The Real Wedding of Kirsten & Lewis at Blake Hall, Essex
- Apr 8
- 4 min read
A stunning backdrop for a beautiful bridal look
If you're currently researching suppliers for your big day, you'll have come across the word 'investment' a fair few times. From hot dog stands to wedding DJs, everyone promises to be worth the spend! While it sounds a bit over the top, the right team really is an investment—especially your photographer, videographer, and, of course, your gown.
The secret to a brilliant wedding budget? Investing where it counts and shopping smart where you can. Finding an off-the-peg designer gown at an outlet price means you never have to compromise on high-end luxury or couture craftsmanship.
Someone who realised the importance of an extraordinary team was Kirsten, today's featured bride! She tied the knot with Lewis at Blake Hall in Ongar - one of our favourite wedding venues in Essex. Kirsten wore a gorgeous Enzoani gown, expertly customised with bespoke touches to create a one-of-a-kind look for her celebration.
Kirsten & Lewis's Real Wedding at Blake Hall in Ongar, Essex
Discover more about Kirsten's big day and her journey to the aisle in our Q&A below.
How did you two meet?
We met at a CrossFit gym in Chelmsford. Lewis had just moved to the area for work, and this was his first session at his new gym. I introduced myself, and we got chatting!
How did you get engaged?
Lewis proposed on our favourite beach in Norfolk, Holkham Beach, during a weekend away with our dog.
What was your favourite moment(s) from the wedding?
Walking down the aisle and seeing everyone we love smiling at me as I walked, and then seeing Lewis waiting for me. The ceremony was our favourite bit!
Tell us all about your wedding dress!
I loved my dress from the minute I saw it online and even more when I tried it on, as it was the first dress I ever tried!
I knew I wanted something a bit different and felt the sleeves and back of the dress really made it stand out. The lace is absolutely stunning, so much detail with a little bit of sparkle from the subtle sequins as well, and the long train was just dreamy! I love every part of my dress, the shape at the front, the fit, the train!
Dale also made the sleeves detached for me, so I had full movement, and he added a little line of lace to the top of the back, truly making it a one of a kind dress.
What was the general decor for your big day?
I’ve been told it was rustic, whimsical chic! Blake Hall has two beautiful barns with exposed beams and plenty of light, set in the countryside. We had champagne and burnt beach bridesmaids dresses, champagne, nude, burnt peach flowers with colour pops of blue to go with the groomsmen suits.
Do you have any advice for future Bellissima Brides?
Enjoy every part of the wedding planning experience, you only get to do it once. Choose your suppliers wisely, they have such an impact on your day! We had the most amazing supplier team and it really did make all the difference.
Invest in your photographer, you spend more time with them than you do anyone else on the day! And book a content creator. Content creators are new to the wedding scene, but having video snippets of the day has been invaluable.
Do you have any local suppliers you would like to recommend?
Wedding Photographer - Shianne Mercer
Content Creator - The Wedit
Florist - Cloud Hill Flowers
Makeup Artist - Dayna Leigh
Hair Stylist - Leggy Bird Hair
Suits - Anthony Formal Wear in Billericay
Wedding Venue - Blake Hall Weddings
Catering - Waters Edge Catering
Wedding Stationery - Little Brush Stationary
Wedding Cake - Sweet Pea Cake Boutique
How was your Bellissima experience?
My experience with Bellissima was magical! Being able to pick my top 10 dresses before my appointment was so helpful. As it allowed me to work out what I liked but also try on totally different styles. Because when else are you going to be able to try on so many princess dresses!
My first appointment was so special, the rooms are beautiful, and my stylist Danielle listened to all my thoughts and likes and dislikes and really made it so enjoyable. Dale actually came down to discuss whether it would be possible to make the sleeves of the dress detachable and even drew me a sketch of what it would look like - a wonderful memento that I will cherish!
I chose to be a VIP bride so Dale and team would be working on my dress. The fitting appointments were so much fun, and I was made to feel truly special in every one! Dale listened to every tiny concern I had and made sure my dress was flawless. I couldn’t believe the workmanship that went into my dress and how perfectly it fitted. My dress made me feel so beautiful, and that’s down to the team at Bellissima Weddings. Thank you so much!
I honestly had the best time with Bellissima. Now I just need my friends to all come to you guys so I can relive it!
Ready to Find Your Dream Designer Gown for Less?
At Bellissima Now, we offer off-the-peg designer wedding dresses from world-renowned bridal houses - all under £1,000. Book a private appointment at our South Woodham Ferrers boutique to enjoy dedicated, one-to-one guidance with an expert bridal stylist and take your dream wedding dress home the very same day!
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