Real Bride Spotlight: Emily Sear

This month we are shining our Real Bride spotlight on the beautiful Emily. She first came to us in January 2023, just under a year till her big day. And I’ll be honest this was probably one of our most chilled appointments and not just because it was freezing outside. Was it the first dress effect? We’ll let Emily tell you, but first let's hear about her love story and gorgeous winter wedding…

 So first off, how did your partner propose?

Gareth proposed on the 23rd of December in 2022. I came home from work to a glass of champagne, we exchanged Christmas gifts, then he proposed next to the Christmas tree! 

Photo: That magical photo telling everyone she said 'Yes'

 What a way to come home, from work! So, when and where did you get married?

We got married on the 21st December in 2023 at the beautiful Oak Barn in Benenden. 

 We love The Oak Barn and are so proud to be recommended suppliers for them, so you can imagine how excited we were to have another bride tie the knot there. What colour/ theme did you go for?

Our wedding was black tie, and we did deep emerald as our primary colour! My bridesmaids looked beautiful! 

 One bit of advice for couples planning a wedding?

Don’t stress, enjoy the process! It’s all over so quickly, embrace all of it. It will be worth it! 

 Love this advice!! Now… Shopping for your dress... Tell us about it?!

I booked my first dress appointment at Vicki’s Bridal Boutique with my mum to get an idea of dresses I would like. Hannah and Megan made me feel very at ease and I ended up buying the first dress I tried on! Which needed zero alterations!  

We played the game, but definitely not the first dress affect. Sometimes when you know. Tell us a highlight from your Big Day.

There are so many it’s hard to choose! I think the best part was saying our vows with all our family and friends there to see it!

 Your favourite photo from your big day - professional or moment captured by a guest.

This is a struggle! I can’t put just one! I’ve done a handful of my absolute favourites

We loved Emily and Gareth’s photos so much when they came through. And doesn’t Emily just looks stunning in Milan by Freda Bennet and with no alterations! We are so grateful for Emily sharing her love story with us, but mostly for allowing us to be part of her bridal journey and joining our Vicki’s Family.

Venue: @theoakbarnff⁠

Dress: Milan by Freda Bennet

Veil: Nieve Couture

Photographer: @alextentersphotography⁠

Make Up: @makeupangelcouk⁠

Hair: @jlhairstylist⁠

Flowers: @gardenroomgs

Supplier of the Month: Cakes by Petula

We first met Petula at The Rustic wedding fair, and we just knew she was our brides type of wedding supplier, with her stunning cakes and friendly smile. If you were able to make our Kelsey Rose event, you would have had the chance to test her scummy cakes. So let see what our Supplier of the Month: Cakes by Petula has to offer you.

Tell us about you and your business

So I'm Petula and I run Cakes by Petula ... I'm based in beautiful Whitstable, have 2 gorgeous grown up children and adore living by the sea. I absolutely adore the business I have created and offer a very bespoke and personal service to create a stunning show-piece for your wedding day.

What made you decide to start Cakes by Petula

I've always been a little bit of a baker but when my kids started having birthday parties I got in to creating celebrations cakes …then people around me were like you need to offer this out to the public. So once my son started school I launched Cakes by Petula ... through the years I've developed my style and now mostly concentrate on stunning Wedding Cakes and Dessert Tables.

What’s been your favourite wedding so far and why

I don't actually have a favourite as such as each Wedding Cake is so individual…but one that stands out was for a Cake and Dessert Table that I created last year at Crescent Turner Whitstable. For various reason, the Bride had a medical emergency 2 days prior to her wedding day, and it literally meant no one knew if the wedding was actually going to take place. But the bride was determined that she would do everything in her power to get married. So every supplier pulled together and shifted the entire day events into a few hours at the end of the day, so the couple could actually get married. It was awesome team work, and the set-up I created was my best to date. It had edible flowers, bee themed (love bees), dessert board and all round just an emotional day.

What services do you offer?

So I offer a full bespoke Wedding Cake and Dessert Table packages. My key passion lies with Buttercream finished cakes, along with using either edible flowers or fresh flowers (which need to be food safe). Not everyone wants a full on 4 tiered cake, so I created an option for single tier cake and a full on treat board full of macarons, cupcakes, cookies, mini cakes etc and decorated to match a colour scheme. It looks so stunning, tastes amazing and gives a relaxed vibe to all things cake.

What can couples expect from you as apart of their wedding?

Couples can expect a very relaxed but professional approach to all things cake. I take the time to fully understand what vibe or theme a couple is going for and from there I am able to create something that fits seamlessly into their day.

And Finally what is the best way to get in touch?

The best to contact me is through my website by sending me an email. I will then double-check that your date is available, if it is, I will then arrange a chance for us to have a Zoom call or telephone call or in person chat and start the exciting journey of creating something super beautiful for your wedding day.

https://www.cakesbypetula.co.uk/

Instagram: @cakes_by_petula

Dress of the Month: Lulu by Kelsey Rose

Our Dress of the Month is Lulu by Kelsey Rose is the perfect bridal gown for any bride looking for a relaxed princess style with her soft tulle A-line skirt. Her crepe bodice offers coverage and support for the bust, with her scoop back adding a touch of femininity, perfect for those ‘over the shoulder’ photos. 

The beautiful floral applique that falls on to the hip adds a touch of subtle detail without being too much. With her detachable bows on the shoulders, giving you the option to customise your bridal look. As well as adding a bit of coverage to the tops of the arms. 

We at Vicki's Bridal Boutique, Tenterden, Kent just love her styled up with modern accessories from The Bobby Pin to complementing Lulu’s details. Click here to discover more about who The Bobby Pin are: https://www.vickisbride.co.uk/post/welcoming-the-bobby-pin-to-vicki-s

If you think Lulu could be 'The One' then don't delay get booked in for your 'Yes to the Dress' moment at https://www.vickisbride.co.uk/book-an-appointment. We can't wait to meet you!

Love

Hannah & Megan