Your Hampshire and Dorset Wedding - November/December 2020 (Issue 83)

Shop handmade on your doorstep Beautifully B E S POK E T here’s nothing quite like having something unique to you, a one-of-kind piece to treasure forever. Getting married provides the perfect opportunity to shop handmade, whatever your budget. It can be anything from a personalised garter or handmade stationery to a pretty tiara or individually designed ring. There’s a wealth of talent in the region ready and waiting to realise your vision. We showcase just some of what’s on offer to add that special personal touch to your day. Something old, something new Reinventing a preloved item is a great way to breathe new life into a treasured family keepsake. Hampshire children’s clothes designer Dawn Clarke does just that by upcycling vintage and sentimental pieces to make beautiful hand-sewn outfits for bridesmaids, flowergirls and pageboys. She incorporates fabrics from special garments into her designs, transforming them into something new that’s not only bespoke, but sustainable and meaningful too. Dawn says, “Weddings are all about memories; remembering the past as well as new moments to cherish. I help brides include and honour people and family traditions in the outfits I create, so that on their big day they can feel close and connected to what matters most.” For more information visit www.dawnclarkedesigns.co.uk This powder blue flowergirl dress was made from a family wedding gown overlaid with polka dot organza. A grandfather’s blue and grey herringbone tweed jacket was reworked to create the little boy’s waistcoat and vintage- inspired shorts (pictured). The original breast pocket was used on the front of the shorts as a nod to the garment’s history. A selection of Dawn’s current collection can be found at luxury bridal boutique Brides of Winchester, www.bridesofwinchester.co.uk. SUSTAINABLE STYLE With more than 35 years experience in the industry, designer Jane Beagrie crafts handmade bespoke dresses, millinery and accessories to make brides and their mums look and feel great. Carefully designed and finished for the big day, she uses fine vintage and sustainably sourced fabrics to create the perfect look, whatever the season. She says, “I love decorative form and making someone feel special. Showing off their personality, a bride should light up the room and radiate happiness. “I use a sustainable fabric supply chain, to create one-off designs guided by the bride’s personal choice. I also encourage people to reuse their garments and hats by offering a healthy discount for returning them to me to be reinvented or upcycled.” Visit www.oliviabeadesigns.com Razzle dazzle ’em For heirlooms of the future, check out award-winning jewellery designer Charlotte Cornelius. From her Southsea studio she and her team produce an array of dazzling original collections and one-offs. “Our passion is designing luxury handmade engagement and wedding rings and creating ethical bespoke jewellery for people’s most precious celebrations and milestones in life,” says Charlotte. The studio is a hub of artistic skills from goldsmithing and stone-setting to creative design all coming together to produce one-of-a-kind jewellery. Visit www.charlottecornelius.co.uk HANDMADE 59