rather than who she was at 20 when she met Sam, or even when they were married. There was no need to ‘recreate’ their wedding; instead the couple simply wanted to create a moment that was memorable in its own right.
In the end, Jess’ gorgeous Frank gown was the perfect combination of elegance and whimsy, without being “overstated or quintessentially bridal.” Jess said she felt calm, comfortable, and classic in her gown – which was the ideal way to feel celebrating a decade of love with her husband!
Jess told our team: “Frank is the most stunning gown I have ever had the privilege to wear, and I felt graceful, feminine and at ease on our special day. My husband loved the figure-hugging silhouette, too! I can't thank your team enough for your time, professionalism and stunning designs. This is a moment in time that I will always treasure!”
What about the day itself?
Sam complimented Jess wonderfully in a blue suit, blush tie, and pocket square selected to pair tonally, as opposed to being an exact colour match. With a little help from Vanessa's seamstress, Nikki, Sam was kitted out with all the right accessories.
Plans changed as the location was moved from Thailand to Mount Tamborine, but COVID-19 couldn’t stop this glowing couple from creating unforgettable memories. As Jess put it, “2020 has been such an unusual year, and I think if anything, it's taught us all to live in the moment and show our appreciation for the ones we love.”
The endearing Forget Me Not Cottage is reminiscent of a classic English style country garden, complete with singing birds and fragrant roses. Wanting a whimsical and relaxed feel to their anniversary, it was a delight for Jess and Sam to celebrate in their “own special way”. The weather could not have turned out better, and the day was topped off with a glorious sunset finale.
When we asked Jess what her tips would be for future brides looking for the perfect gown, she told us - “Simple: visit When Freddie Met Lilly. They will help you feel at ease, and that's when everyone looks their best!”.
Her report of WFML: “The entire WFML team are a DREAM! Vanessa is obviously a genius, Laura is a star, Nikki has all the right tips for a needle and thread, and everyone else I met was divine! (Even Coco the puppy showed great enthusiasm for my gown!) I would absolutely recommend WFML to anyone who needs to find the gown (or suit) of their dreams and wants to go on that journey with a genuine, kind and passionate team of expert stylists”.
Vendors
Jess: @roads_jess_travelled
Photography: @daniellewebster.photo
Make up: @va_beauty__
Hair: @she_bangs_hair
Flowers: @huckleberryflowers
Videography: @calika.co