Catherine & Patrick

Catherine was a real pleasure to work with throughout the 20 months it took to create her perfect dress. She came with lots of ideas, and together we brought them into a design that felt completely her own. Her bridesmaids were just as much a part of the journey. I designed an individual gown for each of them, incorporating their own ideas and personalities into the designs.

We always had such fun at our appointments — especially when Catherine’s mum, Helen, joined us and there was a little fizz involved. Those happy times together are very precious memories now.

Loved working with you all, Patricia xx

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• My Journey: I first met Patricia in December 2014, when we sat down and talked through all my ideas. It was then that we began creating my dream dress. Once I was confident we had created my dress, it was time to think about my bridesmaids. I wanted all my girls to have an input into their own gowns so that each one would be completely individual to them. Even Faye and my flower girl Amelia weren't left out — they had their ideas too!

• Event Date: 26 Aug 2016

• Venue: Palazzo Orsettie, Lucca in Tuscany and Reception held at Villa Cheli in Lucca

• Wedding Dress: Catherine wore a beautiful bespoke Lily Barclay fit-and-flare wedding gown, designed exclusively for her by Patricia Barclay. The gown featured an elegant bateau neckline over a sweetheart bodice, finished with silk satin working buttons and loops. Freshwater pearls and Swarovski crystals were scattered across the bodice, with a coordinating pearl and crystal belt defining her natural waist. The skirt was created from the finest Italian silk satin, flowing gently over Catherine's hips before falling into her train. Her bridal look was completed with a bespoke Lily Barclay cathedral-length veil, also designed by Patricia Barclay to complement her gown.

• Designer: Patricia Barclay - The Atelier Experience

• Bridesmaid Gown: Catherine wanted each of her bridesmaids — Amy, Emily, Kelda, Jacqueline, Hayley and Faye — and her flower girl Amelia to feel individual and completely themselves. Each bridesmaid wore a bespoke Lily Barclay gown, designed exclusively by Patricia Barclay with her own ideas and personality incorporated into the design. Created in beautiful chiffon with intricate beadwork, every gown was different. Catherine chose individual shades of blue and green for her bridal party, bringing the colours together to create one beautifully coordinated vision. Amelia was part of the design journey too, with her own special flower-girl dress created especially for the wedding. The result was a bridal party that felt beautifully harmonious without asking every woman to look the same — exactly as Catherine had imagined.

• Photographer: Alessandro Giannini

• Testimonials: “What an amazing experience to be able to design my own wedding dress! The final dress was so completely me, and that is only down to Patricia for listening to my MANY ideas! I felt a million dollars on my big day, in the knowledge this was MY dress, both designed and made to fit me. All my accessories were provided to perfectly tie in with my vision. I loved the fact all my bridesmaid dresses were bespoke to them too, allowing them to have a dress they adored and felt fab in. We had so many compliments on all the dresses! Thanks for the last 20 months, Patricia!” — Catherine ★★★★★

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