When that fuzzy Whats App image first started downloading and all I could see was the outline of a hand - that is when this wonderful creative journey full of love, laughter and the odd gin and tonic started. She's engaged!

Sarah and I met whilst studying Fashion & Textile Design at Uni and I was thrilled to get the call up to the A team - The Bride Tribe - The Squad - Team Bridesmaids, or however you would like to refer to us.

Sarah is now the founder and co-owner of the successful and cutting edge label Hope & Ivy where she is head of design. With this in mind it goes without saying that the styling at this wedding was going to be nothing short of epic!

Naturally, Sarah wanted to have her first bridal appointment at Frances Day - in all honesty this filled me with dread. I would never ever want a friend to feel 'obliged' to find a dress with us for the sentimental value or really for any other reason other than they are totally and utterly head over heels and madly in love with that gown. Luckily at her appointment, I got that look and saw it in her eyes. She truly looked breathtaking!

Fast forward a few months and planning was in full swing. Myself and the other three bridesmaids had the honour of Sarah designing a custom Hope & Ivy beaded, backless couture-esque creation. For her December wedding, Sarah chose a colour palette of soft dove grey grounded by the richest deep burgundy and navy with of course no shortage of foliage.

The dress arrived and the styling started. Inspired by the catwalk, Sarah and I sat down with Miss Clemmie Bridal Accessories to create a truly couture gold leaf headpiece and belt. Clemmie absolutley nailed Sarah's brief, exactly the edge that this stylish bride needed for her second look of the day.

For the first look Sarah was inspired by the more demure 'Chanel' side of her style. We had recently taken delivery of an exquisite knitted bardot neckline caplet adorned with pearls. This coupled with her Joyce Jackson pearl encrusted belt and Italian tulle veil kept the winter chill of the Yorkshire Dales at bay whilst looking nothing less than the epitome of style.

Marrying in the local church in Hawes was made even more special for Sarah and Alex as it is where her parents married some 35 years previously. Followed by an evening reception at Yorebridge House where we laughed, ate the most glorious food and danced the night away into the wee small hours.

I have so much more to write about this incredible wedding - the creative-ness that Sarah poured into it was second to none and is wholeheartedly reflected in the breathtaking imagery captured by Carla Blain.