Your Kent Wedding - May/June 2020 (Issue 90)

74  CHARLOTTE LAURIE DESIGNS 07738 437 284 | www.charlottelauriedesigns.co.uk Charlotte Laurie went into business creating gorgeous handcrafted bouquets and accessories after her own wedding in 2012. She says, “I made the slightly crazy decision to hand-make all of the bouquets, decorations and flowers. I really wanted to incorporate my love for craft and create something that would stand out.” As Charlotte Laurie Designs, she now creates bouquets and accessories using wool felt, and the quirkiest of buttons, at her home in Kent. She says, “I help brides to step away from the ordinary, creating individual pieces that reflect their personalities and complement their big days perfectly.” The process is a start-to-finish collaboration between Charlotte and her couples. Buttonholes can take on a theme of your choosing, even Star Wars! Flower crowns can be designed exactly as you envisioned and, if you want dinosaurs in your bouquets, well you can jolly well have them. Charlotte is more than happy to discuss how she can make your wildest wedding dreams come true. BRIDES BY ZOË CANTERBURY 01227 761 237 | www.weddingdresskent.co.uk Zoë Dowle’s passion has been bridal wear, right from her school days, when she started to show a talent for needlework, art and design. She says, “It was the natural path to follow after school and I was lucky enough to advance my knowledge at The London College of Fashion, where I spent a fantastic three years learning about design.” After college Zoë launched her own business, creating bespoke gowns for both bridalwear and eveningwear. This brings us up to the present day, and the designer has launched her own private off-the-peg label available at her boutique in Canterbury, Brides by Zoë. Each gorgeous gown is handmade in Kent by Zoë’s own fair hands, a dream for the bride seeking individuality and affordability. She explains, “I’m finding that sleeves, in many different styles, are hugely popular at the moment, but are proving difficult to find. That’s how I felt inspired to start designing again, offering brides fashion forward dresses with or without sleeves. We’ve moved away from the traditional full-length sleeve, covered with lace and sparkle. Now we have bell shapes, flutter sleeves, those with cuffs… There’s plenty to choose from.” Alongside, her own stunning range, Zoë is also proud to stock the whimsical, bohemian collections by Wendy Makin, and Willoughby by Watters. www.camerahannah.co.uk www.clairemacintyre.com