Ruth & Oliver 18 years Anniversary

Harriet Wilde all began 18 years ago when I married my husband Oliver on the 30th August 2008, I'd like to wish him and Harriet Wilde a Happy Anniversary.

I searched for wedding shoes from designer brands and I couldn't find any shoes that fitted my style. At the time designer brands didn't have many wedding styles, they had best sellers in ivory they were not designed as a wedding shoe. I wanted my bridal shoes to be stylish, comfortable and suitable for wearing on a lawn (it had just rained the day before! Luckily we had sunshine) and that worked with my 1950's vintage wedding gown, with my Grandma's pearl necklace and floral head piece.

I found my wedding gown in Bristol with 2 very special friends Gayatri and Nicola, we visited a lady (can't remember her name) who imported vintage wedding gowns from the US, she had a huge selection and with one visit I found 'The One". My dress was brand new and in immaculate condition, I loved the shape of the skirt, the lace, pleated tulle and corset, it fitted perfectly with no alterations. It was mean't to be. My vintage floral head piece was bought from a beautiful haberdashery store in Edinburgh, we added silk tulle from Liberty London to create a veil. My beautiful bridesmaids Bella and Bettie's dresses were from Monsoon, they loved being bridesmaids and were so sweet and in awe, they are now very grown up and Bella is engaged.

Bugsy Malone was the theme for the page boys, Hugo, Jacob and Paris, they were super cute and stole the show.

My Mum Jean, has helped my endlessly with life and Harriet Wilde, if anyone remembers the style Mabel it was Jean who hand stitched the birdcage pompoms!

My Dad, Eddie, again a constant support for me and Harriet Wilde, I'm very lucky to have such amazing parents, thank you.

My lovely Mother in Law Nadia, she came over from the US and looked beautiful in pale pink with pearls.

My gorgeous girl friends, some were pregnant and my dear friends Gayatri who is sadly no longer with us, Gayatri played such a big part in my wedding, she helped me choose my dress and made me look so beautiful by doing my make up on my wedding day.

And my shoes, gold lamé fabric pointed toe pumps with a black patent wedge, they had black birdcage net detail and binding, I knew I was going to be on grass and it could be wet so a wedge was perfect and the black patent wouldn't show any marks. They were comfortable and supportive and I'm the first Harriet Wilde bride, at this stage I haven't released my first collection with Harriet Wilde. 

I loved my wedding, we were surrounded by everyone that we loved, somethings didn't go to plan and that was Okay too, we had the best day celebrating and now when I look back on the photographs it reminds me of why I love designing wedding shoes and working with 'brides to be' making sure they have perfect heels to wear on such a special and memorable day. Our wedding was very low key by todays standards, we had help from our friends to create such a memorable day! Remember its your day and you can plan in your own way, there is no right or wrong, make sure you are happy and enjoy the process.

Photos taken by our dear friend Micheal.

We married at The Old Rectory In Pyworthy in Devon, a large secluded house with outbuildings, we could stay in the house as it has 12 Bedrooms, large grounds including space to camp and beautiful woodlands, and a swimming pool. As its close to Bude there are plenty of gorgeous B&B's for other guests. The barn has a wedding licence and they also had a marquee, it was a perfect for a relaxed off grid wedding in a truly beautiful part of the country.