Featured, Real Brides

Modern Minimalism on the South Coast

Nestled amongst North Devon’s coastline you will find Chalet Saunton, a venue chic in its contemporary allure. It was here Harriet & Shash hosted their reception after their intimate ceremony at their local church.

Harriet stunned in the Svalo gown by Rime Arodaky, complementing the wedding’s aesthetic of modernism meets coastal chic.

Photography by THE UNBRIDLED

Tell us a little about yourself

My name is Harriet and I live with my husband Shash in beautiful North Devon. I am a doctor and when I’m not at work I love spending my time at the beach, in the sea, exploring the beautiful coastline and spending time with family and friends.

Photography by THE UNBRIDLED

How did you meet your Groom?

Shash and I met at Medical School and were really good friends before we both admitted we liked each other just a little bit more! A few house parties, a little bit of courage and many amazing years later, here we are.

How did you come across The Mews?

I was in love with Rime Arodaky dresses and found The Mews was a stockist of her stunning gowns. I found them on Instagram and loved their whole style, ethos and vibe – from the dresses they stock to their beautifully designed bridal boutiques.

Photography by THE UNBRIDLED

What styles were you channeling whilst dress shopping?

I have always loved a statement sleeve and felt like that would always be a feature of my wedding dress. When I first saw a picture of the Svalo gown, with its stunning sleeves and intricate 3D flowers, it felt like the absolutely perfect combination of feminine, sophisticated and romantic.

Photography by THE UNBRIDLED

Tell us about finding your perfect Wedding dress

It was anything but typical! Having got engaged in July 2020 in the midst of the pandemic, finding a wedding dress definitely took on a very different experience to what I had ever imagined. I knew I needed to try on the Svalo Gown, but together with living in North Devon, travel restrictions and boutiques unable to open it was proving quite complex.

The incredible team at The Mews were so amazing and helped me arrange a home try on service whereby they sent me my dream dress direct to my door. A virtual consultation with the wonderful Lauren from The Mews London, my Mum and my wedding planner Rebecca was arranged.

In the living space of my apartment, I tried on the Svalo gown and it was love at first sight. Just a few weeks before the wedding, as restrictions eased, I was so excited to visit The Mews Clifton for my fitting. A glass of champagne, in the beautiful boutique, with my Mum and the wonderful team in Clifton; it could not have been more perfect. 

Photography by THE UNBRIDLED

Where did your wedding day take place? Was there any themes or inspiration behind your day?

Our wedding took place in North Devon, with the ceremony at the picturesque Pilton Church we can see from our apartment window and the reception at Chalet Saunton, overlooking Saunton Beach, which was the main sentimental focus of our wedding, and really special to us as a family. The theme was minimalist coastal chic with the main inspiration undoubtedly being the beautiful setting we were in.

We wanted the styling, the food, everything, to embody ‘The voice of the sea’. Beautiful arrangements of wild, natural foliage, gypsophilia clouds and single stem vases were set against a simple and stunning backdrop of neutral tones, minimalist table settings and modern details. We wanted to create a space that was simultaneously natural and contemporary.

Photography by THE UNBRIDLED

What did he wear?

Shash wore a stylish navy linen suit and light grey linen waist coat with a beautiful silk tie. He looked absolutely gorgeous and the perfect relaxed vibe for our coastal chic wedding.

What was your favourite detail of the day?

Our first look… Shash and I had never heard of this but due to uncertainty on restrictions and mask wearing etc. we decided to plan for a first look outside our Church before the ceremony.

We were so glad we did this and would recommend it to any couple. Our florist made a stunning asymmetrical floral arch in the gorgeous Church grounds where it took place. It was truly such a special, intimate and emotional moment between Shash and I. We were so happy to see each other and it immediately put us both at ease before the ceremony.

What advice would you give to a bride about finding the perfect dress?

Go with your gut! It is important to try on different styles of dresses as there are so many out there that are stunning. But when it comes to the final decision don’t try and look too different to your normal style. I think it’s still important to look like ‘you’ as this is what makes you feel most beautiful and comfortable. 

Photography by THE UNBRIDLED

Words of wedded wisdom?

Be spontaneous, make time for each other, listen to each other and most importantly never go to sleep on an argument!

Photography by THE UNBRIDLED