Stunning Julia | A Halfpenny London bride
Beautiful bride Julia Mandich married her new husband Mark O’Shea in September last year. The couple were joined by a handful of their closest friends for their city chic celebration, enjoying a relaxed, long meal with plenty of wine.
Covid had an impact on the couple’s plan, as was the case for so many others, but once the end of restrictions was in sight, Julia could focus on finding her dream dress!
“Once we heard about the pathway to Freedom Day in March 2021, we booked the registry office and I turned my attention back to the most important item on my to do list, getting my outfit bought. Having known I didn’t want to go to a normal bridal boutique for hours, I had been trying to buy things online without much luck. Our wedding theme was ‘city chic’ and I didn’t want something over the top given the ceremony was in a registry office.
As a less than traditional bride, I initially thought I wanted a jumpsuit or something similar and couldn’t find anything suitable online (shopping during the pandemic was a pain!). I must have ordered most of Net a Porter and similar in trying to find something. I even thought about non-white options, much to my mother’s horror. After seeing some inspiration on Instagram, I mentioned to a friend that I wanted a top, ideally with some sparkles and some trousers. Having no real knowledge about bridal brands at this point, she suggested Halfpenny London to me. The number of combinations available blew me away as Halfpenny seemed to be the only bridal boutique offering separates.
I called the store right away and my heart sunk when I was asked when my wedding date was, and advised that this was too soon to have something made. Thankfully, the lovely lady I spoke to mentioned an upcoming sample sale, and I booked my ticket then and there. I was truly left in suspense as the sample sale was pushed back by a few weeks due to covid, but as it turned out, my appointment was the one and only appointment I ever needed!
Before arriving, all the items I looked at online were those with a little something. e.g. the Aspen top for its sparkle, the Maribou Skirt with its feathers, anything with pockets. In my heart of hearts, I knew I wanted something sparkly and it was just my luck that the one and only Aspen top ever made was in the sample sale and in my size. With a Halfpenny corset underneath, it looked amazing! I loved the idea that the Aspen top was one of a kind. It was special without feeling fussy and the shape was exactly what I wanted. It was only when I took a gamble and tried on the Georgie skirt (with pockets!) that I knew I had found my outfit. There was a train but it was easy to walk in… my shoes was be visible… the fabric was amazing… the way the dress fit at the front meant I wouldn’t be self conscious about my tummy…and there were pockets. It gave me very Carrie Bradshaw vibes and it felt exactly like the dress code, city chic.”
I love Julia’s choice of outfit. The Georgie skirt is such a favourite of mine and I’m thrilled the Aspen top found its rightful home. Julia’s beautiful bouquet was by florist Laura Cave and I’m completely in love with her green Manolos!
Huge congratulations to the happy couple. We wish them all the love and luck in the world!
Love,
Kate & the Halfpennys xxx
CREDITS
Images - Paulo Santos@paulosantosphotography
Getting Ready Venue - Holmes Hotel @Holmeshotelldn
Ceremony venue - Old Marylebone Town Hall @adaytorememberdotlondon
Dinner Venue - Mortimer House @mortimerhouse
Shoes - Manolo Bhahnik and Adidas Stan Smith
Flowers - Laura Cave @laurita_pigeon
Hair and Makeup - Donna Marie @dmarie_mua
Tan - James Harknett @jamesharknett_tan