Photography: Chris and Ruth
Gemma Boner is one of those women who has an effortless sense of cool. Once PR for Topman and Whistles and now UK Director of Membership for Soho House, when she announced she was engaged, those who know her (and those who “know” her through Instagram’s squares!) were excited to see how she’d celebrate her nuptials. While Gemma and her fiancé Thom found their perfectly bohemian wedding venue in a flash, creating her wedding wardrobe was quite a different story! Time-poor and after a frustrating start she enlisted White Dossier’s Bridal Concierge service. From her Rime Arodaky gown to still being in the pool an hour before she was making her way down the aisle, Gemma shares what she learnt from being a bride with a very specific brief.
Gemma’s Bridal Style
You were a White Dossier bride so we know you didn’t find it easy to find your wedding dress. Why was this?
Time was one of the major factors! I really struggled booking appointments because I never knew that far in advance when I was going to be free. I also found it hard because you can’t browse without an appointment which is really frustrating because you can spend weeks waiting for an appointment and then find the store doesn’t have anything you actually like. I also loved designers that weren’t stocked in the UK, like Lola Varma, but I just couldn’t risk buying something without trying it on first.
When shopping for your dress, did you have any standout experiences?
Yes, I adored Jean Jackson Couture in Manchester. It is a mother and daughter duo and not only are they both so cool but they were so helpful too. I didn’t end up getting my dress from there but I can highly recommend them to any brides-to-be! And of course, The Mews in Notting Hill, where I ended up buying my Rime Arodaky gown. I also can’t recommend Sewn Right enough who did my dress alterations for me.
Having worked in the fashion industry, did you feel a lot of pressure around creating your wedding wardrobe?
Yes! It was the one thing everyone kept asking about me so I felt immense pressure.
So, what was it that led you to use White Dossier’s bridal concierge service?
When you are time poor, or overwhelmed by choice, it is so good for someone with expert knowledge to present ideas to you in such a concise way. I loved White Dossier’s curation and how you presented new designers to me that were so on point and just nailed to vibe I was going for! I adored everything you showcased and would highly recommend your service to any of my friends, as well as for mother of the bride.
With hindsight, if you were to give yourself a piece of advice when creating your wedding look, what would it be?
Go with your gut. Don’t try and look too different from your normal style and make sure whatever you choose is comfortable.
Your wedding photographs are stunning! How did you hear about photography duo Chris & Ruth?
Via Instagram! They were honestly amazing and worth every penny. They are not only super talented but they are the nicest people. I hate having my photo taken and didn’t want to spend too much time away from my guests. They were so understanding and worked miracles!
Gemma’s Bridal Looks
Was what you ended up wearing on your wedding day similar to what you initially saw yourself in?
Yes and no. There were two looks I had pictured myself in. I was originally going to go for something super simple – a slip dress. Then, I started picturing something more bohemian. So that is how I ended up wearing two dresses. It was definitely the right decision. I loved having an outfit change into something slinky so I could dance the night away.
You got married in Tuscany, Italy. Did your choice of venue influence what you wanted to wear for your wedding?
Yes. Totally. The place is a super relaxed bohemian space so I didn’t want anything too formal or traditional. I was always leaning towards a Rue de Seine dress but I needed to be mindful of the heat – the sheer sleeves and the exposed neckline on the dress I chose meant I wasn’t too warm under the Tuscan sun.
Having an abroad wedding meant that you had a civil wedding in the UK. How did you decide on the Bella Freud white suit?
I love masculine tailoring and I had a Bianca Jagger style suit in mind from the beginning. However, after trying about 30 cream/ white suits on, I thought I was never going to find the one! That is up until the night before (gosh it was a real last minute one!) The suit arrived at 7pm and I instantly fell in love with it. I only realised it was called the Bianca suit when Bella Freud commented on my Instagram post. It was just meant to be…
Talk to us about the jumpsuit you wore for your pre-wedding party?
I’m such a fan of a jumpsuit and the 70s is a big inspiration for me – I love that Studio 54 vibe! So, I sent a few inspiration pics to the incredible designer Nikeen Asar who created two of my four wedding outfits and was an absolute dream to work with.
Where did you get your wedding shoes? Did they stay on all night?
All night. Including when I jumped in the pool! I went for silver Prada platforms. They were the comfiest shoes I’ve ever worn and they are a style I will wear again.
Talk us through your bridal bouquet…
A sensational bouquet designed by the uber-talented Cressida Jamieson. She picked wild flowers and foliage off the land and added some stunning white flowers that she brought with her from the UK. It was wild, ethereal and just divine.
What jewelry did you wear on your wedding day and did you wear any accessories?
For the day, I kept it super simple and just wore a delicate bracelet that my mum gave me on my wedding day. At night, I wore big diamond star earrings by Kenneth Jay Lane that added some fun to my slip dress.
How many bridesmaids did you have and what did they wear?
Eight and boy oh boy, did they look gorgeous! They wore custom made belted slip dresses by Nikeen Asar (the same designer as my jumpsuit and evening dress) He smashed it again and created my blush coloured vision.
Describe your wedding make-up and hair to us?
I did my own hair and makeup. I wanted minimal fuss and just a natural look. The only thing I added to my normal routine was lipstick. I was still in the pool an hour before the wedding!
Did you do any beauty prep in the lead up to your wedding?
Yes, I had some divine facials at Cowshed which got my skin into better shape and I tanned using Isle of Paradise which is an incredible new tanning brand I’ve just discovered.
As you had a destination wedding, did you do a lot of shopping for your wedding wardrobe? What were the standout pieces you bought?
Yes! My standouts were a headband by Alexandra Harper, my Marysia and Three Graces bikinis, a wrap from Baar and Bass, and a Cult Gaia wicker bag.
Date
16th June 2018
Wedding Location
Villa Lena, Tuscany
Number of Guests
100
Style
Tuscan laid back chic
Stationery
Designed by @ThisIsGill and @We_Are_Smitten
Flowers & Decor
Wedding planner
Vibe
‘til Death Do Us PARTY!
One standout moment
Coming down the stairs to The Beatles “Here Comes the Sun!”
One thing you wish you’d known before planning your wedding
The little things don’t matter!
One thing you’d tell future brides to take note of / remember
Chill and enjoy every moment… do not sweat the small stuff on the day. Things will go wrong but just think f*ck it and carry on!
Follow @Gem_Boner on instagram